Nuances with Nylon

Nylon: From Stockings to Street Protection

When most people hear “nylon,” they picture rope or cheap gym shorts. But this synthetic fiber has a backstory that’s so much more, and has an important role in motorcycle safety.

Nylon is all around us in lots of everyday objects, from Nylon stockings to being used in the automotive industry as a durable plastic. This synthetic polyamide has found its way into common use throughout the world. But what exactly does it do for us as motorcyclists? 

What Exactly Is Nylon?

Nylon is a synthetic polymer made by amide linkages, technically part of the polyamide family. Think of it as a plastic that can be spun into fibers, molded into parts, or cast into films. It’s lightweight, tough, abrasion-resistant, and dries in no time. Those traits make it versatile enough for everything from toothbrush bristles to parachutes.

The Invention Story And How It's Made

Nylon was born in 1935 inside DuPont’s research labs, thanks to chemist Wallace Carothers and his team. The first big commercial splash came in 1939 when nylon stockings hit store shelves. They were marketed as a synthetic alternative to silk—and people went crazy for them.
But then World War II shifted priorities. With silk cut off from Asia, nylon was drafted into military service. It became the go-to material for parachutes, ropes, tents, and uniforms. After the war, nylon bounced back to the consumer world, showing up in clothing, carpets, upholstery, and just about every household item you can think of.

    Nylon is a linear condensation polymer made from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. The two chemicals are combined into a salt solution that is then purified and turned into a polymer. This solution is then turned into pellets. These pellets are then heated and pumped through a spinneret, where they turn into long strands that are then cooled when the appropriate size. 

Why Denier Matters

From Maker’s Row — “What Does Fabric Denier Mean?” :

“The denier count in fabrics is measured by weighing 9,000 meters of a thread or fiber. If the fiber weighs one gram, its denier count is one. If it weighs 10 grams, the denier count is 10. This measurement standard was developed using silk as a benchmark, as 9,000 meters of silk weighs precisely one gram.”

A higher denier fabric (500+) will be thicker and heavier, containing more material, and therefore more rugged and suitable for motorcycle use. This allows more protection from the elements and the road if the unfortunate happens. 

Nylon on Two Wheels

Nylon finds itself being used in lots of motorcycle gear and accessories due to its mechanical properties. 

Jackets & Pants: Heavy-duty weaves like Cordura® nylon can withstand serious pavement slides without tearing apart.
Gloves: Nylon blends add durability and flexibility where leather alone might stiffen up.
Rain Gear: Waterproof nylon layers keep you dry without weighing you down.
Luggage: Saddlebags, tank bags, and backpacks often rely on rugged nylon fabric.
On its own, nylon doesn’t offer impact protection, so it’s usually paired with armor, Kevlar panels, or leather reinforcements. But it’s a critical piece of the puzzle—especially if you’re looking for lighter, more breathable alternatives to all-leather gear.

Why Riders Should Care

Pros

• Durable and abrasion-resistant, especially in higher denier weaves of 500D+
• Lightweight. Nylon can make much lighter garments than some other materials, such as leather
• It can be made into very breathable mesh designs or waterproofed.
• Nylon garments tend to be more cost-effective
• Nylon is easy to maintain and quicker to dry than some other materials

Cons

• Lessabrasion-resistantt than leather
• Has an attainable melting point of around 500°F. This may cause issues with exhaust or extended slides.
• Nylon is not inherently waterproof, and waterproofing it completely requires a membrane that may not last
• It can feel less premium than some other materials. (Some people prefer one material over another)