Nylon fabric: properties, types and nylon vs polyester
A guide to nylon fabric: what it is, nylon and polyamide, properties, waterproofing, types, nylon vs polyester and how to sew it.
Nylon is a synthetic fibre from the polyamide family. Nylon fabric is light, highly abrasion-resistant, slightly stretchy and quick-drying; with finishes and coatings it becomes water-repellent or waterproof. That is why it is the fabric of technical outerwear, puffer jackets, bags and linings, as well as tulle and hosiery.
This guide is for tailors, designers and brands. It covers what nylon is, whether it is the same as polyamide, its properties, whether it is waterproof, the main types of nylon fabric, how it compares with polyester, how to sew it and where to find it among Zerow's deadstock fabrics, surplus from Italian luxury houses and mills.
What is nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer, a polyamide, made from petrochemical raw materials and spun into filaments for textiles. It was developed in the United States by DuPont in the 1930s and is regarded as the first fully synthetic fibre, as Britannica notes. Its first big success was women's stockings; today it is everywhere, from technical wear to accessories.
Are nylon and polyamide the same?
Almost always, yes. Polyamide is the name of the chemical family; nylon is the name it was born with and is still known by. The versions most used in textiles are nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. That is why labels often say "polyamide" (PA): EU textile labelling rules use generic fibre names.
Properties of nylon fabric
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Light and highly abrasion-resistant | Less breathable than natural fibres |
| Slightly stretchy, recovers its shape | Sensitive to heat: press on a low setting |
| Quick-drying and crease-resistant | Builds up static |
| Easy to finish: water-repellent, coated, shiny or matt | Fossil-based, unless recycled |
Is nylon fabric waterproof?
Nylon yarn on its own is not waterproof: water passes through the weave. The fabric becomes water-repellent with a surface finish that makes drops bead and roll off, and truly waterproof with a coating or membrane on the back. Many technical fabrics now use PFC-free finishes, without perfluorinated compounds, which are kinder to the environment. When choosing nylon for outerwear, check the product page to see whether it is water-resistant, water-repellent or waterproof.
Types of nylon fabric
| Type | Character | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Technical taffeta | Dense, light plain weave, shiny or matt | Puffer jackets, windbreakers, raincoats |
| Ripstop | A grid of reinforced yarns that stops tears | Outdoor wear, backpacks |
| Coated nylon | With a waterproof coating on the back | Raincoats, bags |
| Nylon-cotton | Drier hand, often with a crinkled effect | Trench coats, jackets, urban wear |
| Tulle and mesh | Sheer and very light | Evening wear, petticoats, bridal |
| Nylon satin | Lustrous, often bonded | Bags, accessories |
| Nylon linings | Light and slippery | Jackets, technical outerwear |
Nylon vs polyester: the differences
| Feature | Nylon | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Hand | Softer, silkier | Drier |
| Abrasion resistance | Higher | Good |
| Stretch | More | Less |
| Water absorption | Slightly higher | Minimal, dries faster |
| UV resistance | Lower | Higher |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
In short, nylon is the choice for light garments that take hard wear; polyester for pieces that spend a lot of time in the sun or need to cost less.
What nylon fabric is used for
- Puffer jackets, windbreakers, raincoats and technical outerwear.
- Bags, backpacks and accessories, including coated or bonded versions.
- Jacket linings: see our guide to lining fabric.
- Tulle and mesh for evening and bridal wear.
- Swimwear, leggings and hosiery, in knitted versions with elastane.
Sewing and washing nylon
- Use a fine, sharp 70/10 or 80/12 needle (microtex) and polyester thread.
- Do not pin coated or waterproof fabrics: pins leave holes. Use clips or double-sided tape in the seam allowance.
- Lengthen the stitch slightly to avoid puckering, and test on a scrap first.
- Press on a low setting with a pressing cloth, or skip the iron: nylon can go shiny or melt.
- Wash cold or at 30°C, with no softener on water-repellent pieces, and line-dry.
Buying deadstock nylon fabric
Zerow sells deadstock nylon: surplus and end-of-run cloth from Italian luxury houses and mills, already made and so needing no new production. For a synthetic fibre that is an extra advantage: you use existing material instead of creating more. Quantities are limited and often unrepeatable: once a roll is gone, that nylon may not come back.
Fabrics are sold by the full roll. There is also a selection of fabrics cut to length, usually from a minimum of 10 metres: the details of each fabric, including composition and how it is sold, are on the product page. Businesses with a VAT number have dedicated terms, and samples are available to everyone.
Our nylon fabric collection includes waterproof and technical nylons, including PFC-free, nylon-cotton blends, tulle, satins and linings. For fibres and weaves, read our guide to the types of fabric.
Nylon fabric FAQs
Is nylon a natural fibre?
No, it is a synthetic fibre, a petrochemical polyamide. Recycled nylons also exist, made from industrial waste or fishing nets.
Is nylon breathable?
Not very, compared with cotton, linen or wool. Technical fabrics improve breathability with membranes or special constructions.
Can you iron nylon?
Yes, on a low setting with a cloth between iron and fabric. On coated or shiny fabrics it is best to avoid the iron.
Nylon or polyester for a raincoat?
Both work if finished or coated. Nylon is lighter and more abrasion-resistant; polyester handles sun better and costs less.
Can I order a sample before buying?
Yes, samples are available to all Zerow customers, private and business. It is the best way to judge handle, weight and finish before ordering by the roll or cut to length.
