Polyamide Explained
In brief: Polyamide (PA) is a synthetic fibre family commonly known as nylon. Wallace Carothers at DuPont synthesised the first polyamide, PA6.6, in 1935. Its key properties are high elasticity, excellent abrasion resistance and quick drying, with moisture absorption of 4 to 8 percent by weight. High-performance variants include the aramid polyamides Kevlar and Nomex, while recycled ECONYL is derived from PA6 waste streams.
What is polyamide?
Polyamide, abbreviated PA, is a family of synthetic fibres most commonly known by the name nylon. The first polyamide, PA6.6, was synthesised by Wallace Carothers at DuPont in 1935, a landmark moment in textile history that launched the age of synthetic fibres. Polyamide and nylon are effectively the same thing: nylon is simply the familiar consumer name for this engineered fibre class.
Key properties
Polyamide is prized for a specific set of strengths: high elasticity, excellent abrasion resistance and quick drying. These make it a natural fit for outerwear, activewear and technical fabrics that need to stretch, resist wear and shed moisture. One characteristic to be aware of is moisture absorption of 4 to 8 percent by weight, which can affect dimensional stability, something manufacturers account for in fabric construction.
Variants and recycling
The polyamide family extends well beyond standard nylon. High-performance variants include the aramid polyamides Kevlar and Nomex, used in protective applications where strength and heat resistance are critical. On the sustainability side, recycled ECONYL is derived from PA6 waste streams, allowing the same performance with a smaller footprint. For a deeper comparison of the two main standard grades, see our Nylon entry on PA6 versus PA6.6.
Polyamide at OD's Designer Clothing
Polyamide features across outerwear, activewear and technical fabrics from brands throughout our collection, including Stone Island and Parajumpers. It is the quiet workhorse behind a lot of high-performance clothing, doing its job without drawing attention. Browse our outerwear and activewear ranges to see it in action.
Is polyamide the same as nylon?
Yes — nylon is the best-known type of polyamide. All nylon is polyamide, but 'polyamide' on a garment label can also cover newer variants engineered to be softer and quicker-drying than classic nylon.
Is polyamide waterproof?
Polyamide is water-resistant rather than waterproof: the fibre itself absorbs very little water and dries fast, which is why it's used in swim shorts and outerwear shells, but seams and weave still let water through without a membrane or coating.
Is polyamide good quality?
Yes — polyamide is stronger and more abrasion-resistant than polyester, holds its shape well and feels smoother against skin. Premium sportswear brands use high-grade polyamide blends precisely because they last.