Thin and lightweight ripstop fabrics have a two-dimensional structure due to the thicker yarns being interwoven in thinner cloth.
[2] Initially used for consumer goods such as stockings and toothbrush bristles, nylon production was shifted entirely for military use, including parachute cloth.
[4] Ripstop fabrics are used in outdoor gear such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents, luggage, footwear, parachutes, yacht sails, hot air balloons, wingsuits, kites, and hovercraft skirts.
Ejection seat parachutes made with ripstop are woven with an elastic-like fabric so that they stretch to allow more air to pass through at high speed.
Ripstop nylon is available in a wide range colors, sizes, thicknesses, textures, and weave densities (down to zero porosity to wind and water).