During summertime, one of the most popular activities that individuals enjoy doing is swimming. Both women and men wear swimwear so they can swim in the pool, lake, or the beach. If you are wondering about getting new swimwear but do not know what kind of fabric to get, you came to the right place. Here at Spandex Warehouse, we will be sharing a blog post about the best fabric for swimwear. If you are interested in learning more about this, we encourage you to continue scrolling below to find out.
A blend of elastane and polyester materials is said to be the greatest fabric for swimwear, according to fashion professionals. What is elastane? It’s a flexible textile that’s often referred to as Spandex or Lycra. Why polyester? Polyester is resistant to fading and chlorine, making it ideal for swimming wear. Nylon is a decent cloth in its own right, but it has less resistance against pilling than other options.
What are the different materials used for making swimwear?
Natural fabric
Swimwear was originally produced from natural materials. Wool was one of the most popular fibers used. Wool is a wonderful option for swimwear since it is elastic and may be knit into a close-fitting suit. Because wool is readily available and inexpensive, many individuals were able to make their own swimsuits. When water comes in touch with wool, it will expand and become heavy and stretchy, making it undesirable as a bathing suit. Nowadays, polycotton and wool are making a comeback in swimwear, especially now that more individuals are searching for sustainable options. The swimwear scene changed when Lycra was introduced during the 1950s.
Synthetic fabrics
A lot of synthetic fibers and fiber blends can be used for swimwear. Synthetic fibers are essential for creating swimwear. Polyester is one of the best choices for suitable fabrics for swimwear because it is resistant to chlorine and sunlight. It is easy to clean and it is durable. Polyester can be blended with other synthetic fabrics like elastane, making it the perfect fabric for swimwear.
There are several types of polyester and elastane combinations. Some include more elastane, while others have more polyester fibers. They’re capable of creating functional and long-lasting swimming apparel that may be used in the pool or on the beach.
Elastane, which is often mixed with other textiles and referred to as Lycra or Spandex, can be combined with other materials. It may be used to make a more durable swimsuit fabric by mixing it with nylon. Although nylon fiber has a lower level of UV resistance and can be damaged by chlorinated water, it may still be utilized in place of polyester-based swimwear due on its cost advantages.
Another alternative is a polycotton-spandex fabric. This fabric combines the comfort and spandex stretchability of polyester with the flexibility of cotton. However, you must keep in mind that it will also have drawbacks because it contains natural fibers, such as fading ability and decreased drying speed. To create a durable, ideal swimwear choice, mix in different proportions of polyester and cotton.
What are the different fabrics for swimwear?
Polyester
This fabric is soft and long-lasting. Polyester is a frequent component of swimwear. It’s both strong and durable, making it the ideal material for competitive swimming suits. It’s resistant to UV rays and chlorine, so it’s the best choice for swimwear textiles.
Pros
- Durable
- Colorfast
- Resistant to UV and chlorine
- Quick-dry and easy to clean
- Moisture resistant
Cons
- Quality may differ depending on the blend used during the manufacturing process
- Not a sustainable option
Nylon
Nylon, commonly known as Polyamide, is a type of synthetic fabric that is quick-drying and water-resistant. It is attractive and comfy to wear. It has a smooth texture with a gleaming sheen. Polyamide garments look fantastic and feel wonderful to wear. To make swimwear that is figure-hugging and flattering, combine it with other fibers such as elastane. Polyamide is an excellent material for creating swimwear and beachwear.
Pros
- Durable
- Soft and comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Elastic and flexible
Cons
- Not UV resistant
- Can be damaged by chlorine
- Not advisable for printing because it has a tendency to color bleed.
Elastane
Elastane was originally designed for clothing use in the late 1950s. It has become famous for its brand names such as Spandex and Lycra. Polyurethane is used to make it. It may be utilized with either natural or synthetic fibers to make swimwear that stretches comfortably. Because it is elastic, this fabric makes a fantastic choice for swimwear.
Pros
- Stretchable and flexible
- Form-fitting
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- Expensive
- Not environmental friendly
- Extensive and complicated production process
PBT
Polybutylene Terephthalate, or PBT, is a clear plastic yarn fiber with stretchy characteristics. It’s a polyester-family member that has a flexible texture. Although it isn’t as flexible as other plastics, it has a firm texture and a light and smooth feel. It has an odd shine to it; it glides through the watermint making it an excellent choice for competitive swimwear.
Pros
- Resistant to chlorine
- Comfortable to wear
- Resistant to pilling and snagging
- Moisture-resistant
- Can dry quickly
- Colorfast
- Resistant to UV light, does not fade easily
Cons
- Non-biodegradable – petroleum-based
- Not as flexible as other polyester fabrics
Cotton
Natural fibers like cotton or wool have been used in the early days for swimwear. However, one main issue is that using natural fiber means it will absorb water. When swimwear absorbs water, the swimmer will sink or even lose their swimwear when it becomes out of shape and falls off.
Nowadays, sustainable materials like cotton and bamboo are being used to create retro swimwear. Although it is not designed for swimming, it is recommended for relaxing by the beach, or sitting on the lounge or deck chair while catching some sun rays and getting a tan.
Pros
- Gives retro feel vibes for beach and pool wear
- Can be used while lounging poolside, lake, or by the beach
- Cools during a hot sunny day
Cons
- Absorbs water, can become heavy when used for swimming
- Easily damaged by sun exposure and sea salt
Do you intend to buy wholesale swimwear fabrics? Spandex Warehouse in Los Angeles, California is the place to go. We have been supplying wholesale fabric supplies since 1996, so if you’re looking for a certain sort of cloth for your project, please let us know. You may contact us at 213-629-7416 or [email protected].
We have a showroom where you may see and try on our products. However, you must schedule an appointment before coming to us. We are at 776 Gladys Avenue in Los Angeles, California 90021. What are you waiting for? Get in touch with us right away! Make certain that all of your wholesale fabric requirements are taken care of by selecting a reputable team like Spandex Warehouse.