Table of Contents:

1. What is polycotton fabric? 

2. Why dressmakers choose polycotton

3. Is polycotton easy to sew?

4. What type of dresses is polycotton best suited for?

5. What does polycotton feel like when worn?

6. Is Polycotton breathable enough for dresses?

7. Polycotton compared to other dressmaking fabrics 

8. Our Recommendations: Best polycotton for dressmaking

 

Polycotton is a good choice for dressmaking, particularly for everyday dresses, beginner projects, and garments that need to be easy to care for and budget-friendly. In this guide, we’ll explore polycotton’s suitability for dressmaking in more detail. We'll explain when polycotton works well, when it doesn’t, and how to decide whether it’s the right fabric for your dressmaking project.

As a fabric supplier specialising in dressmaking fabrics, we work with polycotton every day and see first-hand how it’s used across a wide range of sewing projects. From beginners making their first dress to experienced makers sewing practical, everyday garments, polycotton fabric remains one of the most commonly chosen fabrics. That hands-on experience puts us in a strong position to answer whether polycotton is genuinely suitable for dressmaking.

What is polycotton fabric?

Polycotton is a blended fabric made from cotton and polyester fibres. The exact ratio can vary, but the aim is always the same: to combine the softness and breathability of cotton with the durability and crease resistance of polyester.

Why dressmakers choose polycotton

From our experience supplying dressmaking fabric, polycotton is often chosen for practical reasons rather than aesthetics alone.

Many dressmakers like polycotton because it:

• Is stable and easy to handle

• Holds its shape well

• Creases less than 100% cotton

• Washes easily and dries quickly

• Is affordable, especially for larger projects or practice garments

For people making dresses they plan to wear regularly - rather than occasionally - polycotton offers a good balance between appearance, comfort, and durability.

Is polycotton easy to sew?

Polycotton is generally considered easy to sew, which is one of the main reasons it’s so popular for dressmaking projects. The fabric is stable and predictable, meaning it doesn’t stretch, slip, or shift excessively while you’re cutting or stitching. This makes it easier to follow patterns accurately and achieve neat seams, particularly if you’re still building confidence with a sewing machine.

Compared to fabrics such as viscose or satin, polycotton is much more forgiving. It lies flat when cutting, feeds smoothly through the machine, and responds well to pressing, helping seams and hems hold their shape. For these reasons, polycotton is often a reliable choice for beginners, practice garments, and everyday dresses where ease of sewing and consistent results are important.

What types of dresses is polycotton best suited for?

Polycotton works best for structured or semi-structured dresses rather than very fluid designs.

Dresses polycotton works well for

• Casual day dresses

• Shirt dresses

• Simple A-line styles

• Children’s dresses

• School or uniform-style garments

• Everyday dresses that need frequent washing

These styles benefit from polycotton’s stability and durability, especially if the dress will be worn often.

Dresses polycotton is less suited for

• Floaty or draped silhouettes

• Bias-cut dresses

• Occasion or evening wear

• Designs that rely on a soft, flowing drape

For these types of dresses, fabrics like viscose or lightweight cotton may be a better choice.

What does polycotton feel like when worn?

Polycotton typically feels smooth and slightly crisp rather than soft and fluid. The cotton content adds comfort, while the polyester gives the fabric structure.

When new, polycotton often feels lightweight and fresh. Over time, and with repeated washing, it may feel slightly firmer than pure cotton. This isn’t necessarily a downside for many dress styles, the added structure helps the garment keep its shape.

Is polycotton breathable enough for dresses?

Polycotton is less breathable than 100% cotton, but that doesn’t mean it’s unsuitable for dressmaking.

For:

• Everyday wear

• Loose-fitting dresses

• Cooler months

• Short-term or occasional wear

polycotton is usually perfectly comfortable.

For:

• Very hot weather

• Tight-fitting summer dresses

• Garments designed for all-day wear in warm conditions

you may prefer a fabric with higher breathability, such as cotton or viscose.

Polycotton compared to other dressmaking fabrics

Polycotton vs cotton

Polycotton creases less and is more durable, while cotton is softer and more breathable. If you’d like a detailed breakdown, you can read our full polycotton vs cotton guide.

Polycotton vs viscose

Viscose has a softer drape and a more fluid feel, but it can be harder to sew and less forgiving. Polycotton is easier to work with and better suited to structured designs.

Polycotton vs other fabrics

Compared to fabrics like linen blends or poplin, polycotton offers consistency and ease of care, making it a practical choice for everyday dressmaking.

Our recommendations: Best polycotton for dressmaking

Based on what our customers regularly use for dresses, these are some of our most popular polycotton dress fabrics:

1. Polka Dots Polycotton Print - It’s lightweight, stable, and easy to sew, making it ideal for casual dresses, shirt dresses, and children’s clothing. Available in a wide range of colours - including orange, red, navy, pink, and more - it’s a versatile option that works well for both simple silhouettes and playful designs.

2. Happy Flower Polycotton Print - The Happy Flower polycotton print is a popular option for dressmakers looking for something bright and cheerful. This fabric is particularly well suited to relaxed day dresses and summer styles where structure is still important but comfort matters too.

3. Pretty Tinkerbelle Novelty Polycotton Print - For children’s dresses or fun, character-led designs, the Pretty Tinkerbelle novelty polycotton print is a firm favourite. It’s especially popular for kids’ clothing thanks to its durability, ease of care, and ability to hold its shape through frequent wear and washing.

Final verdict: Is polycotton good for dressmaking?

Polycotton is a sensible, reliable choice for dressmaking, especially if you’re making everyday dresses, learning to sew, or looking for a fabric that’s easy to care for.

It isn’t the right fabric for every dress, but when used for the right styles, it performs consistently and offers excellent value. For many dressmakers, that practicality is exactly what makes polycotton a good choice.

If you’re unsure, starting with polycotton is often a safe and confidence-building option; and from our experience, it’s one that many dressmakers come back to again and again.