Polyester fabric was first invented in England in 1941 by British scientists John Whinfield and James Dickson. However, it wasn’t until 1950 that an American company named Dupont began to manufacture polyester in the United States.
Polyester fabric is characterized by its ability to resist both fading and shrinkage, making it the most widely used fabric in the manufacturing of clothing since 1960. It also became a popular choice in the production of tablecloths, chair covers, placemats, table skirting and aprons. As well received as it was for clothing and home décor, it was not the best choice for napkins. It was found that napkins made of 100% polyester lacked absorption and did not have the feel of cotton associated with expensive table linen.
Enter spun polyester. Spun Polyester was initially developed for industrial use and home furnishings. When Johnson Industries tried to develop a spun polyester they could use in boat covers they actually ended up with a fabric that was lighter in weight with an improved feel to it. They also found that dying made the fabric even softer. This was a fabric that would be perfect for tablecloths.
Johnston Industries felt so strongly about their discovery that they discontinued the development of boat covers. Bob Pomeranz, an expert in textiles, took on the project of improving spun polyester at Johnston Industries. His expert knowledge of spinning machines allowed him to spin a fabric free from pilling, the irritating fiber clusters that detract from a cloth’s appearance. The end result was a durable tablecloth that would keeps it color, release soil and not shrink.
Tablecloths made of spun polyester could now possess the texture of cotton fabrics and most importantly, unlike cotton, a spun poly tablecloth would not fade after numerous washings. As a rule, the more you washed a spun polyester tablecloth the softer and better it would feel to the touch.
Over time the textile industry began to use spun polyester for chair covers, placemats, table skirting, aprons and even napkins. In fact, where napkins made of 100% polyester lacked absorption-spun polyester napkins did not.
Both 100% polyester and spun polyester have their place, not just in the home, but in hotels, nursing homes, hospitals and the party rental industry as well.
