Terylene Fabric vs Polypropylene Fabric: Complete Guide

When sourcing textiles for clothing, shopping bags, promotional products, packaging, and industrial applications, two materials often appear in product specifications: terylene fabric and polypropylene fabric.

Many buyers ask:

• What is terylene fabric?
• What is polypropylene fabric?
• Is terylene better than cotton?
• Does terylene shrink?
• What are the uses of terylene?
• Which material is best for reusable shopping bags?

At Biben, we have more than 10 years of experience manufacturing custom shopping bags, promotional bags, tote bags, drawstring bags, zipper bags, garment bags, cooler bags, and retail packaging solutions for brands across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about terylene material and polypropylene fibres, including their structure, properties, advantages, limitations, sustainability, and applications in modern bag manufacturing.

What Is Terylene Fabric?

Terylene fabric is a synthetic textile made from polyester fibers. Scientifically, it is a form of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polymer created by combining ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid through a chemical process called polymerization.

The term “Terylene” originated as a trademark developed in the United Kingdom and became one of the most recognized names for polyester fibers worldwide.

Today, when people ask “what is terylene fabric,” they are usually referring to polyester-based fabrics used in:

• Clothing
• Sportswear
• Home textiles
• Industrial fabrics
• Shopping bags
• Promotional bags
• Backpacks
• Packaging products

Terylene is valued for its durability, wrinkle resistance, lightweight construction, and affordability.

Terylene Structure Explained

Understanding the terylene structure helps explain why this material performs so well.

Terylene is composed of long-chain polyester molecules arranged in a highly organized structure. During manufacturing, these molecular chains are stretched and aligned, creating strong fibers with excellent tensile strength.

Basic Terylene Structure

Component	Function
Ethylene Glycol	Provides flexibility
Terephthalic Acid	Provides strength
PET Polymer Chains	Create durability and stability

This molecular arrangement gives terylene fabric:

• High strength
• Shape retention
• Abrasion resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Long lifespan

The History of Terylene Material

Terylene was first developed in 1941 by British scientists John Rex Whinfield and James Tennant Dickson.

The textile industry quickly embraced polyester because it solved many limitations of natural fibers such as cotton and wool.

During the 1950s and 1960s, terylene became a popular choice for:

• Formal clothing
• Uniforms
• Home furnishings
• Industrial textiles

Today, polyester accounts for more than half of all global textile fiber production, making terylene one of the most important materials in modern manufacturing.

Properties of Terylene Fabric

The popularity of terylene cloth comes from its unique combination of performance and affordability.

Strength and Durability

Terylene fibers are extremely strong and resistant to stretching.

Compared with natural fibers, polyester can withstand years of repeated use without losing its structural integrity.

Wrinkle Resistance

Unlike cotton, terylene naturally resists wrinkles and creasing.

This makes it ideal for:

• Work uniforms
• Promotional apparel
• Travel products
• Reusable bags

Moisture Resistance

Terylene absorbs very little moisture.

Benefits include:

• Faster drying
• Mold resistance
• Reduced mildew growth
• Better outdoor performance

Color Retention

Polyester fibers hold dyes exceptionally well.

Printed logos on promotional bags remain vibrant for years.

Lightweight Performance

Despite being strong, terylene remains lightweight and easy to carry.

This is particularly important for:

• Tote bags
• Backpacks
• Foldable shopping bags

Does Terylene Shrink?

One of the most frequently searched questions is:

Does Terylene Shrink?

The short answer is no.

Terylene fabric has excellent dimensional stability and typically does not shrink under normal washing conditions.

Unlike cotton, which may shrink 3–10% after washing, polyester fabrics generally maintain their original size.

However, excessive heat during industrial drying or ironing may slightly deform polyester fibers.

For best results:

• Wash below 40°C
• Avoid excessive heat
• Use medium-temperature ironing

What Is Terylene Cotton?

Terylene cotton is a blended fabric that combines polyester fibers with natural cotton fibers.

A typical blend may contain:

• 65% Polyester (Terylene)
• 35% Cotton

or

• 50% Polyester
• 50% Cotton

Benefits of Terylene Cotton

The blend combines the advantages of both materials.

Cotton Benefits	Terylene Benefits
Softness	Durability
Breathability	Wrinkle Resistance
Comfort	Fast Drying
Moisture Absorption	Shape Retention

As a result, terylene cotton is commonly used for:

• Uniforms
• Polo shirts
• Casual clothing
• Bedding
• Home textiles

Uses of Terylene

The uses of terylene extend far beyond clothing.

Fashion Industry

Terylene is used to manufacture:

• Shirts
• Dresses
• Jackets
• Sportswear
• Uniforms

Home Furnishings

Terylene cloth is commonly found in:

• Curtains
• Upholstery
• Cushion covers
• Bed linens

Industrial Applications

Industrial sectors use polyester for:

• Conveyor belts
• Safety straps
• Automotive textiles
• Geotextiles

Packaging Industry

Terylene material is increasingly used for:

• RPET bags
• Shopping bags
• Promotional bags
• Cooler bags
• Cosmetic bags

What Is Polypropylene Fabric?

While terylene belongs to the polyester family, polypropylene fabric is a completely different material.

Polypropylene fabric is made from polypropylene fibres, a thermoplastic polymer derived from petroleum.

The material is produced by melting polypropylene resin and converting it into fibers through extrusion.

Polypropylene fabric is one of the most widely used materials in:

• Shopping bags
• Agricultural packaging
• Industrial sacks
• Reusable tote bags
• Promotional bags

Types of Polypropylene Fabric

Woven Polypropylene Fabric

Created by weaving polypropylene fibres together.

Characteristics include:

• Extremely strong
• Tear resistant
• Long lifespan

Common uses:

• Grocery bags
• Rice bags
• Fertilizer bags
• Shopping totes

Non-Woven Polypropylene Fabric

Produced by bonding fibers together rather than weaving them.

Advantages include:

• Lightweight
• Cost-effective
• Printable
• Eco-friendly

Common uses:

• Promotional bags
• Event giveaways
• Retail packaging

Polypropylene Fabric Properties

Polypropylene fabric offers several unique advantages.

1. Lightweight Construction

Polypropylene is among the lightest synthetic fibers available.

2. Excellent Moisture Resistance

Water absorption is extremely low.

3. High Chemical Resistance

Suitable for industrial environments.

4. Strong Load Capacity

Woven polypropylene bags can carry substantial weight without tearing.

5. Reusability

Reusable shopping bags made from polypropylene can replace hundreds of disposable plastic bags.

Terylene Fabric vs Polypropylene Fabric

Many buyers wonder which material is better.

The answer depends on the application.

Feature	Terylene Fabric	Polypropylene Fabric
Strength	Excellent	Excellent
Softness	Better	Moderate
Cost	Higher	Lower
Printing Quality	Excellent	Good
Water Resistance	Good	Excellent
Wrinkle Resistance	Excellent	Good
Bag Manufacturing	Excellent	Excellent
Recyclability	Good	Good

For premium retail bags, polyester is often preferred.

For cost-effective reusable shopping bags, polypropylene fabric is usually the better option.

Why Manufacturers Choose Polypropylene Fabric for Shopping Bags

At Biben, polypropylene fabric remains one of the most popular materials for reusable shopping bags.

Reasons include:

• Low cost
• High durability
• Excellent printability
• Lightweight structure
• Recyclability

Many supermarkets and retailers across Europe and North America use polypropylene bags as sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic bags.

Sustainability of Terylene and Polypropylene

Sustainability is increasingly important for brands.

Terylene Sustainability

Traditional polyester is petroleum-based.

However, modern RPET polyester is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.

Benefits include:

• Reduced landfill waste
• Lower resource consumption
• Circular economy support

Polypropylene Sustainability

Polypropylene can be:

• Reused
• Recycled
• Reprocessed

Because reusable PP bags replace hundreds of disposable bags during their lifespan, they significantly reduce environmental impact.

How Biben Helps Brands Choose the Right Bag Material

With more than 10 years of manufacturing experience, Biben helps brands select the most suitable materials based on:

• Budget
• Target market
• Sustainability goals
• Product positioning
• Printing requirements

Popular materials include:

• Cotton
• Canvas
• RPET Polyester
• Polypropylene Fabric
• Tyvek
• Washable Paper
• PVC
• Mesh Fabrics

Our custom manufacturing services support low MOQs starting from 500–1000 pieces per design.

FAQ

What is terylene fabric?

Terylene fabric is a polyester textile made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers known for strength, durability, and wrinkle resistance.

What is polypropylene fabric?

Polypropylene fabric is a textile made from polypropylene fibres, commonly used for reusable shopping bags, industrial packaging, and promotional products.

Does terylene shrink?

Terylene generally does not shrink under normal washing conditions because polyester fibers have excellent dimensional stability.

What is terylene cotton?

Terylene cotton is a blended fabric that combines polyester and cotton to provide comfort, durability, and wrinkle resistance.

What are the uses of terylene?

Terylene is used in clothing, sportswear, home textiles, industrial fabrics, backpacks, promotional bags, and packaging products.

Is polypropylene fabric waterproof?

Polypropylene fabric is highly water resistant and absorbs very little moisture.

Which is better for shopping bags: polyester or polypropylene?

Polypropylene is usually more cost-effective for reusable shopping bags, while polyester provides a more premium appearance and better print quality.

Is terylene environmentally friendly?

Traditional terylene is petroleum-based, but recycled polyester (RPET) offers a more sustainable alternative.

Conclusion

Understanding what is terylene fabric and what is polypropylene fabric is essential when selecting materials for textiles, packaging, and reusable bags. Terylene offers excellent durability, wrinkle resistance, and versatility, while polypropylene fabric provides outstanding strength, affordability, and sustainability for reusable shopping bags.

For brands, retailers, wholesalers, and promotional product companies, choosing the right material directly impacts product quality, customer satisfaction, and environmental performance.

At Biben, we specialize in custom shopping bags, promotional bags, tote bags, cooler bags, zipper bags, and retail packaging solutions. With over 10 years of manufacturing experience, eco-friendly material options, and flexible MOQs, we help businesses create high-quality custom bags tailored to their unique requirements.

Contact Biben today to discuss your next custom bag project and request a free quotation.