There are many fabric options available in the market. How do you know which one to choose? What is the best fabric for a swimsuit?
Polyester Swimwear is soft and extremely durable, making it one of the most popular clothing fabrics. Its quick-drying properties and longevity make it an excellent choice for swimwear, especially for competitive swimming.
With built-in UV resistance and the ability to withstand constant exposure to chlorine, this fabric is a top choice for any garment that might be worn at the beach or poolside.
Elastane is the generic name for brand stretch fabrics like Lycra and Spandex. Elastane is 100% synthetic, ie polyurethane.
Originally introduced as a replacement for rubber, it also has a wide range of industrial applications, including shock absorption and heat insulation.
Elastane can be used with synthetic materials or added to natural fibers to give clothing a comfortable stretch. Its stretchy properties make it an ideal fabric for swimwear.
However, it is not biodegradable, and the production process is cumbersome and expensive.
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber, not strictly a fabric. Neoprene is used in wetsuits and is the inner layer of insulating foam that keeps divers and surfers warm, especially in winter or in year-round cold oceans.
As body heat warms the water, the diver's body temperature remains at a comfortable level. One disadvantage of neoprene is that the diver's body is always wet.
As a swimsuit material, constant wetness near the body can be a problem. In warm weather, trapped warm air can lead to overheating. This material can be uncomfortable to wear and difficult to put on and take off. Many surfers and divers tend to wear swimsuits under wetsuits to prevent the wetsuit from sticking to the skin.
Recycled fiber, made from recycled materials such as post-consumer waste and discarded plastic bottles, or from landfills and oceans.
Reliable and durable, wicking, adaptive warming, cooling, and water repellency qualities.
Sustainable swimwear fabrics are important, because they reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. By using sustainable fabrics, clothing designers and manufacturers can help protect our environment and reduce pollution levels. Sustainable swimwear fabrics can be more durable than conventional fabrics, meaning that they will last longer, saving on costs and reducing waste in the long run.
The best fabric for swimwear is a stretchy synthetic with chlorine and UV resistance. Knowing what to look for will help you choose your fabric with greater confidence.
