Nylon is one of the most widely recognized synthetic fibers in the global textile industry. From workout leggings and windbreakers to luggage and industrial straps, it’s used across a spectrum of applications. Yet, despite its popularity, many buyers, brand managers, and even textile developers often fail to recognize the official or generic name of nylon when sourcing materials or reading fabric composition labels. The generic name for nylon is polyamide, as defined by international textile standards like ISO, ASTM, and FTC regulations. Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 are specific types of polyamide fibers that fall under this broader classification.

Why does this matter? Because if you’re sourcing fabrics globally, the term “nylon” might not appear at all on your documentation. Instead, you’ll see “polyamide” listed in fiber content tables, customs declarations, or compliance certifications. Failing to understand this can lead to sourcing errors, customs delays, or product mislabeling.

Let’s break down what this means for B2B sourcing, garment development, and compliance strategy.

1. What does “generic name” mean in textile labeling and classification?

A generic name in textiles refers to the officially recognized term used to describe a class of fibers with similar chemical composition, regardless of the brand or proprietary variant. This ensures uniform labeling, compliance, and consumer transparency across different regions. The generic name is the non-branded, standardized name used in fiber labeling, such as “polyamide” for nylon, “polyester” for PET fibers, and “elastane” for spandex.

Why Generic Names Matter in Fabric Trade

A. Key Regulatory Bodies Defining Generic Names

The U.S. still allows “nylon” on labels due to FTC legacy usage, but international shipments—especially to the EU—must use “polyamide” to comply with textile labeling laws.

B. Labeling Requirements

C. Generic Name vs Trade Name

Always clarify with your supplier whether “nylon” listed in the product specs refers to polyamide 6 or 6,6, especially when requesting certifications or performance testing.

2. What is the generic name used for nylon fibers in global standards?

The generic name for nylon fibers is polyamide, as defined by ISO 2076, ASTM D123, and other global standards. In commercial use, polyamide includes PA6 (Nylon 6), PA66 (Nylon 6,6), PA11, and PA12, among others. Global textile regulations refer to all nylon types under the generic name polyamide—this term must be used on fiber labels and compliance documents across most international markets.

Understanding Nylon’s Place Under “Polyamide”

A. Polyamide Family Breakdown

Even though you might see “nylon” used colloquially, product declarations and export documentation (especially for EU or REACH compliance) will use the polyamide code (e.g., PA6) instead.

B. Where You’ll See “Polyamide” Instead of “Nylon”

• Textile labels for export to Europe
• OEKO-TEX® and GRS certificates
• Customs documentation
• REACH and RoHS declarations
• Performance test reports from SGS or Intertek

A U.S. swimwear brand had to relabel all its products for EU retail after listing “Nylon” instead of “Polyamide” on tags. The delay cost them 3 weeks and over \$10,000 in relabeling and reinspection.

3. How is nylon classified under ISO, ASTM, and FTC textile regulations?

Nylon, though commonly known in consumer markets by its trade name, is classified under technical standards and regulations using the generic term “polyamide.” Each standards organization defines nylon’s identity, chemical composition, and labeling requirements to ensure global uniformity, especially for B2B transactions and international trade. ISO, ASTM, and FTC classify nylon as polyamide, using designations like PA6 or PA66. These codes standardize testing, labeling, and compliance across markets from manufacturing to retail.

Regulatory Definitions of Nylon

A. ISO Standard (ISO 2076:2021)

• Definition: ISO defines nylon under the umbrella term polyamide (PA), which includes multiple types based on monomer structure.
• Example Label: “85% polyamide 6 / 15% elastane”
• Usage: Required on technical data sheets and fiber labels across the EU and many Asian countries.

B. ASTM (ASTM D123 – Standard Terminology)

• Definition: Recognizes nylon as a thermoplastic polyamide formed from condensation polymers.
• Note: While ASTM permits the use of “nylon,” in technical documents it prefers polyamide accompanied by the chemical type (e.g., Nylon 6 = PA6).

C. FTC (U.S. Federal Trade Commission – 16 CFR § 303.7)

The U.S. is one of the few regions that allows the use of “nylon” instead of “polyamide” as the generic name on consumer labels. However, for international trade or certification, “polyamide” is still required.

D. Comparison Table: Nylon Classification Across Standards

For export to the EU, UK, or Middle East, always use “polyamide” in labeling. For U.S.-only sales, “nylon” is acceptable but including both terms improves clarity.

4. Which types of nylon fall under the generic term “polyamide”?

The term polyamide refers to a family of synthetic polymers containing repeated amide bonds. In textiles, it most often refers to PA6 (Nylon 6) and PA66 (Nylon 6,6), but other high-performance polyamides such as PA11, PA12, and aromatic polyamides (aramids) also fall under this classification, depending on usage. Polyamide includes Nylon 6, 6,6, 11, 12, and even some aramids like Kevlar®, depending on context. In apparel, PA6 and PA66 dominate the market.

Polyamide Types in Textile Applications

A. Overview of Common Polyamides

PA11 is a biobased polyamide gaining popularity in sustainable fashion and performance wear. It offers flexibility, chemical resistance, and a lower carbon footprint.

B. Apparel Use by Polyamide Type

C. Market Share Estimate (Textile-Specific)

For most apparel or bag manufacturers, PA6 and PA66 are the primary grades under “polyamide.” Specialty polyamides like PA12 or PA11 require higher MOQs and longer lead times.

5. How do manufacturers label nylon blends and specialty variants?

Manufacturers typically label nylon blends and specialty variants using the generic term polyamide alongside the fiber percentage and sometimes with a performance descriptor (e.g., “recycled polyamide” or “polyamide-elastane blend”). For export, especially to regulated markets like the EU or Japan, this is mandatory under labeling compliance laws. Blended or specialty nylons are labeled with the generic term polyamide, not trade names. Labels may also note the fiber form (e.g., recycled, biobased, or textured) to meet compliance and marketing needs.

Labeling Practices for Nylon Blends

A. Common Nylon Labeling Formats

In U.S. consumer labels, you might see “nylon” and “spandex”, but for international labeling and compliance documents, it should say “polyamide” and “elastane”.

B. Examples of Specialty Nylon Label Terms

When using sustainable marketing claims, always request the corresponding test report and certification (GRS, BLUESIGN, OEKO-TEX) to avoid regulatory risk.

C. Sample Real-World Labels

For globally distributed products, include multilingual fiber breakdowns on inner labels or packaging inserts. This avoids relabeling costs and legal issues at customs.

6. Are there differences between generic names and brand names like Nylon®, Cordura®, or ECONYL®?

Absolutely. While generic names refer to fiber classifications like polyamide, brand names refer to proprietary formulations, treatments, or performance standards owned by manufacturers. Understanding this distinction helps buyers make better sourcing decisions and avoid overpaying for basic fabric labeled with a premium name.

In short:Generic names describe the fiber class (e.g., polyamide), while brand names indicate trademarked or enhanced versions (e.g., Cordura®, ECONYL®). Brand names often come with guaranteed specs, certification, and marketing value.

Understanding Nylon Branding

A. Common Nylon Brand vs Generic Breakdown

Using a brand-name fiber like ECONYL® allows you to leverage built-in sustainability branding, especially valuable for DTC eCommerce and ESG-focused buyers.

B. Should You Pay for a Brand Name?

A Swiss outdoor brand opted for generic PA66 for their jacket collection but licensed the Cordura® trademark for marketing. This allowed higher perceived value without needing to change the underlying fabric supplier.

C. How to Verify Branded Nylon Use

• Request certificate of authenticity or lot number from supplier
• Ask for brand usage license or co-branding terms
• Confirm performance tests from the brand-holder or authorized lab

7. What should B2B buyers check on fabric composition labels when sourcing nylon?

When sourcing nylon fabrics, B2B buyers must verify the fiber composition, generic name, percentages, and certification claims on labels or spec sheets. These details directly impact customs clearance, compliance with buyer regulations, and product performance guarantees. Always check that nylon fabrics are labeled with the correct generic name “polyamide”, accurate blend ratios, and any claims like “recycled” or “biobased” are backed by certifications like GRS or OEKO-TEX.

Labeling Checklist for Nylon Fabric Buyers

A. Key Elements to Look for

If your label says “Nylon 6,6” but the customs declaration says only “nylon,” it may raise issues in EU or Japan. Always ask for full breakdowns in both trade names and technical terms.

B. Fabric Label Examples (B2B Specs)

C. Sourcing Risks If Labels Are Incomplete

For garments entering the EU, labels must match EU 1007/2011 standards with fiber names listed in descending order of content and in local language.

8. How does knowing the generic name of nylon help in international sourcing and compliance?

Understanding that “polyamide” is the generic name for nylon equips B2B buyers to navigate cross-border transactions, interpret fabric test reports, and ensure product labeling compliance across diverse markets—from the U.S. and EU to China, Japan, and the Middle East. Knowing the generic name reduces sourcing errors, speeds up customs clearance, ensures compliance, and avoids costly relabeling or reinspection delays.

Real-World Value of Fiber Terminology Accuracy

A. Advantages in Global Sourcing

A Canadian brand sourcing from China mislabeled its fiber as “nylon” on export docs for EU markets. Customs flagged it as non-compliant, causing two-week delivery delays and €8,000 in rework fees. Switching to “polyamide” resolved future issues.

B. Sample Scenarios Where Generic Knowledge Saves Time

C. Harmonizing Buyer–Supplier Language

Preferred Vocabulary for B2B Use

Polyamide instead of Nylon

Elastane instead of Spandex

PA6/PA66 instead of trade names

Educate your product development and sourcing teams to use generic terms in BOMs, tech packs, and QA documents to ensure clarity across regions.

Why “Polyamide” Matters More Than You Think

In the textile world, especially across international supply chains, generic names like “polyamide” aren’t just semantics—they are legally binding, certification-relevant, and cost-saving tools. Whether you’re building a performance fashion line or sourcing fabrics for technical gear, using the correct terminology helps streamline compliance, communication, and credibility.

And while “nylon” remains the popular term among consumers, polyamide is the name that keeps your sourcing process efficient, accurate, and globally compatible.

Source Certified Polyamide Fabrics from SzoneierFabrics

At SzoneierFabrics, we specialize in developing and supplying a wide range of polyamide fabrics (nylon 6, 6,6, rPA, PA11, and more)—tailored for both performance and fashion.

We offer:

• Custom polyamide fabric solutions (woven/knit/spandex blends)
• GRS-certified recycled nylon and OEKO-TEX®-compliant fabrics
• Free sample support, low MOQs, and fast turnaround
• Help with labeling, documentation, and fiber compliance reports
• Industry-trusted service for global apparel brands and startups alike

Contact us now to request swatches, discuss your project, or receive guidance on sourcing the right polyamide fabric for your next collection.