A Technical Guide for Apparel & Outdoor Fabric Buyers**

As global demand for stretchable, durable, and easy-care fabrics grows, many apparel brands and textile buyers are turning to mechanical stretch polyester fabrics — especially T400 polyester and T800 polyester. These two fibers represent different generations of polyester fiber technology, and each offers unique benefits for garment performance, durability, and comfort.

If you source fabrics for jackets, pants, softshells, uniforms, or lifestyle outdoor wear, understanding the differences between T400 and T800 will help you choose the right material for your product needs.

1. What Is T400 Polyester?

T400 polyester is a classic, bi-component mechanical stretch fiber created from PET + PBT.
It is known for its moderate stretch, stable shape retention, and cost-effectiveness.

Key characteristics of T400 polyester:

• Mechanical stretch of 12–20% without spandex

• Good wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability

• Low shrinkage during high-temperature processing

• More affordable compared to T800

• Reliable supply chain and easy dyeing behavior

Common applications:
Uniforms, chinos, casual pants, woven shirts, everyday outdoor clothing.

2. What Is T800 Polyester?

T800 polyester is an upgraded, next-generation mechanical stretch fiber using PTT (Sorona®-type) combined with modified PET.
It delivers higher elasticity, softer drape, and better long-term recovery than T400.

Key characteristics of T800 polyester:

• Higher stretch (20–30%) with excellent rebound

• Softer handfeel, smoother drape, and natural elasticity

• Better comfort for daily wear & active movement

• Higher durability than spandex-blended fabrics

• More premium appearance in finished garments

Common applications:
Softshell jackets, outdoor pants, athleisure wear, commuter apparel, performance uniforms.

3. T400 vs. T800: Side-by-Side Comparison

4. How to Choose Between T400 and T800?

Choose T400 polyester if you need:

✔ Cost-effective mechanical stretch
✔ Basic wrinkle recovery
✔ Suitable for uniforms and casual woven fabrics
✔ A stable, widely available fiber

Choose T800 polyester if you need:

✔ Higher elasticity and long-lasting rebound
✔ Soft, comfortable handfeel
✔ Performance-oriented stretch polyester fabric
✔ Better durability than spandex blends
✔ Premium outdoor or lifestyle apparel

5. Why Many Brands Are Upgrading to T800

For modern “light outdoor” and lifestyle performance apparel, T800 polyester fabric is becoming the preferred option because it offers:

• Better comfort for everyday movement

• Higher elastic recovery in softshell garments

• No spandex → better chlorine resistance & longer lifespan

• Lighter weight without sacrificing strength

T800 is often used as a sustainable alternative to spandex because it maintains stretch even after long-term wear, UV exposure, and washing.

Final Thoughts

Both T400 and T800 polyester are important technologies in today’s stretch polyester fabric market.
T400 remains a strong choice for entry-level applications, while T800 delivers premium comfort, improved durability, and better long-term performance — making it ideal for outdoor wear, activewear, and elevated lifestyle garments.

If your brand is sourcing mechanical stretch polyester fabrics, our team at Gingertex can provide T400, T800, and custom-developed stretch polyester solutions with TPU lamination, DWR, PFC-free finishes, and more.