Nylon vs. Viscose — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Nylon is a synthetic polymer known for its strength and durability, whereas viscose, a semi-synthetic fiber, is celebrated for its silk-like softness and excellent dye absorption.
Difference Between Nylon and Viscose
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nylon, developed as a synthetic alternative to silk, is primarily used in products requiring high durability such as activewear and outdoor gear. Viscose, on the other hand, offers a more delicate touch and drapes well, making it popular in fashion for dresses and blouses.
Nylon fibers are exceptionally strong and resistant to both abrasions and damage from oil and many chemicals. Whereas viscose is much more absorbent and breathable, but it tends to be less durable and can weaken when wet.
In terms of environmental impact, nylon is not biodegradable and its production is energy-intensive. Viscose, while derived from renewable plants, involves a manufacturing process that can be harmful to the environment unless carefully managed.
Nylon is typically less affected by moisture than viscose and dries quickly, making it ideal for swimwear and activewear. Viscose, however, can lose strength when wet, which requires careful handling during washing.
Nylon’s elasticity makes it a favorite for sportswear and hosiery, as it can stretch considerably without losing its shape. Viscose, softer and more comfortable against the skin, is preferred for items like luxury bed linens and underwear.
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Comparison Chart
Material Type
Synthetic polymer
Semi-synthetic fiber
Durability
High durability
Less durable, weakens when wet
Absorption
Hydrophobic, dries quickly
Highly absorbent, retains moisture
Environmental Impact
Energy-intensive, non-biodegradable
Renewable source but potentially harmful processing
Common Uses
Activewear, outdoor gear
Fashion garments, luxury linens
Compare with Definitions
Nylon
Characterized by high resistance to wear and chemicals.
Nylon carpets are preferred in busy offices due to their durability.
Viscose
A type of rayon made from regenerated cellulose from wood pulp.
Her dress was made of viscose, giving it a smooth and silky texture.
Nylon
A strong, synthetic polymer used in making fabrics, ropes, and molds.
The nylon jacket resisted the wind and rain during the hike.
Viscose
Commonly used in clothing that requires a graceful drape.
The designer used viscose for the evening gowns to ensure they flowed elegantly.
Nylon
Used in various consumer products, especially textiles.
She chose the nylon tights for their stretch and comfort.
Viscose
Environmentally contentious due to the chemicals used in its production.
Sustainable fashion brands are seeking more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional viscose.
Nylon
Known for its quick-drying properties.
After a quick swim, his nylon shorts dried within minutes.
Viscose
Less durable when wet, needing careful laundry handling.
Always hand wash viscose garments to maintain their integrity.
Nylon
Often used in blends with other fibers to enhance fabric properties.
The nylon-cotton blend made the fabric more resilient and easy to care for.
Viscose
Known for its softness, sheen, and high absorbency.
Viscose towels are popular due to their plush feel and quick absorbency.
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.
Viscose
A thick, golden-brown viscous solution of cellulose xanthate, used in the manufacture of rayon and cellophane.
Nylon
Any of a family of high-strength, resilient synthetic polymers, the molecules of which contain the recurring amide group CONH.
Viscose
Viscose rayon.
Nylon
Cloth or yarn made from one of these synthetic materials.
Viscose
Viscous.
Nylon
Nylons Stockings made of one of these synthetic materials.
Viscose
Of, relating to, or made from viscose.
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.
Viscose
A viscous orange-brown liquid obtained by chemical treatment of cellulose and used as the basis of manufacturing rayon and cellulose film.
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.
Viscose
A fabric made from this material.
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.
Viscose
A cellulose ester obtained by treating cellulose with caustic soda
Nylon
Any of several thermoplastic polyamide plastics, comprising a family of high-strength resilient synthetic materials, used mostly in fibers.
Viscose
A rayon fabric made from viscose (cellulose xanthate) fibers
Nylon
A synthetic fabric consisting of fibers of nylon[wn1].
Nylon
Stockings made of a thin form of nylon{2}, especially full-length stockings either sheer of of varying shades.
Nylon
A thermoplastic polyamide; a family of high-strength resilient synthetic materials
Nylon
A synthetic fabric
Common Curiosities
What is nylon made from?
Nylon is made from synthetic polymers derived primarily from petroleum.
What are the washing instructions for viscose?
Viscose garments should ideally be hand washed in cold water to avoid shrinkage and maintain texture.
Is viscose a natural fabric?
Viscose is considered semi-synthetic; it's made from natural materials like wood pulp but processed with chemicals.
Is viscose breathable?
Yes, viscose is highly breathable, making it comfortable to wear in warm weather.
What are common items made from nylon?
Common items include hosiery, umbrellas, swimwear, and ropes.
How sustainable is viscose production?
Viscose production can be environmentally damaging due to the chemicals used, though sustainable practices are being developed.
Does viscose shrink after washing?
Yes, viscose can shrink if not handled correctly during the washing process.
Can nylon fabric be dyed easily?
Nylon can be dyed, but it requires specific types of dyes and is not as easy to dye as natural fibers.
Why is nylon preferred for outdoor apparel?
Nylon's durability and quick-drying properties make it suitable for outdoor and activewear.
Does nylon stretch out?
Nylon stretches but has excellent recovery, meaning it can return to its original shape.
Can nylon fabrics be ironed?
Nylon can melt or burn at high temperatures; if ironing is necessary, it should be done at a low temperature with a protective cloth.
Is viscose good for the environment?
While viscose is made from a renewable resource, the environmental impact of its production can be high.
Which is more cost-effective, nylon or viscose?
Generally, nylon is more cost-effective due to its durability and long lifespan, despite its higher initial manufacturing cost.
Is nylon recyclable?
Yes, nylon can be recycled, though the process is complex and not always readily available.
Why is viscose favored for luxury bedding?
Its soft texture and comfortable feel make viscose ideal for luxury bedding.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
