Nylon fabric has become a staple in modern apparel, known for its strength, stretch, and smooth finish. But as consumers and designers become more conscious of materials and their impact, the question arises: Is nylon fabric good or bad?
Whether you’re sourcing materials, designing activewear, or building a sustainable collection, understanding the pros, cons, and practical applications of nylon fabric can help you make smarter, more intentional choices.
What Is Nylon Fabric?
Nylon fabric is a synthetic textile made from petroleum-derived polymers. Invented in the 1930s as an alternative to silk, it quickly gained popularity for its toughness and versatility. Today, it’s commonly used in everything from outerwear and performance gear to linings and bags.
Its ability to mimic other materials while offering high durability makes it one of the most widely used synthetics in apparel manufacturing.
The Origins and Chemistry of Nylon
Nylon fabric is made from polyamides, which are long-chain polymers produced through a chemical reaction between diamine and dicarboxylic acid. These ingredients come from crude oil, forming plastic pellets that are melted and spun into fibers. The result is a smooth, durable nylon fabric cloth that can be knit or woven into various finishes.
How Is Nylon Fabric Made?
The manufacturing process starts with refining crude oil to create the base polymers used in nylon. These polymers are melted into a viscous liquid, extruded through fine nozzles, and cooled into solid fibers. These fibers are then drawn, stretched, and treated to increase their strength before being woven or knitted into nylon fabric material.
While efficient, this process is energy-intensive and raises environmental concerns due to its reliance on fossil fuels.
Types of Nylon Fabric Cloth
- Nylon 6: Lightweight and flexible, used in intimates and sportswear
- Nylon 6,6: Stronger and more heat-resistant, suited for outerwear and gear
- Ripstop Nylon: Reinforced with thicker threads to resist tearing, common in bags and jackets
Key Properties of Nylon Fabric
Nylon fabric material is engineered for performance. Its molecular structure allows it to resist wear and tear while maintaining flexibility. This makes it a go-to option for apparel that needs to handle movement, moisture, and friction.
In addition to its strength, nylon fabric is lightweight and has a smooth, soft hand feel. It holds dyes well, which makes it ideal for vibrant colors or technical prints. Its low absorbency also allows it to dry quickly, a major advantage for activewear and outdoor gear.
The Pros and Cons of Nylon Fabric
Even the most versatile material has its trade-offs. Knowing both sides of nylon fabric helps clarify where it fits best and where it may not be the ideal choice.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Durability and resilience – Strong against abrasion, tearing, and stretching | Non-biodegradable material – Raises environmental sustainability issues |
| Quick-drying – Absorbs little moisture, great for sweat or rain | Heat sensitivity – Can melt or distort under high temperatures |
| Lightweight feel – Doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to garments | Low breathability – Traps moisture if not blended or vented |
| Smooth finish – Comfortable against the skin, ideal for layering | Static-prone – Can cling to the body or attract dust |
| Color retention – Holds dye vibrancy longer than many other fabrics | Chemical-intensive process – Relies on fossil fuels and generates emissions |
Nylon vs. Polyester vs. Cotton at a Glance
Before we dive deeper, it’s worth seeing how nylon stacks up against other common fabric choices.
| Feature | Nylon | Polyester | Cotton |
| Durability | Very High | High | Moderate |
| Breathability | Low to Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Water Resistance | High | Moderate to High | Low |
| Sustainability | Low | Low | Moderate to High |
| Feel on Skin | Slightly abrasive | Smooth | Soft and breathable |
| Common Applications | Activewear, outerwear | Sportswear, bags | Casual wear, basics |
Nylon vs. Polyester
While both are synthetic, nylon fabric material is generally more flexible and abrasion-resistant than polyester. However, polyester is more UV-resistant and can have better shape retention under prolonged wear.
Nylon vs. Cotton
Compared to cotton, nylon fabric is far more durable and water-repellent. But cotton outperforms in terms of breathability, softness, and sustainability, particularly in eco-friendly or skin-sensitive applications.
How Nylon Is Used in Apparel Manufacturing
Nylon fabric is widely adopted in performance and fashion categories alike. But how this type of cloth is used and why depends heavily on how well it meets the needs of the final product.
Matching Nylon Properties with Apparel Function
Apparel that demands movement, stretch, or abrasion resistance often turns to nylon fabric material. It’s commonly used in leggings, track jackets, windbreakers, and swimwear where flexibility and quick-drying qualities are crucial.
Blending Nylon with Other Fabrics
To enhance softness or breathability, nylon is frequently blended with natural fibers like cotton or with elastane for added stretch. This allows manufacturers to create hybrid fabrics that balance performance and comfort without sacrificing strength.
Considerations for Designers and Manufacturers
The decision to use nylon fabric often comes down to durability, cost-efficiency, and performance. It’s well-suited to mass production and technical applications but requires thoughtful use if sustainability is a brand priority.
How to Care for Nylon Fabric Properly
Care and maintenance matter, especially when working with synthetic fabrics. Nylon is generally easy to handle, but getting the best lifespan out of your fabric cloth comes down to following a few key practices.
- Wash in cold water – This prevents shrinking and preserves elasticity. Hot water can damage the synthetic fibers and dull the fabric’s finish.
- Use mild detergent – Harsh chemicals can break down nylon fabric material over time. A gentle detergent keeps the fibers intact without stripping color.
- Avoid high heat drying – Nylon can warp or melt at high temperatures. Air-drying or using a low setting helps maintain its shape and texture.
- Turn inside out – This protects the outer surface from friction during washing. It also reduces pilling and helps retain the fabric’s smoothness.
- Skip the iron – Or use the lowest setting if needed. Nylon doesn’t wrinkle much, and high heat can leave permanent marks or distort the weave.
Is Nylon Fabric Worth It for Your Project?
Nylon fabric offers a compelling mix of strength, flexibility, and visual versatility, making it a smart choice for activewear, outerwear, and technical garments. But if sustainability, breathability, or heat sensitivity are concerns, blends or alternative materials are worth exploring. As with most things in apparel manufacturing, the right choice depends on your goals.Hammax works with clients across a range of industries to support smart material decisions, including the use of nylon fabric for custom apparel. From design to production, our team can help guide cloth and fabric choices that align with performance needs, brand identity, and product quality. Get in touch with us to get started!