Silk vs Nylon: Strength, Price & Uses

Key Takeaways

• Silk demonstrates exceptional tensile strength, making it remarkably resilient under stress while maintaining its luxurious softness and natural sheen.

• Nylon offers practical durability and affordability as a synthetic polymer, making it ideal for sportswear, outdoor gear, and industrial applications where performance and cost efficiency are prioritised over natural luxury.

• Silk's natural hypoallergenic properties, moisture-wicking capabilities, and thermoregulation make it the superior choice for luxury bedding, fine apparel, and items worn close to the skin.

• While nylon requires minimal maintenance with machine washability, silk requires delicate care.

• For consumers seeking authentic luxury in their sleep experience, Mayfairsilk offers premium Grade 6A Mulberry silk bedding, including 25-momme pillowcases and 22-momme sheets, blending British design with ethical sourcing and OEKO-TEX certification.

Silk vs Nylon: Understanding Their Origins

Silk’s Origin

Silk's story begins in ancient China around 3000 BCE, where legend credits the mythical Empress Leizu with discovering this extraordinary fibre, although historians recognise this tale as mythology rather than documented history. For millennia, silk production remained a closely guarded Chinese secret, with the fabric becoming so valuable that it was used as currency along the famous Silk Road. 

This natural protein fibre, produced by silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves, has been prized throughout history for its unique combination of strength, softness, and lustrous beauty.

Nylon’s Origin

Nylon emerged in the 1930s as a revolutionary synthetic polymer, developed by DuPont chemists. This petroleum-based fibre was engineered to provide an affordable, durable alternative to natural fibres like silk.

The invention of nylon marked a turning point in textile manufacturing, enabling mass production of strong, elastic fabrics at a fraction of the cost of natural fibres.

Strength & Durability

Despite its delicate appearance, silk possesses extraordinary tensile strength that surpasses nylon and is comparable to steel wire of the same thickness.

Silk's Strength

Despite its delicate appearance and luxurious softness, silk is very strong, and its strength often surprises those unfamiliar with its properties. The strength varies with the nature of silk, but natural Bombyx mori silkworm silk typically demonstrates tensile strength of 0.5–0.77 GPa, while spider dragline silk can reach up to 1.6 GPa, both surpassing the 0.9 GPa for drawn nylon fibre.

Silk exhibits elongation at break ranging from 20–25%, allowing it to stretch and recover efficiently under stress. This makes silk remarkably resilient, able to withstand tension without snapping. As the lightest natural fibre available, silk delivers this impressive strength without adding weight or bulk to garments or textiles.

Nylon's Strength

Nylon offers excellent strength and durability, though its tensile strength is slightly lower than silk's. With elongation at break values ranging from 20–40%, nylon fibres demonstrate good elasticity.

This allows them to absorb impact and return to their original shape, a property that underpins their widespread use in performance gear and activewear.

Texture & Comfort

Silk’s Functional Feel

Silk creates a "second skin" sensation thanks to its natural protein composition, which is similar to that of human hair and skin. This makes silk naturally hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin. 

Silk's thermal regulation is remarkable, keeping you cool in summer by wicking moisture and warm in winter. It absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. The smooth texture reduces friction against skin and hair, which is why silk pillowcases help reduce sleep creases and prevent hair breakage.

Nylon's Functional Feel

Nylon offers a smooth texture that works well for performance wear. The synthetic fibre resists moisture absorption, meaning garments dry quickly. 

However, nylon's low breathability can cause a clammy feeling during extended wear. The fabric doesn't regulate temperature naturally, and nylon lacks the natural softness of silk, feeling more plastic-like.

Price Comparison

Silk’s Pricing

Silk commands premium prices, typically ranging from £5.50 to £50 per metre depending on quality, weave, and origin. High-quality silk products, particularly Grade 6A mulberry silk at higher momme weights, represent a significant investment. 

However, this premium delivers unmatched comfort, longevity when properly cared for, and unique properties that only natural silk can provide.

Nylon’s Pricing

Nylon's industrial production enables cost-effective manufacturing at scale, making it one of the most affordable synthetic fibres available. Prices generally range from £3–£15 per metre for quality nylon fabrics.

Uses of Each Fabric

Silk excels in luxury bedding and evening wear, while nylon's quick-drying properties and durability make it ideal for sportswear and outdoor gear.

Silk's Applications

• Fine Bedding & Pillowcases: Silk excels in luxury bedding with its softness, breathability, and hypoallergenic properties. Silk pillowcases reduce friction on hair and skin.

• Evening Wear: Silk's lustrous drape makes it ideal for evening gowns and formal menswear with sophisticated silhouettes.

• Intimate Apparel: The soft texture and moisture-wicking properties make silk perfect for lingerie and pyjamas.

• Luxury Accessories: Silk scarves and ties showcase vibrant colours while providing seasonal comfort.

Nylon's Applications

• Sportswear: Nylon's quick-drying properties and stretch make it ideal for athletic wear.

• Outdoor Gear: Tents, backpacks, and outdoor clothing benefit from nylon's weather resistance.

• Swimwear: Nylon's resistance to chlorine and saltwater makes it popular for swimsuits.

• Industrial Use: Nylon's chemical resistance makes it valuable for technical textiles.

Care & Maintenance

Caring for Silk

Silk requires gentle handling to preserve its beauty. Hand wash with pH-neutral detergents in cool water, or use professional dry cleaning for structured garments. Avoid wringing; gently press out excess water and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight.

Caring for Nylon

Nylon is remarkably easy to maintain. Most nylon garments are machine washable in cool to warm water. The fabric resists wrinkles and typically requires no ironing. Nylon dries quickly, often within hours. Avoid high heat from dryers or direct sunlight, which can degrade fibres.

Sustainability Considerations

Silk's Environmental Profile

Silk is an inherently sustainable natural fibre. As a biodegradable material, silk decomposes naturally without leaving harmful residues. 

Silk production through sericulture involves minimal environmental impact, with mulberry trees requiring no pesticides when properly managed. Peace silk or ahimsa offers an ethical production method allowing moths to emerge naturally.

Nylon's Environmental Profile

Nylon production relies on petroleum-based resources, contributing to fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Unlike silk, nylon doesn't biodegrade; discarded nylon persists for centuries. During washing, nylon sheds microplastics that enter waterways. 

For eco-conscious consumers, silk's natural origin and biodegradability make it the clear environmental choice.

Silk vs Nylon: Comprehensive Comparison

*Note: The prices and product listings mentioned above are approximate and may vary over time or by location. Actual costs can differ based on pricing policies, provider experience, and market conditions.

Why Mayfairsilk Represents Authentic Silk Luxury

Mayfairsilk offers Grade 6A Mulberry silk products designed in London, featuring ethical production, OEKO-TEX certification, and a 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases.

When choosing between silk and nylon, the decision reflects your priorities: genuine natural luxury versus practical synthetic performance. For those who value quality, comfort, and sustainability, Mayfairsilk offers an exceptional sleep experience.

We specialise in Grade 6A Mulberry silk, the highest quality available, crafted into luxurious bedding. Our collection includes 25-momme silk pillowcases and 22-momme silk sheets with superior thread density, ensuring durability and softness.

Some things that make us stand out include:

• British Design Excellence: Designed in London, we offer classic colours and exclusive limited edition prints like the Emerald Garden collection.

• Ethical & Sustainable Practices: We engage in tee-planting initiatives and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification guarantee products free from harmful substances.

• Tangible Sleep Benefits: Products help maintain skin hydration, prevent hair breakage, provide natural temperature regulation, and resist allergens.

• Premium Quality Assurance: Our 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases demonstrates product confidence.

• Comprehensive Collection: Beyond bedding, we offer silk duvet sets, eye masks, scrunchies, and cushion covers.

For those seeking authentic luxury, Mayfairsilk represents an investment in wellbeing and timeless elegance.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is silk really stronger than nylon?

Yes, silk demonstrates higher tensile strength than nylon. Silk fibres are remarkably strong while being soft. This unique combination makes silk both durable and luxurious, dispelling the myth that natural fibres are inherently weaker than synthetics.

Can nylon be used for bedding like silk?

Even though nylon can technically be used in bedding, it lacks the comfort and health benefits that make silk ideal for sleep. Nylon's low breathability can cause overheating and a clammy feeling, and its synthetic composition offers no hypoallergenic properties or moisture-wicking capabilities. 

Silk's natural temperature regulation, friction-reducing smoothness, and skin-friendly proteins create a superior sleep environment.

Does silk require professional cleaning?

Many silk items can be hand-washed at home using cool water and pH-neutral, silk-specific detergents. Gentle handling and air drying away from direct sunlight preserve silk's beauty. Structured garments benefit from professional dry cleaning. 

With proper home care, silk bedding and clothing obtained from brands like Mayfairsilk, which values quality, maintain their luxurious qualities through years of use.

Is silk more environmentally friendly than nylon?

Absolutely. Silk is a natural, biodegradable fibre that breaks down without leaving harmful residues, and its production generally involves low-impact farming with minimal chemical use, with options like peace silk offering ethical alternatives.

Nylon is petroleum-based, generates significant carbon emissions during manufacturing, and sheds microplastics when washed, persisting in the environment for centuries.