Nylon Sportswear Fabric
The strongest synthetic fiber in sportswear. Ultra-abrasion-resistant, featherlight, and wind-blocking — trusted for outerwear, swimwear, and high-wear athletic gear in 40+ countries.
What Is Nylon Sportswear Fabric?
Nylon sportswear fabric is a polyamide-based synthetic textile renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Originally developed by DuPont in the 1930s, nylon has evolved into the go-to fiber for applications where abrasion resistance, lightweight packability, and wind protection are non-negotiable.
Our nylon range includes 100% nylon taffeta, ripstop, tricot, and nylon-spandex blends (88/12, 85/15, 80/20) — each engineered for specific end-uses from lightweight wind shells to compression swimwear.
Every batch undergoes rigorous testing for tear strength (ASTM D1424), abrasion resistance (Martindale), water repellency (AATCC 22), and colorfastness before shipping.
Fabric Composition Options
Each composition is selected for specific performance properties — from silky drape to extreme stretch recovery.
GSM Range & Use Cases
Nylon's incredible strength at low weights makes it the champion of lightweight performance fabrics.
Packable Shells
Light Jackets
Running Gear
Activewear
Outdoor Gear
Puffer Shells
Reinforced
Why Brands Choose Nylon
Properties that set nylon apart from every other sportswear fabric.
Abrasion Resistant
Withstands 3× more friction cycles than polyester — ideal for high-contact zones.
Ultra-Lightweight
Achieves full coverage at weights as low as 70 GSM without sacrificing durability.
Wind Resistant
Tight weave structure blocks wind penetration naturally — no membrane needed at mid-weights.
Quick Dry
Wicks and evaporates moisture rapidly — slightly slower than polyester but excellent in practice.
High Tensile Strength
1.5× stronger than polyester at equivalent weight — resists tearing under stress.
Packable
Extremely compressible — garments fold into pocket-sized packages for travel.
Silky Drape
Naturally smooth hand feel with a luxurious, silk-like drape and sheen.
What It's Used For
Nylon excels in categories where strength, lightness, and weather resistance matter most.
Nylon vs. Polyester — Head to Head
An honest, data-driven comparison so you can choose the right fabric for each product in your line.
| Property | Nylon | Polyester |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Higher Nylon | Good but lower |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent Nylon | Good |
| Weight (same strength) | 20–30% lighter Nylon | Heavier at equal strength |
| Moisture Wicking | Good | Slightly faster Polyester |
| Sublimation | Not natively compatible | Excellent Polyester |
| UV Resistance | Degrades faster without treatment | Naturally better Polyester |
| Hand Feel / Drape | Silkier, softer Nylon | Slightly coarser |
| Wind Resistance | Naturally wind-blocking Nylon | Requires coating |
| Cost Per Meter | 15–25% higher | More affordable Polyester |
| Color Fastness | Grade 4–5 | Grade 4–5 Tie |
| Packability | Extremely compressible Nylon | Good but bulkier |
Honest Assessment
- Highest tensile strength of any common sportswear fiber
- Exceptional abrasion resistance — 3× better than polyester
- Extremely lightweight without sacrificing durability
- Naturally wind-resistant at medium-to-high GSM
- Silky, luxurious hand feel with excellent drape
- Highly packable — compresses to minimal volume
- Takes dye beautifully with deep, rich color saturation
- Excellent base for DWR, PU, and membrane treatments
- 15–25% more expensive than polyester per meter
- Not compatible with sublimation printing (uncoated)
- Degrades under prolonged UV exposure without treatment
- Absorbs more moisture than polyester (4% vs 0.4%)
- Can generate static electricity in dry conditions
- Not biodegradable — same environmental concerns as polyester
Best Printing Methods for Nylon
Nylon requires different printing approaches than polyester. Here are the three methods we recommend.
Screen Printing
The most reliable method for nylon. We use nylon-specific inks — solvent-based or specially formulated plastisol — that bond securely with polyamide fibers without cracking.
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Polyurethane (PU) vinyl transfers work excellently on nylon. Flexible, stretch-compatible, and available in unlimited colors — ideal for logos, names, and numbers.
Digital / Pigment Printing
Direct-to-fabric digital printing using pigment inks. Best for complex, photographic designs on nylon where screen setup cost isn't justified.
Make It Yours
Nylon is one of the most treatment-friendly synthetics — almost any finish can be applied.
Weave Type
Taffeta, ripstop, tricot, satin, oxford — choose your construction.
Custom GSM
Any weight from 70–300 GSM, precision-tailored to spec.
DWR Treatment
Durable water repellent finish — water beads and rolls off.
PU Coating
Polyurethane coating for waterproof shells and puffer linings.
UV Stabilizer
UV-absorbing finish to prevent degradation from sun exposure.
Anti-Static
Conductive finish that eliminates static buildup in dry conditions.
Ordering Process
From first contact to delivery — a streamlined 5-step process.
Inquiry
Day 0Samples
3–5 DaysApproval
1–2 DaysProduction
15–21 DaysDelivery
4–7 DaysMOQ, Capacity & Lead Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More Fabrics
Complete your product range with complementary fabric options from our mill.
Ready to Start Your Nylon Order?
Get a detailed quote with pricing, lead time, and free fabric samples — typically within 4 business hours.