Nylon was the first synthetic fiber and was developed in the United States. The word "nylon" refers to any member of a group of similar compounds called polyamides. The compounds are made from refined crude oil (coal, petroleum).

Nylon hose were first offered for sale throughout the United States in 1940, and became a very popular alternative to silk hose that ran and sagged.

Nylon fabric can also be found in microfiber form. Microfibers are generally lightweight, resilient or resist wrinkling, have a luxurious drape and body, retain shape and resist pilling.