Nylon (polyamide) vs polyester
Both are synthetic. Nylon is stronger, stretchier and softer – for tights and swimwear. Polyester resists sun better and is cheaper – for coats and sportswear.
Choose nylon (polyamide)
Tights, swimwear, shell jackets
Choose polyester
Coats, sportswear, dresses
Nylon (polyamide)
- Extremely abrasion-resistant
- Stretchy and fast-drying
- Breathes poorly
- Sun weakens and yellows it
Polyester
- Hardly creases or shrinks
- Quick-drying, durable and cheap
- Breathes poorly, holds odour
- Sheds microplastics in the wash
- Melts under a hot iron
| Nylon (polyamide) | Polyester | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Made from | Petroleum. | Petroleum (PET plastic); recycled polyester comes from PET bottles. |
| Feel | Smooth, elastic and very strong. | Smooth and light; can feel warm and sweaty. |
| Shrinks? | No – nylon (polyamide) hardly shrinks, unless washed or ironed very hot. | No – polyester hardly shrinks, unless washed or ironed very hot. |
| Used for | Tights, swimwear, jackets, activewear. | Sportswear, dresses, coats, linings, fleece. |
More comparisons
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01Which is better, nylon (polyamide) or polyester?
Both are synthetic. Nylon is stronger, stretchier and softer – for tights and swimwear. Polyester resists sun better and is cheaper – for coats and sportswear.
02Which is more breathable?
About the same.
03Which creases less?
Polyester creases less.