Nylon vs Polyester – What are the Differences?
Last Updated: July 14, 2025
The choice between nylon and polyester depends entirely on the intended application. Polyester provides superior performance in outdoor settings due to its high UV and water resistance. Nylon offers exceptional durability and abrasion resistance, making it the premier material for high-stress applications. This guide details these differences to help you select the correct material.
Both nylon and polyester are synthetic polymers, a class of plastics, that define the modern textile industry. An understanding of their distinct profiles is a requirement for product designers, outdoor enthusiasts, and industrial engineers. As a leading source for high-quality industrial fabrics, we provide a vast selection of these materials, including durable denier polyesters and tough nylon packcloths. Our expertise at Canvas ETC is in helping you choose between different synthetic fabrics to achieve the best results for your project.
Key Takeaways
- Durability: Nylon is stronger and more abrasion-resistant.
- Outdoor Use: Polyester’s high UV resistance makes it the clear winner.
- Water Performance: Polyester absorbs less water and dries faster.
- Elasticity: Nylon offers more stretch, while polyester is more stable.
- Cost: Polyester is generally more affordable than nylon.
- Sustainability: Polyester has a more established recycling system (rPET).
What Are the Key Differences Between Nylon and Polyester at a Glance?
This table provides a direct comparison of the primary attributes of nylon versus polyester.
| Attribute | Nylon (Polyamide) | Polyester (PET) | Winner & Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability & Strength | Excellent | Very Good | Nylon: Backpack straps, industrial belts, tactical gear. |
| Water Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Polyester: Rainwear, awnings, marine covers. |
| UV Resistance | Poor | Excellent | Polyester: Outdoor banners, flags, patio cushions. |
| Cost | Higher | Lower | Polyester: Budget-conscious projects, large-scale production. |
| Stretch & Elasticity | High | Low | Nylon: Activewear, ropes, applications needing flex. |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (alkalis/oils) | Excellent (acids/solvents) | Polyester: Lab coats, industrial filter media. |
| Softness | Varies, can be very soft | Varies, generally less soft | Nylon: Linings, close-to-skin apparel. |
| Heat Resistance | Good (melts ~220°C) | Very Good (melts ~260°C) | Polyester: Applications requiring higher heat tolerance. |
| Dyeability | Good (Acid Dyes) | Excellent (Disperse Dyes) | Polyester: Vibrant, lasting color; sublimation printing. |
| Environmental Impact | Higher Energy Use | Lower Energy Use, Better Recycling | Polyester (specifically rPET) is more sustainable. |
Which Fabric is Stronger and More Durable?
Nylon is stronger and more durable than polyester. The molecular structure of nylon, an aliphatic polyamide, gives it exceptional tensile strength and abrasion resistance, making it the superior choice for items subjected to intense physical stress.
How do they compare in abrasion resistance?
The molecular structure of nylon’s polyamide chains provides exceptional abrasion resistance. This quality makes the fabric highly resistant to damage from friction and rubbing. According to the ASTM D4157 standard (Wyzenbeek method), specific nylon weaves can withstand over 80,000 double-rub cycles before showing meaningful wear. This high performance level is why nylon is specified for high-wear gear.
For example, high-tenacity weaves like Ballistic Nylon are engineered specifically for maximum tear resistance and are used in luggage and protective motorcycle apparel. For most heavy-duty projects requiring proven toughness, a material like our 1000 Denier Nylon is a reliable and popular selection among our customers. For more information on this specific type of material, our experts explain the properties of ballistic nylon in this guide.
Does nylon or polyester stretch more?
Nylon possesses more stretch and elasticity than polyester. Nylon fibers can elongate up to 33% of their original length without breaking and still return to their original shape. This elasticity is valuable for activewear or items like ropes that need to absorb shock. Polyester, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer, is a more stable material with minimal stretch. The dimensional stability of polyester is an advantage for applications like banners or upholstery where the fabric must retain its exact shape.
How Do They Perform in Wet and Sunny Conditions?
Polyester performs better than nylon in wet and sunny environments. Polyester is hydrophobic and has inherent resistance to UV degradation.
Is nylon or polyester more waterproof?
A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a coating applied to fabric to make it water-resistant. While neither fabric is waterproof without a coating, polyester is far more water-resistant than nylon. Polyester absorbs approximately 0.4% of its own weight in water. Nylon, by contrast, absorbs up to 2.5% of its weight. This saturation causes nylon to swell and lose up to 15% of its tensile strength. A vinyl-coated polyester is an example of a fully waterproof textile used for heavy-duty applications. To better understand fabric treatments, you can read our guide that explains what water-resistant means.
Which fabric is better for outdoor use?
Polyester is the definitive choice for products frequently exposed to sunlight. Nylon’s primary weakness is its poor resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Unprotected nylon can lose up to 30% of its strength after 500 hours of UV exposure. Polyester is highly resistant to UV rays, maintaining its strength and color far longer, which makes it the superior material for outdoor gear.
How Does Fabric Weight (Denier) Affect Performance?
Denier (D) is a unit of measurement for the linear mass density of a single fiber. A higher denier number indicates a thicker, heavier, and more durable fabric. This factor is often more important than the choice between nylon and polyester alone.
What do common denier ratings mean?
Different denier ratings correspond to specific levels of durability. As specialists who handle these fabrics daily, we use denier to guide our customers to the right product for their needs.
- < 70D: These are ultralight fabrics used for jackets and tents. Our 70 Denier Nylon Ripstop is an example that provides strength without weight.
- 70D – 400D: This mid-weight range is common for backpacks and apparel. Our versatile 420 Denier Nylon Packcloth is a popular choice in this category.
- 420D – 1000D+: This is the heavy-duty range for gear, luggage, and industrial covers. Our widely trusted 600 Denier Polyester is a benchmark for reliability.
Should I choose a high-denier nylon or a high-denier polyester?
The choice depends on a trade-off. A 1000D nylon will have superior abrasion resistance compared to a 1000D polyester. The 1000D polyester will offer better UV and water resistance. For a complete overview, the experts at Canvas ETC have written a guide detailing what denier is and why it matters.
Which Fabric is More Sustainable?
Neither fabric is inherently sustainable, as both are derived from petroleum and are not biodegradable. However, polyester has a more widespread and mature recycling infrastructure.
What is the environmental impact of manufacturing?
The production of both fabrics relies on fossil fuels. Nylon production is a more energy-intensive process that can generate nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Polyester manufacturing from virgin materials requires less energy and water. The most sustainable option is recycled polyester, or rPET, which is made from post-consumer plastic bottles and drastically reduces the need for new petroleum.
What about microplastics?
Both fabrics shed microfibers during laundering. The issue of microfiber shedding from synthetic textiles is a documented environmental concern. For example, the paper “Microfiber Masses Recovered from Conventional Machine Washing of New or Aged Garments” in Environmental Science & Technology (2016) by Hartline, N.L., et al., details this process. Using laundry bags that trap fibers can help mitigate this issue.
How Do You Care For and Wash These Fabrics?
Both fabrics are machine washable. The main difference is their heat tolerance. Polyester can handle higher temperatures, while nylon requires low heat to prevent damage. For crafters and sewers, understanding how to handle these fabrics is key. We offer helpful tips for sewing ripstop nylon that can apply to many projects.
Washing and Drying Nylon:
- Use cold or warm water on a gentle cycle.
- Use a standard laundry detergent.
- Tumble dry on a low heat setting or hang to dry.
- Remove promptly from the dryer to prevent wrinkling.
Washing and Drying Polyester:
- Polyester is wrinkle-resistant but should be removed from the dryer to maintain its shape.
- Use warm water on a permanent press cycle.
- Use a standard laundry detergent.
- Tumble dry on a low to medium heat setting.
How Do You Make the Right Choice?
Your choice should be dictated by your project’s primary requirements. There is no single “best” fabric, only the best fabric for a specific purpose. Our experience with thousands of customers has shown that making the right selection upfront saves time, money, and improves the final product.
- Choose Nylon if your top priorities are:
- Extreme Durability & Abrasion Resistance
- High Tensile Strength
- Stretch and Elasticity
- Choose Polyester if your top priorities are:
- Superior UV Resistance
- Excellent Water Resistance
- Vibrant Color Retention & Printability
- Lower Cost
Material Comparison Summary: Nylon vs. Polyester
In the context of textile and material science, polyester is superior for applications requiring high water and UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor gear and apparel. Nylon is the better choice for uses demanding exceptional durability, strength, and elasticity. The specific denier and any applied coatings on the fabric are often more critical to performance than the base material alone.
Find the Right Fabric for Your Project
Now that you understand the distinct advantages of each material, you can make an informed decision. At Canvas ETC., we pride ourselves on offering one of the largest varieties of reliable and affordable fabrics that our customers love. Whether you need the rugged durability of a high-denier nylon or the weather-resistant properties of a coated polyester, we have the material to bring your project to life.
Explore our collection of durable nylon packcloths to find the perfect weight and color for your high-performance gear.