Nylon
What is Nylon?
Nylon is a family of synthetic polymers (polyamides) made from petroleum through chemical reactions combining diamine and dicarboxylic acid, creating strong, elastic fibers. Nylon as a clothing material provides unprecedented strength, elasticity, and durability at relatively low cost financially, but it sheds substantial microplastics, doesn't biodegrade, requires petroleum extraction and energy-intensive manufacturing, and can off-gas chemicals.
For those seeking plastic-free living, nylon can be tricky to avoid in certain apparel categories that use the material to enhance strength and quick drying properties. With the right selection alternatives for specific use cases, natural fibers like merino wool, silk, and cotton provide superior breathability, moisture management, and comfort without promoting harmful microplastic exposure.
Nylon roping and bags. Photo: Pexels
Common Uses for Nylon
Apparel: Hosiery, pantyhose, tights, activewear, swimwear, underwear, windbreakers, rain jackets
Outdoor Gear: Tents, tent flies, backpacks, sleeping bag shells, stuff sacks, dry bags
Athletic Gear: Running shorts, yoga pants, sports bras, compression gear, swimsuits
Footwear: Shoe uppers, shoelaces, athletic shoe components
Home Textiles: Carpets, rugs, upholstery (blended)
Personal Care: Toothbrush bristles, hairbrush bristles, cosmetic brushes
Is Nylon Safe? Health & Safety Recommendations
Microplastic Concerns: Nylon sheds substantial amounts of microplastics, among the highest of all synthetic fabrics. Nylon activewear, tights, and swimwear shed microplastics continuously through wear, friction, and movement, which can be easily absorbed through skin contact and even inhaled from airborne fibers.
Chemical Safety: Other than microplastic shedding, nylon fabric often releases chemical residues from processing including formaldehyde-based finishes, flame retardants, antimicrobial treatments, and dyes that may contain heavy metals or carcinogenic compounds. New nylon clothing can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), causing that characteristic synthetic smell. Nylon doesn't breathe well, trapping sweat and heat against skin, which can cause rashes, irritation, and fungal infections. Some nylon fabrics are treated with PFAS (forever chemicals) for water resistance, adding additional health concerns.
Nylon roping and bags. Photo: Pexels
Frequently Asked Questions About Nylon
Is nylon plastic?
Yes, nylon is plastic. It's a synthetic polymer (polyamide) made from petroleum through chemical processes. Nylon fabric is essentially plastic fibers woven into textile form, just like polyester. The material is petroleum-based and shares the same fundamental issues as other plastics.
Does nylon shed microplastics?
Yes, nylon sheds substantial amounts of microplastics, among the highest of all synthetic fabrics. A single nylon garment can shed hundreds of thousands of microplastic fibers in one wash cycle. Nylon tights, activewear, and swimwear shed microplastics continuously through wear.
What should I do with nylon clothing I already own?
Prioritize replacing nylon clothings as soon as possible to reduce microplastic exposure, starting with items with direct skin contact (underwear, tights, base layers).