ProCool Nylon Sports Interlock: The Complete Guide to Wazoodle's Nylon-Based Wicking Interlock Fabric

What ProCool Nylon Sports Interlock Is and Why It Matters

ProCool Nylon Sports Interlock is AKAS Tex's nylon-fiber cooling interlock — a double-knit construction combining 100% nylon with Cooling Technology for moisture transport and accelerated evaporative cooling. In independent AATCC 197 vertical wicking testing, Cooling Technology construction transports moisture 1.1 inches in 30 minutes — nearly 2× the distance of ProCool Foundation fabrics.

The defining advantage is the nylon fiber itself. Nylon maintains 85–90% of its tensile strength when wet — where polyester and cotton lose significant strength during perspiration saturation. Nylon also delivers 3–5× the abrasion resistance of cotton, making this the most durable interlock in the ProCool line for high-wear athletic applications. The interlock double-knit construction creates identical smooth surfaces on both sides with no edge curling, flat cutting behavior, and stable seams.

At 200 GSM with 0.021" thickness and 15% × 5% stretch, Nylon Sports Interlock sits between the ultra-light Performance Interlock (105 GSM) and the heavy Pique Mesh (300 GSM) in the ProCool weight range. With 3 variants spanning Standard, Silver antimicrobial, and FoodSAFE treatments, this compact family serves athletic apparel, performance base layers, and extended-wear garments. All variants are manufactured in the USA, CPSIA certified, and Forever Chemicals-Free (no PFAS, BPA, phthalates).

For how Cooling Technology works and how it compares to other ProCool wicking technologies, see ProCool Wicking Technologies Compared: TransWICK vs Dri-QWick vs Cooling vs Foundation Wicking.

The Complete ProCool Nylon Sports Interlock Lineup

All Nylon Sports Interlock variants share identical construction: 100% nylon interlock double-knit, 200 GSM, 0.021" thickness, 15% × 5% stretch, verified moisture wicking per independent AATCC testing, and UPF 15–20. Variants differ only by treatment.

ProCool Nylon Sports Interlock — 200 GSM / 0.021" Thickness (3 Variants)

W-667 — Nylon Sports Interlock: 58–60" width, 15% × 5% stretch. The untreated baseline — Cooling Technology wicking with nylon's superior wet strength and abrasion resistance at the best value. UPF 15–20. Customer-validated for healthcare protective masks (breathable enough for extended nurse shifts) and temperature-regulating nightgowns.
W-666 — Nylon Sports Interlock Silver: Same construction with Silver Plus antimicrobial (99.9% bacterial inhibition through 50+ wash cycles). Choose for running and cycling apparel, athletic base layers, and team uniforms where odor control during prolonged exertion matters alongside nylon durability.
W-463 — ProCool FoodSAFE Nylon Interlock: FDA food-contact certified nylon interlock variant for applications requiring both wicking performance and food safety verification.

Key Concept — Why Nylon Interlock vs Polyester Interlock: ProCool offers both nylon-based and polyester-based interlock families. Both deliver verified wicking per independent AATCC testing and interlock double-knit construction. The difference is the fiber. Nylon maintains 85–90% tensile strength when wet and outlasts cotton 3–5× in abrasion resistance — choose Nylon Sports Interlock for high-wear athletic applications where durability under perspiration saturation is critical (running, cycling, team uniforms). Polyester Performance Interlock offers wider treatment selection, more weight options, and lower cost — choose it when treatment variety or specific weight requirements matter more than nylon's wet-strength advantage.

All fabric specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.

Choosing Your Nylon Sports Interlock: Treatment Guide

All three variants share identical construction — selection is purely treatment-driven.

Choosing Your Treatment

Standard (W-667) — Untreated baseline: Cooling Technology wicking with nylon durability at the best value. Choose when antimicrobial treatment and food certification aren't needed. The most versatile option for athletic apparel, performance linings, and nightwear applications.
Silver (W-666) — Antimicrobial odor control: Silver Plus inhibits 99.9% bacterial growth through 50+ wash cycles. Choose for running shirts, cycling jerseys, team uniforms, and any extended-wear athletic garment where odor control between washings matters. No bleach on Silver variants.
FoodSAFE (W-463) — FDA food-contact certified: Nylon interlock with food safety verification for applications requiring dual wicking + food-contact function.

For Standard vs Silver across all Wazoodle fabrics, see Article 40 — Standard vs Silver: When Antimicrobial Treatment Matters. For Cooling Technology compared to other ProCool wicking technologies, see ProCool Wicking Technologies Compared: TransWICK vs Dri-QWick vs Cooling vs Foundation Wicking.

Working With Nylon Sports Interlock: Sewing and Construction Guide

Nylon Sports Interlock is one of the easiest performance fabrics to sew. The interlock double-knit construction eliminates the two most common jersey sewing frustrations: edges don't curl, and seams don't run. Both faces are identically smooth, so there is no wrong-side orientation to manage during cutting or assembly.

Cutting and Layout

Flat cutting behavior: Interlock construction lays flat without curling — no weights or stabilization needed to control edges during layout. Cut edges remain stable without raveling.
No right/wrong side: Both faces are identically smooth. No orientation marking needed — either side can serve as the garment exterior.
Pattern marking: Standard marking methods work well. Fabric slides easily during cutting — secure with pattern weights or pins as needed.

Sewing Recommendations

Needles: Ballpoint or stretch needles (70/10 or 80/12) prevent fiber damage and skipped stitches in the nylon knit structure.
Seam construction: Narrow zigzag or stretch stitch for seams requiring elasticity. Standard straight stitch acceptable for non-stress seams. No special seam techniques required.
Presser foot: May need reduced pressure to prevent stretching the 15% crosswise stretch during feeding. Walking foot for even feeding on longer seams.
Thread: Polyester thread for stretch compatibility and strength.

Pairing Nylon Sports Interlock With Other Wazoodle Fabrics

Nylon Sports Interlock functions primarily as a standalone garment fabric — the 200 GSM weight and smooth interlock construction provide enough body for complete athletic garments without additional layers.

Standalone Use — Athletic and Performance Garments

Primary use mode: Single-layer construction for running shirts, cycling jerseys, workout tops, team uniforms, performance base layers, athletic underwear, and temperature-regulating nightwear. The 200 GSM weight delivers sufficient structure for standalone garments while remaining lightweight for athletic movement.

As a Performance Lining

Activewear lining: The 0.021" thickness and smooth interlock surface make Nylon Sports Interlock effective as a wicking lining inside heavier outerwear or structured athletic garments, adding moisture management without significant bulk.

Your results may vary based on product design, construction method, and end-use requirements.

Common Applications for Nylon Sports Interlock

Nylon Sports Interlock serves athletic and performance cooling applications where nylon's superior wet strength and abrasion resistance provide durability advantages over polyester interlock alternatives.

Running and Cycling Apparel — The primary application for this family. Running shirts, cycling jerseys, and endurance athletic tops where the fabric sustains prolonged perspiration saturation without losing structural integrity. Nylon's 85–90% wet strength retention matters most during extended high-output activity.
Athletic Base Layers and Performance Tops — Workout shirts, gym training tops, and performance base layers for extended activity sessions. The smooth interlock surface prevents chafing during repetitive movement.
Team Uniforms and Competition Wear — Silver variant (W-666) for team uniforms where multiple wash-and-wear cycles demand both durability and odor control. Nylon's abrasion resistance extends uniform lifespan through seasons of competitive use.
Healthcare Protective Masks — Standard variant (W-667) validated for nurse masks — breathable enough for extended shifts while providing moisture management against the face.
Temperature-Regulating Nightwear — Nightgowns and sleepwear leveraging wicking for managing night sweats and temperature regulation during rest.
Performance Underwear — Athletic underwear and base layer garments where the smooth interlock surface, moisture wicking, and nylon durability combine for extended-wear comfort.

For fabric recommendations for your specific project, see the Application Discovery articles for your product category.

Nylon Sports Interlock Certifications: Safety, Chemical-Free, and Made in USA

All Nylon Sports Interlock variants are certified safe for children's products and verified free of harmful chemicals.

Safety Certifications

CPSIA Certified: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act — mandatory U.S. federal standard for children's products (lead, phthalates, flammability)
Verified Moisture Management: Wicking performance independently tested per AATCC 197 (Vertical Wicking) test method by certified laboratory
California Proposition 65 Compliant
EU REACH SVHC Compliant
EU RoHS 10 Compliant
UPF 15–20: Lighter colors provide UPF 15 (93% UV block), darker colors achieve UPF 20 (95% UV block)
Made in USA: Manufactured by AKAS Tex under EPA/OSHA standards

Chemical-Free Verifications

Forever Chemicals-Free: Manufactured without PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, or PTFE
BPA-Free: No bisphenol A in any fabric or finishing treatment
Phthalate-Free: Verified free of all regulated phthalate compounds
Nanoparticle-Free (Silver variant): Silver Plus antimicrobial uses silver ion compounds, not engineered nanoparticles
pH Neutral: 7.4 — no acidic or basic residues

Fabric vs. Finished Product: CPSIA certification of the fabric component does not automatically certify your finished product. Depending on how your product is constructed, independent CPSIA testing of the finished item may also be required.

For what CPSIA certification requires, see CPSIA Certified: What CPSIA Certification Means for Children's Products.

Nylon Sports Interlock Care: Washing, Drying, and What to Avoid

Nylon Sports Interlock's wicking performance is built into the fabric's fiber-engineered capillary architecture — the moisture transport is a function of the physical structure, not a chemical surface treatment. Proper care protects the fiber channels that make the technology work. Nylon fiber requires specific care attention that differs from polyester ProCool fabrics.

Washing

Wash at medium temperature with like colors using a zero-residue, fragrance-free detergent. Extra rinse cycle recommended to prevent detergent buildup that degrades wicking. Remove promptly from washer to prevent heat-setting wrinkles in nylon.

Drying

Dry on medium heat only. Nylon melts at 415°F — avoid high heat settings. Remove promptly from dryer to prevent wrinkle setting.

What to Avoid

Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets with any Nylon Sports Interlock variant. These coat wicking channels and permanently destroy moisture transport and cooling performance. On the Silver variant (W-666), softeners also eliminate antimicrobial effectiveness. No chlorine bleach — chlorine degrades nylon fibers, weakening the wet-strength advantage that makes this fabric distinct. Body oils, lotions, and detergent buildup also reduce wicking — strip wash with hot water and zero-residue detergent to restore performance.

Performance Restoration

If wicking diminishes: strip wash with hot water and a small amount of vinegar or zero-residue detergent to remove body oil and detergent buildup, then rinse thoroughly. If performance doesn't recover, fabric softener contamination is the likely cause — damage may be permanent.

For why fabric softener damages performance fabrics, see Care Article 8 — Why Fabric Softener Destroys Performance Fabrics.

Nylon Sports Interlock Specifications

All three variants share identical construction specifications — the only difference is treatment (none, Silver antimicrobial, or FoodSAFE).

Specification	All Variants
Fiber Content	100% nylon
Construction	Interlock double-knit
Weight	200 GSM (6 oz/sq yd)
Thickness	0.021"
Width	58–60"
Stretch (W × L)	15% × 5%
OMMC Value	5
UPF Rating	15–20
Color Fastness	4.5
pH	7.4 (neutral)
Shrinkage	Minimal both directions
Skewness After Wash	NIL
Silver Available	Yes (W-666)
FoodSAFE Available	Yes (W-463)
CPSIA Certified	Yes
Made in USA	Yes

All specifications may vary ±10% due to textile industry manufacturing standards.