ObjectiveTo compare the properties of hernia repair mesh of different materials used in clinical practice, so as to provide reference for clinical selection of numerous meshes at present. MethodThe literatures of different materials of hernia mesh in the treatment of abdominal hernia and inguinal hernia at home and abroad were reviewed.ResultsThe synthetic mesh, especially the polypropylene mesh with wide-pore mesh in the midweight mesh, might be the most ideal synthetic mesh. The new coating material improved the defect of polypropylene material to a great extent. The status of biological mesh in complex hernia repair had been waxed, and it had a tendency to be replaced by absorbable synthetic mesh.ConclusionsCurrently, there is no single mesh suitable for all types of hernia repair. Polypropylene mesh is still an effective and low cost mesh material, and there may be more room for the development of absorbable synthetic materials and antimicrobial coatings.