Bio-Nylon
Partially bio-based nylon (polyamide) derived from castor oil or other renewable feedstocks instead of 100% petroleum. Offers the same durability and elasticity as conventional nylon with a lower carbon footprint.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with bio-nylon
We don't have any garments containing bio-nylon in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from bio-nylon. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same bio-nylon feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good comfort (62) and care ease (70) for casual wear
Good durability (78) and comfort (62) for office wear
Good moisture wicking (60) and durability (78) for weather protection
Good durability (78) and breathability (50) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Reduced petroleum dependency — partially plant-based
- ✓ Same performance as conventional nylon
- ✓ Lower carbon footprint in production
- ✓ Recyclable through standard nylon recycling streams
Cons
- ✗ Not fully bio-based — still contains petroleum components
- ✗ Not biodegradable despite bio-based origin
- ✗ Premium cost over conventional nylon
- ✗ Castor oil sourcing raises land-use questions
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+11 vs Bio-Nylon · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+10 vs Bio-Nylon · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+9 vs Bio-Nylon · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Iron on low only — nylon melts at high heat
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash warm (40°C) on permanent press cycle
- • Tumble dry on low heat
- • Iron on low if needed — nylon melts at high heat
- • No bleach
- • Wash with like colors
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives