Nylon fabric and polyester fabric are very similar materials. Both are synthetic fabrics made from petroleum-based materials. Both are found in outdoor bean bag chairs.
When choosing outdoor bean bag chairs, a common question is nylon vs polyester—which fabric is better? The better fabric depends on your intended use, as each material has unique properties that make it a better fabric for specific applications. While both are synthetic and share similar qualities, they differ in key areas, such as weight, breathability, stain resistance, and colour fastness. Nylon is generally more expensive than polyester due to its more complex production process. Understanding these differences can help you make the right choice for your outdoor space. As more people consider eco-conscious decisions when buying outdoor furniture, many also wonder: Is polyester recyclable? Is polyester fabric safe? How does it compare to nylon in terms of sustainability? And what are the differences between polyester and cotton in terms of comfort and durability?
Introduction to Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres, such as polyester and nylon, have revolutionised the textile industry and are now a staple in everyday life. These man-made materials are crafted from plastic compounds derived from petroleum, resulting in fabrics that are highly durable and versatile. Both nylon and polyester are widely used in outdoor gear, thanks to their moisture-wicking properties and resistance to environmental factors. Whether you’re looking for moisture-wicking fabrics for activewear or sturdy materials for home furnishings, synthetic fibres like these offer a range of benefits that natural fibres often can’t match. Understanding the unique qualities of both nylon and polyester can help you choose the best fabric for your needs, whether it’s for comfort, durability, or performance.
Nylon vs Polyester: Nylon Overview
Nylon is a group of synthetic polymers known as thermoplastics or aliphatic polyamides, derived from petroleum. Nylon belongs to the polyamide family and is a synthetic polymer, which gives it unique chemical and physical properties. Nylon’s first use was as an alternative to silk. But its first commercial application was for toothbrush bristles in 1938. In 1940, it was followed by women’s stockings. During WWII, nylon was used extensively by the military and was challenging to obtain by the general public. Today, nylon remains one of the most commonly used fabrics in the world, second only to cotton. Nylon is often used for military gear and outdoor wear due to its strength. The durability nylon offers makes it a durable option for demanding applications, thanks to its resistance to abrasion, heat, and chemicals.
Additionally, being a fabric, nylon can be condensed into a hard yet flexible solid for use in mechanical parts, gears, hair combs, and other items. Other industrial applications include racket strings, dental floss, and fishing line, which benefit from nylon's strength and resilience. Nylon forms through a chemical reaction in a process known as ring-opening polymerisation. The molecules of the raw materials from which nylon forms are in a ring form. But a chemical reaction, usually between adipoyl chloride and hexamethylene diamine, causes the rings to open and flatten into curly strings that bond to one another. Nylon fibres and nylon fabrics are widely used in textiles, offering softness, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. When nylon stretches, the fibres become thin and smooth yet retain nylon's strength and elasticity.
Advantages of Nylon
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Highly elastic
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Durable and abrasion-resistant
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Resilient
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Water-resistant
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Mould and mildew resistant
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Stain-resistant
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Easily cleaned
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Softer and smoother texture than polyester, with a silky feel that enhances comfort and wearability
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Ideal for dog beds
Disadvantages of Nylon
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Fades easily in sunlight
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Environmentally unfriendly, not recyclable — The environmental impact of nylon is significant due to its energy-intensive production process, reliance on petrochemicals, and non-biodegradability. Unlike polyester, nylon is less commonly recycled, which increases its ecological footprint.
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Non-biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution
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Overly shiny appearance
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May generate static electricity
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Nylon melts at lower temperatures compared to polyester, which affects its heat resistance and durability in high-heat applications.
Polyester Overview
Polyester is a term for a group of synthetic compounds that can be woven or knitted into fabric. The most common form of polyester in the fabric is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is also used to create several types of plastic bottles. So, is Polyester fabric waterproof? Polyester evolved in the U.K. in the early 1940s. By the mid-1950s, it had already become a popular textile around the world. Today, polyester is used to manufacture a variety of products. These include textiles, belts, furniture, insulation, padding, tarps and glossy finishes for hardwoods. Polyester is also used in a variety of home furnishings, like curtains and upholstery. Like nylon, polyester is formed through a chemical process involving a chain reaction. Virgin polyester refers to polyester made directly from petroleum-based raw materials, and its production is energy- and water-intensive, contributing significantly to pollution.
In contrast, recycled polyester is made from existing plastic and offers a more sustainable alternative. However, the reaction occurs between monoethylene glycol, purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) to create bis (terephthalate). When bis terephthalate is heated, it turns into PET, which is highly malleable and can be combined into long, thin and unbroken fibres.
Advantages of Polyester
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Very durable and abrasion-resistant — polyester's durability makes it ideal for a wide range of demanding uses, including outdoor gear, industrial applications, and performance clothing.
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Resists water, dries quickly — polyester is highly moisture-resistant, with quick-drying properties that make it perfect for activewear and outdoor clothing where staying dry is important.
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Heat-resistant and flame-retardant — polyester is more heat-resistant than nylon and is also flame-retardant, making it suitable for outdoor and safety applications where thermal protection is needed.
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Resists stretching and shrinking
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Mould and mildew resistant
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Holds colour well, resists fading
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Easy to clean, may be dry cleaned
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Recyclable
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Commonly used in sportswear due to moisture-wicking capabilities
Disadvantages of Polyester
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Non-breathable
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Oils may stain
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Dries faster than nylon
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The dyeing process for polyester fabric can cause significant water pollution, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems. Recycling polyester helps mitigate some of the environmental issues associated with traditional dyeing methods.
Synthetic Fibre Production
The journey from raw materials to finished fabric begins with the creation of small plastic pellets, which serve as the building blocks for synthetic fibres. In the case of polyester fabric, these pellets are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic compound known for its strength and versatility. For nylon fabric, the process starts with polyamide polymers, which are valued for their superior durability and abrasion resistance. These small plastic pellets are melted, stretched into long fibres, and then spun into threads. The threads are woven or knitted into fabric, which is then used to create a wide range of products, from outdoor gear to home furnishings. This production process allows manufacturers to develop fabrics with specific properties, such as enhanced durability or water resistance, making both polyester and nylon ideal for a wide range of applications.
Physical Properties
Both nylon and polyester fibres possess distinct physical properties that make them suitable for different uses. Nylon is renowned for its exceptional strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance, making it a top choice for outdoor gear and products that require long-lasting durability. Polyester fibres, on the other hand, are highly resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and stretching, making them ideal for home furnishings and clothing that require maintaining their shape and appearance. Polyester’s durability also makes it a preferred material for heavy-duty items, such as conveyor belts and seatbelts. The unique physical properties of both nylon and polyester ensure that these synthetic fabrics can meet the demands of a wide range of applications, from rugged outdoor adventures to everyday household use.
Moisture Wicking and Comfort
Moisture-wicking fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable by efficiently managing sweat and moisture. These synthetic fibres draw moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly and helping to regulate body temperature. Nylon absorbs a small amount of water, which can provide a comfortable feel in humid conditions, but it may take longer to dry compared to polyester. Polyester is highly resistant to moisture and dries rapidly, making it a popular choice for outdoor clothing, sleeping bags, and activewear. The moisture-wicking properties of both fabrics are also beneficial in products such as fishing nets and other outdoor gear, where keeping dry is essential for optimal performance and comfort.
Nylon vs Polyester
Nylon fabric and polyester fabric are very similar materials. Both are found in outdoor bean bag chairs. Due to their similarity, the material best suited for outdoor bean bags is largely dependent on the buyer’s personal preferences. It also depends on the specific type of nylon vs polyester. The measure of the density of nylon, polyester, and other fabrics is known as the denier (D, DEN). Most of the nylon fabric utilised for bean bags have a denier of 420D. At the same time, the polyester used in our bean bags is 1680D. The denier measurement denotes linear mass density. Denier can be determined by comparing its strength to that of the same type of material. While nylon has a lower denier thickness than polyester does, it is inherently stronger than polyester on a weight-for-weight basis. However, since polyester is a finer thread, it can be woven with a higher thread count, thereby strengthening the finished product.
Both nylon and polyester are widely used in various industrial applications, such as tyre cords, hoses, and conveyor belts, due to their strength and durability. Each fabric also has unique properties: nylon is known for its excellent abrasion resistance and elasticity, while polyester offers superior resistance to shrinking and stretching. Neither nylon nor polyester is completely hypoallergenic, and both share certain drawbacks, including their reliance on petrochemicals and the potential for static buildup. The environmental footprint of both materials is significant, as their production consumes substantial amounts of energy and water; however, recycling processes can help mitigate their overall impact. Lost fishing nets, made from nylon and polyester, contribute to marine pollution and pose a significant threat to aquatic life, particularly marine mammals. Both fabrics are resistant to mould and mildew, making them suitable for outdoor gear, and they also offer good resistance to UV rays, which helps them withstand prolonged outdoor exposure.
Home Furnishings
Nylon and polyester are widely used in home furnishings due to their durability, water resistance, and ease of care. These synthetic fabrics are commonly found in carpets, curtains, draperies, bedspreads, and upholstery, offering long-lasting performance and resistance to mildew. Their ability to withstand daily wear and tear makes them a practical choice for busy households. Additionally, the use of recycled polyester and other sustainable materials is becoming more common in home furnishings, helping to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the benefits of synthetic fibers. Whether you’re looking for stylish drapes or a durable sofa, nylon and polyester fabrics provide reliable options for any home.
Which Is Stronger?
Of the two materials, nylon is stronger and more stretchable than polyester. Nylon's strength makes it a preferred material for fishing lines, where durability and resilience are essential. This stretchability occurs because nylon absorbs a small amount of water, whereas polyester does not absorb any, as it is waterproof. Because it absorbs water more than polyester, nylon does not hold dye well. Polyester is easier to dye than nylon. Nylon tends to fade rapidly when exposed to sunlight. Whereas dye bonds strongly to polyester fabric and is unaffected by UV radiation.
Additionally, nylon takes longer to dry than polyester. Moisture management is an important factor in fabric performance and wearer comfort, as materials that wick moisture away from the body help keep users dry and comfortable. The durability, mould resistance and ease of cleaning are close between these two fabrics. However, Polyester is recommended for outdoor bean bag chairs because it holds colour longer. Polyester has superior colour fastness to light, making it more suitable for countries with a high UV Index. It also resists piling, which prevents the fabric from fraying at the seams. Additionally, nylon may stretch after several cycles of exposure to hot sunlight, requiring additional filling to maintain the furniture’s shape. We hope we’ve answered all your questions about nylon vs. polyester today.
