Nylon is the best premium performance fiber choice for activewear fabric due to its excellent combination of performance and durability versus less expensive, scratchier, less supportive polyester—that also loses its’ hold. This is why we use a highest grade of nylon fiber called Tactel for our custom knit fabric at American Fitness Couture. Here's a breakdown of why nylon is preferred and what to avoid when selecting it for activewear:

About: Nylon is a versatile synthetic fiber with various types, each possessing unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. Nylon was invented by an organic chemist called Wallace Hume Carothers. Carothers was working at a DuPont company research location in the US attempting to discover a synthetic fiber that could replace silk. Nylons first use was for the production of toothbrushes in 1938 whilst the most popular commercial use began in the 1940s, as it became the fabric of choice for women's stockings. Nylon is a generic name for several synthetic polyamides. Silk is a polyamide which can be found naturally while Nylon is synthetically manufactured.

 

How Nylon Is Made: After a reaction between adipic and diamine acids, the formula used to make nylon (which varies based on the type you’re using) will then get forced through an extruder with numerous small holes, turning it into usable fibers. These fibers are then placed onto bobbins through an industrial-scale process. Next, they are wound onto spools to be eventually woven into materials, fabrics, and garments.

 

Usually during these processes, nylon will be dyed in different colors, depending on function and aesthetics, and be get mixed with other textiles before it becomes the final product.

 

What are the properties of Nylon as a textile?

1. It is very strong and elastic.
2. It does not require special care because of its color retention properties.
3. As the fibers are non-absorbent and smooth, it dries quickly and retains its’ shape after laundering, ensuring longevity of the garment.
4. It is a responsive fiber and resilient. It resists dirt well and it is relatively resistant to heat, UV rays and chemicals.
5. High temperatures are able to melt Nylon. For this reason, heat needs to be carefully settled when ironing and the item should be preferably turned into the opposite side.
6. With appropriate care, Nylon fabrics maintain their coloring and do not require any bleaching.
7. Chemically resistant. If material turns yellow or grey, a normal household bleach can be safely used.

Quality

Different nylon types will be tested for a wide range of characteristics under standardized processes, and this will help you tell whether or not nylon is of a good quality. However, some characteristics that might be viewed as negative in specific situations (like moisture absorption) can actually be positive perks when it comes to other applications. It all depends what physical, chemical, and mechanical properties you need for the use in question, and then you can choose based on which nylon can offer those to you.

 

Here's a breakdown of nylon types used in fabric, focusing on activewear, durability, cost, and what to avoid:  

 

Types of Nylon Fiber Used in Fabric

• Nylon 6: Made from a single monomer (caprolactam). It's known for its good elasticity, high impact resistance, and easy dyeability.  
• Nylon 6,6: Made from two monomers (hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid). It's stronger, more abrasion-resistant, and has a higher melting point than Nylon 6. It also offers better resistance to sunlight.  
• Other less common types include Nylon 4,6 (high heat resistance) and Nylon 11 (made from a renewable resource). 

Best Nylon for Activewear

For activewear, a blend of Nylon 6 and elastane (Spandex) is often the best choice. Nylon 6 provides:

• Excellent moisture-wicking: It pulls sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• Good elasticity and stretch: Allows for a full range of motion.  
• Durability and abrasion resistance: Withstands the wear and tear of workouts.  
• The addition of elastane enhances the fabric's stretch and recovery, ensuring it moves with your body and retains its shape.
• Durability: Nylon is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it a long-lasting fabric for activewear that endures intense physical activity and frequent washing.
• Moisture-Wicking: It efficiently wicks sweat away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable during workouts.
• Flexibility and Stretch: Nylon is naturally flexible and works well when blended with spandex for added stretch, allowing freedom of movement.
• Lightweight:
• It is light, making it suitable for high-performance sportswear and activities requiring speed and agility.
• Soft and Comfortable: Nylon offers a smooth texture that feels good on the skin, minimizing chafing and discomfort.
• Quick-Drying: Nylon dries quickly, which is particularly useful for sports or activities where you're likely to sweat or encounter water. 

Best Long-Lasting Nylon Fiber

Nylon 6,6 is generally considered the most durable nylon fiber due to its:

• High tensile strength: It can withstand significant pulling and stretching forces.  
• Excellent abrasion resistance: Resists wear and tear from friction.  
• Resistance to sunlight and heat: Maintains its integrity even with prolonged exposure to the elements.
• These properties make Nylon 6,6 ideal for heavy-duty applications like luggage, outdoor gear, and industrial fabrics.  

Cheap Nylon Fiber and What to Avoid

• Lower-quality nylon fabrics may exhibit the following issues:
• Poor abrasion resistance: Leading to pilling and premature wear.
• Lower tear strength: Making the fabric more prone to rips and tears.
• Inadequate moisture-wicking: Resulting in discomfort during physical activity.
• Lack of UV resistance: Causing the fabric to fade and degrade with sun exposure.
• Thin, loosely woven nylon fabrics: These are generally less durable and offer less support.
• Nylon fabrics without any elastane: They may lack the necessary stretch and recovery for activewear.
• Fabrics with a rough or scratchy texture: These can be uncomfortable against the skin.
• Low-Quality Nylon: Cheap nylon can lose its shape, pill, or fade over time. Opt for high-quality, performance-grade nylon.
• Static and Cling: Nylon can be prone to static electricity and clinginess. Fabrics treated with anti-static finishes or blends can mitigate this issue.

For activewear, prioritize a blend of Nylon 6 and elastane for comfort, performance, and durability. Nylon 6,6 is the most durable type of nylon, ideal for heavy-duty applications.  Avoid cheap, loosely woven nylon fabrics that lack durability, moisture-wicking, and UV resistance. Nylon is an excellent base for activewear when blended with other materials like spandex for elasticity or polyester for breathability. Look for products labeled as moisture-wicking, breathable, and high-performance. Avoid low-quality, poorly blended fabrics or those with questionable sustainability. By understanding the different types of nylon and their properties, you can make informed choices when selecting fabrics for various purposes.

 

About Tactile Nylon Fiber

Tactel nylon fiber, often referred to by the brand name Tactel®, is a modified type of nylon fiber specifically engineered for enhanced comfort and performance in textiles. It's produced by Invista, the same company behind Lycra®.

• Modified Nylon: It's a type of nylon 6.6 microfiber, which means the individual fibers are incredibly fine. This contributes to its soft and supple feel.  
• Engineered for Performance: Tactel® is designed to offer superior comfort and performance compared to standard nylon.  
• Exceptional Softness: The fine fibers create a fabric that is significantly softer than traditional nylon, often described as having a silky or cotton-like feel.  
• Lightweight: Tactel® fabrics are notably lighter than most other fabrics, enhancing comfort and ease of movement.  
• Fast Drying: It dries up to eight times faster than cotton, making it ideal for activewear and situations where moisture management is important.  
• Breathability: The fiber's structure allows for good air circulation, promoting breathability and preventing overheating.  
• Durability and Strength: Despite its softness, Tactel® is strong and durable, offering good resistance to wear and tear.  
• Moisture Management: Like other nylon fibers, Tactel® is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture. This helps to wick sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.  
• Comfort During Exercise: The softness and lightweight nature of Tactel® minimize chafing and allow for a full range of motion.  
• Quick Drying: The fast-drying properties prevent the fabric from becoming heavy and clammy with sweat.  
• Durability for Active Use: The strength of Tactel® ensures that activewear made with this fiber can withstand the rigors of frequent use and washing.

When it comes to REAL performance and endurance activewear fabric Tactel Nylon is the highest grade, known fabric fiber that offers a unique combination of softness, lightweight comfort, and technical properties. That’s why we choose to use it for our signature fabric. We are proud to let you know our fabric is knit right here in Los Angeles, California-so we’re 100% AMERICAN MADE.