Tactel
Invista-branded lightweight nylon fiber known for exceptional softness and quick-drying properties. Up to three times softer than cotton, it is widely used in activewear, swimwear, and lingerie.
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 tactel
We don't have any garments containing tactel 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 tactel. 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 tactel 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
Excellent comfort (80) and easy care (75) for daily wear
Excellent durability (75) and comfort (80) for office wear
Good breathability (72) and moisture wicking (78) for light activity
Good comfort (80) and breathability (72) for sleeping
Good breathability (72) and comfort (80) for undergarments
Good moisture wicking (78) and durability (75) for weather protection
Good durability (75) and breathability (72) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Exceptionally soft hand feel — softer than most synthetics
- ✓ Quick-drying and lightweight — ideal for travel and active use
- ✓ Strong and abrasion-resistant despite being lightweight
- ✓ Holds color well and resists fading
Cons
- ✗ Petroleum-derived nylon — not sustainable
- ✗ Can generate static cling in dry conditions
- ✗ Limited breathability compared to natural fibers
- ✗ Higher cost than generic nylon
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+6 vs Tactel · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+5 vs Tactel · 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 Tactel · 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 easy care — machine wash and dry
• Soft nylon variant — dries quickly
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash warm (40°C/105°F) on gentle cycle
- • Tumble dry on low heat — dries very quickly even air-dried
- • Do not use bleach — damages nylon fibers
- • Low iron if needed (110°C/230°F) — nylon melts at high heat
- • Do not dry clean — solvents can degrade the fiber
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact