Summary:
Polyester and nylon fabrics have a lot in common. They’re both lightweight materials made from synthetic fibers. And they’re both very popular options for sportswear.
That’s down to their durability – which is much better than that of natural fibers...
Polyester and nylon fabrics have a lot in common. They’re both lightweight materials made from synthetic fibers. And they’re both very popular options for sportswear.
That’s down to their durability – which is much better than that of natural fibers. And how well they respond to post-finishing processes that enhance their function.
But there is also a difference between polyester and nylon fabrics. Understanding how their characteristics differ will help you to decide which material is most suited for the clothing you’re creating.
But first…
How are polyester and nylon fibers made?
Nylon (also known as polyamide in Europe) was first created in 1935 and shot to fame in the form of nylon stockings. Polyester was hot on nylon’s heels, hitting the market in the 1940s.
Both fibers are plastic compounds derived from petroleum. They were designed to be stronger, lighter and more durable than the natural fabrics they came to replace.
But how are polyester and nylon made? The process is very similar for both of these synthetic materials.
Manufacturers take small plastic pellets (about the same size and color as a grain of rice). They melt them and pass the molten solution through a spinneret – a kind of wheel with lots of tiny holes in it.
Plastic strands of different thicknesses and lengths are created. These fibers can then be used as they are to create garments or combined to make thicker threads.
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