Which is better - nylon or polyester?

Nylon and polyester are two completely different fabrics that contain artificial yarns. These materials appeared in different years of the last century and almost immediately began to be used for sewing various products. They have their own advantages and disadvantages, similarities and differences. An idea of ​​the composition and properties of each material will help to competently approach the choice of things made of synthetics.

Artificially produced nylon served as a substitute for silk fabrics. At first, parachutes and various products for military needs were sewn from such material. Over time, the fabric began to be used for sewing men's and women's clothing, as well as for upholstery of various interior items.

Adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine are used as raw materials for the production of nylon. As a result of mixing, these components form a salt, which is then combined with a solvent and heated. The result of this process is the formation of polyamide, which is a type of plastic. From it, the material is made, which is used for sewing things. Although nylon is a completely man-made material, it is environmentally friendly.

Other benefits of nylon:

• Fabrics made from it are resistant to tearing and stretching.
• After deformation, the material returns to its original shape;
• Such fabrics are easy to care for;
• Not influenced by bacteria that cause mold and mildew;
• Products made from it are lightweight.

Nylon fabric is a thin and light fabric that resembles silk in appearance, but at a much lower cost.

Among the negative properties of nylon, the following characteristics can be noted.

• Clothes made from this material are airtight and have poor absorbency, which contributes to increased perspiration. In the hot season, such clothes are uncomfortable.
• Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the composition of matter deteriorates, and the fabric spreads.
• During wear, clothes made from this fabric sparkle and electrify.
• Nylon clothing may cause an allergic reaction.

The raw material for the manufacture of polyester is polyester. The main material for making polyester is oil. An intermediate product of its processing is polystyrene, on the basis of which polyester is made, and then polyester. This material is one of the most widespread, it is used for sewing clothes, bags, sports accessories, underwear, etc. Polymer fibers are used as a filler for pillows and blankets, soft toys.

This fabric has a number of positive qualities:

• the color does not fade over time and under the influence of sunlight;
• does not wrinkle;
• durable and resistant to wear;
• just take care of her;
• resistant to mold and mildew.

Negative properties include the following characteristics:

• the material is hard;
• airtight;
• causes a reaction on allergy-prone skin;
• if not properly looked after, it quickly loses its appearance.

Like nylon, polyester sparks and electrifies. But this can be easily eliminated with an antistatic agent.

The characteristics of these two fabrics are very similar. Both materials are reliable, wear resistant, resistant to various bleaches, bacteria and moth larvae. If you properly care for clothes made from these materials, the fabric retains its appearance for a long time. Clothes made from these materials do not need to be worn all the time, because they are poorly absorbable and promote intense sweating, and in some cases cause allergies.

Nylon differs from polyester in its lightness and strength. If you take the same cut of these fabrics, you can see that nylon is much lighter. There are also a few more differences between materials.

• The fabrics differ in the composition of the raw materials. If adipic acid derivatives are used for the production of nylon, then petroleum products are used for the production of polyester.
• Waterproof. Nylon is completely waterproof. Polyester is slightly liquid permeable.
• The difference also lies in the texture of the materials. Polyester has a rough surface and nylon has a smoother surface.

• Under the influence of solar radiation, nylon changes its appearance, while polyester retains its composition and does not change color.

It is easy to confuse nylon and polyester fabrics with each other, because fabric manufacturers use several types of threads in the production process. The use of a variety of fibers makes it possible to obtain a durable product with the best physical and operational qualities. Viscose, acrylic and cotton are often mixed with nylon and polyester.

Nylon and polyester are very durable fabrics, they don't deform and last for several years. They are distinguished by poor water and air permeability, which is why they are not suitable for sewing summer clothes. At the same time, these are the best materials for sewing outerwear.

Since polyester is still slightly moisture permeable, it is better to choose outerwear from nylon. It is better to buy bomber jackets for the summer and swimwear from polyester. The material does not change under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and breathes a little. When buying accessories, for example, a bag, you need to remember that it will be much lighter from nylon. But at the same time, polyester bags will be more durable, and some manufacturers cover them with water and dirt-repellent impregnation.

The quality of the material is not always considered a decisive factor when choosing a thing. Products made from these fabrics can last quite a long time (up to 15 years), but over time they go out of fashion and after 2-3 years you want to buy another thing.

The pros and cons are detailed in the video below.

You can learn about the properties of polyester in the second video.