On a sample card, nylon and polyester can look almost identical: smooth, synthetic and often coated. Yet they behave differently in use, dye differently and sit at different price points. Choosing the wrong one can mean a jacket that wears through too soon, or one that costs more than it needs to.
The short answer
- Choose nylon when strength, abrasion resistance and a soft hand matter most: technical shells, ripstop, packs, tactical gear.
- Choose polyester when UV resistance, shape and color stability and cost matter most: most apparel, linings, uniforms, coated rainwear, printed fabrics.
Side-by-side comparison
| Property | Nylon (polyamide) | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile and tear strength | Higher | High |
| Abrasion resistance | Best of common fibers | Very good |
| Hand feel | Softer, smoother, slight stretch | Crisper, firmer |
| Moisture absorption | Low, but higher than polyester | Very low, dries faster |
| UV and sunlight resistance | Weaker, can yellow and lose strength | Better |
| Shape retention and wrinkles | Can crease more | Holds shape, resists wrinkles |
| Heat resistance | Lower, iron cool | Higher |
| Dyeing | Acid dyes around 100 °C, bright colors | Disperse dyes at about 130 °C under pressure |
| Chemicals | Resists alkalis, weaker against acids | Resists acids, weaker against strong hot alkalis |
| Typical price | Higher, often approaching double | Lower |
Nylon’s abrasion resistance is why brands such as Cordura are nylon. Polyester’s low moisture uptake means its wet strength is almost the same as dry, and its stability makes it the workhorse for coated fabrics and long-running uniform programs.
The denier clue mills use
Yarn thickness is given in denier (D), and by long industry convention the two fibers come in different series:
- Nylon: multiples of 70D, for example 70D, 210D, 420D, 840D, 1680D
- Polyester: multiples of 75D, for example 75D, 150D, 300D, 600D, 1200D
So a “600D oxford” is almost always polyester and a “420D oxford” almost always nylon. It is a useful first check, not proof.
Three ways to tell them apart
1. Burn test, the most reliable quick check. Pull a few yarns and burn them carefully with tweezers over a non-flammable surface.
- Nylon melts and shrinks from the flame, burns slowly with a small bluish flame, usually self-extinguishes, gives white smoke and a celery-like smell, and leaves a hard bead.
- Polyester melts and burns with a yellow flame and black, sooty smoke, has a slightly sweet smell, and also leaves a hard bead.
2. Hand feel. Nylon usually feels smoother, softer and slightly waxy; polyester feels crisper and drier.
3. The crease test. Squeeze the fabric firmly and release. Polyester springs back with few creases; nylon creases more and recovers slowly.
For anything that goes into a contract, especially blends, use laboratory fiber analysis. Our guide on how to verify fiber content explains the options.
Where each one fits
| End use | Usual choice |
|---|---|
| Lightweight technical shells, down jackets | Nylon taslon or nylon ripstop |
| Tactical and outdoor gear, packs | Nylon ripstop or nylon oxford |
| Rainwear, covers, tents | Coated polyester |
| Linings and light jackets | Polyester taffeta or pongee |
| Uniforms, workwear, activewear | Polyester or poly blends such as T/C twill |
Both are available in recycled versions; see recycled polyester and nylon.
Yongbo Textile weaves and finishes both nylon and polyester, including ripstop, taslon, taffeta, pongee and coated fabrics, with PFAS-free DWR. Not sure which fiber your program needs? Tell us the end use and budget and we’ll recommend one. 🌐 yongbotex.com
Frequently asked questions
Which is stronger, nylon or polyester?
Nylon has higher tensile strength and the best abrasion resistance of common fibers, so at the same weight it usually outperforms polyester in tear and abrasion tests.
Is nylon or polyester more waterproof?
Neither fiber is waterproof on its own. Polyester absorbs less water and dries faster; nylon absorbs a little more. Waterproofing comes from tight construction, coating or membranes, and water repellency from a DWR finish.
Why is nylon more expensive than polyester?
Nylon's raw materials and polymer production cost more, and it is produced in smaller volumes. Nylon fabric typically costs noticeably more than an equivalent polyester fabric.
How can I tell nylon from polyester?
A burn test is the clearest home check: nylon self-extinguishes, gives white smoke and smells like celery; polyester gives black, sooty smoke and a sweet smell. For a contract, use lab fiber analysis.
Which is better for outdoor jackets?
Nylon is preferred for lightweight, high-performance shells and ripstop where strength and softness matter. Polyester is preferred where UV exposure, color stability and cost matter more.