Nylons

Nylons, short for nylon fibers, refer to polyamide-based synthetic textiles used in a wide range of garments and fabrics. The term is especially associated with hosiery, where nylons are used to make stockings and pantyhose. Common polyamides used in hosiery are nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. In modern products, nylon fibers are frequently blended with elastane (spandex) to provide stretch and a close fit. Denier, a unit of thickness, describes the resulting fabric’s weight and appearance, from sheer lightweight options to opaque.

Nylon was first synthesized by Wallace Carothers and colleagues at DuPont in the 1930s. It was introduced to the market in 1939 as nylon stockings, marketed under the brand name nylons. Their smooth texture and strength made them fashionable and widely adopted in the mid-20th century, with production expanding to other nylon-based textiles; later, blends with elastane allowed better elasticity.

In hosiery, nylons come in sheer, semi-sheer, and opaque types, with features such as reinforced toes, control tops, or fishnet patterns. Beyond stockings, nylon fibers are used in a broad range of clothing (activewear, swimwear, lingerie), as well as in technical and industrial textiles (carpets, ropes, airbags, and parachutes). The presence of elastane blends improves elasticity and fit.

Care varies by product, but nylon stockings and pantyhose are typically washed gently in cold water and air dried to prevent runs. Detergents and heat should be used cautiously; some dyes may bleed. Proper storage minimizes snagging and runs.

Nylon is durable but not readily biodegradable. It can contribute to microplastic pollution if not properly managed. Recycling and mechanical or chemical recycling programs exist for discarded nylon textiles, though collection is not universal.