When it comes to netball, uniforms are more than just outfits—they’re tools of performance, symbols of team spirit, and gear players rely on week in, week out. For years, polyester has been the go-to fabric for netball dresses and uniforms. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s the best choice.
In fact, polyester has some serious drawbacks that most players, coaches, and clubs are never told about. If your team is still wearing polyester, it’s time to ask: is it actually helping your performance—or holding you back?
Let’s take a closer look at why polyester might not belong on the netball court, and what you can do instead.
1. Polyester = Plastic = Petroleum
Let’s start with the facts: polyester is plastic. More specifically, it’s made from petroleum, the same fossil fuel used to produce petrol, diesel, and other non-renewable resources. That means every polyester netball dress is essentially made from oil.
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Production is energy-intensive and polluting.
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Contributes to the climate crisis.
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Releases microplastics into waterways with every wash.
2. It Traps Heat and Sweat
Polyester may be promoted as “moisture-wicking,” but in practice, it often traps heat and causes your body to overheat during intense gameplay.
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Doesn’t breathe well—it’s plastic.
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Locks in moisture and sweat.
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Leaves players hot, clammy, and uncomfortable.
3. It Smells… and Smells… and Smells
Polyester is notorious for holding onto body odour.
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Traps sweat and bacteria deep inside fibres.
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Smell builds up even after washing.
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Results in uniforms that never feel fresh.
4. Uncomfortable Against the Skin
Polyester may be durable, but it’s coarse and scratchy.
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Can cause chafing and irritation.
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Distracts players during high-intensity games.
5. Not Biodegradable
Think your old polyester uniforms just “go away” when you throw them out? Think again.
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Polyester can take up to 200 years to break down.
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Every uniform ever made is still out there in landfill.
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Clubs updating uniforms often create a mountain of waste.
6. Needs Chemical Treatments to Perform
Polyester isn’t naturally sports-friendly.
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Requires chemical treatments to add stretch, odour control, or moisture-wicking.
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Chemicals wash out over time.
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Can irritate sensitive skin, especially in kids.
7. Doesn’t Reflect Modern Team Values
More clubs are embracing sustainability with eco-friendly practices.
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Reusable drink bottles.
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Solar-powered clubhouses.
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Eco-friendly events.
But polyester uniforms don’t match this movement.
So… Why Are We Still Wearing Polyester?
Most clubs and schools choose polyester because it’s cheap.
But cheap now doesn’t mean good value long-term—especially when it leads to:
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Discomfort
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Bad odour
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Waste
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Environmental harm
It’s time to ask: Is it worth it?
Why Not Try Bamboo Instead?
If you’re looking to upgrade your team’s uniforms, bamboo fabric is a modern, high-performance alternative to polyester—and it checks all the boxes:
✅ Sustainable – Grows fast, needs no pesticides, biodegradable
✅ Breathable – Keeps players cool and dry naturally
✅ Odor-Resistant – Natural antibacterial properties
✅ Soft on Skin – Luxuriously soft, even for sensitive skin
✅ Eco-Friendly – Renewable, plastic-free, and low-impact
✅ Stylish & Durable – Customisable and built to last
Final Whistle: Time to Ditch the Plastic
Polyester had its moment, but that moment is over.
If your team cares about:
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Player comfort
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Game-day performance
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Reducing your environmental impact
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Choosing quality that lasts
…then it’s time to step off the petroleum treadmill and into the future of netball uniforms.
👉 Switch to bamboo.
👉 Play harder.
👉 Sweat smarter.
👉 Live cleaner.
