Both rayon and nylon are popular fabrics, but which is best, the semi-synthetic rayon fiber (made from chemically treated natural fibers from wood pulp or bamboo) or the fully-synthetic nylon?
Both rayon (or artificial silk) and nylon have a fluid drape, are soft, and have medium heat retention. However, rayon fibers have better moisture wicking and breathability than nylon, making it a better option in hot weather, although nylon far outperforms rayon in durability and strength. Both fabrics are typically made cheaply in a way that is damaging to the environment.
Check out the full comparison table below then read on for more information:
Rayon vs Nylon Comparison Table
| Property | Rayon | Nylon |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | Viscose, Modal, Lyocell | - |
| Made from | Chemically-treated wood and bamboo cellulose | Nylon is a synthetic polymer made from materials derived from petroleum. |
| Uses | Rayon is used for clothing, bed sheets, curtains, and carpets. | Used extensively in fashion to make a wide range of items. |
| Natural or Synthetic | Semi-Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Woven or Knitted | Either | Either |
| Thread Count | 300-600 | - |
| Washing | Dry clean or gentle hand wash in cold water (always check the label first) | Machine washable in hot or cold water (check label for which one is best for your garment). May last longer if hand washed. |
| Drying | Air dry only, do not tumble dry as shrinkage is likely | May wrinkle if dried in a dryer at hot settings. Opt for cooler settings or air dry. |
| Ironing | Iron inside-out while damp with low heat | Iron only on the lowest heat section without steam. Use a pressing cloth. Be careful because nylon can burn easily. |
| Wrinkle Resistance | Wrinkles easily, especially when damp. | Don't tend to wrinkle |
| Heat Retention | Medium | Medium |
| Moisture Wicking | Good | Medium |
| Breathability | Very Good | Poor |
| Stretchability | High | |
| Flammability (untreated) | Very High | Medium (tend to melt rather than burn) |
| Water-Resistance (untreated) | Poor | Medium |
| Color-Fastness | Poor | Poor |
| Strength | Medium when dry, but weaker when wet | Excellent |
| Durability | Low | Excellent |
| Drape | Fluid | Fluid |
| Softness | Good | Good |
| Advantages | Rayon is cheap to produce and provides a substantially higher yield per acre than most other fabrics | Strong, lightweight, and easy to care for. |
| Disadvantages | Rayon shrinks in hot water, and the more environmentally-friendly methods of creating it increase costs. Some forms of rayon require dry cleaning. Rayon may absorb body oils leading to staining. | Significant environmental concern. |
| Environmental Impact Score (A is best, E is worst) | Generic Viscose Rayon = E, Modal = D, TENCEL = B | Virgin Nylon = E, Chemically Recycled Nylon = B, Mechanically Recycled Nylon = A |
| Sustainability Issues | The Rayon industry contributes to deforestation and pollution. Rayon production is chemically-intensive. | Nylon is a plastic. It does not degrade and requires significant energy, chemicals, and waste to create. We recommend only using recycled nylon products. |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
