Polyester vs. Nylon Webbing

Depending on the needs of your application, polyester and nylon webbing offer lightweight yet strong synthetic materials for your projects. These materials share similar properties, including stretch resistance and easy fabric care, to support a range of applications across various industries such as outdoor and recreation, military, and automotive. Understand the differences between nylon and polyester webbing for a suitable solution with the material properties your project requires.

What is Nylon Webbing?

Nylon webbing is made of synthetic fibers, providing strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. Offering a range of resistance properties, nylon can withstand heavy loads, harsh climate conditions, and chemical exposure, making it an excellent choice for high-abrasion applications. However, nylon is less effective at repelling water than other webbing materials, but features a high tensile strength to prevent breaking or snapping that may come with different materials.

What is Polyester Webbing?

Highly popular for its resistance to water, mildew, and UV light, polyester is a favored webbing material that is cost-effective. It is strong and durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions, sunlight, and abrasion for backpacks, luggage, and outdoor use applications. Additionally, polyester webbing does not stretch, making it an excellent material choice for hammock suspension and other applications that prioritize durability over stretch.

Comparing Nylon and Polyester Materials

Nylon and polyester webbing offer various similarities, as well as distinct characteristics for certain projects. Both materials provide strength and durability, but nylon offers a higher elasticity, whereas polyester is less elastic with superior UV resistance. Nylon will degrade faster when exposed to UV rays, it also absorbs more water, which will weaken the material and cause it to stretch in wet conditions. Polyester is more UV and water-resistant, maintaining its shape even when wet, and it is also a more cost-effective option than nylon.

Applications of Nylon Webbing

Nylon is perfect for applications that require high strength and elasticity. This material can be used for applications requiring high strength and durability as long as the application can accommodate its elastic properties. Some uses of nylon webbing include:

• Tents, hammocks, climbing gear
• Backpacks and luggage straps
• Tactical and outdoor belts

Polyester Webbing Applications

Designed for outdoor and marine applications, polyester demonstrates excellent UV resistance and water durability. Polyester is known for its stability and resistance properties, providing the necessary strength for tie-down applications and other uses, such as:

• Outdoor gear, backpacks
• Sports and recreational equipment
• Pet leashes and equestrian gear
• Military equipment
• Automotive applications, seatbelts

Find High-Quality Polyester or Nylon Webbing Materials from Elastic Cord & Webbing

At Elastic Cord & Webbing, our expert staff has over 50 years of experience in the textile industry. With an extensive inventory to suit a variety of material projects, we also offer the capability of fabricating our products to meet specific requirements for your application. Providing you with a service experience that exceeds your expectations, our commitment to exceptional service is demonstrated through next-day sample shipments, same-day quotes, and personalized assistance.
Contact us about polyester or nylon webbing materials for your projects, or request a quote to start your order.