What is the difference between nylon and polyester fabrics?
Here is a clear comparison between nylon and polyester fabric;
1. Material Origin
- Nylon (PA): The world’s first synthetic fiber (invented in 1935). Chinese factories often use 420D, 840D, or 1050D nylon** for mid-to-high-end bags like outdoor bag, hiking bag, school bag, laptop bags and so on.
- Polyester (PET): Derived from petroleum. In China, 300D, 600D, or 900D polyester is common for cost-sensitive orders. Normally used for school bag, backpack, etc.
2. Identifying Nylon vs. Polyester Through Burning Test
Here’s how to distinguish nylon and polyester by observing their smoke and burning behavior
2-1. Nylon (Polyamide, PA)
- Flame Behavior: Melts and burns slowly; flame may self-extinguish when removed from fire.
- Smoke Color: White or light gray smoke.
- Smell: Similar to burning hair or celery (distinctive amine odor).
- Residue: Forms a hard, bead-like ash that’s difficult to crush.
Why? Nylon contains nitrogen, producing a characteristic smell and less sooty smoke.
2-2. Polyester (PET)
- Flame Behavior: Burns steadily with a bright, sooty flame; drips molten plastic.
- Smoke Color: Black, thick smoke (more toxic due to carbon-heavy composition).
- Smell: Sweet, chemical-like (reminiscent of *burning plastic bottles).
- Residue: Leaves a sticky, black lump that hardens when cooled.
Why? Polyester is petroleum-based, producing dense carbon smoke and a sugary odor.
Key Differences Summary
| Feature | Nylon | Polyester |
| Smoke | White/gray, less dense | Black, thick, and sooty |
| Odor | Burning hair/celery | Sweet plastic-like |
| Residue | Hard beads | Sticky black blobs |
3. Why Chinese Factories Choose Each
- when choose Nylon:
- Making premium backpacks (e.g., anti-theft bags, travel bags, hiking bags).
- Need lightweight yet tough material (e.g., hiking packs).
- Clients prioritize water resistance without extra coating.
- when Pick Polyester:
- Producing budget-friendly school bags or promotional items.
- Using custom prints (polyester holds colors better).
- Sustainability matters (recycled polyester is cheaper/easier to source in China).
4. Safety Note
- Factories often use this method for quick material verification before production.
- Conduct tests in a ventilated area—both materials release toxic fumes.
5. Pro Tips for Buyers
- Test It; Ask your Chinese supplier for fabric swatches to feel the difference.
- Hybrid Option: Many factories blend both (e.g., nylon outer + polyester lining) to balance cost/performance.
As a Chinese bag supplier, we manufacturer the bags more than 15 years. Need fabric samples for testing? Contact us—we supply certified nylon/polyester swatches for you!