Nylon Explained (PA6 vs PA6.6)
In brief: Nylon is a synthetic polyamide fibre produced through polymerisation. Its two primary variants, PA6 and PA6.6, share the same molecular formula but differ in structural arrangement, which affects performance. PA6 offers superior flexibility, impact resistance and dye uptake with a melting point around 223 degrees C. PA6.6 offers higher tensile strength and thermal stability with a melting point of 255 degrees C and less moisture absorption.
What is nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic polyamide fibre produced through polymerisation. It was the original fully synthetic fibre and remains one of the most useful, valued for its strength, elasticity and abrasion resistance. In clothing it appears across outerwear, activewear and accessories. The two grades you are most likely to encounter, PA6 and PA6.6, share the same molecular formula but arrange it differently, and that structural difference is what gives each its character.
PA6 versus PA6.6
PA6 offers superior flexibility, impact resistance and better dye uptake, with a melting point around 223 degrees C and lower processing costs. PA6.6 trades some of that flexibility for higher tensile strength, greater thermal stability with a melting point of 255 degrees C, better dimensional consistency and less moisture absorption. Neither is simply better: they are tuned for different jobs, and manufacturers choose based on the demands of the end product.
Does the nylon type matter when buying?
For most shoppers, the answer is no, because both PA6 and PA6.6 deliver excellent performance. PA6 tends to appear more in hosiery, swimwear and stretch fabrics, while PA6.6 features in technical outerwear and anything demanding heat resistance. The more important factors are the overall fabric quality and construction rather than the precise polymer specification. It is also worth noting that recycled ECONYL is derived entirely from PA6 waste streams.
Nylon at OD's Designer Clothing
High-quality nylon fabrics feature across outerwear from Parajumpers, Belstaff and Stone Island. In these pieces, nylon is doing real work: shedding weather, resisting abrasion and keeping weight down. Browse our outerwear ranges to see how the right nylon makes a technical jacket perform.