Best Polyester Fabric Dyes of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 20, 2026

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Polyester fabric dyes are an essential tool for anyone looking to add a pop of color to their polyester fabrics. These dyes come in a range of colors and can be used to create custom designs on clothing, accessories, and home decor items. They are easy to use and can be applied through a variety of methods, including immersion dyeing, hand painting, and screen printing. Polyester fabric dyes are known for their vibrant colors and long-lasting results, ensuring that your creations will look great for years to come. Whether you're a professional textile artist or a DIY enthusiast, polyester fabric dyes are a must-have for your crafting toolkit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Jacquard Idye Polyester Dye: Black Cover #TOP 1
Jacquard Idye Polyester Dye: Black
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye Plum Berry Cover #TOP 2
Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye Plum Berry
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Rit Liquid Fabric Dye, Dark Green Cover #TOP 3
Rit Liquid Fabric Dye, Dark Green
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Polyester Fabric Dyes

#TOP 1

Jacquard Idye Polyester Dye: Black

F-JID1454
Black
Jacquard Idye Polyester Dye: Black Cover
Jacquard Idye Polyester Dye: Black

The Jacquard Idye Polyester Dye is a great solution for those looking to dye synthetic fabrics. With the capacity to dye 2-3 lbs. of fabric, this powder-based dye is easy to handle and can be used in a washing machine. One of the best features of this dye is its vibrant color, which can help give your fabric a new life! It comes in a 14 g packet that dissolves in water and requires no handling of messy dye powders. Simply throw the dye packet in, add salt or vinegar and run through the wash cycle.

What We Like
Restores polyester fabrics
Works on synthetic materials
Achieves deep, rich colors
Easy to use with instructions
Effective for eliminating patterns
What We Don't Like
Strong odor during use
Does not always dye true black
#TOP 2

Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye Plum Berry

Rit
02480
Plum Berry
Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye Plum Berry Cover
Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye, Plum Berry

The Rit DyeMore Synthetic Plum is designed specifically for dyeing synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, acetate, and nylon, especially when these fibers make up 35% or more of your material. This means you can easily refresh faded clothes, fix stains, or give old garments a new look. With over 250 color options available on Rit’s website, you have plenty of choices to find the perfect shade for your project. You can also get creative by trying fun dyeing styles like ombré, dip dye, shibori, or tie-dye patterns, making your fabrics truly unique. Just remember, it requires a stainless steel pot on the stove to keep the water hot for best results, as it can’t be used in a washing machine.

What We Like
Vivid lasting color
Easy to use
Works on synthetic fabrics
Clear instructions
Restores faded fabric
What We Don't Like
Color may be darker than expected
Color doesn't take on all fabrics

Rit Liquid Fabric Dye, Dark Green

Rit
8-35
Dark Green
8 Fl Oz
Rit Liquid Fabric Dye, Dark Green Cover
Rit Liquid Fabric Dye, 8-Ounce, Dark Green, 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Rit Liquid Fabric Dye is a versatile and easy-to-use dye that can deliver vibrant color to almost any type of fabric or fabric blend, including cotton, linen, silk, wool, rayon, ramie, or nylon. It's perfect for rejuvenating faded clothing, changing the color of apparel, shoes, or accessories, coordinating home décor, hiding laundry accidents, and so much more. Rit has over 1,000 color recipes available on their website, making it almost certain that you'll find the right color for your needs. This pre-mixed concentrated liquid dye can even dye wood, wicker, paper, and cork, and is perfect for creating unique designs with an easy dye technique like an ombré, dip-dyed, marbled, shibori, or tie-dye pattern.

What We Like
Vivid, long-lasting color
Even, consistent results
Versatile for many materials
Easy to use instructions
Good value, small amount needed
What We Don't Like
Color may vary on some fabrics
Fabric may stiffen slightly
#TOP 4

Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye 100720

Rit
100720
Cocoa Brown
8 Fl Oz
Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye 100720 Cover
All-Purpose Liquid Dye (100720)

The Rit All-Purpose Dye is an excellent choice for adding vibrant colors to a wide range of materials, including cotton, silk, and even wood. Whether you want to refresh faded clothing or change the color of accessories, this dye offers endless possibilities. You can experiment with various dyeing techniques like tie-dye or shibori, making it fun to create unique patterns. With over 500 color recipes available online, finding the perfect shade for your project is easy and convenient.

What We Like
Vibrant, long-lasting color
Even, consistent results
Works on various materials
Easy to use instructions
Great value, small amount needed
What We Don't Like
Results vary by fabric type
Fabric may stiffen slightly
#TOP 5

Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Sandstone

Rit
155881
Sand Stone
7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Sandstone Cover
Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Sandstone

Rit DyeMore Sandstone is perfect for transforming synthetic fabrics and blends containing at least 35% polyester, acrylic, acetate, or nylon. Whether you want to refresh faded clothes, cover up laundry mishaps, or get creative with unique designs like ombré or tie-dye, this dye has you covered. With over 250 color recipes available online, you're likely to find the exact shade you need. Keep in mind that dyeing requires a stainless steel pot on the stove to maintain the necessary high water temperature, as it’s not suitable for washing machines.

What We Like
Vivid, saturated color results
Effective on synthetic fabrics
Works with multiple methods
Easy to use instructions
Wide color selection
What We Don't Like
Color may be darker than expected
Color outcome may vary
#TOP 6

Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye

42746
Black
Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye Cover
Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye Powder, Hot Dye Method for Vibrancy, Long-Lasting Color, Black

Revive your faded clothes with the Tulip Permanent Fabric Dye. This 2-in-1 fabric dye + color boost formula provides ultra-rich, even color coverage on natural and cotton/poly fabrics. The dye is mixable, allowing you to create your own custom dye colors for any project. With one packet, you can dye up to ½ pound of fabric to full shade. Tulip Fabric Dyes are perfect for allover dye coverage, dip dye, shibori, and other tie-dye techniques.

What We Like
Effective on bleach stains
Revives faded or sun-bleached items
Affordable price
Can restore worn fabrics
What We Don't Like
May not work on all fabrics
Color may appear patchy
#TOP 7

Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye

Rit
155867
Apricot Orange
7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye Cover
Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Apricot Orange 7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Rit Fabric Dyes is perfect for rejuvenating faded clothing, upcycling, hiding laundry accidents, and more. It can dye synthetic fabric and fabric blends with 35% or more polyester, acrylic, acetate, or nylon. With 250+ color recipes available on Rit's website, you can easily find the right color for your needs. You can get creative with an easy dye technique, like an ombré, dip dyed, shibori, or tie-dye pattern. However, due to the complexity of dyeing synthetic fabrics, you must use this dye in a stainless steel pot on your stove top to maintain a high water temperature throughout the duration of dyeing. It cannot be used in a washing machine. If you are dyeing fabric with less than 35% synthetic fabric, use Rit All-Purpose Dye instead.

What We Like
Vibrant, even color results
Easy to use
Works on synthetic fabrics
Long-lasting color after washing
Suitable for costumes and crafts
What We Don't Like
Potential staining during use
Customs fees for international orders
#TOP 8

Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye, Tan

Rit
8-16
8 Fl Oz
Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye, Tan Cover
Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye, Tan

Rit Liquid Dye, Tan offers a fantastic way to bring vibrant colors to various fabrics and materials. You can easily refresh your faded clothing, change the color of your accessories, or coordinate your home décor with this versatile dye. It works on many fabric types, including cotton and silk, as well as wood and paper. With over 1,000 color recipes available on Rit's website, you are sure to find the perfect shade for your project. Plus, you can unleash your creativity with fun dye techniques like tie-dye or ombré, making each creation uniquely yours.

What We Like
Bright, vibrant color results
Consistent, even application
Versatile for various materials
Easy to use instructions
Long-lasting, fade-resistant dye
What We Don't Like
Color may vary on some fabrics
Fabric may become stiffer
#TOP 9

Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Tropical Teal

Rit
2610
Tropical Teal
Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Tropical Teal Cover
Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Tropical Teal

Rit DyeMore Tropical Teal is perfect for reviving your synthetic fabrics and blends. If you have clothing made of polyester, acrylic, or nylon, this dye can help you refresh faded items, cover up laundry mishaps, or even embark on creative upcycling projects. With over 250 color recipes available, you’re likely to find the perfect shade for your needs. However, keep in mind that this dye requires a stainless-steel pot on your stovetop to ensure the right temperature while dyeing, as it cannot be used in a washing machine. For fabrics with less than 35% synthetic content, consider using Rit All-Purpose Dye instead.

What We Like
Vibrant, beautiful color results
Easy to use
Works on polyester and cotton
Good value for money
Even color coverage
What We Don't Like
Occasional darker dye spots
Color slightly darker than expected
#TOP 10

Craft County Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye Graphite

RIT-SYNLIQ-GRPHTE-~CC_BM
Graphite
1 Pack
Craft County Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye Graphite Cover
Rit DyeMore 7 Oz. Synthetic Liquid Fiber Dye for Clothing, Décor, and Crafts – Graphite (1 Pack)

The Craft County Rit DyeMore is perfect for refreshing old clothes or coordinating colors in your wardrobe, especially on synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic. It offers excellent coverage and absorption, making it a great choice for dyeing clothing accessories, home décor, or craft projects. You can get creative with this dye by trying tie-dye or dip-dye techniques, using simple tools like a washing machine or a plastic container. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect shade to suit your style or project needs.

What We Like
Works on synthetic fabrics
Rich, even color results
Easy to follow instructions
Good coverage per bottle
Simple cleanup process
What We Don't Like
Requires hot water setup
Color may differ from expectations
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will Rit dye 100% polyester?

Rit DyeMore is suitable for dyeing 100% polyester, but Rit All-Purpose Dye is not. The thread used in clothing manufacturing is often 100% polyester, so if you use Rit All-Purpose Dye, the thread will remain its original color.

2. Why is polyester the most difficult to dye?

Polyester fiber has a hydrophobic nature and retains little moisture, making it challenging to dye. It requires a carrier to transport aqueous fluids and must be finished in aqueous media for dyeing to be successful.

3. How do they dye 100 polyester fabric?

Dyeing 100% polyester fabric involves various steps. These include collecting a fabric sample, setting the water level, adding an acetic acid solution, checking the pH, adding a carrier solution, dispersing agent solution, and disperse dye solution, and finally adding the fabric sample for dyeing.

Standard Rit dye doesn't absorb well into polyester fabric. To successfully dye polyester, it is recommended to use Rit DyeMore, which is specifically designed for synthetic materials. The stove-top method of simmering the fabric with the dye and applying constant heat works best for dyeing polyester.

5. Does Rit dye remover work on polyester?

No, Rit Color Remover does not work on synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, or acetate. However, you can overdye polyester with a darker color to achieve the desired result.

6. What are the problems dyeing polyester?

Dyeing polyester knitted fabric at high temperature and pressure can lead to issues such as color point, uneven dyeing, recrystallization, and agglomeration.

7. How long to leave polyester in RIT dye?

When dyeing polyester with Rit dye, it is recommended to leave the fabric in the dye for at least 30 minutes to ensure proper absorption, even if it appears to have reached the desired shade in less time. For lighter shades, 10 to 20 minutes may be sufficient.

Editor's Notes

During our polyester fabric dye research, we found 24 polyester fabric dye products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 663,610 customer reviews through our big data system to write the polyester fabric dyes list. We found that most customers choose polyester fabric dyes with an average price of $7.05.

The polyester fabric dyes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of polyester fabric dyes, including Jacquard, Rit, Tulip, Craft County. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4,077 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.

Polyester Fabric Dyes Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP10
Brand Jacquard Rit Rit Rit Rit Tulip Rit Rit Rit Craft County
Color Black Plum Berry Dark Green Cocoa Brown Sand Stone Black Apricot Orange Tan Tropical Teal Graphite
Item Weight 22.68 g 0.3 Kilograms 8 Ounces 10.56 ounces 0.6 Pounds 1.76 Ounces 0.6 Pounds 0.25 Kilograms 300 Grams 7 Ounces
Item Form Powder Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Powder Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Compatible Material Fabric Polyester, Acrylic, Nylon Fabric Acrylic, Paper, Wood synthetic fabric and fabric blends, which include anything with 35% or more polyester, acrylic, acetate or nylon Cotton, Rayon, Linen, Silk, Cotton/Poly Blend Fabric Acrylic, Paper, Wood Fabric Polyester, Acrylic, Acetate
Unit Count - 1.0 Count 8.0 Fluid Ounces 1.0 Count 7.0 Fluid Ounces 1.76 Ounce 7.0 Fluid Ounces 1.0 Count 1.0 Count 7.0 Fluid Ounces
Global Trade Identification Number - - 00885967883503 00885967882001 00885967021400 00017754265883 00885967020656 00885967881608 00885967026108 -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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