One of the more popular questions we get asked is “What is the difference between the cotton rope and the polyester rope?” Well, hopefully this post will help you to understand and make the appropriate choice for your hammock.

About Rope Hammocks

When someone thinks of a hammock, they most often think of the traditional weaved rope hammock that includes a spreader bar. The spreader bars keep the sides of the hammock spread apart, providing a wide bed in which to lie in. Additionally, they help to support the additional weight of the lounger, thus providing a hammock that can support greater weights than those without spreader bars. Rope hammocks are typically hung between two trees or used on a hammock stand outdoors.

Cotton vs. Polyester Rope Hammocks

So what exactly is the difference between cotton and polyester? Actually, the difference is very minor. Cotton rope, being a natural fiber, is a little more susceptible to moisture accumilation and mildewing than polyester rope. The polyester rope will withstand outdoor environments longer than the cotton rope hammocks. However, both will last a very long time if you are careful to take your hammock indoors when you are not using it.

Cotton rope stretches and conforms to your body more easily than polyester. However, this shouldn’t suggest that the polyester rope is rigid or uncomfortable though. Quite the opposite. The soft-spun polyester rope used on our Pawleys Island Hammocks is so soft and confortable that we often get calls from customers believing we made a mistake and sent them a cotton rope hammock instead of the polyester rope hammock they ordered. The easiest way to tell the difference between the cotton and polyester ropes is by examining the color of the rope. Cotton rope hammocks have a natural (off-white) color hue while the polyester rope hammocks have a bright white rope color.

Duracord Rope Hammocks

In the last few years, some hammock manufacturers have started using a new rope material called “DuraCord”. Duracord is a synthetic material, much like polyester, with the soft orgainic feel of of a natural fiber like cotton. Duracord rope offers the following benefits over both cotton and polyester:

• Duracord offers UV protection that exceeds industry standards for rope products
• Duracord is a fast drying rope with only 0.01% moisture retainment
• Duracord is colorfast and stain resistant. The color will not fade outdoors
• Duracord is the most stain resistant fiber in the industry and can be cleaned with bleach
• Duracord does not support microbial growth eliminating the possibility of mildew, mold, and rot
• Duracord does not attract insects and rodents like other natural fibers can
• Duracord offers the soft feel of cotton with the added benefits of a weather resistant fiber

Hopefully this have been useful information. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us and we will help you any way we can.