Nylon fabric and polyester fabric are very similar materials. Both are synthetic fabrics made from petroleum-based materials, and both are commonly used in outdoor-grade products (including many outdoor bean bag chairs).
When choosing outdoor seating, a common question is nylon vs polyester — which fabric is better? The better fabric depends on your intended use, because each material has different strengths in areas like weight, breathability, stain resistance, and colour fastness. Nylon is also generally more expensive than polyester due to its more complex production process.
As more people consider eco-conscious decisions when buying outdoor furniture, it’s also normal to ask: Is polyester recyclable? Is polyester fabric safe? And how do synthetic fabrics compare to natural fibres like cotton? (Here’s a detailed comparison on cotton vs polyester for comfort and durability.)
Introduction to Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, have transformed the textile industry. These man-made materials are derived from petroleum-based compounds and engineered to be durable, versatile, and resistant to many outdoor stressors. Both nylon and polyester are widely used in outdoor gear thanks to their water resistance and easy-care properties. Understanding how each fabric performs makes it easier to choose the right one for your climate and lifestyle.
Nylon vs Polyester: Nylon Overview
Nylon is a group of synthetic polymers known as thermoplastics or aliphatic polyamides. Nylon belongs to the polyamide family, which gives it excellent strength and elasticity. First used commercially in the late 1930s, nylon became famous for its role in wartime manufacturing and remains one of the most widely used synthetic materials today.
Nylon fibres can be made into soft textile fabrics or condensed into harder plastics for industrial items. In fabric form, nylon is known for its smooth feel, abrasion resistance, and flexibility — which is why it’s often used in outdoor products where toughness matters.
Advantages of Nylon
Highly elastic
Durable and abrasion-resistant
Resilient
Water-resistant
Mould and mildew resistant
Stain-resistant
Easily cleaned
Softer and smoother texture than polyester, with a silky feel
Often used for tougher pet applications (see dog beds designed for durability)
Disadvantages of Nylon
Can fade faster in direct sunlight
Less commonly recycled and typically more energy-intensive to produce than polyester
Non-biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution
Can look overly shiny depending on weave and coating
May generate static electricity
Nylon can melt at lower temperatures compared to polyester, affecting performance in high-heat environments
Polyester Overview
Polyester refers to a group of synthetic compounds that can be woven or knitted into fabric. The most common form is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is also used to produce many plastic bottles. If you’re specifically wondering about weather protection, here’s a deeper dive on whether polyester fabric is waterproof.
Polyester became widely popular from the mid-20th century onwards and is now used in clothing, upholstery, insulation, tarps, and outdoor furniture due to its strength, colour retention, and resistance to stretching.
Virgin polyester is made from petroleum-based raw materials and has a significant environmental footprint. Recycled polyester uses existing plastic as its source material and can be a more sustainable alternative, depending on the process and application.
Advantages of Polyester
Very durable and abrasion-resistant
Resists water and dries quickly
More heat-resistant than nylon
Resists stretching and shrinking
Mould and mildew resistant
Holds colour well and resists fading
Easy to clean (often suitable for spot cleaning and gentle washing)
Recyclable (depending on the type and construction) — see polyester recyclability explained
Common in sportswear due to moisture-wicking capabilities
Disadvantages of Polyester
Less breathable than many natural fibres
Oils can stain depending on finish and weave
Dyeing and manufacturing can contribute to pollution (recycled options can help reduce impact)
Synthetic Fibre Production
Synthetic fibres begin as small plastic pellets. Polyester fabric is typically made from PET pellets, while nylon fabric is made from polyamide polymers. The pellets are melted, extruded into fibres, stretched, and spun into thread. That thread is then woven or knitted into fabric.
This controlled process makes it possible to engineer specific performance characteristics, such as improved abrasion resistance, lower water absorption, or greater colour retention.
Physical Properties
Nylon is known for strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance. Polyester is known for shape retention, wrinkle resistance, and strong colour performance. Both fabrics can be excellent outdoors, but they behave differently under heat, UV exposure, and moisture.
Moisture Wicking and Comfort
Both nylon and polyester are used in moisture-wicking fabrics, designed to move sweat away from the skin so it can evaporate faster. Nylon can absorb a small amount of water, which can feel comfortable in humid conditions, but it often dries slower than polyester. Polyester is more moisture-resistant and typically dries faster, making it a popular choice for outdoor products that face frequent splashes or damp conditions.
Nylon vs Polyester for Outdoor Bean Bag Chairs
Nylon and polyester are both used in outdoor applications, including many outdoor bean bags. Because they’re similar in many ways, the best choice often depends on your priorities: softness and elasticity (nylon) versus colour retention and UV performance (polyester).
One way manufacturers compare synthetic fabrics is using denier (D), which measures fibre thickness and weight. Many nylon outdoor fabrics are around 420D. Polyester outdoor fabrics can be woven with a higher thread count (often at higher deniers), which can improve overall strength and durability in the finished material.
Home Furnishings
Nylon and polyester are also common in home furnishings such as carpets, curtains, and upholstery because they’re durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain. Recycled polyester is increasingly used in furnishings as brands seek lower-impact options without sacrificing performance.
Which Is Stronger?
On a weight-for-weight basis, nylon is generally stronger and more elastic than polyester. However, polyester often performs better for outdoor seating where UV exposure and colour fastness matter. Nylon tends to fade more quickly in sunlight, while polyester dyes bond more strongly and typically hold colour longer.
That UV advantage is why polyester is often recommended for outdoor furniture in high-sun environments, including Australia. If you want context on extreme UV conditions, see where the sunniest place on Earth is and why UV exposure matters for fabrics.
Waterproofing also plays a role. Polyester doesn’t absorb water the same way nylon can, and in many outdoor applications it performs better in wet conditions. If you’re comparing materials more broadly, this guide on what fabrics are waterproof is useful for understanding how coatings and weaves change performance.
We hope this has answered your questions about nylon vs polyester and helped you choose the best fabric for your outdoor setup.
