Science | Jacket Materials

08/11/2026

Science | Cable Jacket Materials Compared: PVC vs. TPE vs. Braid

A complete comparison of feel, durability, and eco-friendliness

Industry Knowledge | 2026-10-31

Pick up a few different data cables and you'll notice they feel very different - some are stiff, some are soft, some are woven fabric. That's because of the outer jacket material. Let's compare the most common cable jacket materials and see which is best for you.

PVC: The Most Common

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is the most widely used jacket material in the cable industry. Its advantages are low cost, good insulation, and easy manufacturing. On the downside, PVC tends to be stiff, can crack at low temperatures, and isn't particularly eco-friendly (it contains halogens and releases toxic fumes when burned).

PVC cables are usually the cheapest and are common in budget products and bundled accessories. They work fine if you're not picky about feel or sustainability.

TPE: Soft and Skin-Friendly

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) has become increasingly popular in recent years. It has a soft, rubbery, skin-friendly feel, springs back quickly after bending, and holds its shape well. TPE is also more environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

Apple's original Lightning cables use TPE, for example. TPE does have drawbacks, though: it's less abrasion-resistant than PVC or braided cables, can be scratched by sharp objects, and may become sticky over long-term use.

Braided: Durability King

Braided cables have an outer jacket woven from materials like nylon or polyester. Their biggest advantage is abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and resistance to tangling - they last significantly longer than PVC or TPE cables. Braided cables also look more premium and come in many colors and patterns.

The downsides are higher price and the fact that woven fabric tends to trap dirt and is harder to clean than smooth materials. Braided cables also feel stiffer and aren't as soft as TPE.

Liquid Silicone: The Premium Choice

Liquid silicone cables have an extremely soft, skin-friendly feel, excellent temperature resistance, and are non-toxic and eco-friendly. But they're relatively expensive, attract dust easily, and aren't the most abrasion-resistant - so they're mostly found on higher-end cables.