Nylon
What nylon is, how it becomes fabric, how to look after it and how it wears in hot, humid weather.
Nylon is a synthetic fibre made from polyamides, long chain-like molecules produced in a chemical plant, almost always from petroleum or natural gas by-products. It was developed in the 1930s by a research team led by the American chemist Wallace H. Carothers at DuPont, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. In clothing it is valued for being strong, durable and resistant to abrasion.
What is nylon made of?
The two main types are named after their chemistry. The most common, nylon 6,6, is made from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine, two ingredients that each contain six carbon atoms, while nylon 6 is made from caprolactam. The polymer is melted and pushed through fine holes called spinnerets to form filaments, which are drawn out, made into yarn and then woven or knitted into fabric. Britannica notes that fibres like nylon are prized for their strength, toughness, resistance to heat and mildew, and ability to hold a pressed form.
How do you care for nylon clothing?
Follow the care label first, and a few habits will help. UGA Extension notes that water-based stains wash out of nylon easily, while oil and grease need treating before the wash. Nylon can pick up dye and soil from other clothes in the wash, and it can yellow or grey with age and poor care, so wash white and pale nylon apart from coloured or heavily soiled items. The fibre melts and fuses under high heat, so use a cool iron if you iron it at all. It is also sensitive to strong sunlight, so dry it in the shade. Britannica lists heat and light stabilisers among the additives that matter most for nylon. For a fuller routine, read caring for a nylon shirt.
Is nylon good for hot, humid weather?
It can be, when the fabric is light and the fit has room. Nylon has low moisture absorption, unlike cotton, which the same University of Georgia guide lists as absorbent. Because the fibre itself holds little water, comfort in humid heat depends mostly on how light and open the fabric is and how freely air can move around your body. A thin, lightweight nylon worn with some ease can feel cool and airy, while a dense or close-fitting one can feel warm. The Meriggio · Italian · say it “meh-REED-joh”The shady spot where you rest through the midday heat. is a long-sleeve camp-collar shirt in lightweight woven nylon.