Fabrics For The Field

Nylon, polyester, cotton, wool - ever wondered which fabric is best for field wear? In this article, we will take a look at some of the main fabrics found in field wear.

Fabrics - Synthetic

• Nylon: Also known by its chemical name polyamide, nylon is a thermoplastic developed in 1935 and used as a more durable and affordable alternative to silk in hosiery (thus tights were commonly referred to as "nylons"). Nylon is an exceptionally strong and lightweight fibre, so much so that it was used as the main load-bearing fabric for military parachutes and tents during World War II. Compared to most other fabrics, it has superior durability, strength-to-weight ratio and impact resistance. Some cons of nylon would be that it can expand or even melt when exposed to high heat (>250°C), and does not hold up very well to prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

• Polyester: Like nylon, polyester is a thermoplastic fibre developed in 1951 as a "miracle fabric" which could be worn without wrinkling or creasing. Polyester is known for its exceptional quick-drying, water-, mildew- and UV-resistant properties. Polyester is highly abrasion-resistant, slightly more so than nylon. It is also easier to dye and more colourfast than nylon, enabling polyester to achieve more vibrancy and a wider range of colours. While polyester is not as strong or as durable as nylon, it is superior in terms of water- and UV-resistance. Some drawbacks of polyester are its low relative breathability and characteristic of trapping oils, which over time can result in odours difficult to rid.

Fabrics - Natural

• Cotton: Cotton is a naturally-occurring cellulose fibre harvested from the stems of cotton plants for thousands of years. It is known for its rich softness, high breathability and skin friendliness (hypoallergenic property). These properties are what gives cotton its signature comfort. While cotton is easily dyed, it is not as colourfast nor does it retain shape as well as either polyester or nylon. Being a natural fibre, it is also susceptible to damage by insects. Cotton fibre readily absorbs and retains moisture. As a result it loses its insulating property very easily when wet, causing the wearer to lose body heat over 25 times as fast as compared when dry. Unlike synthetic fabrics, cotton does not melt when exposed to high heat.

• Wool: Wool is another natural fibre, which is taken from the fur of sheep. Unlike cotton, wool is an excellent insulator due to its protein-lipid structure; it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water and still provide insulation. Additionally, wool is naturally flame-retardant and its fibres self-extinguish should it catch fire. This exceptional property makes wool an essential fabric where there is risk of exposure to flames. While wool may seem like nature's wonder fibre, it lacks the durability and insect- and chemical-resistance of synthetic fibres. It is therefore important to take special care of wool fabric to allow it to last as long as the other fabrics, such as gentle washing, air-drying and protecting it from rough surfaces.

So which of these fabrics is best for field wear? The answer will depend on a variety of factors; most notably protection from the elements and durability.

In terms of protection, nylon and polyester fabrics are the go-to options, with a slight advantage to polyester for its higher water- and UV-resistance.

In terms of durability and weight, nylon takes the cake for its superior toughness and light weight.

In terms of insulation from the elements, wool is the clear winner, and has been the tried and true cold weather fabric for generations.

Cotton is not a very suitable fabric for field use due to its potentially dangerous drawbacks, with the exception of hot and arid environments. Cotton is typically used as a blended component in semi-synthetic fabrics such as 65/35% polyester-cotton.