Stone Island Material Science Episode 003: NYLON METAL-TC

Since its inception in 1982 Stone Island has become the recognized leader in material research and innovation. Born of a fabric not commonly used in clothing, the brand has been guided by the enduring mantra “Research. Form. Function.” from its very inception, continually pushing the boundaries of possibility, and redefining the relationship between clothing and matter ever since. Over the decades of relentless innovation, it has amassed a treasure trove of unique materials, treatment techniques and colour recipes. “Material Science” represents an ongoing series of films by Stone Island that invites you into its world of invention and transformation.

NYLON METAL-TC is one of Stone Island’s iconic fabrics developed over decades of deep material research and development. Introduced in the SPRING_SUMMER ‘005 collection, NYLON METAL-TC is made of trilobate cross-section black and white nylon yarn that subtly refracts light. The black weft and the white warp of the woven material provide a completely unique receptivity to dyeing, in which only the white yarn absorbs the dye. This process results in a distinctive metallic sheen effect, even though there is no metal yarn in the fabric itself.

The acronym “TC” refers to “TINTO CAPO,” the brand’s proprietary garment dying technique where the entire garment is dyed using methods and colour recipes developed in-house, which further accentuates the fabric’s iridescence while providing distinct tone and hue.

Over the years NYLON METAL-TC has gone through various developments and has become a cornerstone of Stone Island’s material vocabulary. Subsequent iterations include NYLON METAL COLOUR WEFT WATRO for SS ‘016, which modified the black weft into coloured yarn to intensify the iridescent effect through strong chromatic contrast. In AW ‘019-‘020, NYLON METAL WATRO RIPSTOP-TC was introduced, featuring a micro ripstop weave and a distinctive internal resin treatment. POLY-COLOUR FRAME followed in AW ‘020-‘021, featuring a shiny nylon warp combined with a coloured polyester weft, creating a three-dimensional, embossed looking square motif driven by the different tension of the yarns.

More recently, AW ‘023-‘024 introduced MACRO RIPSTOP NYLON METAL IN ECONYL, with garments defined by the enlarged ripstop weave, made with white yarn to be enhanced by the dyeing process.

SPRING_SUMMER ‘026 further develops this trajectory, presenting NYLON METAL TC IN ECONYL across a range of garment weights and constructions. The material is applied to the recurring down jackets offering, as well as to a field jacket with front patch pockets and matching cargo trousers, complemented by short sleeve shirts and shorts. The colour spectrum spans from saturated tones such as malachite green and moss green to more restrained shades of mud and soft grey.

ABOUT THE BRAND, Stone Island is a global leader of product design and garment innovation. Founded in Italy in 1982, it has consistently pushed fabric technology and experimentation, particularly focusing on functionality and utilitarianism. Design is driven by purpose, resulting in an immediately recognisable signature of cut, form, materiality and colour. For over four decades, Stone Island has built an ever-growing worldwide community which both celebrates the brand’s heritage and is activated by new product developments.