In 1935, Wallace Carothers and his team at DuPont invented nylon, the first synthetic fiber, which revolutionized the textile industry. This new material was not only strong and elastic but also resistant to mildew and abrasion, making it ideal for a variety of applications, including clothing, ropes, and parachutes. The introduction of nylon marked a significant shift from natural fibers to synthetic materials, influencing fashion and manufacturing. Nylon's versatility and durability have made it a staple in countless products to this day.

The invention of nylon symbolized synthetic substitutes for natural materials, reflected in mid-century poetry on modernity, consumerism, war technology, and artificial vs. organic existence. Poets like Frank O'Hara and John Ashbery engaged with the implications of synthetic life, often blurring the lines between the real and the artificial in their works.