Stone Island Nylon Metal is one of the brand's most recognisable technical fabrics, known for a light feel and an iridescent, almost metallic-looking surface. Stone Island says the fabric was introduced in 2005 and has continued to evolve through different weaves, dye recipes and constructions.
Quick answer: Nylon Metal is not simply shiny nylon and it is not automatically waterproof. The look comes from the yarn structure and the way the fabric is woven and garment dyed. Performance details vary by the exact version of the fabric and the garment it is used on.
What is Stone Island Nylon Metal?
Stone Island describes Nylon Metal as a fabric built from nylon yarn with a trilobate cross-section. That yarn refracts light, which is what helps create the distinctive lustre. The underlying nylon keeps the fabric lightweight, durable and quick-drying.
The classic construction combines a black weft and white warp. During garment dyeing, the white yarn takes on the colour while the black yarn behaves differently, creating the depth, colour shift and iridescent appearance associated with Nylon Metal.
What does TC mean on Nylon Metal?
On Stone Island product names, TC refers to Tinto Capo — garment dyeing. Rather than dyeing only the fabric before the garment is made, the finished piece is dyed using Stone Island's garment-dyeing processes and colour recipes.
That is one reason two Nylon Metal pieces can look noticeably different even when they sit within the same broad fabric family. Season, colour recipe, weave, treatment, lining and garment construction all matter.
Key Nylon Metal variants
Nylon Metal has appeared in many forms. These names are useful when researching a pre-owned piece because they tell you more than the words “Nylon Metal” alone.
| Variant | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|
| Nylon Metal / Nylon Metal-TC | The core iridescent fabric family, usually associated with garment-dyed colour and a lightweight nylon feel. |
| Nylon Metal Colour Weft Watro | Introduced for Spring/Summer 2016. Stone Island changed the traditional black weft to coloured yarn to create stronger colour contrast and iridescence. |
| Nylon Metal Watro Ripstop-TC | Introduced for Autumn/Winter 2019–20 with a micro-ripstop weave and an internal resin treatment. |
| Poly-Colour Frame | An Autumn/Winter 2020–21 development using a shiny nylon warp and coloured polyester weft to create a more three-dimensional square effect. |
| Nylon Metal in ECONYL® | A newer evolution using regenerated nylon yarns. Stone Island continues to use the fabric across jackets, overshirts, trousers, shorts and other garments. |
Is Stone Island Nylon Metal waterproof?
Do not assume that every Nylon Metal garment is waterproof. Nylon Metal describes a fabric family, not one universal waterproof specification. Some individual versions use resin treatments, anti-drop treatments, padding or other constructions that change how the garment behaves in wet weather.
When buying pre-owned, identify the exact model and season first, then check the specifications for that garment. The Stone Island ART number guide can help with model and season research.
What is Nylon Metal Watro?
“Watro” appears in the names of specific Nylon Metal constructions, but it should not be treated as a blanket promise that every garment carrying the name performs the same way. For example, Stone Island's Nylon Metal Watro Ripstop-TC uses a micro-ripstop weave and internal resin treatment. Other Nylon Metal pieces can have different constructions.
What to check when buying Nylon Metal pre-owned
1. Identify the exact garment
Start with the product name, season and ART number where available. “Nylon Metal” covers many different garments and treatments, so identifying the specific piece makes condition and care advice much more reliable.
2. Inspect the surface and high-wear areas
Look closely at cuffs, hems, pocket edges, elbows, seat areas and other contact points. Check the listing photographs for abrasion, pulls, marks or changes in the surface finish. On a pre-owned garment, judge these against the stated condition rather than expecting every older piece to look factory-new.
3. Check linings and treatments where relevant
Some Nylon Metal variants include resin treatments, padding, mesh linings or other internal constructions. If a particular model uses one of these systems, inspect the inside as carefully as the outer fabric for cracking, peeling, separation or previous repairs.
4. Check labels, hardware and product identifiers
Nylon Metal itself is not proof of authenticity. Use the fabric only as one part of a wider check. Review the Compass badge, wash labels, ART number, Certilogo where applicable, buttons, zips and overall construction. See our Stone Island authentication guide for the full process.
How should you wash Stone Island Nylon Metal?
Use the care label on the exact garment rather than one universal Nylon Metal washing rule. Different seasons and variants can use different linings, coatings, padding and treatments. A method that is suitable for one Nylon Metal overshirt may not be suitable for a padded or resin-treated jacket.
If the care label is missing or unreadable, identify the exact model before cleaning and use a specialist cleaner when the construction is unfamiliar or technically complex.
Nylon Metal overshirts, jackets and shorts
Nylon Metal is not limited to one product type. Across different seasons Stone Island has used it for lightweight overshirts, technical jackets, down pieces, trousers and shorts. Street Garms' stock is one-of-one, so the exact mix changes as pieces sell and new items arrive.
- Browse all current Stone Island.
- Shop Stone Island overshirts.
- Shop Stone Island jackets.
- Shop Stone Island shorts.
How Nylon Metal differs from other Stone Island fabrics
Nylon Metal is best understood as one branch of Stone Island's wider fabric research rather than a catch-all term for technical outerwear. Other families such as Membrana 3L TC, Soft Shell-R and David-TC use different materials and constructions and should be assessed on their own terms.
For a broader overview, use our Stone Island fabric guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Nylon Metal look shiny?
The effect comes from the trilobate nylon yarn and the interaction between the warp, weft and garment-dye process. The result can shift with lighting and viewing angle rather than looking like a flat metallic coating.
When was Stone Island Nylon Metal introduced?
Stone Island dates the introduction of Nylon Metal to 2005.
Is every Nylon Metal piece the same fabric?
No. The family has evolved through different weaves, yarns, colour recipes and treatments. Always use the full product name, season and ART number where possible.
Is Nylon Metal a good fabric to buy second hand?
It can be, provided the individual garment's condition is assessed properly. Pay particular attention to high-wear areas and any internal treatment specific to that version. On Street Garms listings, use the exact photographs, condition notes and measurements for the individual piece.
Technical reference
For the manufacturer's explanation of the yarn, dye process and fabric evolution, see Stone Island Material Science: Nylon Metal.