Econyl
Regenerated nylon made from ocean waste, fishing nets, and fabric scraps by Aquafil. Same quality as virgin nylon with a circular production model.
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 econyl
We don't have any garments containing econyl 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 econyl. 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 econyl 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 durability (88) and comfort (52) for office wear
Good sustainability score (72)
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Made from ocean and landfill waste
- ✓ Infinitely recyclable
- ✓ Same strength as virgin nylon
- ✓ Reduces ocean pollution
Cons
- ✗ Still sheds microplastics
- ✗ Not biodegradable
- ✗ Premium price
- ✗ Same breathability issues as nylon
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+6 vs Econyl · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+5 vs Econyl · 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.
+4 vs Econyl · 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
• Same care as regular nylon
• Recycled ocean plastic — avoid returning microplastics to water
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle — identical care to standard nylon
- • Line dry when possible to reduce energy use and microplastic shedding from dryer lint
- • Always use a microfiber-catching wash bag — Econyl still sheds microplastics despite being recycled
- • Avoid high heat in dryer or iron — nylon-based fibers melt at relatively low temperatures
- • Avoid bleach and fabric softener; use mild detergent
- • Store flat or on hangers; Econyl holds its shape well and does not wrinkle easily
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
Strong environmental credentials