Everything You Need to Know About Swimsuit Fabric

 The fashion world is in a heated debate about the best swimsuit fabric. There aren't many options. Swimwear fabrics must be quick-drying, colorfast, and allow for some stretch. Let's look at some of the many options available for swim fabrics, and their different characteristics. This will make it easy to choose the best swimsuit material for you!


Swimsuit fabric is designed to be flexible to accommodate all your curves and allow you to swim comfortably and safely. Fabric must be able both to hold its shape and dry quickly and easily when wet. Elastane fibers are used in almost all types of swimwear fabrics.


Elastane, a synthetic fiber that has elastic properties, revolutionized fashion when it was first developed in the 1960s. Elastane can be used to refer to Lycra and Spandex. Lycra, Spandex, and elastane all refer to the same thing so don't get too attached to the branding.

To provide a comfortable stretch, Elastane can be blended with synthetic fibers.




Different Types of Swimsuit Fabrics


1. Natural swimwear fabrics


When wet, natural fibers like wool and cotton easily lose their shape. They dry slowly and can often retain a lot of water. They are heavier than synthetic alternatives and therefore less practical. This is not the best option for swimming suits fabric. If you plan to simply lounge around and enjoy a great view from a sunchair, this is not the best option.


Retro-style swimwear is often made of fabrics such as knits and Terrys made out of bamboo and cotton. Anything before then couldn't achieve the same stretchy qualities. Natural fibers are generally not recommended for swimwear intended for swimming. 


2. Blends of Polyester Swimsuit Fabric


The most durable swimwear fabrics made from polyester and Lycra (or spandex) have the highest level of durability. However, stretch polyester is not a general category. There are hundreds, if certainly thousands, of blends available from different fabric mills. Each type will have a different blend percentage of spandex to poly.


There will be a variation in the density and softness of the knit. The quality of the filament used to make the fabric is a major factor in the differences in quality. There are many differences in how polyesters feel and look. A thicker filament, similar to a thread, will result in a more coarse-feeling fabric. A thinner, smoother filament will give you a silkier feel. Before making your final decision, feel the fabric and stretch it for yourself.


Swimwear blends will often include the terms "Lycra", “Spandex” and "Elastane." What is the difference between Lycra, spandex, and other swimwear blends? It's simple. Lycra is a brand name and trademark of DuPont. All other terms are generic. 


They all refer to the same thing. Functionally, there is no difference between swimwear made from any of these three or any other brand of elastane fibers. However, eco-friendly elastane options are starting to appear on the market.


Qualities of Polyester Swimwear Fabric


These are the most important qualities of polyester for swimsuit fabrics:


  • Durability: Polyester is a durable fiber. Polyester is very durable and holds its shape in the water. It resists pilling, which is the formation of small balls of fuzz in the armpit and crotch. This is a common problem in surf swimwear where the suit is constantly in contact with the board.

  • Colorfastness: Polyester is very strong in both dyes as well as prints.

  • Cost: Polyester is one of the most affordable swimwear fabrics.

  • Take a look at/feel: Polyester is known for its "roughness" in-hand feel. This notion is outdated. Modern poly fabrics are soft and have seen significant improvements.

3. Blends of Nylon Swimwear Fabrics


Nylon spandex swimsuit fabrics have become very popular. It is known for its soft feel and ability to have a satin or glossy sheen.


Nylon Swimwear Fabric Qualities


  • Durability: Nylon has high tensile strength and is strong enough to be used as a swimsuit material. It is more susceptible to UV (sunlight), and it can pill much faster than polyester.

  • Colorfastness: Poly is more resistant to color than nylon.

  • Cost: Although prices for nylon can vary widely, they are usually a little more expensive than poly.

  • Look/Feel: Nylon is popular for its soft, comfortable hand feel.

  • Not printable at low volumes: While many printers can print artwork to nylon fabrics it is not intended for sublimation printing. Although it can be done, it is not colorfast and washes out quickly. It also has poor definition when using vector artwork. This is not a good idea for quality products.

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