The Manufacturer’s Guide to Polyester Rayon (TR) Fabric: Why It Dominates the Global Garment Market

What exactly is Polyester Rayon (TR) Fabric?

Polyester Rayon fabric, commonly known in the industry as TR fabric, is a synthetic-artificial blend made by combining Polyester (T) and Rayon ® fibers, most frequently in a 65/35 ratio. It is engineered to provide the high-end appearance and “hand-feel” of fine wool while maintaining the durability and cost-efficiency of synthetic materials.

At Hangzhou Jinfeng Textile, we’ve seen this become our most requested export because it solves the “wrinkle and price” problem of natural fibers. Unlike 100% cotton or wool, TR fabric is a “stabilized” textile. The Polyester provides a structural backbone that prevents shrinking and wrinkling, while the Rayon (a regenerated cellulose fiber) adds breathability, moisture absorption, and a silky drape.

According to textile engineering standards, the 65/35 blend is the “Golden Ratio” because it ensures the fabric remains breathable enough for daily wear while staying strong enough to withstand industrial laundry cycles.

Why is TR fabric a “must-have” for your garment production line?

TR fabric is critical for your business because it offers the highest “perceived value-to-cost” ratio in the textile world. It allows brands to produce garments that look like luxury wool suits but cost 50% to 70% less to manufacture.

In our 20+ years of manufacturing in the Xiaoshan district, we’ve tracked why our clients keep coming back to TR. Here is the data-driven reality:

• Cost Stability: Unlike wool, which fluctuates wildly based on livestock yields, the raw materials for Polyester and Rayon are more price-stable. This allows you to lock in your retail pricing for entire seasons without fear of margin erosion.
• Performance Metrics: High-quality TR fabric typically achieves a Pilling Resistance Grade of 3-4 (on a scale of 1-5) and a Color Fastness to Washing Grade of 4.0+ (ISO 105-C06 standards). This means fewer customer complaints about “pilling” or “fading” after three washes.
• Market Growth: The global blended fiber market is projected to grow significantly as consumers shift toward “easy-care” clothing. Industry reports from Statista and Textile World highlight that synthetic blends are outpacing pure fibers in the mid-market apparel segment due to their versatility.

When should you use TR fabric instead of 100% Cotton or Wool?

You should choose TR fabric when your project requires a “professional” look that must survive high-frequency wear and tear. If you are making a product that will be worn 40 hours a week, natural fibers will often fail you; TR will not.

Based on our factory’s order history at Hangzhou Jinfeng, here is when it is most effective:

1. Corporate and School Uniforms

Uniforms are the “stress test” of the textile world. They are washed weekly and worn daily. TR fabric is the industry standard here because it maintains its shape. A student’s pleated skirt made of TR will keep its sharp edges even after months of use, whereas a cotton blend would go limp.

2. “Fast Fashion” Business Suiting

If you are designing for brands like Zara, H&M, or Uniqlo, you need a fabric that drapes like silk but can be cut and sewn quickly. TR’s “weight” (typically between 180gsm to 350gsm for suiting) provides that expensive-looking swing when a person walks.

3. All-Season Trousers

Because Rayon is a breathable fiber derived from wood pulp, it doesn’t trap heat like 100% Polyester. This makes TR fabric an “all-season” choice, suitable for both spring collections and autumn office wear.

How does the TR manufacturing process at Hangzhou Jinfeng ensure quality?

TR fabric “works” by mechanically bonding two very different fibers during the spinning and weaving stages. It isn’t just about mixing them; it’s about how they are treated.

At our 18,000-square-meter facility, the process looks like this:

1. Drawn Texturing (DTY): We use high-speed texturing machines to give the polyester yarn more “bulk” and a softer touch, so it doesn’t feel like plastic.
2. Circular and Jet Weaving: We utilize advanced air-jet looms which ensure the tension is perfectly even. This prevents “bowing” (when the stripes or grain of the fabric curve), which is a nightmare for your garment cutters.
3. Heat Setting & Finishing: This is where the magic happens. We run the fabric through a stenter at specific temperatures to “lock” its dimensions. This ensures that the Residual Shrinkage is kept below ±3%, meaning the Medium-sized jacket you sew today won’t turn into a Small after the customer washes it.

What are the pros and cons of using TR fabric for your garments?

The primary trade-off when choosing TR fabric is the balance between “performance durability” and “natural luxury.” While TR outperforms natural fibers in 80% of commercial applications, it is important to know where it hits its limit.

The Pros (The “Wins”):

• Low Maintenance: TR is naturally wrinkle-resistant. According to the AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) wrinkle recovery standards, TR fabric consistently scores higher than pure cotton or linen.
• Color Depth: Rayon takes dye exceptionally well, allowing for deep navies, rich charcoals, and vibrant patterns that don’t look “washed out.”
• Durability: The inclusion of Polyester significantly increases the Tensile and Tear Strength. According to ASTM D5034 testing, TR fabric can withstand significantly more Newton-meters of force than pure rayon or lightweight wool.

The Cons (The “Trade-offs”):

• Heat Sensitivity: Because of the Polyester content, TR fabric cannot be ironed at extremely high temperatures (it can melt or become “shiny”). You must advise your customers to use a “cool” or “synthetic” setting.
• Static Electricity: In very dry climates, synthetic blends can generate static. At Hangzhou Jinfeng, we can mitigate this by adding an anti-static finish during the post-dyeing process, but it is a factor to consider.

What are the “Red Flags” I should watch out for when sourcing TR fabric?

You should watch out for “recycled waste” fibers and “under-weight” rolls, which are common ways low-end factories cut costs. Not all 65/35 TR is created equal.

When you are talking to a supplier on the phone, ask these specific questions to avoid a “production nightmare”:

1. “Is this a ‘Low-Pilling’ fiber?”

Low-quality TR uses short-staple fibers that rub together and create fuzzy balls (pilling) after just two weeks of wear. At Hangzhou Jinfeng, we use high-tenacity long-staple fibers. Always ask for a Pilling Test Report (ISO 12945-2). If a supplier won’t show you one, the fabric will likely pill.

2. “What is the Actual GSM vs. the Quoted GSM?”

A common industry “trick” is to quote a fabric as 200 GSM (grams per square meter) but deliver 185 GSM. This 7% difference saves the factory money but makes your garments feel thin and “cheap.” Always verify the weight with a GSM cutter upon arrival.

3. “Is it ‘Formaldehyde-Free’?”

Many cheap dyes and finishing agents contain formaldehyde, which is restricted under REACH (EU) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 regulations. Since Hangzhou Jinfeng is an export-oriented manufacturer, we ensure our chemical treatments meet global safety standards to prevent your shipment from being seized at customs.

How do I know if I’m getting a fair price for TR fabric?

You can determine a fair price by looking at the “yarn count” and the “weaving density,” not just the price per meter. In the textile market, price is often a reflection of the Yarn Density (Threads per inch). A “bargain” fabric usually has a lower thread count, meaning the weave is loose. You might save $0.20 per meter, but your seam strength will be weak, leading to garments that “split” at the pockets or crotch.

Pro-Tip: Ask for the “Construction Details” (e.g., 32S/2 x 32S/2). The “S” stands for the yarn count—the higher the number, the finer and more expensive the yarn.

Why should you partner with Hangzhou Jinfeng for your TR needs?

The “Hangzhou Advantage” is our proximity to the world’s most advanced textile supply chain and our 20+ years of technical expertise.

We don’t just “sell fabric”; we manage the risk of your production.

• Scale: Our 18,000 sqm plant ensures we can handle bulk orders (50,000+ meters) with consistent color-matching across different dye lots.
• R&D: We specialize in Knitted Jacquard TR, which gives you the look of a woven suit with the comfort of a knit—a top-selling category in 2024-2025.
• Location: Being in the Xiaoshan district puts us at the heart of China’s textile hub, allowing us to source the highest quality raw materials at the lowest logistical cost—a saving we pass on to you.

Final Verdict: Is TR right for you?

If you are building a brand that stands for practicality, professional aesthetics, and value, then Polyester Rayon is your best friend. It’s the fabric that allows your customers to look like a million bucks without spending it.

Part 1: Custom Fabric Specification Sheet (Template)

This is the technical “ID card” for your best-selling TR fabric. Providing this level of detail builds immediate trust with professional buyers.

Product Code: JF-TR700 (Premium Suiting Series)

Note to Designers: This specific blend is optimized for “Low-Iron” performance. If your garment requires extra stretch, we can integrate 3% - 5% Spandex (Lycra) upon request.

Part 2: Your “Sample Swatch Pack” Guide

To turn readers into leads, offer a curated physical sample kit. Here is how we describe what they will receive:

What’s Inside the Hangzhou Jinfeng TR Sample Kit?

We don’t just send random scraps. Our Professional Designer Kit is designed to help you make a final decision in minutes. It includes:

1. The “Hand-Feel” Header: A large (A4 size) sample of our flagship 65/35 TR fabric so you can test the drape and “swing.”
2. The Color Hanger: Small swatches of our 30+ “In-Stock” colors, ranging from classic Navy and Charcoal to seasonal Earth Tones.
3. The Weight Variety Pack: 150 GSM (Shirt weight), 240 GSM (Mid-weight trousers), and 320 GSM (Structured Blazers).
4. The Comparison Card: A side-by-side sample of our “Matte Finish” vs. “Silk Gloss” finish.