Webbing Materials: Nylon, Polyester, PP & Cotton
Webbing Materials;
How the four main webbing fibres compare on strength, stretch, UV and cost — and which to pick.
Polyester is the all-round default — UV-stable, low stretch, holds color. Nylon is the strongest and most abrasion-resistant but absorbs water and weakens when wet. Polypropylene (PP) is the lightest and cheapest and floats, but the weakest in sunlight. Cotton is soft and natural with the lowest strength. Match the fibre to load, environment and feel.
We weave webbing in all four fibres in Bağcılar, Istanbul, and the material — more than the weave — decides how a strap performs. This guide compares them so you can specify the right one. All Tekiş webbing is produced under OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (No: 2019OK0492).
What is webbing made of?
Most webbing is woven from one of four fibres: polyester, nylon, polypropylene or cotton. Synthetics dominate load-bearing straps because they are strong and consistent; cotton is chosen where a soft, natural hand matters more than strength. The fibre sets strength, stretch, UV resistance, water behaviour and cost.
How do the four webbing fibres compare?
| Fibre | Strength | UV | Water | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | High | Excellent | Low absorption | Medium | Bag straps, outdoor, all-round |
| Nylon | Highest | Good | Absorbs, weakens wet | Higher | Heavy load, abrasion |
| PP | Lower | Weak | Floats, none | Lowest | Light, low-cost, marine surface |
| Cotton | Lowest | Moderate | Absorbs | Medium | Apparel, soft natural feel |
- Polyester — keeps strength in sun and stays color-fast; the safe default for most straps.
- Nylon — strongest and most abrasion-resistant dry, but absorbs water and loses some strength wet.
- Polypropylene — light, cheap and floats; fine indoors or short-term, but degrades in UV.
- Cotton — soft, breathable and natural; lower strength, best for apparel and where feel leads.
Which webbing material should I choose?
- Bag straps & luggage → polyester (UV + color stability) or nylon for heavy loads.
- Pet collars & leashes → polyester or nylon — see choosing dog collar webbing.
- Outdoor & marine surface → polyester for UV; PP where floating helps.
- Apparel & belts → cotton or polyester for hand and appearance.
- Budget / disposable → polypropylene.
Webbing Materials : Polyester or nylon webbing — which is better?
This is the most common question. Choose polyester when UV stability and color-fastness matter — outdoor gear, bag straps, anything in sun. Choose nylon when you need maximum strength and abrasion resistance and the strap stays mostly dry — heavy load and industrial uses. Both are far stronger than PP or cotton.