Polyester vs Nylon: Key Differences, Uses, and How to Choose

If you’re comparing fabrics and wondering what is the difference between polyester and nylon, the most practical answer is this: polyester typically excels in UV stability and shape retention, while nylon is often chosen for higher toughness and abrasion performance. Both are synthetic polymers, but their real-world behavior changes based on yarn type, weave/knit, coatings, and finishing.

Polyester vs nylon at a glance

Use this table as a quick reference. Values are typical ranges used in textiles; the exact numbers vary by grade, fiber shape, and finishing.

Typical property ranges used to compare polyester and nylon in everyday textiles
Property	Polyester (PET)	Nylon (PA 6 / PA 6,6)	What it means in use
Density	~1.38 g/cm³	~1.13–1.15 g/cm³	Nylon can feel lighter at similar fabric thickness.
Melting point	~255–265°C	~220–265°C (by type)	Both can melt with high heat (irons/dryers); nylon is often less heat-forgiving.
Moisture regain	~0.4–0.5%	~3–4%	Nylon absorbs more moisture, which can affect drying time and dimensional stability.
Tensile strength (fiber)	~0.6–0.9 GPa (typical)	~0.7–1.0+ GPa (typical)	Nylon is often selected for higher toughness and impact resistance, but fabric construction matters.
UV resistance	Generally better	Often needs stabilizers	Polyester tends to hold up longer in sun exposure (awnings, outdoor wear).
Abrasion resistance	Good	Often excellent	Nylon is common in packs/luggage panels that see scraping and wear.
Wrinkle/shape retention	Strong	Good, can relax when wet	Polyester is often chosen for crisp drape and lower wrinkling in daily wear.
Cost (typical market)	Often lower	Often higher	Polyester dominates high-volume apparel; nylon is used strategically for performance zones.

Practical takeaway: if sunlight exposure and easy-care are priorities, polyester is frequently the safer baseline; if abrasion and “toughness per weight” matter most, nylon is often the upgrade.

What polyester is best at (and where it struggles)

Where polyester performs well

Sun-heavy environments: many polyester fabrics maintain strength and color longer under UV compared with nylon.
Low water absorption: with moisture regain around ~0.4–0.5%, polyester generally dries faster and resists swelling.
Shape retention and wrinkles: polyester is widely used in travel clothing and uniforms because it holds creases and resists wrinkling.

Common trade-offs

Can feel less “supple” in some weaves compared with nylon; softer hand usually requires specific yarns/finishes.
Oil-based stains can bond strongly; performance finishes help, but laundering technique matters.
Heat sensitivity: high dryer settings and hot irons can deform fibers; use lower heat or a press cloth.

Example: for patio cushions, awnings, and sun-exposed outer layers, polyester is often favored because UV stability is a leading failure point outdoors, not just strength.

What nylon is best at (and where it struggles)

Where nylon performs well

Abrasion and scuff resistance: nylon is a common choice for backpacks, luggage, and reinforcements because it often resists wear exceptionally well.
Toughness and impact performance: nylon can absorb energy and resist tearing in demanding applications (think pack cloth or workwear panels).
Weight efficiency: with density around ~1.13–1.15 g/cm³, nylon fabrics can achieve performance targets with less mass in some designs.

Common trade-offs

Moisture absorption: typical moisture regain around ~3–4% can mean slower drying and some dimensional change when wet.
UV vulnerability: long sun exposure can weaken nylon unless stabilized; this matters for outdoor gear stored or used in direct sunlight.
Heat sensitivity: nylon can glaze or melt with high heat; low-temperature care is safer for longevity.

Example: for a hiking backpack that’s scraped against rock, nylon is commonly used on high-wear panels because abrasion is the dominant damage mode in that scenario.

Water, wind, and “waterproof”: what the fiber does vs what the fabric does

A frequent source of confusion in the polyester vs nylon debate is water performance. The fiber type influences absorption, but “waterproofness” usually comes from construction and coatings (PU, TPU, silicone, membranes), plus seam sealing.

How the difference shows up in practice

Polyester absorbs very little water, so it tends to feel less “clammy” and can dry quickly after rain or washing.
Nylon can absorb more moisture and may stretch slightly when wet, which can reduce tautness in shelters or change drape in garments.
Key rule: if a product is marketed as waterproof, focus on the membrane/coating and seams first; fiber choice is secondary.

Concrete example: two rain jackets—one polyester, one nylon—can perform similarly if both use the same membrane and seam sealing; the bigger difference may be durability (face fabric) and how the jacket handles long-term sun exposure.

Choosing by use case: clothing, bags, and outdoor gear

Everyday clothing (tees, athleisure, office-friendly synthetics)

Polyester is common because it’s cost-effective, resists wrinkles, and maintains shape. For comfort, look for filament yarns, brushed finishes, or blends. If odor is a concern, prioritize antimicrobial treatments or fabric structures that dry quickly (regardless of fiber).

Activewear and stretch garments

Both fibers are frequently blended with elastane/spandex. Nylon often feels smoother and can be more abrasion-resistant (useful for leggings), while polyester can offer better long-term color and UV stability in sun-heavy sports.

Bags, backpacks, and luggage

Nylon is widely used for high-wear gear because it often delivers strong abrasion performance for its weight. Polyester is also common and can be excellent, especially when UV exposure is high (commuter bags left in cars or sunlit spaces).

Outdoor equipment (tents, tarps, shells)

If you want a shelter or tarp that stays dimensionally stable and handles sunlight well, polyester is frequently chosen. If you want maximum toughness in a lightweight package, nylon is common, but it benefits from UV management (storage, stabilizers, or protective coatings).

A practical decision checklist

If you need a quick, constructive way to decide between the two materials, use this short sequence. It focuses on outcomes rather than buzzwords.

Will it spend lots of time in direct sun? If yes, lean polyester unless the nylon is clearly UV-stabilized.
Will it be scraped, dragged, or rubbed often (packs, luggage corners, climbing, workwear panels)? If yes, lean nylon.
Do you care most about quick drying and shape retention after washing? If yes, lean polyester.
Is the product “waterproof”? Validate the coating/membrane and seam construction first; fiber choice is a secondary factor.
Is budget a hard constraint? Comparable constructions often make polyester the more cost-efficient option.

Bottom line: choose polyester for UV resilience and easy-care stability; choose nylon for abrasion-heavy, toughness-first applications.

Care and longevity: how to make either fabric last

Many “polyester vs nylon” disappointments come from care mistakes rather than the fiber itself. These practices are low-effort and typically extend lifespan.

Wash cool to warm, not hot: high heat accelerates wear on coatings and can deform fibers.
Avoid high-heat drying: air-dry or tumble low to reduce glazing, shrink risk, and seam tape stress.
For waterproof items, use specialty detergents and minimize fabric softeners, which can reduce water-repellent performance on some finishes.
Store nylon gear out of sun when possible; UV is a common long-term weakness for many nylon fabrics.

Sustainability notes that matter in real purchases

Both polyester and nylon are petrochemical-based and can shed microfibers during washing. If sustainability is part of your decision, focus on factors you can verify at purchase time.

What to look for

Recycled content claims (for example, recycled polyester is widely available; recycled nylon exists but can be less common in some categories).
Durability-first design: the most sustainable item is often the one you replace less frequently—this can favor nylon in abrasion-heavy uses.
Use a wash bag or microfiber filter if shedding is a concern, especially for fleeces and brushed knits.

Practical sustainability conclusion: buy the material that fits the stress profile of your use case, then care for it to maximize service life.