Is Nylon Plastic? A Health-First Analysis

Yes, nylon is a type of plastic. While we commonly associate it with soft, silky fabric, its chemical origin is a synthetic polymer—specifically, a polyamide—derived from petroleum. This fact is central to understanding its tradeoffs for human health and the environment, particularly regarding microplastic shedding and the chemicals it may carry.

What People Commonly Assume

It's reasonable to think of soft "fabrics" and hard "plastics" as entirely different categories. A pair of leggings, for instance, feels nothing like a plastic water bottle. That makes sense in daily life, but on a molecular level, the line between them blurs significantly. The material that provides strength and stretch in your activewear is, chemically, a member of the plastic family.

The Tradeoffs of Nylon

Nylon's dual identity as a high-performance fabric and a petroleum-based plastic creates a distinct set of tradeoffs. Its benefits often come with potential health and environmental considerations.

• Benefit: Durability. Nylon is generally strong and abrasion-resistant, which means garments can last for a long time through repeated use and washing.

• Concern: Microplastic Shedding. As a plastic filament, nylon releases tiny plastic fibers (microplastics) with every wash. These particles enter waterways, and evidence suggests they accumulate in the environment and our bodies. The full health impact of this exposure is still under investigation. You can research a water filter for microplastics to reduce this in your home.

• Benefit: Moisture Wicking. The material excels at pulling sweat away from the skin and drying quickly, making it a popular choice for activewear.

• Concern: Low Breathability & Skin Interaction. Nylon’s low absorbency means it can trap heat and moisture against the skin. For some individuals, this may disrupt the skin’s microbiome, potentially leading to irritation or odor-causing bacteria.

• Benefit: Performance Finishes. Nylon can be treated to achieve desirable qualities like water and stain resistance, which is common in outerwear.

• Concern: Chemical Additives. Performance is often achieved using chemical treatments. Some nylon products may be treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals," which are associated with a range of health concerns. Without transparent labeling, it is difficult to know if they are present.

What to Look for on Labels

Making an informed decision requires looking for specific clues on product labels and descriptions. The goal is to choose the material whose properties align with your personal context and priorities.

• Check Material Composition. Look at the percentages. "100% nylon" offers durability but low breathability. Blends like "80% nylon, 20% elastane" add stretch, while blends with natural fibers like cotton can improve comfort.

• Seek Health Certifications. Third-party standards like OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 test the final product for a list of harmful substances. The bluesign® certification indicates that chemicals were managed responsibly throughout the manufacturing process.

• Look for "PFAS-Free" Claims. Some brands are now explicitly stating when their products are made without PFAS treatments. The presence of this claim is a positive indicator for health-conscious consumers.

• Consider Recycled Content. Recycled nylon reduces waste and the need for new petroleum. However, it is still plastic and has the same potential for microplastic shedding and chemical treatments as virgin nylon.

View all the products at Greener Closet that have already been scored.

Key Takeaways

Understanding nylon is about balancing its practical benefits with its chemical reality. It’s not about labeling it "good" or "bad" but making an informed choice for your specific needs.

• Nylon Is a Plastic. At its core, nylon is a petroleum-based synthetic polymer. This defines its properties, from its durability to its persistence in the environment.

• Health Considerations are Contextual. The primary potential health concerns are exposure to microplastics shed during washing and chemical additives like dyes and performance finishes (e.g., PFAS). Individual sensitivity and exposure levels vary.

• Your Choices Matter. You can mitigate some risks by washing nylon garments less often, in cold water, and using a microfiber filter. However, many of the most health conscious people choose natural or regenerated cellulose fibers like those in these TENCEL™ Lyocell leggings or 100% plastic-free organic cotton boxers.

• Tradeoffs are Inevitable. Choosing nylon for its unmatched durability in outerwear might be a reasonable tradeoff, while opting for a different material for everyday basics might also be a sound decision.

Limitations & Uncertainty

Being evidence-led means acknowledging what is not yet known.

Research on the precise long-term health effects of microplastic ingestion and absorption is ongoing, and the science is evolving. Additionally, retailer disclosures about chemical treatments like dyes and finishes are often incomplete, which makes a full risk assessment challenging. Our analysis is based on the best available public data and certifications.

Analyze clothing while you shop by pasting in a URL at Greener Closet