Polyester Fabrics or Nylon Fabrics？

01 Introduction

Polyester fabrics and nylon fabrics are both very popular. They have a lot in common and also have many differences. Understanding how their characteristics differ will help you to decide which material is most suited for the clothing you’re creating.

02 What is polyester fabrics VS What is nylon fabrics

● Polyester fabrics

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that’s usually derived from petroleum known for being durable and relatively inexpensive to produce. Traditionally polyester is a rougher, duller fabric.However, modern manufacturing practices have improved the feel of polyester by blending with other fibers, like cotton and rayon.

● Nylon fabrics

Nylon fibers are entirely synthetic, which means that they have no basis in organic material.Nylon was created with a desire to find alternatives to silk and hemp for parachutes in World War II. It is soft and silky feel. It is also shinier and stretchier than polyester.

03 Differences between polyester fabrics and nylon fabrics

●Durability

Both nylon and polyester rate well for strength and durability.

Polyester fabric has high strength and resilience, which makes it durable, wrinkle-resistant and non-ironing.

The wear resistance of nylon fabric ranks first among all kinds of fabrics, so its continuity is extremely good.

In a word, nylon is stronger and stretchier than polyester, meaning garments made from nylon should last longer.

●Moisture absorption

The moisture absorption of nylon fabric is great among synthetic fiber fabrics. So when you’re sweating or working out in the rain, it will take longer for nylon to dry.

Polyester, in comparison, has low moisture absorption; it has a sense of stuffy when worn. Yet, polyester fabric is a hydrophobic fabric, which means any water is thrust to the surface of the garment, where it is able to evaporate. This makes it great for high-intensity sports where lots of perspiration is a given.

● Feel & performance

Nylon fabric is great elastic and elastic recovery, but it’s easy to distort by a small external force, so its fabric is easy to wrinkle during wearing. While polyester is a generally a rougher, duller fabric.

● Care

Both fabrics are extremely easy to care for. They don’t wrinkle, stretch or shrink. And they’re not susceptible to mold, mildew or staining either.

When caring for polyester or nylon, a standard washing machine cycle will do. They shouldn’t be dry cleaned. Nor should they be ironed or tumble dried on a high heat. For polyester or nylon with wicking properties, fabric softener should also be avoided.

04 So which is best? Polyester or nylon?

Nylon and polyester each have their own strengths. Which material is best suited to your project will depend upon the end use and the fabric design.

With silky feel and elastic recovery, nylon is the preferred choice for yoga and underwear brands. While polyester is a popular option for garments used in sports like running, basketball, soccer and football due to its durable, wrinkle-resistant and heat-resistant characteristics.

If you are in need for polyester fabric and nylon fabric, welcome to contact us who are committed to providing the high quality fabric and best service to the customer worldwide.