| POLYESTER | NYLON |
---|---|---|
Use | Polyester is used in a wide range of sportswear because it is so durable and quick drying. | Nylon is most commonly used by yoga and innerwear brands. This is because it is soft, smooth and feels nice next to skin. |
Feel | Drier and rougher | Softer and smoother |
Appearance | Duller | Shinier |
Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
Dyestuff | Dyed using disperse dyes. | Dyed using acid dyes. |
Dyeing and colorfastness | Absorbs dyestuffs well. | Does not hold color well. Dyed nylon fades quicker than polyester in sunlight. |
Abrasion resistance | Performs better | Performs worse |
Durability | Less durable than nylon but more durable than natural fiber. | More durable, stronger and stretchier than polyester. |
Reaction to heat | More durable in high heat. | Cannot be processed under high heat. |
Reaction to water | Water retention ratio: 0.4 Polyester is hydrophobic and quick drying. | Water retention ratio: 4 Nylon absorbs more water than polyester. |
Care | Both nylon and polyester are easy to care for. They shouldn’t be dry cleaned but they can be ironed and tumble dried on a low heat. |  |
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Source: https://www.eysan.com.tw/difference-between-polyester-and-nylon-fabric/