Microfiber Yarn: A Comparison of 100% Polyester and Polyester/Nylon (P/N)
When buyers look at microfiber yarn (also called microfiber yarn in many knitting mills), one question always comes up very early in the discussion.
“Should we go with 100% polyester, or is a polyester/nylon blend better for our program?”
On paper, both look similar.
In real knitting, finishing, costing, and market positioning, the difference is very real.In knitting applications, microfiber yarn offers an excellent balance between visual volume and machine efficiency. It runs smoothly on flat knitting machines and circular knitting machines, making it suitable for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats, and casual knitwear.
What Is Microfiber yarn?
Microfiber yarn is a form of fancy yarn that has a brushed or raised surface on one side and stays clean and stable on the other side. This structure lets the yarn make final fabrics look soft and fluffy without the shedding or instability that certain full feather yarns have.since of this balance, many people who desire a brushed or fuzzy look use microfiber yarn since it keeps production costs low and high efficiency .
Two Main Material Routes in the Market
When it comes to making and getting microfiber yarn, there are essentially two different ways to do it. The first way employs only polyester filament or fiber as the raw material. The second route mixes polyester with nylon to make some performance qualities better.Even though these two yarn kinds may look the same on sample cards, the difference is evident when you knit, finish, wear, or use them for a long time. Buyers can avoid picking the wrong yarn by knowing these differences.
Duoyou Yarn Microfiber yarn Specifications
Duoyou Yarn offers a wide range of microfiber yarn specifications in both 100% polyester and polyester/nylon blends. These yarns are developed for stable mass production and repeat orders.
100% Polyester (100P) microfiber yarn Counts:
● 8NM/1, 3.9NM/1, 4.3NM/1, 4.5NM/1, 4.6NM/1, 5.3NM/1, 7NM/1, 8NM/1, 9NM/1, 12.5NM/1, 13NM/1
Polyester/Nylon (P/N) microfiber yarn Counts:
● 3NM/1, 4.3NM/1, 4.5NM/1, 5.2NM/1, 12.5NM/1
● These ranges already show one thing clearly:
Both routes are production-ready, scalable, and suitable for commercial programs. The real difference starts when the yarn goes onto the machine and into the final garment.
Hand Feel and Surface Performance
Hand feel is one of the most critical decision factors for microfiber yarn buyers. The surface softness, resilience, and recovery directly affect garment perception and consumer acceptance.
100% polyester microfiber yarn provides a consistent and predictable softness. The brushed surface is uniform, and the yarn behaves stably during knitting and finishing. This makes it a reliable choice for volume programs and markets where consistency is more important than subtle tactile differences.
Polyester/nylon blended microfiber yarn offers a more refined and elastic hand feel. Nylon contributes to better fiber resilience, allowing the brushed surface to recover more effectively after compression. Garments made from P/N yarn often feel slightly cooler and smoother when touched, which is especially noticeable in lightweight sweaters and close-to-skin applications.Take the chart for reference as below:
Aspect | 100P | P/N |
Softness | Soft and uniform | Softer with refined touch |
Elastic recovery | Moderate | Better |
Surface neatness | Good | Very good |
Knit stability | Excellent | Excellent |
Moisture Behavior and Wearing Comfort
Moisture management is another important consideration, particularly for garments worn for extended periods. While microfiber yarn is generally used in autumn and winter knitwear, wearing comfort still plays a role in buyer decisions.
100% polyester yarn has low natural moisture absorption but dries quickly. This makes it good for seasonal outer knitwear, fashion sweaters, and ornamental uses. It works effectively in cold and dry places and keeps the shape of the cloth after washing.Polyester/nylon blends make it easier for moisture to move through and make you feel less dry, which is something that can happen with pure polyester. Because of this, P/N microfiber yarn is typically used in clothes that are meant to be worn for a long period or that are close to the skin, where comfort is more important.
Knitting Performance and Production Stability
From the point of view of a factory, the quality of knitting can have a direct effect on the cost of manufacturing and the time it takes to deliver. Duoyou Yarn makes both 100P and P/N microfiber yarns that are designed to keep machines running smoothly. It is easier to regulate 100P yarns when making a lot of them. This makes them perfect for purchasers who run more than one factory or a lot of seasonal programs.P/N yarns need a little more accurate tension control, but they give manufacturers stronger fabrics and better surface quality. This difference is doable for experienced knitting mills, and the extra value is frequently worth it.
Cost Structure and Pricing Logic
Cost remains a decisive factor in B2B sourcing. However, buyers should evaluate cost not only at yarn price level but also in terms of overall value and risk control.
100% polyester microfiber yarn offers clear cost advantages due to stable raw material pricing and simpler processing. It is well-suited for price-sensitive markets, fast fashion programs, and large-volume orders.
Polyester/nylon blends involve higher raw material costs and stricter process control, resulting in a higher yarn price. However, this premium often translates into better fabric performance and reduced quality issues in finished garments.
Application Scenarios and Market Positioning
Choosing between 100P and P/N microfiber yarn depends largely on the target market and product positioning.
100P microfiber yarn is recommended for mass-market sweaters, promotional knitwear, and seasonal fashion items where price competitiveness is essential.
P/N microfiber yarn is better suited for export-oriented brands, higher-end knitwear collections, and programs where hand feel and wearing comfort influence purchasing decisions.
Why Buyers Choose Duoyou Yarn
Duoyou Yarn has specialized in fancy yarn manufacturing for over 25 years. Our experience covers a wide range of microfiber yarn constructions, yarn counts, and material combinations.
We support B2B buyers with clear technical communication, fast sampling, stable bulk production, and flexible development support. Instead of pushing a single solution, we help customers choose the most suitable yarn route for their specific market.
Conclusion
There is no universal best option between 100% polyester and polyester/nylon microfiber yarn. Each route serves a different purpose. Buyers who understand their market positioning, cost targets, and fabric requirements will make better sourcing decisions.
If you are developing a new knitting program and are unsure which microfiber yarn route to choose, sampling both options is often the most efficient approach. With the right yarn selection, microfiber yarn can deliver both visual appeal and commercial success.
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