Olefin, also known as polypropylene or polyethylene, is a long-chain polymer synthetic fiber. It is created when ethylene and/or propylene gases are polymerized under very specific conditions. Olefin was first manufactured in the late 1950s, and has a myriad of applications in manufacturing, household products and clothing. Use of olefin has steadily increased since the 1960s, and continues to gain in popularity every year as new uses for this easy, durable material are found.

Olefin is created when the polymers are melted to a liquid, then run through a machine called a spinneret, which forces the product into a long fiber through small holes. This fiber is then used to make the fabric, or the end product in which it will be used. Because olefin resists dyeing, any dye must be added during this melting process, instead of to the final fabric or product. It is highly favored due to its easy, inexpensive manufacturing process. Surprisingly, olefin is relatively environmentally “friendly” due to the few byproducts produced during manufacturing. Olefin is also easily recycled.

There are several benefits of using olefin. It is very tough and hard wearing, colorfast and stain resistant. The lightweight material — it has the lightest “specific gravity” of any other fabric — dries quickly and wicks sweat and water from the skin. Materials made with olefin holds its shape extremely well, making it good for packing and active use. It also produces very little static, and weathers well in the sun, as long as special stabilizers are added during manufacturing. Olefin is also highly resistant to deterioration from chemicals and moisture. One of the drawbacks of olefin is that, because it has a low melting point, it is flammable and will melt if exposed to high heat.

Olefin is manufactured under several different names, including some very well known such as Tyvek® by DuPont®, Thinsulate® by 3M® and Duraguard® by Kimberly-Clark®. The material is used in everything from active wear, clothing, car and furniture upholstery, truck liners, indoor/outdoor carpeting, wallpaper/wallcoverings, bedding construction and ropes. Olefin is also used in cigarette filters and diapers. In clothing, it is easy to care for — just wash normally and line dry or dry on low heat. Due to its sensitivity to heat, keep clothing made with olefin away from the iron and other sources of extreme heat.