A Guide to Fabrics: What You Need to Know About Polyester, Nylon, & Polypropylene Fabric

Who Invented Polyester Fabric?

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Polyester fabric was invented by W.H. Carothers in the U.K. in 1926. The scientists discovered polyester after performing experiments combining acid and alcohol. The fibers that formed from these experiments were eventually created into polyester fabric!

The DuPont Corporation was the first company to create polyester fibers suitable for mass production. Eventually, American investors became interested in the fabric for soldier's uniforms, parachutes, and other items used in World War I.

Can Polyester Be Washed?

It is generally recommended to machine wash polyester in warm water with all-purpose detergent. Always dry polyester on a low temperature setting because high temperatures can cause shrinking. Typically, polyester is wrinkle-resistant and resistant to color fading, so it is a resilient material that is safe to wash.

How is Polyester Recycled?

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Polyester is recycled by first being collected, then melted down into chips that are then either turned into other items or processed into yarn-like thread. The thread is used to create fabric for clothing or other common items. Recycling polyester is an easy way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Even though polyester isn't the best for the environment, it's used by a ton of brands to make their products. In 2018, the Textile Exchange, a non-profit dedicated to a sustainable future, challenged a bunch of these companies to increase their use of rPET (recycled polyester) by 25% by 2020. It worked like a charm, and to date over 59 major brands have taken the pledge including Target, H&M, IKEA, Adidas, and Gap.

Who Invented Nylon?

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Nylon was invented by a British chemist named Wallace Carothers in 1935. Carothers was creating several synthetic fabrics when he discovered nylon. The long elastic fibers were made into a textile fabric soon after.

At first, nylon was used to create toothbrushes, fishing line, surgical thread, and women's hosiery. During World War II, it was also used to make parachutes which were then repurposed for clothing after the war. This sparked the original idea to use nylon in clothing!

Today, nylon is still an extremely popular material and is used to make a variety of products.

What is Nylon Used For?

Nylon was used in the military during World War II to make parachutes and mosquito nets. Although this textile is still used in these items today, it can also be found in gloves, luggage, wedding gowns, ponchos, and combat uniforms. Nylon is a great material if you're looking for something lightweight and difficult to break.

The following products are made from nylon:

• Women's stockings
• Leggings
• Form-fitting pants
• Tights
• Hair combs
• Toothbrushes
• Food packaging
• Machine screws
• Umbrellas
• Sportswear
• Gloves
• Luggage
• Wedding gowns
• Ponchos
• Backpacks
• Tents
• Sleeping bags
• Sails
• Tennis racket strings
• Fishing poles
• Combat uniforms

Most thin, lightweight, or flexible material likely has nylon in it! While nylon is commonly mixed with fibers of another material, it is great at enhancing fabrics like cotton or silk.

Can Nylon Be Washed?

Nylon clothing can be washed in the washing machine! Use cold water, a mild detergent, and the cycle suggested by the care tag. If it doesn't specify the cycle, go with a gentle cycle as it's the less likely to cause damage. Be sure to wash the nylon items separately than other fabrics and only use your iron or the dryer if absolutely necessary. Nylon and heat don't play well together!

How is Nylon Recycled?

You can recycle nylon, but you have to look for takeback programs either online or in your community. Companies like Materials for the Arts, The Scrap Exchange, and No Nonsense all take nylon and repurpose it into new items and materials.

Visit any of their sites to learn more information:

You can also check out Earth 911's helpful recycling directory. Simply type in “nylon” along with your location and you'll be taken to a screen that lists a ton of places where you can take your nylon items for recycling.

What Is the Difference Between Nylon vs. Polypropylene?

Nylon and polypropylene are two very different synthetic materials. The main differences are most noticeable when it comes to durability and flexibility.

The differences between nylon and polypropylene include:

• Polypropylene is more durable than nylon.
• Nylon is typically combined with another material during production.
• Nylon is flexible and stretchy whereas polypropylene has less give.
• Polypropylene is a duller material and nylon is more silky.
• Nylon is a replacement for silk, while polypropylene is a replacement for wool or cotton.

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If you are looking for stretchy breathable material to work out in, consider pants with nylon in them! On the other hand, polypropylene would be a great material for colder weather or as an insulating layer of clothing. Both materials, though vastly different, have their unique benefits depending on the situation.

What's the Difference Between a Woven and Non-Woven Fabric?

Woven fabric is created by weaving fibers together to form a t-shirt, blanket, or pair of socks. A non-woven fabric, on the other hand, is pressed together using heat, chemicals, or a mechanical treatment.

Woven Fabrics

Woven fabrics are made with natural materials such as cotton, silk, or wool. The strength of woven materials depends on the type of thread used. Woven fabric can be versatile because multiple materials can be used at once.

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Non-Woven Fabrics

Non-woven fabrics are made from synthetic fibers derived from plastics like polypropylene, polyester, or nylon. These fabrics tend to be water-repellent, excellent insulators, and can even provide a bacterial barrier. Normally, non-woven fabric is more affordable and more durable than woven materials.