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Polyester vs polyamide: what is the difference?

Polyester vs polyamide: what is the difference?

Polyester and polyamide are both synthetic fibres, but they do not behave in exactly the same way. Polyamide is also widely known as nylon, especially in fashion, sportswear and technical textiles. Both fibres are used in woven, knitted and technical fabrics, but the right choice depends on the garment type, performance needs and care requirements.

Polyester is often used in blends and is known for shape retention, easy care, strength and quick drying. It does not yellow easily, stays strong when wet and can be made in many different appearances, from smooth lining to fleece, satin, jersey or technical fabric. Polyamide, or nylon, is known for strength, flexibility and a smooth, technical hand feel.

Is polyamide the same as polyester?

No, polyamide and polyester are two different groups of synthetic fibres with different chemical structures. In clothing, polyester usually refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), while polyamide commonly refers to nylon fibres such as PA6 and PA66.

Both materials can produce strong, lightweight and quick-drying fabrics, but their performance differs. Polyester generally absorbs less moisture and offers good dimensional stability, while polyamide often provides excellent abrasion resistance and flexibility. The final properties also depend on yarn type, fabric density, construction and finishing.

Polyester

  • Abbreviation PL
  • Fibre type: Synthetic fibre
  • Main character: Shape-retaining, easy-care and versatile
  • Hand feel: Can feel smooth, crisp, soft or textured, depending on construction
  • Strength Very strong, also when wet
  • Moisture behaviour Absorbs little moisture and dries quickly
  • Yellowing: Does not yellow when exposed to light
  • Care sensitivity: Relatively insensitive to care and use
  • Appearance: Available in many forms, such as lining, fleece, satin, jersey and technical fabrics
  • Common use: Sportswear, linings, softshell, fleece, swimshort fabrics, dresses and interior textiles
  • Often blended with: Cotton, viscose, wool, elastane or recycled fibres

Polyamide

  • Abbreviation: PA
  • Fibre type: Synthetic fibre
  • Main character: Smooth, lustrous, abrasion resitant and strong
  • Hand feel: Smooth, with a firmer hand feel than polyester
  • Strength: Very strong and abrasion resistant, but slightly weaker when wet
  • Moisture behaviour: Absorbs slightly more moisture than polyester, but still dries relatively fast
  • Yellowing: Can yellow when exposed to light
  • Care sensitivity: Sensitive to high heat and should be treated carefully
  • Appearance: Often smooth an lustrous in appearance
  • Common use: Sportswear, swimwear, tights, activewear, outdoor fabrics and Ligerie
  • Often blended with: Elastane, polyester or other technical fibres

Practical tip

Choose polyester when the fabric needs shape retention, quick drying and easy-care performance. Choose polyamide, also known as nylon, for fabrics that need a smooth technical feel and flexibility, especially in outdoor clothing, lingerie, swimwear and tights.

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Tim Zanoni Nooteboom Textiles

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