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18gsm Nylon Single-Face Plain Weave — Ultra-Lightweight Silky Smooth Fabric for Apparel and Linings | 63 Inch
How does it feel?
18gsm nylon single-face plain weave, made with 10D ultra-fine yarn. This is the finest yarn we stock — finer than 15D, finer than 20D. The moment you touch it, you know it's different. It feels like wearing nothing. Soft, smooth, almost silky against the skin. Not slick like synthetic, not rough like cheap nylon. Just clean and impossibly light. Single-face construction — one side is smooth and flat. 63 inches wide, 35 yards per kilo. The yield tells you everything: it's so light that one kilo gives you a staggering amount of fabric. If you need something that feels like a second skin — or lighter — this is it.
Is it tough? Does it last?
It's 18gsm — let's be real, it's not denim. But the 10D nylon yarn is surprisingly strong for its weight. Nylon has natural give, so it doesn't shatter the moment you pull it. Handle it with a light touch when cutting and sewing. Once it's in place as a lining or base layer, it holds up fine through regular wear and washing. Won't shrink, won't wrinkle much, won't lose its shape. Not for heavy-duty outdoor use or pieces that take a beating. This one's for whispering against the skin, not wrestling.
What can I make with it?
High-end sun protection clothing that needs to be weightless. Ultralight activewear — running singlets, training tops, base layers. Luxury garment linings that disappear inside a jacket or dress. Delicate layering pieces. Anything that needs to feel like nothing at all. If you need heavier coverage, we have 30gsm and 46gsm options. If you need stretch, we have nylon spandex meshes. This one's for when you want the lightest, finest, smoothest nylon fabric possible — barely there, impossibly soft.
FAQ
1. 10D — what does that mean? Is it really finer than 15D or 20D?
Yes. The "D" stands for denier — the weight of the yarn. Lower numbers mean finer yarn. 10D is extremely fine, much finer than our 15D or 20D options. The result is a fabric that feels smoother, softer, and lighter. Think of it like thread count in sheets — higher count feels finer. Same idea here.
2. Is this the lightest fabric you carry?
One of them. We have meshes at 9gsm and 10gsm, but those are open net structures. This is a solid plain weave — no holes, no mesh — so at 18gsm it's an incredibly light solid fabric. If you need the lightest mesh for veils, go with the 9gsm or 10gsm. If you need the lightest solid fabric for apparel and linings, this is it.
3. Is this see-through? Do I need a lining?
At 18gsm, it's very sheer. For linings and base layers, that's exactly what you want — it disappears inside the garment. For sun protection clothing and activewear, it's meant to be lightweight and breathable. If you're using it as a main fabric for something fitted, you'll want a lining underneath. The sheerness is part of the design — it's not a flaw, it's the point.
4. 35 yards per kilo — is that real? Why so high?
Real. It's a direct result of how light the fabric is. At only 18gsm, one kilo of yarn produces a very long length of fabric. This means your cost per yard is exceptionally low, making it a very efficient fabric for large-volume production. Good for brands that need to keep material costs down while maintaining a premium feel.
5. Can I use this for activewear?
Yes, for ultralight activewear. Running singlets, training tops, base layers — anything where you want the fabric to feel weightless and breathe well. It's not designed for high compression or intense abrasion like our spandex-blend activewear fabrics. But for pieces that prioritize lightness and breathability, it works beautifully.
6. How do you handle something this light and fine?
Gently, but it's more cooperative than you'd expect. Nylon has natural give, so it doesn't slip and slide like polyester at this weight. Lay it flat when cutting. Don't yank it through the machine. Use tissue paper under the fabric when sewing delicate seams — it stabilizes the fabric and tears away clean when you're done. Once you get used to the feel, it handles like any other lightweight fabric.
7. Is there any stretch in this?
No elastane, but the knit structure gives it a tiny bit of natural mechanical give — it flexes slightly with the body without losing its shape. It won't stretch like a spandex blend, but it's not rigid like a woven. If you need strong stretch, we have nylon spandex options.
8. Is the surface slippery? Will it be hard to sew?
It's smooth, but not slippery like satin. The single-face construction gives it a bit of grip on one side, which actually helps during cutting and sewing. It's easier to handle than polyester satin or silk at the same weight. A light touch and standard needle settings are all you need.
9. Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes. Samples are free — you just pay shipping. Contact us with your delivery address and we'll send a swatch within 24 hours. We highly recommend feeling this fabric in person — the 10D yarn is something you need to touch to understand.
10. Is this fabric suitable for medical or healthcare applications?
No. Our fabrics are designed and produced for apparel, linings, activewear, and related uses. We do not currently manufacture or supply fabrics for medical, filtration, or industrial applications. If you need medical-grade textiles, we recommend consulting a specialist supplier.