When it comes to choosing a jacket, there are many factors to consider.
Do you want something warm and fuzzy or lightweight and weatherproof?
Short or long?
Fancy or casual?
But above all, two of the most critical choices are nylon vs. polyester?
Both materials have pros and cons, making it hard to decide which one to go for.
I am going to break down all the positives and negatives of each material so you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
What wears better, Polyester or Nylon?
Both of them are artificial fabrics. They are made from different compounds, but they share many resemblances.
Both materials are strong, durable, and easy to care for. They are also creaseproof and colorfast. However, there are some essential differences between these two fabrics.
Polyester is more impervious to grazing than nylon, so it is a good choice for clothing that will see a lot of wear. Nylon is more flexible than polyester, so it is often used in sportswear.
Nylon is also less likely to pill over time. In general, both polyester and nylon are good choices for clothing that needs to be durable and easy to maintain.
However, the best choice for a particular garment depends on the intended use, which is nylon in the case of the jacket.
Is Polyester or Nylon Better for cold weather?
Both of the fabrics are made from petroleum products. Polyester is made by combining long chains of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
On the other hand, nylon is made by combining amides like hexamethylenediamine and sebacic acid.
Polyester is generally better at wicking moisture away from the body, while nylon is better at insulating against heat loss.
However, both fabrics are suitable for winter wear. Polyester is a good choice if you’re looking for something that will keep you warm and dry.
If you’re looking for something that will insulate against heat loss, nylon is the one to go for. Ultimately, the best fabric for your jacket depends on your particular requirements.
Which one is warmer, Nylon or Polyester?
When deciding which fabric is best for providing maximum warmth, there are a few factors to consider.
First, you need to think about the weight of the fabric. A heavier fabric will provide more insulation, while a lighter fabric will be better for layering.
Another important consideration is how well the fabric breathes. You don’t want a fabric that will trap your body heat, but you also don’t want one that will let all your warmth escape.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider how water-resistant the fabric is. In general, nylon will be a better choice for winter weather than polyester.
Nylon is lighter in weight, stretchy, and more comfortable. It keeps your body heat trapped but not so much to make you feel suffocated. However, it has the tendency to feel cold if it gets wet by any chance, either through sweating or rain.
So, if you live in an area where it frequently rains, or you have overly active sweat glands, a polyester jacket will be a better option for you.
Difference between Nylon and Polyester Jackets
While both of the fabrics are excellent choices for jackets, assessing them through various aspects will help you make a better decision.
Let’s take a look at how both of the fabrics vary in different areas.
- Strength
Since both Polyester and Nylon fabrics have polymer-based construction, they are pretty similar in strength.
However, nylon’s strength is slightly higher than polyester’s because it is capable of stretching to a greater extent. It’s less likely to rip, and it can withstand more wear and tear. Polyester is also a strong fabric, but it’s not as durable as nylon.
- Comfort
Nylon takes an edge in the comfort area as well. It’s softer and smoother, and it has a more natural feel. Polyester is also a comfortable fabric, but it’s not as soft or smooth as nylon.
- Sun Protection
Nylon provides better sun protection than polyester when it’s new. It has a higher UPF rating, which means it blocks out more of the sun’s harmful UV rays. But, constant and excessive exposure to the sun can cause the nylon to fade.
On the other hand, polyester provides pretty good sun protection, whether new or old. It might not be able to resist UV rays as effectively as nylon, but its performance remains constant throughout.
- Moisture Wicking
Both nylon and polyester are synthetic fabrics, and hence they are hydrophobic. This means that they can both prevent water from penetrating inside, making them excellent at moisture wicking.
However, polyester is more hydrophobic than nylon. That’s because nylon can still let 3-5% moisture in, while polyester completely repels it, which allows it to dry relatively quickly.
So, if you are a person who sweats a lot, polyester will be a better choice for you.
- Wrinkle Resistance
When it comes to wrinkle resistance, both polyester and nylon fabrics have their pros and cons. Polyester is typically more wrinkle-resistant than nylon but can also be more susceptible to static cling.
Nylon, however, is not as wrinkle-resistant as polyester, but it doesn’t tend to cling to clothes as much.
In the end, it comes down to what you feel comfortable in. Polyester might be a better choice if you’re looking for something that won’t wrinkle easily. But if you’re concerned about static cling, nylon might be the way to go.
- Breathability
Since nylon is not entirely hydrophobic, it tends to keep the moisture trapped, which results in the fabric clinging to your skin.
Polyester works better in breathability because it effectively wicks away all the moisture. However, if the jacket you have chosen has a blended nylon fabric, it might be more breathable than polyester or nylon alone.
- Cost
Nylon is more expensive than polyester. This is because it’s a more robust and durable fabric. Polyester is less expensive, but it’s not as long-lasting.
Conclusion
Nylon is the better choice for jackets. It’s stronger, warmer, and more durable. Although it’s not as breathable or water-resistant as polyester, it still works better than polyester in all the main domains.
Polyester is also a good choice if you want something less expensive for rough use. Eventually, it’s all about your choice and preference.
