Polyester and nylon are both synthetic fibres made from petrochemicals, while viscose is a regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp, and this difference drives almost everything about how the three fabrics behave. Polyester is strong, dimensionally stable, quick to dry and takes disperse dye well, nylon is stronger and more elastic but more sensitive to heat and light, and viscose is soft, absorbent and breathable but weak when wet and prone to shrinkage. In Surat, polyester is by far the main fibre, with viscose a large second and nylon used mainly for specific items such as net and some linings. Choosing between them is usually a question of end use rather than price alone.
Key differences
- Strength: nylon is strongest, polyester is close behind, and viscose is weaker, especially when wet.
- Moisture: viscose absorbs water readily and feels cool, while polyester and nylon absorb little and dry quickly.
- Dyeing: polyester takes disperse dyes at high temperature, nylon takes acid dyes, and viscose takes reactive and direct dyes like cotton.
- Heat: polyester tolerates ironing and heat setting well, nylon softens at lower temperatures, and viscose scorches but does not melt.
- Stability: polyester holds its shape and pleats, nylon has more stretch and recovery, and viscose can shrink and lose crispness after washing.
- Hand: viscose is the softest, polyester ranges from crisp to soft depending on the yarn, and nylon is smooth and slightly cool.
When to choose each
Polyester suits most printed and dyed fashion fabrics, linings, sportswear and anything that needs to be washed often and keep its shape. It is also the only choice for sublimation printing. Nylon is the better fibre where strength and stretch matter, such as hosiery, swimwear, net and some outerwear, though it is less common in the Surat cluster. Viscose is chosen for comfort and drape in dress material, shirts and summer wear, and it prints well with bright, deep shades, but garments need careful finishing to control shrinkage.
Blends and labelling
Many Surat fabrics blend fibres, for example polyester with viscose for a softer hand or polyester with elastane for stretch. Fibre content must be stated accurately on the label in most markets, so a buyer should ask for a fibre composition test rather than accepting the supplier's description. Rayon is simply another name for viscose in most trade usage, though modal and lyocell are usually treated as separate fibres. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX for chemical safety or GRS for recycled polyester content are available from some process houses and should be requested at the enquiry stage.
How we help
We visit the weaving and process units to confirm which fibre and yarn are in use, and we audit them against your requirements. Sealed samples go to an NABL-accredited lab for fibre composition, shrinkage and colour fastness, and we inspect rolls before loading and supervise loading. Weekly updates keep you informed, and we hold one approved supplier plus one backup. A free 20-minute sourcing review helps if you are deciding between fibres for a new range.