The nylon fabric can be found almost everywhere in the bag industry: on the commuter bus in the early morning, in the café during lunch breaks, and at the busy boarding gates in airports. If you take a look around, you’ll notice its presence in various forms; from the urban commuter bags in the hands of business professionals to the lightweight backpacks on students' shoulders, and the multi-functional hiking bags worn by outdoor enthusiasts. This seemingly ordinary material, unlike leather which is “delicate” or canvas which is “heavy,” has quietly become the “all-rounder” of the bag world due to its comprehensive qualities of being “light, strong, waterproof, and easy to maintain.”
Ⅰ, The definition of nylon fabric
Nylon, scientifically known as polyamide fiber, is a textile fabric made from polyamide as the main raw material through processes such as melt spinning, dyeing, weaving, and finishing. It is the world's first completely chemically synthesized fiber.
It was invented by American scientist Wallace Carothers in 1935, originally used as a replacement for silk in the production of women's stockings. During World War II, due to its exceptional strength and durability, it was widely used in military equipment, including parachutes, tents, and military backpacks. It was during this period that nylon's excellent performance in various aspects was fully validated, laying the foundation for its later entry into the civilian bag market.
Ⅱ, The specifications of nylon fabric
1. Classified by yarn thickness
This is the most essential specification, measured in "denier," which represents the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of yarn. The higher the denier number, the thicker the yarn, and the fabric becomes heavier and more durable.
- Ultra lightweight: 10D-30D, the ultra-fine denier range, with a weight of only 15–45 g/m², has insufficient strength to bear weight on its own. It is usually coated with functional layers or combined with other fabrics. After adding functional coatings, it can be used as lining for sleeping bags, tent materials, or rain covers for backpacks.
- Lightweight: 40D-70D, the hand feel is similar to silk, the tear strength is 5–6 N, so it would tear easily when hooked at load-bearing points. It can only be used for ultra-light foldable bags or lining pouches, and requires PU coating, with all stress points reinforced by webbing binding and reinforcement fabrics.
- Medium weight: 210D-420D, in the bag industry, it falls into the "mid-weight golden range," offering sufficient strength, moderate cost, and a wide variety of application scenarios. Almost every brand uses this specification. 210D fabric is commonly used for drawstring bags, while 420D is almost universally applied in all types of bags, including backpacks, travel bags, and more.
- Heavyweight: 500D-1000D and above, used for areas requiring extreme abrasion resistance.
For example, 1000D Cordura is commonly used in the bottoms and high friction areas of tactical backpacks and tool bags. 1680D is used for high end luggage shells.
2. Classified by fabric density
The unit is "TEX," which represents the total number of warp and weft yarns per inch and reflects the fabric's tightness. The higher the TEX number, the denser the fabric, and the better its windproof and waterproof properties.
- Low density: 70T-150T, breathable, used for tents, umbrellas, etc.
- Medium density: 190T-290T, balancing durability and lightness, used for backpacks, clothing.
- High density: 300T-470T, tightly woven and durable, used for high end luggage, protective clothing.
3. Classified by weaving pattern
Yarn is woven using different methods to form fabric, and the weaving pattern determines the fabric's appearance and performance.
- Plain weave: A technique where the warp and weft yarns interlace every other yarn, resulting in a tight structure and lightweight texture, commonly used for down jacket fabrics.
- Twill weave: The fabric surface has obvious diagonal lines, offering good abrasion resistance, commonly used for luggage.
- Satin weave: The fabric surface is smooth and glossy, but prone to snagging, typically used for high-end clothing or linings.
- Jacquard weave: A textile created through a Jacquard loom that controls the interlacing of the warp and weft yarns to directly form raised patterns, highly decorative and used for high end products.
- Oxford cloth: Uses a combination of coarse and fine yarns in the warp and weft, giving the fabric a textured feel. It is durable and abrasion resistant, commonly used for backpacks, tents, and more.
4. Classified by post finishing process
This is the process that gives the fabric its final functionality. The same base fabric, when treated differently, can have vastly different performance characteristics.
- PU Coating: Waterproof, wear resistant, with a soft touch.
- PVC Coating: Waterproof, good weather resistance, and lower cost.
- TPU/TPE Coating: Environmentally friendly, breathable, and flexible.
- Waterproof Coating: Durable water repellent treatment, causing water droplets to roll off the surface.
- Flame retardant Coating: Fire resistant and flame retardant, used for special protective applications.
- UV resistant Coating: Prevents sunburn and fabric aging.
- Antibacterial Coating: Prevents odors, mildew, and ensures hygiene.
- Moisture wicking Coating: Keeps the skin dry and regulates body temperature.
- Antistatic Coating: Eliminates static adsorption and prevents static sparks.
Ⅲ, Characteristics and limitations of nylon fabric
1. Characteristics;
- High Strength: Its strength is 2-3 times that of cotton fibers of the same weight. It has good toughness and can withstand tens of thousands of bends without breaking.
- Abrasion Resistance: Its abrasion resistance is 10 times that of cotton and 20 times that of wool, making it commonly used in products that require high wear resistance.
- Good Elasticity: It has excellent rebound resilience, making the fabric less prone to deformation, and the texture remains smooth.
- Lightweight and Load-Reducing: With a density of only 1.15g/cm³, it's 1/3 the weight of leather and 2/3 that of canvas. A 15-inch laptop bag can reduce weight by 180-220g, significantly alleviating shoulder pressure during commuting.
- Quick Drying and Easy to Clean: Dries in 30 minutes outdoors, reducing the risk of mold. Its surface is low-maintenance, and coffee or foundation can be wiped off easily.
- Basic Waterproofing: The fiber itself has a moisture absorption rate of <4%. After special PU/TPU coatings or lamination, its waterproof rating can reach above 800 mmH₂O.
- High Dye Saturation: Can be dyed with acid dyes at 95°C low temperature, achieving a color difference ΔE<0.8, unlike polyester which requires high temperature and high pressure.
2. limitations；
- Poor Moisture Absorption: The fabric has poor breathability and is prone to static electricity.
- Prone to Pilling: The surface may develop pilling after prolonged friction.
- Average Heat Resistance: It softens easily under high temperatures (melting point around 215-260°C), and requires low heat for ironing.
Ⅳ, Applications of Nylon Fabric in the Bag Industry
Thanks to its outstanding strength, abrasion resistance, lightweight properties, and versatility, nylon fabric has established a highly mature and interconnected industrial chain in the bag industry. In terms of application scenarios, the full scenario coverage capability of nylon fabric is fully demonstrated.
1. Daily Commuting and Business Scenarios
Core Requirements: Lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and suitable for daily high frequency use.
- Backpacks: Large capacity with multiple compartments, ideal for students and professionals.
- Laptop Bags: Made from 420D-600D nylon, equipped with a shockproof laptop compartment to meet commuting needs.
- Briefcases/Messenger Bags: Mostly crafted from 600D-900D fabric and paired with a minimalist design, it balances durability and structure, making it suitable for business occasions.
2. Outdoor Sports and Adventure Scenarios
Core Requirements: High strength, abrasion resistance, waterproof and breathable, suitable for complex outdoor environments.
- Hiking Backpacks: Made from 1000D-1680D high-density nylon, equipped with a professional carrying system.
- Trekking Backpacks: 600D-840D nylon, focusing on lightweight and breathability.
- Trail Running Backpacks: 210D-420D ultra-light nylon, designed for a close fitting body.
- Cycling Bags: Water resistant nylon, often equipped with reflective strips and rain covers.
3. Travel and Business Trip Scenarios
Core Requirements: Large storage capacity, abrasion and scratch resistance, suitable for both long and short distance transport, and frequent organization.
- Travel Backpacks: Expandable capacity design, ideal for travel.
- Toiletry Bags & Organizers: Waterproof nylon, convenient for organizing toiletries.
- Suitcases: Made from 600D-1000D nylon, equipped with TSA approved locks.
4. Fashion and Trendy Scenarios
Core Requirements: Strong design, rich colors, lightweight and fashionable, combining style with practicality.
- Cross body Bags & Shoulder Bags: Made from 210D-420D nylon, featuring prints or laser cut designs.
- Clutch Bags: Lightweight nylon, perfect for everyday pairing.
- Waist Bags & Chest Bags: Lightweight design, ideal for sports and leisure activities.
5. Student and Campus Scenarios
Core Requirements: Large capacity, multiple compartments, high cost effectiveness.
- Student Backpacks: Made from 420D-600D nylon, equipped with multiple compartments and stationery storage.
- Sports Bags: Lightweight and breathable, ideal for physical education classes and club activities.
6. Maternity and Children’s Scenarios
Core Requirements: Lightweight, safe, easy to clean, with fun designs.
- Diaper Bags: Multiple compartment design for easy categorization and storage.
- Children's Backpacks: Lightweight design, ergonomic to suit children's body structure.
7. Professional Tools and Specialized Scenarios
Core Requirements: Strong functionality, abrasion resistant protection, customizable compartments and protective structures.
- Camera Bags: Shockproof compartments to protect camera equipment.
- Tool Bags: Nylon 1000D and above, equipped with tool organization and fixation systems.
- Medical & Rescue Bags: Flame retardant or antibacterial nylon, meeting professional standards.
- Military Bags: Made from ballistic nylon or Cordura, designed to meet the demands of extreme environments.
8. Custom and Personalized Scenarios
Core Requirements: Personalized design, brand customization, limited edition.
- Corporate Custom Bags: Customized with brand logos, used as corporate gifts.
- Event Commemorative Bags: Designed with event themes, available in limited editions.
- Personalized Custom Bags: Customized with individual patterns or text.
9. Eco friendly and Sustainable Scenarios
Core Requirements: Eco friendly materials, recyclable, sustainable.
- Recycled Nylon Bags: Made from recycled nylon materials.
- Bio-based Nylon Bags: Made from plant based raw materials, reducing carbon footprint.
- Biodegradable Nylon Bags: Specially crafted to reduce environmental pollution.
10. Smart Technology Scenarios
Core Requirements: Function integration, smart connectivity, high tech feel.
- Smart Backpacks: Integrated with power banks, Bluetooth tracking, and anti-theft systems.
- Solar Backpacks: Equipped with solar panels to charge devices.
- Waterproof Electronic Bags: Fully waterproof, designed to protect electronic products.
In conclusion, nylon fabric is not simply a synthetic fiber, but a customized material that has evolved over a century, deeply adapting to the needs of the bag industry. From the precise classification of basic specifications to functional modifications and upgrades, from its core advantage of lightweight properties to sustainable environmental improvements, nylon fabric has continuously optimized to meet the durability, portability, and functionality requirements of bag products. It has become an important bridge connecting material science with bag design. The next time you carry a nylon bag, take a moment to appreciate that what it holds is not only your personal belongings, but also the legend of a material that has conquered the world.
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