"Imported Polyester" -- is it supposed to be better?

LooknGr8 · Jul 2, 2011

In my thrift store travels, I see stuff from Brioni and Canali down to crap I wouldn't dare clean my car with.

Every once in a while in that latter category I see a label boasting of a garment's "imported polyester" composition. Usually shirts. Ties and pants, sometimes.

WTF?

Is it supposed to be somehow better than domestic? Was it a 1970s marketing gimmick?

Just wondering about the history of this, er, fabric-like stuff.

SpooPoker · Jul 2, 2011

marketing gimmick. Still as flammable as a childs pajamas from the same era.

Nicola · Jul 2, 2011

Imported is always better.

Archivist · Jul 2, 2011

Absolutely, Science has established that polyester synthesized someplace else is categorical superior to polyester synthesized someplace that is not someplace else. Also, if it sounds Italian, it has to be stylish.

anginaprinzmetal · Jul 2, 2011

Same crap

R_J · Jul 2, 2011

Originally Posted by Archivist

Absolutely, Science has established that polyester synthesized someplace else is categorical superior to polyester synthesized someplace that is not someplace else. Also, if it sounds Italian, it has to be stylish.

I thought it was a mystical metamorphosis that took place during sea transport.

arirang · Jul 2, 2011

Just a guess, but it sounds better than saying that you sourced it from Zhejiang Minglong Textile Co. Ltd.?

Kentishman · Jul 2, 2011

Foreign plastic is still plastic.

Galix · Jul 2, 2011

Originally Posted by Kentishman

Foreign plastic is still plastic.

Who me? · Jul 2, 2011

Doesn't it depend on what species of Polyester is used?

Sea Island Poly (Carus excretus) is light years better than the more common variety (Vilis excretus) isn't it?

Just like all the better cottons (Sea island/Pima ETC) are a different species of plant to 90% of cotton used.

MyOtherLife · Jul 2, 2011

Originally Posted by Who me?

Doesn't it depend on what species of Polyester is used?
I'm so pleased you brought this up. Few people remember that the poor little polyesters were hunted to near extinction by the 1970's. In order to save them, select polyesters were sent to the four corners of the earth where, with careful nurturing, their numbers have increased. Though they flourish in many countries, they are once again threatened by the ever-increasing and voracious demand of western consumers. If we are not careful we may lose them once and forever. Save a polyester and buy cotton I say.

anginaprinzmetal · Jul 2, 2011

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

I'm so pleased you brought this up. Few people remember that the poor little polyesters were hunted to near extinction by the 1970's.
In order to save them, select polyesters were sent to the four corners of the earth where, with careful nurturing,
their numbers have increased. Though they flourish in many countries, they are once again threatened by the ever-increasing and voracious demand of western consumers. If we are not careful we may lose them once and forever.
Save a polyester and buy cotton I say.

LooknGr8 · Jul 2, 2011

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

Save a polyester and buy cotton I say.

--insert "nauga" punch line here

(which, I see, in googling it to make sure I spelt right, turns out they still make)

http://www.naugahyde.com/

juvefan · Jul 2, 2011

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

I'm so pleased you brought this up. Few people remember that the poor little polyesters were hunted to near extinction by the 1970's.
In order to save them, select polyesters were sent to the four corners of the earth where, with careful nurturing,
their numbers have increased. Though they flourish in many countries, they are once again threatened by the ever-increasing and voracious demand of western consumers. If we are not careful we may lose them once and forever.
Save a polyester and buy cotton I say.

What are you talking about? Everyone knows polyester comes from the famed 'ester' worm. Foreign esters are far superiors because of their tiny size, you just need more 'polys' to make a garment, hence more expensive.

Archivist · Jul 2, 2011

Originally Posted by Kentishman

Foreign plastic is still plastic.

But, Italian plastic!?

"Imported Polyester" -- is it supposed to be better?

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