Introduction

The cold of winter necessitates careful clothing selection. Selecting the appropriate materials can make a big difference, whether you're preparing for a snowy adventure or simply getting through your everyday commute.

Of all the materials that are currently on the market, polyester is frequently brought up when talking about winter clothing. However, how well does polyester work for winter clothing?

Can you stay warm and cozy in the winter with this synthetic material?

Let’s take a closer look at polyester fabric in cold weather, and explore where it fits in your winter wardrobe.

What is Polyester?

Before we delve into the discussion of whether polyester is right for winters, we should understand what exactly polyester is.

Polyester is a fabric which is made of synthetic material that is made from petroleum-based chemicals, mainly from chemicals like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), through a process called polymerization.

This fabric is widely used in t-shirts, to even in high-performance winter gear. The reason why polyester is so popular is that it absorbs moisture, making it a popular choice when it comes to winter layering with polyester amongst frequent travellers and sports adventurers. 

Polyester and Winter

To truly rule out whether polyester for winter clothes is a good choice, we need to see how polyester performs under three parameters:

1. Insulation and Warmth

To test out if polyester for winter clothes is the right fabric, the first thing that naturally comes to our mind is ‘does it keep me warm?’.

Well, even though it isn’t made of warm fabrics like wool, it does have insulating properties. The way it keeps you naturally insulated is that it traps in heat by creating small pockets within its fibers, which keeps you naturally warm and insulated.

But, polyester alone might not be enough to keep you warm. You might need extra fabrics to keep you warm. That is why it’s important to do winter layering with polyester.

Cold weather dressing tips with Kosha thermals.

For example, Kosha’s Men Full Sleeves Thermal Top blends polyester with other fabrics, providing you with extra insulation, warmth without compromising on function and breathability. 

2. Moisture-wicking properties

Another thing that comes to mind when we think about whether polyester for winter clothes is the right fabric is related to its moisture-wicking properties.

Add cozy sophistication to your winter wardrobe with Kosha’s Merino wool cardigan.

Well, yes, polyester fabric cold-weather wicks away moisture. If you are an adventurous traveller who’s planning to go on a hike or mountain trails, then blindly trust polyester for winter clothes. This fabric naturally wicks away body sweat, trapping in the right amount of body heat, making you feel warmer and odor-free.

This makes polyester fabric in cold weather ideal for base layers and performance wear. 

3. Waterproof and Wind-resistant

The last parameter to test whether polyester for winter clothes is the right choice is not, is related to whether polyester fabric in cold weather is both waterproof and wind-resistant.

The answer is YES (well, mostly).

From icy peaks to snowy lanes, the Alaskan Parka is your go-to for Kosha winter travel essentials for extreme weather.

Polyester might not be entirely waterproof and wind-resistant, but it offers you protection against elements of water and wind to a large extent. They repel water and wind effectively, making polyester fabric in cold weather a popular choice. 

Downsides of polyester fabric in cold weather

Not everything is perfect, and that goes for polyester fabric in cold weather. Here are some limitations of polyester fabric in cold weather:

Lack of breathability

Polyester isn’t a breathable fabric. If you layer clothes with polyester fabric in cold weather, you might end up smothering yourself under the bulk. So, that’s one downside of polyester fabric in cold weather, that it isn’t breathable. 

Warming properties

While polyester offers you warmth, it doesn’t keep you as warm as wool or merino. Thus, polyester fabric in cold weather isn’t a popular choice as fabrics as wool or merino offer added warmth and insulation at the same price.

Environmental Impact

Well, Polyester is a synthetic material, meaning it doesn’t keep you warm without weighing down the planet. Thus, polyester fabric in cold weather isn’t a popular choice when it comes to eco-conscious winter clothing choices. 

How to use polyester in your winter wardrobe?

Here are some ways to incorporate polyester fabric in cold-weather clothes:

1. Base Layer

As discussed above, polyester has moisture-wicking properties. So, winter layering with polyester in the form of base layers can be easily done. Like Kosha’s Men’s full sleeves thermal top acts as a perfect choice for incorporating polyester fabric in cold-weather clothes. 

2. Mid Layer

Polyester as a mid-layer acts as an ideal layer that traps body heat effectively, keeping you warm. A fleece-lined polyester hoodie acts as a perfect choice for a mid-layer. 

3. Outer Layer

Winter jackets for men often feature polyester shells due to their ability to withstand wind and water. For increased comfort and mobility, look for jackets with insulated linings or blends of nylon and elastane.

Style up your snow adventures—the trench coat is a sleek pick from Kosha gear for winter vacations in cities or slopes.

A Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

Yes, polyester works well in the winter, but only if you plan and use the proper layering technique. Although it's not the warmest material by itself, its superior ability to wick away moisture, provide insulation, and withstand wind makes it a wise addition to your winter wardrobe.

Unsure what winter wear to pack for your next cold-weather destination? Wondering if you’ll stay warm enough throughout your trip?

Our Winter Layering Expert at Kosha can help you with a light‑but‑mighty winter wear travel kit for your next trip.

We guide you with the layers to carry, based on your chosen destination, the temperature, weather conditions, and the activities on your itinerary. Then, we’ll help you understand exactly what to wear and exactly what to pack - for anything from +15 °C beach breezes to −30 °C Arctic blasts. With light-as-air Merino-Bamboo base layers and jackets, you carry just enough winter gear - yet feel infinitely warmer.

For frequent travellers, who would rather buy and keep thoughtfully made winter wear for the years to come. Seldom or first-time travellers, we’ve got you covered with rental winter wear that you can hire just for your travel dates and return, hassle-free.

Book a 1-on-1 video consult call with Kosha’s Winter Layering Expert now.

Book a 1:1 Video Consult.

Ashwina Kakria

A girl who'll forever believe that novels are such mysterious and amorphous and tender things!