Ripstop Nylon
Nylon reinforced with a grid of thicker threads at regular intervals to prevent tears from spreading. Standard for outdoor gear, parachutes, and tactical clothing.
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 ripstop nylon
We don't have any garments containing ripstop 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 ripstop 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 ripstop 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 Uses
Ideal for windbreakers, rain shells, and hiking pants
Great for outdoor and tactical gear
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional tear resistance — rips do not spread
- ✓ Very lightweight for its strength
- ✓ Quick-drying and water-resistant
- ✓ Excellent abrasion resistance
Cons
- ✗ Not breathable
- ✗ Feels plastic-like against skin
- ✗ Rustles and makes noise when moving
- ✗ Petroleum-based and not biodegradable
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+11 vs Ripstop Nylon · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+10 vs Ripstop 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 Ripstop 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
• Spot clean when possible
• Air dry — very quick drying
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle with mild detergent
- • Air dry or tumble dry on low heat — avoid high heat which can weaken the nylon
- • Do not iron — ripstop nylon is heat-sensitive and the grid structure can distort
- • Reapply DWR spray after washing if the fabric has a water-repellent finish
- • Repair small tears with ripstop repair tape rather than sewing for best results
- • Store loosely folded or hung; ripstop does not wrinkle significantly
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact