When manufacturing products that demand exceptional strength, durability, and heat resistance, selecting the right sewing thread is essential. Kevlar® and Nomex® threads are high-performance aramid threads used in military, aerospace, protective clothing, and industrial manufacturing applications.
John Howard Company supplies both Kevlar and Nomex thread in spun and continuous filament constructions, with commercial and military specification options available.
Whether you’re manufacturing tactical equipment, protective garments, or specialized industrial products, understanding the differences between these materials can help you select the right thread for your application.
Kevlar Thread: High Strength for Demanding Applications
Kevlar is a para-aramid fiber recognized for its exceptional tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and ability to withstand short-term exposure to elevated temperatures.
Kevlar sewing thread is particularly useful in high-stress applications where seam strength and durability are critical.
Common applications include military and tactical equipment, protective garments, aerospace components, industrial safety products, and heavy-duty sewn assemblies.
John Howard Company supplies two primary Kevlar thread constructions.
Spun Kevlar Thread — A-A-55195
Spun Kevlar thread is manufactured from short staple fibers twisted together to create a durable sewing thread with a relatively soft, textile-like surface.
Its advantages include excellent strength, resistance to short-term heat exposure, and durability in demanding industrial applications.
John Howard Company offers spun Kevlar thread under Federal Specification A-A-55195, along with commercial options for applications that do not require military specification compliance.
Continuous Filament Kevlar Thread — A-A-55220
Continuous filament Kevlar thread, also called twisted multifilament Kevlar, consists of continuous aramid filaments twisted together to create a high-strength sewing thread.
This construction is especially valuable where tensile strength and dependable seam performance are important.
John Howard Company supplies continuous filament Kevlar thread under Federal Specification A-A-55220, as well as commercial options.
For detailed thread sizes, minimum breaking strengths, and technical information, visit our Kevlar and Nomex Technical Specifications page.
Nomex Thread: Heat and Flame Resistance
Nomex is a meta-aramid fiber known for its resistance to heat and flame exposure. Unlike conventional synthetic fibers that may melt under high temperatures, Nomex is designed for applications where thermal protection is essential.
Nomex sewing thread is commonly used in flame-resistant protective clothing, military flight suits, industrial safety equipment, aerospace applications, and specialized high-temperature sewn products.
John Howard Company supplies both spun and continuous filament Nomex threads.
Spun Nomex Thread — A-A-55217
Spun Nomex thread is produced from staple fibers twisted into a sewing thread suitable for specialized protective garments and industrial applications.
Its advantages include excellent heat resistance, abrasion resistance, and long-term thermal performance.
John Howard Company supplies spun Nomex thread under Federal Specification A-A-55217, with commercial and military specification options available.
Continuous Filament Nomex Thread — A-A-50195
Twisted Multifilament Nomex Thread is manufactured from continuous aramid filaments to provide dependable performance in demanding heat-resistant applications.
It is used in specialized protective garments, military equipment, aviation products, and industrial applications where heat and flame resistance are important.
John Howard Company supplies continuous filament Nomex thread under Federal Specification A-A-50195, along with commercial options.
Kevlar vs. Nomex Thread: What’s the Difference?
Although both materials belong to the aramid fiber family, they offer different performance advantages.
Feature |
Kevlar Thread |
Nomex Thread |
|---|---|---|
Fiber type |
Para-aramid |
Meta-aramid |
Primary advantage |
Exceptional tensile strength |
Heat and flame resistance |
Heat resistance |
Very good |
Excellent long-term resistance |
Common applications |
High-stress industrial and protective products |
Flame-resistant garments and high-temperature applications |
Available constructions |
Spun and continuous filament |
Spun and continuous filament |
Commercial and military specification options |
Available |
Available |
Kevlar is generally preferred when maximum strength is the primary consideration, while Nomex is often selected when prolonged heat and flame resistance are more important.
For additional material characteristics and comparative specifications, see our Nomex and Kevlar Technical Information.
Military Specification Kevlar and Nomex Threads
Manufacturers producing military equipment and government-contracted products may need sewing threads that meet specific material, construction, and performance requirements.
John Howard Company offers the following commercial and military specification thread options:
Thread type |
Federal specification |
|---|---|
Spun Kevlar |
A-A-55195 |
Continuous Filament Kevlar |
A-A-55220 |
Spun Nomex |
A-A-55217 |
Continuous Filament Nomex |
A-A-50195 |
These specification numbers help manufacturers identify the appropriate thread construction and applicable performance requirements.
For more information about military thread standards, sourcing considerations, and applications, read our article: What Is Military Spec Thread? A Complete Guide.
Manufacturers should verify the applicable specification revision and any required compliance documentation before ordering.
Spun vs. Continuous Filament Thread: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between spun and continuous filament thread is another important consideration.
Spun thread is manufactured from shorter staple fibers twisted together. This construction creates a relatively soft thread surface and may be suitable for certain garment and industrial sewing operations.
Continuous filament thread is manufactured from long, continuous fibers twisted together. It generally provides a strong, consistent thread construction for demanding sewing applications.
The appropriate choice depends on fabric construction, seam strength requirements, thread size, sewing equipment, and the finished product’s intended use.
To learn more about these differences, visit John Howard Company’s Thread Construction Guide.
Commercial and Military Grade Industrial Sewing Threads
Not every industrial application requires military specification thread.
Commercial-grade Kevlar and Nomex threads may be appropriate for manufacturers seeking specialized strength, durability, or heat resistance without formal government procurement requirements.
Military specification products may require additional documentation, testing, and verification of compliance with applicable standards.
John Howard Company helps customers evaluate thread construction, available sizes, and commercial or military specification requirements.
Explore our complete selection of Industrial Sewing Threads, including Kevlar, Nomex, nylon, polyester, and other specialty thread products.
John Howard Company: Your Supplier for Kevlar and Nomex Threads
John Howard Company supplies specialty sewing threads for manufacturers throughout the United States, including customers producing military equipment, protective garments, aerospace components, and industrial sewn products.
Our experienced team can help customers select appropriate thread materials, constructions, sizes, and specifications for their manufacturing requirements.
Whether you’re looking for A-A-55195 spun Kevlar, A-A-55220 continuous filament Kevlar, A-A-55217 spun Nomex, or A-A-50195 continuous filament Nomex, we’re here to help.
Contact John Howard Company for Kevlar and Nomex Thread
Need commercial or military specification Kevlar or Nomex sewing thread?
Call John Howard Company toll-free at 888-564-6469 to speak with a knowledgeable representative about thread specifications, available sizes, pricing, and ordering.
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