PVC / Vinyl
Polyvinyl chloride plastic used as a coating or standalone material in clothing. Waterproof but with significant environmental and health concerns.
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 pvc / vinyl
We don't have any garments containing pvc / vinyl 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 pvc / vinyl. 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 pvc / vinyl feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best Uses
Rain protection only, avoid prolonged wear
Pros
- ✓ Completely waterproof
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✓ Glossy aesthetic
Cons
- ✗ Zero breathability
- ✗ Toxic chemicals in production
- ✗ Not recyclable
- ✗ Uncomfortable against skin
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+48 vs PVC / Vinyl · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+47 vs PVC / Vinyl · 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.
+46 vs PVC / Vinyl · 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
• Wipe with damp cloth only
• Keep away from heat — PVC warps and cracks
• Store flat — do not fold for extended periods
Additional Care Tips
- • Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap — never machine wash or submerge
- • Air dry only at room temperature — heat causes PVC to crack, warp, and release toxic fumes
- • Avoid heat sources including direct sunlight, radiators, and car interiors on hot days
- • Store flat or on padded hangers in a cool place; avoid folding which creates permanent creases
- • Do not iron or steam — PVC will melt and release harmful chemicals
- • Apply a vinyl conditioner occasionally to prevent cracking and maintain flexibility
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact