Polyester fabric is known for its durability as well as its smooth texture, which makes ironing unnecessary. These characteristics make polyester a popular choice for all types of clothing, including fashionable and colorful dresses. Like most plastic polymer materials however, polyester is not able to tolerate high heat well, and is easy to damage with objects such as lit cigarettes, matches, lighters and open flames. Burn holes often leave dark black rings around the hole where the polyester has melted together and charred. Fixing these holes requires a little bit of creative talent.