FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Recycled Nylon
C
Nylon regenerated from waste materials like fishing nets and fabric scraps. Same performance as virgin nylon with reduced environmental impact.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
67/100
DurabilityStrong88
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortWeak50
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityPoor35
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthPoor35
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingWeak50
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EaseStrong85
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityTypical58
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using recycled nylon
8 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains recycled nylon. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Topo Designs
65 products
Boody
54 products
Cortazu
53 products
Cotopaxi
52 products
Pact
28 products
Outdoor Research
26 products
The Seea
25 products
Lululemon
17 products
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing recycled nylon.
Products with recycled nylon
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains recycled nylon. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
SmartwoolB
Women's Merino Bikini 2-Pack
88% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon
$70
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Ridge Merino Wool Boy Short Underwear
84% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 4% Spandex
$35
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Merino Wool Shelf Bra Camisole
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$50
Ridge MerinoB
Men's Merino Wool Briefs
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$30
Ridge MerinoB
Men’s Performance Fit Merino Wool Boxer Briefs
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$36
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Ridge Merino Wool Hipster Brief Underwear
84% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 4% Spandex
$30
Ridge MerinoB
CLEARANCE Men's Ridge Merino Wool Long Boxer Briefs - 9 Inch
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$32
Ridge MerinoB
Men’s Ridge Merino Wool Boxer Shorts
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$40
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Ridge Merino Wool Long Boy Short Underwear - 5 Inch
84% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 4% Spandex
$40
Ridge MerinoB
Sierra Merino Wool Neck Tube
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$25
Ridge MerinoB
Men’s Performance Fit Merino Wool Long Boxer Briefs
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$40
Ridge MerinoB
Women's Merino Wool Racerback Tank
83% Merino Wool, 12% Recycled Nylon, 5% Spandex
$45
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from recycled nylon. 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 recycled nylon 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
👔Formal/Office
GoodGood durability (88) and comfort (50) for office wear
Detailed Use Case Scores
outerwear82
activewear78
Pros
- ✓ Reduces ocean plastic waste
- ✓ Same strength as virgin nylon
- ✓ Can be recycled repeatedly
- ✓ Lower environmental impact
Cons
- ✗ More expensive than virgin nylon
- ✗ Still sheds microplastics
- ✗ Same breathability issues
- ✗ Limited color options
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
Gore-TexB
+9 vs Recycled Nylon · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
DyneemaB
+8 vs Recycled Nylon · 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
+7 vs Recycled Nylon · 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
Washwarm (40°C)
Cyclepermanent press
Detergentregular
BleachDo not bleach
Drytumble low
Ironlow
Dry Cleanavoid
SoftenerNo
Special Notes
• Same care as virgin nylon
• Avoid high heat
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle — identical care to virgin nylon
- • Line dry when possible to save energy and reduce microplastic release from dryer lint
- • Use a microfiber-catching wash bag every wash — recycled nylon still sheds microplastics
- • Avoid high heat in dryer or iron — nylon melts at relatively low temperatures
- • No bleach — it degrades the recycled polyamide fibers and causes yellowing
- • Store flat or on hangers; nylon does not wrinkle easily and holds its shape well
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Won't shrink with normal washing
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives