NYLON
Nylon was the first fully synthetic fibre, created by DuPont in the 1930s and first used commercially in toothbrush bristles (1938), then made famous by women's stockings (shown 1939, sold 1940), which caused a sensation. It is a polyamide — an extremely strong, light and elastic filament, resistant to abrasion, moisture and many chemicals. Nylon dries quickly, barely creases and holds its shape, which makes it indispensable in sportswear and outerwear, lingerie, hosiery, jackets and accessories. Its downsides: it does not breathe as natural fibres do, can build up static and melts at high temperatures. It is often blended with other fibres for balance.
Nylon was the first fully synthetic fibre, created by DuPont in the 1930s and first used commercially in toothbrush bristles (1938), then made famous by women's stockings (shown 1939, sold 1940), which caused a sensation. It is a polyamide — an extremely strong, light and elastic filament, resistant to abrasion, moisture and many chemicals. Nylon dries quickly, barely creases and holds its shape, which makes it indispensable in sportswear and outerwear, lingerie, hosiery, jackets and accessories. Its downsides: it does not breathe as natural fibres do, can build up static and melts at high temperatures. It is often blended with other fibres for balance. The first fully synthetic fibre (DuPont, 1938, Wallace Carothers); nylon stockings became a sensation as early as 1940.
