Key Differences: Polyester vs. Acrylic at a Glance

Although both fall into the synthetic fibre family, polyester and acrylic have different chemical structures and therefore different use cases. Polyester is PET (polyethylene terephthalate) based; acrylic is produced from the acrylonitrile monomer.

This chemical difference directly determines each fibre's physical behaviour: acrylic offers a wool-like volume and warmth feel, while polyester has a tighter, smoother and more moisture-resistant structure.

Property Polyester Acrylic
Thermal retentionMediumHigh (wool-like)
Moisture managementDries quickly, does not repel moistureLow moisture pickup, slow drying
SoftnessMedium — varies by processHigh volume, wool-like hand
DurabilityVery high, abrasion-resistantGood — pilling risk
Care30–60°C machine wash, quick dry30–40°C delicate wash
RecyclingrPET (broad infrastructure)Regenerated acrylic (limited)
Typical usePique, sheets, summer productsBlanket, kilim, winter products

Thermal Retention: Acrylic Leads in Winter Products

The fibre structure of acrylic traps air pockets similarly to natural wool. This keeps its thermal-retention capacity per kilogram close to that of wool. This is the main reason acrylic is preferred for winter blankets and thick kilims.

Polyester does not retain as much heat as acrylic at the same volume, but in layered constructions (double-layer blankets, fillings between pads, etc.) it provides efficient insulation. Polyester does not repel moisture per se, but its moisture-transfer rate is high — moving sweat or condensation away quickly.

Practical rule: For warm, voluminous products choose acrylic; for products that require moisture control, fast drying and wash resistance, polyester is the better choice.

Comparison by Use Case

Blanket

In blanket production acrylic is widely used for its high thermal retention and wool-like hand. Polyester is preferred for thinner summer blankets and anti-allergic blanket segments. Some manufacturers blend the two to seek an optimal balance.

Pique

In general industry practice, polyester and blended yarns can be used in pique production; however, the Sesli Tekstil pique collection is focused on cotton and cotton-blend structures. For requests with sustainability targets, blended pique solutions containing GRS-certified regenerated cotton yarn can be offered.

Kilim

In kilim production acrylic stands out for its colour vibrancy and volume. Acrylic takes dye well and retains colour fastness for a long time. Its durability is a determining factor in high-traffic floor coverings.

Sustainability: rPET vs. Regenerated Acrylic

Recycled polyester (rPET) is obtained by converting used PET bottles back into fibre. With a highly developed recycling infrastructure, this yarn is one of the most common raw materials for GRS certification.

Regenerated acrylic, on the other hand, is obtained from production waste and industrial textile residue. Although its supply network is not as broad as rPET's, manufacturers based in Uşak, Turkey have developed significant capacity in this area. Both materials can be documented under GRS certification.

Number: Producing 1 kg of rPET yarn requires approximately 30 half-litre PET bottles. Compared with the same amount of virgin polyester, energy consumption is 45–55% lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is warmer — polyester or acrylic?
Acrylic generally has higher thermal-retention capacity than polyester. Its fibre structure traps air and creates a wool-like sense of warmth. For this reason acrylic is preferred for winter blankets and thick kilims.
In which products are polyester and acrylic yarn used?
In general industry practice polyester is preferred in sheets and summer products that require moisture management, while acrylic is used in blankets, kilim and high-volume products. Sesli Tekstil's pique collection, however, is focused on cotton and cotton-blend constructions; acrylic and blended structures are used in blanket and kilim production. Both fibres can be produced in recycled forms in the industry (rPET, regenerated acrylic).
How does acrylic yarn behave in washing?
Acrylic is suitable for 30–40°C machine washing but carries a risk of deformation at high temperatures. Polyester remains stable over a wider temperature range and dries faster. Following the care label extends the life of both fibres.
What is recycled polyester (rPET)?
rPET is obtained by mechanically or chemically converting used PET plastic bottles back into fibre. 1 kg of rPET yarn is roughly equivalent to 30 half-litre PET bottles and uses 45–55% less energy than virgin polyester.