Artificial (or synthetic) fabrics have long been an integral part of the modern individual's everyday wardrobe. They provide a broad range of styles, comfort, and convenience, seamlessly blending with other materials. However, several questions concern customers, especially during hot seasons: What are the properties of synthetic fabrics in hot weather? Do they facilitate air circulation? How eco-friendly are they compared to natural fabrics? In this article, we will explore two popular materials for spring and summer clothing — polyester and nylon — and analyze their attributes within the context of warm weather. This is particularly pertinent now as spring is already here and the heat is just around the corner.
Background on Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics are produced using chemical synthesis methods, made from artificial fibers derived from various polymers. In the past century, these fabrics were considered cheap and low-quality materials, but the situation has changed today. Factories now produce products with excellent external and operational characteristics, surpassing natural fabrics in some aspects.
Currently, there are over 300 types of synthetic fabrics, each with its own peculiarities and advantages. Among the most popular breathable synthetic fabrics used for clothing production are polyester, nylon, polyamide, Lycra, polypropylene, polyurethane, and microfiber. Additionally, various membrane materials are often applied to ensure comfort, protection against cold, and moisture, which we will discuss later. However, in this article, we will focus on polyester and nylon as they are two of the lightest and most commonly used materials in the production of summer clothing.
Polyester
Polyester is an artificial fabric produced from various polymers. It can be used to create various types of fabric resembling textiles. It is often combined with other fibers such as cotton, elastane, viscose, and polyamide to obtain materials with different properties. Polyester has a smooth and shiny texture that feels pleasant to the touch. It retains its shape well and doesn't stretch much when heated. Polyester fabric can resemble smooth cotton or satin. Lightweight windbreakers, t-shirts, shirts, and shorts are often made from polyester. As examples, we suggest looking at the following products: Houdini The Orange Jacket, CCP Front PK Polo, Houdini Cosmo Polo Shirt, ARYS Wide Awake Shorts, Soar Running Race Vest.
Nylon
Nylon, on the other hand, is widely used in the production of outerwear and is slightly denser than polyester. However, it is also suitable for shorts and shirts. Nylon is produced from polyamide, a synthetic plastic obtained from polymers (polyamide is also used for clothing production, but it is heavier than nylon and slightly less suitable for warm weather). Nylon fabric is formed from interwoven perpendicular fibers, and its properties can vary depending on the weaving pattern. Pure nylon does not stretch, so it is often blended with elastane to provide fabric elasticity. It has a strong fiber that can be used as either standalone fabric or as an additive to other materials. There are also some great examples made of nylon mixes from our store suiting summer perfectly: San San Gear Sprinter Jacket, ARYS Strolling Shirt, ATID Pop Shirt, ARYS Cityfari T-Shirt, Gramicci Nylon Packable G-Short.
Now that we have discussed the main properties of polyester and nylon, let's address the questions frequently asked by consumers regarding summer clothing made of synthetic fabrics.
Do They Smell in the Summer?
The first question that often arises is related to the odor of synthetic fabrics. Is it true that synthetic fabrics have an unpleasant smell when it's hot? In reality, the smell of a fabric depends on the specific material and the quality of its production. Modern technologies allow for the creation of artificial fabrics with no smell, especially when they are made from high-quality materials, which we suggest in our store.
Regarding the smell when sweating, it is true that synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon have less moisture absorption compared to natural fabrics like cotton, which can result in less odor retention in the material. However, it is worth noting that nowadays, contemporary textile manufacturing technologies, including the use of special treatments, antibacterial coatings, development of new breathable weaves, and fabric blends can reduce odors associated with sweating.
Windproof and Waterproof Properties
The next question is whether synthetic fabrics allow air circulation. It is important to note that polyester and nylon are not the most breathable fabrics, but advancements in technology now allow for the production of fabrics with improved ventilation and breathability. Some manufacturers employ special treatments, use specific production techniques, experiment with different weaving patterns, or combine synthetic fabrics with natural fibers like cotton and linen to enhance air circulation in garments made of synthetic materials. Examples of such fabrics include Ripstop, Breathable Polyester, Breathable Nylon, and Softshell. As a result, polyester and nylon can effectively wick away sweat and provide adequate airflow, ensuring comfort in hot weather.
Lastly, let's not forget about the waterproof and windproof properties of the materials we have discussed. They can provide protection against summer rain and strong winds and dry quickly, which is an important factor when using clothing made of such fabrics in rapidly changing weather conditions, which unfortunately occur more frequently every year.
Are These Eco-Friendly Materials?
As we mentioned, weather and climate are changing much more frequently than before, so let's consider the environmental aspect. The question of how environmentally friendly artificial fabrics are compared to natural fabrics is relevant today. Synthetic fabrics require the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process, which can have an impact on the environment. However, efforts are being made to develop more eco-friendly and sustainable options for synthetic materials. While polyester, nylon, and other synthetics are not biodegradable, they can be produced in more environmentally friendly ways. Some manufacturers create synthetic fabrics from recycled plastic or use energy-saving production technologies to reduce their negative impact on nature. Additionally, the textile industry is actively developing and implementing more environmentally safe production methods to reduce its ecological footprint. In our store, you can also find plenty of goods produced with recycled technologies: Snow Peak Recycled Pullover, Klattermusen Hrid WP 3L Brusttasche, PSSBL The Cross Bag, Virón Apple Leather 1969, Soar Running Tech T.
In conclusion, synthetic fabrics continue to conquer the fashion world by offering a wide range of styles and functionality for modern urban dwellers. There is no need to be afraid of using synthetics in your summer wardrobe. On the contrary, they can expand the utility of your wardrobe and be helpful both in hot weather and rainy conditions. Polyester and nylon, with their unique properties and modern appearance, serve as bright examples of how synthetic fabrics can be a stylish and practical choice for a summer wardrobe, whether in an urban environment or during beach vacations. However, it is always important to pay attention to the quality and environmental responsibility of the manufacturer. At ARYS, we and the brands showcased in our store prioritize sustainability as a core value, alongside the utmost dedication to material excellence and manufacturing standards.
