---
type: "fiber"
name: "Nylon"
slug: "nylon"
fiber_type: "thermoplastic"
fiber_origin: "synthetic"
trade_names:
  - "Nylon 6"
  - "Nylon 66"
  - "Nylon 12"
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/nylon"
updated: "2025-09-07T19:10:47.808191+00:00"
---

# Nylon

High-strength synthetic polymer fiber known for exceptional durability, elasticity, and abrasion resistance.

- **Fiber Type**: Thermoplastic
- **Origin**: Synthetic
- **Production Method**: Polymerization of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid
- **Also Known As**: Nylon 6,6, Polyamide, PA
- **Trade Names**: Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 12

## About Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic polyamide fiber created through polymerization. It was the first fully synthetic fiber, invented by DuPont in 1935. Nylon offers exceptional strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance.

## Key Properties

- **Density**: 1.14 g/cm³
- **Fiber Diameter**: 20 µm
- **Fiber Length**: 38 mm
- **Linear Density**: 13.5 denier
- **Tensile Strength**: 75 MPa
- **Elongation at Break**: 30%
- **Moisture Regain**: 4.5%
- **Melting Point**: 220 °C
- **Heat Resistance**: 180 °C
- **Natural Color**: off-white
- **Luster**: Semi Bright

## Performance Characteristics

- **Abrasion Resistance**: Excellent
- **Pilling Resistance**: Good
- **Wrinkle Resistance**: Good
- **UV Resistance**: Fair
- **Chemical Resistance**: Good
- **Moisture Absorption**: Fair
- **Wicking**: Good
- **Breathability**: Good
- **Elastic Recovery**: Excellent
- **Dimensional Stability**: Good
- **Dyeability**: Good

## Strengths

- Very strong
- Elastic
- Abrasion resistant
- Lightweight

## Limitations

- Degrades in sunlight
- Static buildup
- Not biodegradable

## Sustainability

- **Biodegradable**: No
- **Recyclable**: Yes
- **Renewable Source**: No
- **Bio-based Content**: 0%
- **Recycled Content**: 20%
- **Certifications**: OEKO-TEX, Global Recycled Standard
- **Major Producers**: DuPont, Invista, Nylstar

## Care

- **Max Wash Temperature**: 60 °C
- **Max Ironing Temperature**: 150 °C
- **Dry Cleaning**: Safe
- **Bleach Compatibility**: No Bleach

Avoid high temperatures to prevent melting.

## Common Applications

- Hosiery
- Swimwear
- Outerwear
- Carpets
- Rope

## Common Uses in Detail

### Hosiery and Legwear

Its fine filaments, exceptional elasticity, and resistance to abrasion make it ideal for hosiery and tights. Nylon yarns produce sheer, form-fitting stockings that stretch with movement, retain their shape after repeated wear, and resist snags far better than natural alternatives.

### Outdoor Performance Apparel

Outerwear and swimwear rely on nylon's high tensile strength, quick-drying properties, and resistance to UV degradation. Lightweight yet tough, it withstands the mechanical stress of active outdoor use while maintaining a smooth, comfortable hand against the skin.

### Industrial Rope and Cordage

In industrial and marine environments, nylon rope is prized for its superior load-bearing strength, shock absorption, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. It stretches under sudden tension loads, reducing the risk of snapping, making it safer than many alternative fibers.

## Fabrics Made With This Fiber

- [Activewear Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-interlock.md)
- [Activewear Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-jersey.md)
- [Activewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-tricot.md)
- [Alençon Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/alenon-lace.md)
- [Beaded Tulle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/beaded-tulle.md)
- [Bonded Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bonded-fabric.md)
- [Bridal Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bridal-lace.md)
- [Bridal Tulle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bridal-tulle.md)
- [Chantilly Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chantilly-lace.md)
- [Conveyor Base Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/conveyor-base-fabric.md)
- [Dancewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/dancewear-tricot.md)
- [Embroidered Net](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/embroidered-net.md)
- [Fishnet](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/fishnet.md)
- [Galloon Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/galloon-lace.md)
- [Hardshell](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/hardshell.md)
- [Hex Net](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/hex-net.md)
- [Leavers Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/leavers-lace.md)
- [Lingerie Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/lingerie-tricot.md)
- [Maline](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/maline.md)
- [Mesh Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/mesh-knit.md)
- [Milanese Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/milanese-knit.md)
- [Oxford (Nylon/Poly)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/oxford-nylon-poly.md)
- [PU-Coated Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pu-coated-fabric.md)
- [Packcloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/packcloth.md)
- [Raschel Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/raschel-knit.md)
- [Raschel Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/raschel-lace.md)
- [Ripstop (Apparel)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ripstop-apparel.md)
- [Ripstop (Nylon/Poly)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ripstop-nylon-poly.md)
- [Satin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/satin.md)
- [Schiffli Embroidered Net](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/schiffli-embroidered-net.md)
- [Sequined Mesh](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sequined-mesh.md)
- [Sheer Drapery](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sheer-drapery.md)
- [Softshell](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/softshell.md)
- [Swimwear Raschel](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/swimwear-raschel.md)
- [Swimwear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/swimwear-tricot.md)
- [Taslan](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/taslan.md)
- [Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/tricot.md)
- [Warp Tulle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/warp-tulle.md)
- [ePTFE-Laminate](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/eptfe-laminate.md)

## Similar Fibers

- [PLA](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/pla.md) — Thermoplastic
- [Polyester](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/polyester.md) — Thermoplastic

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/nylon) — HTML version of this page.*