Polypropylene
Lightweight thermoplastic fiber. Hydrophobic and quick-drying, used mainly in athletic base layers and thermal underwear.
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
Brands using polypropylene
1 brand has products in our catalog whose composition contains polypropylene. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing polypropylene.
Products with polypropylene
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains polypropylene. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from polypropylene. 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 polypropylene 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 (65) and comfort (50) for office wear
Good moisture wicking (85) and durability (65) for weather protection
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Excellent moisture-wicking
- ✓ Very lightweight
- ✓ Quick-drying
- ✓ Does not absorb water
Cons
- ✗ Retains odors badly
- ✗ Melts at low temperatures
- ✗ Not recyclable easily
- ✗ Can feel plastic-like
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+21 vs Polypropylene · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+20 vs Polypropylene · 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.
+19 vs Polypropylene · 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 — never iron
• Air dry only
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle — polypropylene has a very low melting point
- • Never tumble dry or iron — polypropylene melts at temperatures as low as 130°C/265°F
- • Line dry only in shade — direct heat from any source can damage the fiber
- • Wash after every wear — polypropylene retains body odor more than most synthetics
- • Avoid bleach and fabric softener; use a sport-specific or enzyme-based detergent for odor
- • Store flat or folded; polypropylene does not wrinkle and maintains its shape well
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact