Nylon: Made in Delaware

Speaker: Steve Renzi

Suitable for Schools · Grades 9–12

Invented and manufactured in Delaware by the DuPont Company, Nylon – the world’s first allsynthetic fiber – was introduced in Wilmington, Delaware in the form of women’s leg-length stockings and sales exploded like a box of dynamite. On May 16, 1940 – four million pairs sold in 48 hours. Later there were “nylon riots.” Nylon changed the clothes we wear and the way we dress. The story of nylon begins in Delaware.