Olefin
Polypropylene-based synthetic fiber. Lightweight, stain-resistant, and hydrophobic. Used mainly in outdoor and industrial applications.
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 olefin
We don't have any garments containing olefin 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 olefin. 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 olefin 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 moisture wicking (75) and durability (65) for weather protection
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Very lightweight
- ✓ Stain-resistant
- ✓ Quick-drying
- ✓ Affordable
Cons
- ✗ Low melting point
- ✗ Not breathable
- ✗ Difficult to dye
- ✗ Retains odors
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+31 vs Olefin · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+30 vs Olefin · 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.
+29 vs Olefin · 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
• Very low heat tolerance — air dry only
• Never iron — melts at low temperatures
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle — olefin has a very low melting point
- • Line dry only — never tumble dry; olefin melts at temperatures as low as 130°C/265°F
- • Never iron or steam — any direct heat source can melt and deform olefin fibers
- • Avoid bleach; use mild detergent and wash frequently to manage odor retention
- • Stain-resistant by nature — most spills can be wiped or blotted away without washing
- • Store flat or folded; olefin does not wrinkle and holds its shape well
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact