PVC / Vinyl

⚠️ Commonly associated with fast fashion. Consider higher-quality alternatives.

Polyvinyl chloride plastic used as a coating or standalone material in clothing. Waterproof but with significant environmental and health concerns.

Material Score Breakdown

Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.

28/100

DurabilityTypical60

How long the fabric lasts with regular use

ComfortPoor15

Softness, feel against skin, wearability

BreathabilityPoor2

Air flow and ventilation

WarmthPoor30

Heat retention and insulation

Moisture WickingPoor0

Ability to pull sweat away from skin

Care EaseTypical55

How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain

Sustainability (separate Eco score)

SustainabilityPoor5

Environmental impact of production and disposal

Products with pvc / vinyl

We don't have any garments containing pvc / vinyl 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 pvc / vinyl. 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 pvc / vinyl feel and last very differently.
×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.

Best Uses

outerwear

Rain protection only, avoid prolonged wear

Pros

✓ Completely waterproof
✓ Very affordable
✓ Easy to clean
✓ Glossy aesthetic

Cons

✗ Zero breathability
✗ Toxic chemicals in production
✗ Not recyclable
✗ Uncomfortable against skin

Better alternatives

Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.

Gore-TexB

+48 vs PVC / Vinyl · 76/100

Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.

DyneemaB

+47 vs PVC / Vinyl · 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.

HardshellB

+46 vs PVC / Vinyl · 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

Washspot clean only

Cyclenone

Detergentmild

BleachDo not bleach

Dryno tumble

IronDo not iron

Dry Cleanavoid

SoftenerNo

Special Notes

• Wipe with damp cloth only

• Keep away from heat — PVC warps and cracks

• Store flat — do not fold for extended periods

Additional Care Tips

• Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap — never machine wash or submerge
• Air dry only at room temperature — heat causes PVC to crack, warp, and release toxic fumes
• Avoid heat sources including direct sunlight, radiators, and car interiors on hot days
• Store flat or on padded hangers in a cool place; avoid folding which creates permanent creases
• Do not iron or steam — PVC will melt and release harmful chemicals
• Apply a vinyl conditioner occasionally to prevent cracking and maintain flexibility

Cost

$$$$$

Budget-friendly

Shrinkage

Won't shrink with normal washing

Eco Rating

High environmental impact

Keep exploring

All fabricsBrowse 200+ materials Compare materialsSide by side Products with PVC / VinylReal garments Care decoderLaundry symbols

FabricIQ

Reading the label…

Material Score Breakdown

Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.

28/100

DurabilityTypical60

How long the fabric lasts with regular use

ComfortPoor15

Softness, feel against skin, wearability

BreathabilityPoor2

Air flow and ventilation

WarmthPoor30

Heat retention and insulation

Moisture WickingPoor0

Ability to pull sweat away from skin

Care EaseTypical55

How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain

Sustainability (separate Eco score)

SustainabilityPoor5

Environmental impact of production and disposal

What this score doesn't measure

This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from pvc / vinyl. 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 pvc / vinyl feel and last very differently.

×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.

Additional Care Tips

• Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap — never machine wash or submerge

• Air dry only at room temperature — heat causes PVC to crack, warp, and release toxic fumes

• Avoid heat sources including direct sunlight, radiators, and car interiors on hot days

• Store flat or on padded hangers in a cool place; avoid folding which creates permanent creases

• Do not iron or steam — PVC will melt and release harmful chemicals

• Apply a vinyl conditioner occasionally to prevent cracking and maintain flexibility