Difference Between Cotton and Nylon

Key Difference – Cotton vs Nylon
 

Cotton and nylon are two fibers that are widely used in the textile industry. The key difference between cotton and nylon is the fact that cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the cotton plant whereas nylon is a synthetic fiber produced by using dicarboxylic acid and diamine.  

What is Cotton?

Cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibers in the textile industry. Cotton is obtained from the seeds of the cotton plant and is made of cellulose, pectin, water and wax. Cotton is used to produce various garments such as shirts, dresses, t-shirts, towels, robes, underwear, etc.

This fabric is light, soft and breathable, and is ideal for warm climates. Cotton garments can keep their wearer cool all day long. Thus, it is used to make light and causal outdoor and indoor wear. Since it is made from natural raw materials, it doesn’t cause any skin irritations or allergies; even people with ultra-sensitive skins can wear cotton.

However, there are also some disadvantages of cotton. Since it is a natural fiber, it is prone to shrinkage and wrinkles. Thus, cotton garments need to be maintained carefully. They should be washed in cold water to prevent shrinkage and ironed using high steam to get rid of wrinkles. Drying in the excessive heat can also damage the fabric. Cotton is often combined with other fibers such as polyester, rayon, and linen to produce stronger and more durable fabrics.

What is Nylon?

Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is manufactured using dicarboxylic acid and diamine. This is widely used in making fabrics. Nylon fabric is used to make garments such as leggings, stockings, swimwear and athletic wear. It is also used to produce parachutes, ropes, bags, carpets, tires, tents and similar products. Nylon was first produced by Wallace Carothers at the DuPont Experimental Station. It soon gained popularity due to the shortage of natural fibers such as silk and cotton during the Second World War.

Nylon has a low absorbency rate, which makes this fabric ideal for swimwear and athletic wear. It is also cheaper than natural fibers such as cotton and silk and is easy to maintain. It does not form wrinkles and creases easily and maintains its shape even after being washed. It is also resistant to strains. Nylon is a strong and durable fabric.

What is the difference between Cotton and Nylon?

Type of Fiber:

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber.

Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fiber.

Origins:

Cotton: The use of cotton dates back to prehistoric times.

Nylon: Nylon was discovered in 1935.

Wrinkles and Creases:

Cotton: Cotton is prone to get wrinkles and creases; it can also shrink.

Nylon: Nylon is resistant to wrinkles and tears.

Durability:

Cotton: Cotton is soft and tends to tear easily.

Nylon: Nylon is stronger and more durable than cotton.

Skin Irritations:

Cotton: Cotton does not cause any allergies and skin irritations since it is a natural fiber.

Nylon: Nylon may cause allergies and skin irritations since it is a synthetic fiber.

Cost:

Cotton: Cotton is more expensive than nylon.

Nylon: Nylon is less expensive than cotton.

Image Courtesy:

“cotton checkers beige” by Mr Thinktank (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

 “Nylon” by Mahela Munasinghe (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr