TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane — a flexible, durable elastomer used in shoe components, phone cases, and protective gear. Bridges the gap between rubber and plastic.
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 tpu
1 brand has products in our catalog whose composition contains tpu. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing tpu.
Products with tpu
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains tpu. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
All-Weather 50L Duffle Bag - Slate / Canteen / Covert
100% Recycled Polyester Ripstop Tpu
$132
All-weather Tote Bag - Moon Mist / Pewter
100% Recycled Polyester Tpu
$159
All-weather Backpack - Moon Mist / Pewter
100% Recycled Polyester Tpu
$179
All-weather 50l Duffle - Moon Mist / Pewter
100% Recycled Polyester Ripstop Tpu
$189
All-weather 40l Duffle - Tundra Shrub Camo
100% Recycled Polyester Ripstop Tpu
$179
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from tpu. 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 tpu 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 (78) and comfort (50) for office wear
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Excellent abrasion and tear resistance
- ✓ Flexible yet structurally strong
- ✓ Oil and grease resistant
- ✓ Can be recycled and remolded
Cons
- ✗ Not breathable — fully sealed material
- ✗ Petroleum-based production
- ✗ Can yellow with UV exposure over time
- ✗ Higher cost than basic plastics
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+24 vs TPU · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+23 vs TPU · 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.
+22 vs TPU · 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 clean with damp cloth
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure — can yellow
Additional Care Tips
- • Clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent
- • Rinse and air dry — do not use heat
- • Avoid prolonged UV exposure to prevent yellowing
- • Do not use acetone or harsh chemical solvents
- • Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight
- • Wipe dry after exposure to water or sweat
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
High environmental impact