Swimsuit Material
Swimsuits are made in a variety of materials, from spandex to Polyester to blends of polyester and spandex, and nylon. Polyester and Spandex are two common swimsuit materials, and each have their own strengths. Choosing the right swimsuit material for you and your needs will make a difference in swimsuit durability, comfort, as well as budget considerations.
Type of Fabric
Spandex
Lends itself to a great deal of modern swimwear, though it's typically not the sole fabric. Spandex is usually blended with other fabrics to increases the swimwear's stretchiness. The more spandex in the suit, the more shape-hugging it is. Spandex slims the figure, but chlorine takes a toll on its elasticity over time. Lycra is the brand name for Spandex (Like Tencel is to lyocell).
Polyester
Either blended with Lycra or by itself, polyester is the leading fabric for competitive swimwear because it holds its color and is resistant to chlorine and UV rays. Polyester is "print-friendly," unlike nylon, which means it can absorb dye and print with rich and crisp results.
Characteristics
Strong and resilient; Soft and comfortable; Durable
Resistant to shrinkage, Resistant to wrinkling
Quick-drying,Good UPF rating
Holds its shape well,Good breathability
How to care for and maintain swimwear fabric properly
The longevity of your swimsuit depends on proper fabric care. Each material requires specific maintenance to maintain its protective properties and appearance.
Fabric-specific care instructions
Each fabric type has specific care requirements for optimal maintenance:
Nylon requires gentle hand washing in cool water with mild detergent and no fabric softeners.
Polyester tolerates machine washing in cold water on gentle cycles with mild soap.
PBT needs immediate rinsing after pool use with mild detergent.
Hemp and bamboo require hand washing with natural fiber soap and careful handling.
High-spandex blends require cool water hand washing without wringing or twisting.
UV-protective fabrics need mild detergents to preserve their protective coatings.
Chlorine-resistant materials benefit from immediate fresh water rinses after pool use.
Color-fast fabrics last longer with color-protecting detergents and cold water.
Patterned materials should be washed inside out to protect prints and designs.
