Nylon vs. Cotton — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 14, 2024
Nylon is a synthetic polymer known for its strength and elasticity, ideal for activewear, while cotton is a natural fiber celebrated for its breathability and comfort in everyday clothing.
Difference Between Nylon and Cotton
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Nylon, a synthetic fabric, boasts exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for items like sportswear and outdoor gear, whereas cotton, a natural fiber, is prized for its softness and comfort, often used in everyday wear and linens.
While nylon offers superior water resistance and quick-drying properties, making it suitable for rainy weather and sports apparel, cotton excels in absorbency and breathability, preferred in hot and humid conditions to keep the body cool.
Nylon's elasticity and ability to retain shape even after stretching contribute to the longevity and fit of garments like leggings and swimwear, on the other hand, cotton's lack of elasticity can lead to stretching and shrinking, which may affect the fit over time but also means it's less restrictive and more comfortable for a wide range of body types.
In terms of environmental impact, nylon's production is energy-intensive and contributes to pollution due to its petrochemical origin, while cotton, though natural, requires significant water and pesticides for cultivation, raising concerns about sustainability and ecological footprint.
When it comes to care and maintenance, nylon garments are generally more resilient to washing and wear, maintaining their color and shape over time, whereas cotton items may fade and shrink with repeated laundering, requiring more delicate handling.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
Synthetic polymer
Natural fiber
Strength & Durability
High strength and durability
Less durable than nylon
Water Resistance
Water-resistant and quick-drying
Absorbs water, slow to dry
Breathability
Less breathable than cotton
Highly breathable
Elasticity
High elasticity, retains shape
Low elasticity, prone to shrinking
Environmental Impact
Energy-intensive production, pollution
High water and pesticide use in farming
Care & Maintenance
Resilient to washing, retains color
May fade and shrink with washing
Compare with Definitions
Nylon
Synthetic Fabric
Nylon's resilience makes it a top choice for outdoor gear.
Cotton
Natural Fiber
The cotton shirt felt soft and gentle against the skin.
Nylon
Water Resistance
The nylon jacket repelled rain, keeping the wearer dry.
Cotton
Highly Absorbent
The cotton towel efficiently soaked up water, drying quickly.
Nylon
Quick-Drying
After a wash, the nylon garment dried rapidly, ready for use.
Cotton
Breathable
In the summer heat, the cotton dress kept the wearer cool and comfortable.
Nylon
Durable
The nylon backpack resisted wear and tear, enduring numerous trips.
Cotton
Comfortable
The cotton bedding provided a soft, comfortable sleep environment.
Nylon
High Elasticity
Nylon leggings stretched comfortably, accommodating various movements.
Cotton
Prone to Shrinking
The cotton T-shirt shrank after the first wash, fitting more snugly.
Nylon
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers composed of polyamides (repeating units linked by amide links). Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, generally made from petroleum, that can be melt-processed into fibers, films, or shapes.
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure cellulose.
Nylon
Any of a family of high-strength, resilient synthetic polymers, the molecules of which contain the recurring amide group CONH.
Cotton
Any of various shrubby plants of the genus Gossypium, having showy flowers and grown for the soft white downy fibers surrounding oil-rich seeds.
Nylon
Cloth or yarn made from one of these synthetic materials.
Cotton
The fiber of any of these plants, used in making textiles and other products.
Nylon
Nylons Stockings made of one of these synthetic materials.
Cotton
Thread or cloth manufactured from the fiber of these plants.
Nylon
Originally, the DuPont company trade name for polyamide, a copolymer whose molecules consist of alternating diamine and dicarboxylic acid monomers bonded together; now generically used for this type of polymer.
Cotton
Any of various soft downy substances produced by other plants, as on the seeds of a cottonwood.
Nylon
(in the plural) A stocking originally fabricated from nylon; also used generically for any long, sheer stocking worn on a woman's legs.
I tore a hole in my nylons while walking home through the woods.
Cotton
To take a liking; attempt to be friendly
A dog that didn't cotton to strangers.
An administration that will cotton up to the most repressive of regimes.
Nylon
(perjoratively, by comparison to silk) A Queen's Counsel, King's Counsel or Senior Counsel who was appointed as a courtesy, rather than on merit.
Cotton
To come to understand. Often used with to or onto
"The German bosses ... never cottoned to such changes" (N.R. Kleinfield).
Nylon
Any of several thermoplastic polyamide plastics, comprising a family of high-strength resilient synthetic materials, used mostly in fibers.
Cotton
Gossypium, a genus of plant used as a source of cotton fiber.
Nylon
A synthetic fabric consisting of fibers of nylon[wn1].
Cotton
Any plant that encases its seed in a thin fiber that is harvested and used as a fabric or cloth.
Nylon
Stockings made of a thin form of nylon{2}, especially full-length stockings either sheer of of varying shades.
Cotton
Any fiber similar in appearance and use to Gossypium fiber.
Nylon
A thermoplastic polyamide; a family of high-strength resilient synthetic materials
Cotton
(textiles) The textile made from the fiber harvested from a cotton plant, especially Gossypium.
Nylon
A synthetic fabric
Cotton
(countable) An item of clothing made from cotton.
Cotton
Made of cotton.
Cotton
(transitive) To provide with cotton.
Cotton
To supply with a cotton wick.
Cotton
To fill with a wad of cotton.
Cotton
(horticulture) To wrap with a protective layer of cotton fabric.
Cotton
To cover walls with fabric.
Cotton
(tar and cotton) To cover with cotton bolls over a layer of tar (analogous to tar and feather )
Cotton
To make or become cotton-like
Cotton
To raise a nap, providing with a soft, cottony texture.
Cotton
To develop a porous, cottony texture.
Cotton
To give the appearance of being dotted with cotton balls.
Cotton
To enshroud with a layer of whiteness.
Cotton
To protect from harsh stimuli, coddle, or muffle.
Cotton
To rub or burnish with cotton.
Cotton
To get on with someone or something; to have a good relationship with someone.
Cotton
A soft, downy substance, resembling fine wool, consisting of the unicellular twisted hairs which grow on the seeds of the cotton plant. Long-staple cotton has a fiber sometimes almost two inches long; short-staple, from two thirds of an inch to an inch and a half.
Cotton
The cotton plant. See Cotten plant, below.
Cotton
Cloth made of cotton.
Cotton
To rise with a regular nap, as cloth does.
It cottons well; it can not choose but bearA pretty nap.
Cotton
To go on prosperously; to succeed.
New, Hephestion, does not this matter cotton as I would?
Cotton
To unite; to agree; to make friends; - usually followed by with.
A quarrel will end in one of you being turned off, in which case it will not be easy to cotton with another.
Didst see, Frank, how the old goldsmith cottoned in with his beggarly companion?
Cotton
To take a liking to; to stick to one as cotton; - used with to.
Cotton
Silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
Cotton
Fabric woven from cotton fibers
Cotton
Erect bushy mallow plant or small tree bearing bolls containing seeds with many long hairy fibers
Cotton
Thread made of cotton fibers
Cotton
Take a liking to;
Cotton to something
Common Curiosities
Which fabric is more environmentally friendly?
Both have environmental impacts; nylon's production is energy-intensive, while cotton cultivation requires significant water and pesticides.
What is the main difference between nylon and cotton?
Nylon is a synthetic, durable, and elastic material, while cotton is a natural, soft, and breathable fiber.
Can nylon garments retain their shape better than cotton?
Yes, due to its elasticity, nylon can retain its shape better than cotton, which may stretch or shrink.
Are nylon fabrics easy to care for?
Nylon fabrics are resilient to washing and wear, often maintaining their color and shape better than cotton.
Can cotton garments shrink?
Yes, cotton garments can shrink when washed in hot water or dried at high temperatures.
Which fabric is more breathable, nylon or cotton?
Cotton is more breathable than nylon, making it preferable in hot and humid climates.
Is nylon or cotton better for sportswear?
Nylon is often preferred for sportswear due to its durability, elasticity, and quick-drying properties.
Is nylon more water-resistant than cotton?
Yes, nylon is more water-resistant and dries faster than cotton, making it suitable for rainy conditions and swimwear.
How does the production of nylon and cotton impact the environment?
Nylon production is linked to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, while cotton cultivation can deplete water resources and use harmful pesticides.
Why is cotton preferred for everyday wear?
Cotton is soft, breathable, and comfortable, making it ideal for everyday clothing and linens.
Is it common to blend nylon and cotton in fabrics?
Blending nylon and cotton can combine the strengths of both, providing durability, stretch, and comfort in fabrics.
Which fabric is better for sensitive skin?
Cotton is generally better for sensitive skin due to its natural softness and lack of chemical processing.
Is nylon more durable than cotton?
Yes, nylon is generally more durable than cotton and less prone to wear and tear over time.
Do nylon and cotton have different uses in textiles?
Yes, nylon is often used in sportswear, outdoor gear, and hosiery, while cotton is common in everyday wear, towels, and bed linens.
How do the costs of nylon and cotton compare?
The cost can vary based on quality and origin, but cotton is often perceived as more affordable and widely available compared to synthetic nylon.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Clock vs. Time
Next Comparison
Mercurial vs. GitAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
