Nylon
A tough, elastic synthetic fibre with high tensile and abrasion resistance — the fabric of hosiery and packs.
Also known as: Polyamide
intermediate Attributed to Wallace Carothers · Invented at DuPont by Wallace Carothers; commercialised 1938
Nylon (polyamide) is a synthetic fibre known for exceptional strength, elasticity and abrasion resistance. It is used for hosiery, activewear, ripstop shells, backpacks and technical gear.
What it is
Nylon is the trade name for polyamide fibres, the first fully synthetic fibre, introduced by DuPont in 1938. It has very high tensile strength, elasticity and abrasion resistance, along with a smooth, lustrous hand and low moisture absorption. Those properties made it the original stocking/hosiery fibre and, today, a workhorse for activewear, swimwear, ripstop shells, tights, backpacks, luggage and technical outdoor gear where toughness matters.
Compared with polyester, nylon is generally stronger and more elastic and has a softer, silkier hand, but it absorbs slightly more moisture, is more prone to UV degradation and holds static. It is often blended with elastane for stretch garments and coated or woven as ripstop (with reinforcing grid threads) for tear resistance. Common types include nylon 6 and nylon 6,6, the latter with a higher melting point.
How to apply it
Choose nylon where abrasion resistance, strength and elasticity dominate — hosiery, swimwear, packs and ripstop shells; blend with elastane for high-stretch performance wear.
Related entries
Sources & further reading
- Nylon — Wikipedia contributors (article)