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While complex in design and style, swimsuits tend to be interestingly simple in material makeup. Still, to stretch but not get stretched out while allowing water to wash over their surface – there must be an innovative blend beneath their beach-ready surface. So, what materials are swimsuits made of?
Most swimsuits are made from polyester, nylon, and elastane blend. Polyester forms the colorfast and chlorine-resistant base, while elastane gives swimsuits their iconic stretch, and nylon provides a comfortable, silky feel and glossy sheen.
The first swimsuits, as we know them today, appeared in the 18th century and were technically linen shirts. Before long, and almost unbelievably, the linen was swapped for a mix of wool and cotton. Unfortunately, these swimsuits absorbed water readily and would become heavy and uncomfortable within a matter of minutes. Still, you’ll often find wool used to this day in more retro-style swimwear.
Fortunately, modern swimsuits have come a long way.
What fabric is most common for swimsuits?
Instead of natural fibers, the majority of contemporary swimsuits are crafted from synthetic fibers. Over the years, as designers and swimwear developers have perfected the streamlined, waterproof, colorfast, and almost glossy design of today’s swimsuits, the use of these fibers has changed. The ratios and blends have been tweaked, while new materials have been added to the mix to create a variety of swimsuits for various needs, preferences, activities, and occasions.
Polyester often dominates any swimsuit fabric blend. And that’s a good thing.
The benefits of polyester:
Durable and holds its shape well.
Holds color – can be printed for a variety of styles.
Resistant to chlorine and UV light
Easy to launder.
Moisture resistant.
Quick dry.
Relatively stretchy.
It comes as no surprise then that polyester-heavy blends are often found in competitive swimwear due to their impressive list of qualities.
Polyester is generally defined as having a thick or thin filament. A thick thread-like filament will usually result in a coarser-feeling fabric. A fair, smooth filament will result in a softer, silky feel. It’s essential that you feel the fabric and stretch it for yourself before making a final selection.
However, a 100% polyester swimming suit would not be practical. Therefore, to give swimming suits the comfortable flexibility that we know and love, the introduction of other materials into the mix is necessary.
Nylon
Also known as Polyamide, nylon is the secret behind a swimsuit’s glossy, satin sheen.
Why are swimsuits made of nylon?
Its silky smooth fibers make swimsuits incredibly comfortable and flattering to wear. As a result, the majority of fashion swimwear pieces contain relatively large amounts of nylon. But its benefits don’t stop at aesthetics. Nylon is also quick-drying and water-resistant, and the list goes on …
Durable and easy to launder
Soft and comfortable to wear
High elasticity gives ample flexibility
Because of this, nylon has become a popular material for swimming costumes, pools, and beachwear.
That said, there are some downsides to using nylon in swimsuits. Standing alone, nylon does not hold color well, and its delicate fibers are susceptible to UV light. However, when mixed with other materials such as polyester or elastane, nylon’s weaknesses can be easily overcome so that its benefits shine through.
Elastane
Elastane is a synthetic fiber with elastic qualities that revolutionized not only swimwear but the entire fashion industry when it was invented in the 1960s. It’s a vital fabric that goes by many names depending on branding. So, you may also know this stretchy fabric as Spandex or Lycra.
Elastane gives swimsuits their well-known and much-loved ability to stretch without getting stretched out. What’s more, the fabric is water-resistant, wicking away moisture quickly and making wearing swimsuits or bikinis a much more comfortable affair.
Despite the invaluable role elastane material plays in modern swimsuits, only a small amount is needed in every material blend to achieve optimal results.
PBT
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a texturized polyester with natural stretch similar in look and feel to elastane. The most important characteristic of PBT is its chlorine resistance. It’s also colorfast, resistant to salt water, and offers insulation, making it a key component of outdoor or competitive swimwear.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber fiber that’s commonly used in swimsuits but can also be found in swimsuits. It’s known for its insulative properties and a tight feel that works well in competitive swimwear.
Look at any swimsuit tag, and you’ll likely find that it’s mainly made from polyester with some nylon mixed through. Elastane usually takes third place on the ingredient list, with PBT or Neoprene taking the fourth spot.
Swimwear with a blend of polyester or nylon with elastane are naturally durable, water-resistant, and quick-drying. A polyester/elastane mix will also give protection from UV rays and be resistant to chlorine.
Why does Swimsuit Fabric Matter?
When it comes to composition, it will help that you know the properties of the ‘ingredients.’ For example, the Spandex/Elastane/LYCRA® gives most of the stretch.
So, therefore – 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex will be more stretchy than 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex.
Weight
While most swimsuits are made of lightweight synthetic materials, some fabrics such as neoprene and PBT offer a heavier, more insulative experience.
Comfort
How you feel in your swimsuit relies almost entirely on what materials are used and how strongly each fabric features in the overall blend.
Look & Feel
The blend of materials used in your swimsuit will decide its overall appearance and how it feels to the touch.
Stretch/Flexibility
Swimsuits high on elastane tend to be more stretchy and hold their shape better.
Colorfast
Materials that do not hold color well tend to fade over time or after only a few swims/washes.
Durability
A poor-quality suit will be made of thinner material that feels plastic, cheap or rough. Conversely, higher-quality fabrics will feel thick and soft.
Ease of Care
Depending on the quality and mix of materials used, your swimsuit’s cleaning instructions can vary.
Just like outer materials, swimwear lining fabric can (and should be) colorfast, chlorine-resistant, and durable. Most swimwear lining fabric will match the properties of the swimsuit material. This helps the lining to move and behave in the same way, making for a comfortable fit and swimsuit-wearing experience.
Power mesh is an ideal fabric for swimwear lining used a lot in commercial garments. This fabric is perfect for body control. Also, when cut a little smaller than the swimsuit, it can help to camouflage lumpy love handles.
Finally …
What material are swimsuits made of? Swimwear’s unique look, feel, and design features are all down to its material makeup. Most swimsuits are made from a blend of Polyester, Nylon, and Elastane, with PBT or Neoprene, added from time to time for their insulative properties. How these materials are mixed influences swimsuits’ stretchiness, flexibility, durability, and water/chlorine resistance.
So, it’s essential to know what materials are used in making swimsuits when it comes to shopping for swimwear. That way, you can make the right choice for you and be sure that you’ll get the best out of your swimsuit.
Sometimes, love handles are a fact of life. That doesn’t mean we all haven’t asked “how do I hide my love handles in a swimsuit?” once swimwear season rolls around again. Love handles are those little lumps around the abdomen-hip area that have a habit of peeping out of swimsuits or creating a ‘sagging’ look. You can …
What is a monokini swimsuit? We’re all familiar with bikinis and one-piece swimsuits. But what about their more slightly confusing and currently trending counterpart? You might have heard about this third – in-between – style of swimsuit; the monokini. And like any other fashion item, designers are always at work improvising on the piece and making …
The question of how often you should wash your swimsuit is tricky. You can be sure that you’ll get very different answers from different people. Some people will wash their swimsuits after almost every use, while others seem to never wash their swimsuits at all. As you might understand, the truth lies somewhere between these …
While first invented for golfers in 1991, Nike first released its Dri-FIT line of products to the general public in the early 2000s. Since, it’s gone down a hit with athletes who enjoy the performance-boosting effects of having sweat expertly wicked away from their skin, allowing it to evaporate while keeping them cool. The short answer …
What material are swimsuits made of?
While complex in design and style, swimsuits tend to be interestingly simple in material makeup. Still, to stretch but not get stretched out while allowing water to wash over their surface – there must be an innovative blend beneath their beach-ready surface. So, what materials are swimsuits made of?
Most swimsuits are made from polyester, nylon, and elastane blend. Polyester forms the colorfast and chlorine-resistant base, while elastane gives swimsuits their iconic stretch, and nylon provides a comfortable, silky feel and glossy sheen.
Maldives
$60Pearl
$60Santorini
$60Turtle Swimsuit
$49How did Swimsuits Become What They are Today?
The first swimsuits, as we know them today, appeared in the 18th century and were technically linen shirts. Before long, and almost unbelievably, the linen was swapped for a mix of wool and cotton. Unfortunately, these swimsuits absorbed water readily and would become heavy and uncomfortable within a matter of minutes. Still, you’ll often find wool used to this day in more retro-style swimwear.
Fortunately, modern swimsuits have come a long way.
What fabric is most common for swimsuits?
Instead of natural fibers, the majority of contemporary swimsuits are crafted from synthetic fibers. Over the years, as designers and swimwear developers have perfected the streamlined, waterproof, colorfast, and almost glossy design of today’s swimsuits, the use of these fibers has changed. The ratios and blends have been tweaked, while new materials have been added to the mix to create a variety of swimsuits for various needs, preferences, activities, and occasions.
So, what are these swimsuit materials?
Popsicle Swim Shorts
Emerald
$60Pineapple Watermelon Swim Shorts
Silver
$60The Different Materials Used to Make Swimsuits
Polyester
Polyester often dominates any swimsuit fabric blend. And that’s a good thing.
The benefits of polyester:
It comes as no surprise then that polyester-heavy blends are often found in competitive swimwear due to their impressive list of qualities.
Polyester is generally defined as having a thick or thin filament. A thick thread-like filament will usually result in a coarser-feeling fabric. A fair, smooth filament will result in a softer, silky feel. It’s essential that you feel the fabric and stretch it for yourself before making a final selection.
However, a 100% polyester swimming suit would not be practical. Therefore, to give swimming suits the comfortable flexibility that we know and love, the introduction of other materials into the mix is necessary.
Nylon
Also known as Polyamide, nylon is the secret behind a swimsuit’s glossy, satin sheen.
Why are swimsuits made of nylon?
Its silky smooth fibers make swimsuits incredibly comfortable and flattering to wear. As a result, the majority of fashion swimwear pieces contain relatively large amounts of nylon. But its benefits don’t stop at aesthetics. Nylon is also quick-drying and water-resistant, and the list goes on …
Because of this, nylon has become a popular material for swimming costumes, pools, and beachwear.
That said, there are some downsides to using nylon in swimsuits. Standing alone, nylon does not hold color well, and its delicate fibers are susceptible to UV light. However, when mixed with other materials such as polyester or elastane, nylon’s weaknesses can be easily overcome so that its benefits shine through.
Elastane
Elastane is a synthetic fiber with elastic qualities that revolutionized not only swimwear but the entire fashion industry when it was invented in the 1960s. It’s a vital fabric that goes by many names depending on branding. So, you may also know this stretchy fabric as Spandex or Lycra.
Elastane gives swimsuits their well-known and much-loved ability to stretch without getting stretched out. What’s more, the fabric is water-resistant, wicking away moisture quickly and making wearing swimsuits or bikinis a much more comfortable affair.
Despite the invaluable role elastane material plays in modern swimsuits, only a small amount is needed in every material blend to achieve optimal results.
PBT
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is a texturized polyester with natural stretch similar in look and feel to elastane. The most important characteristic of PBT is its chlorine resistance. It’s also colorfast, resistant to salt water, and offers insulation, making it a key component of outdoor or competitive swimwear.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber fiber that’s commonly used in swimsuits but can also be found in swimsuits. It’s known for its insulative properties and a tight feel that works well in competitive swimwear.
Flamingo swim shorts
Ducks – Father and Son
$70Blue Striped Swimsuits
$65Pineapple Palm Blue Swim Shorts
$60$36
What material are most swimsuits made of?
Look at any swimsuit tag, and you’ll likely find that it’s mainly made from polyester with some nylon mixed through. Elastane usually takes third place on the ingredient list, with PBT or Neoprene taking the fourth spot.
Swimwear with a blend of polyester or nylon with elastane are naturally durable, water-resistant, and quick-drying. A polyester/elastane mix will also give protection from UV rays and be resistant to chlorine.
Why does Swimsuit Fabric Matter?
When it comes to composition, it will help that you know the properties of the ‘ingredients.’ For example, the Spandex/Elastane/LYCRA® gives most of the stretch.
So, therefore – 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex will be more stretchy than 85% Nylon and 15% Spandex.
Weight
While most swimsuits are made of lightweight synthetic materials, some fabrics such as neoprene and PBT offer a heavier, more insulative experience.
Comfort
How you feel in your swimsuit relies almost entirely on what materials are used and how strongly each fabric features in the overall blend.
Look & Feel
The blend of materials used in your swimsuit will decide its overall appearance and how it feels to the touch.
Stretch/Flexibility
Swimsuits high on elastane tend to be more stretchy and hold their shape better.
Colorfast
Materials that do not hold color well tend to fade over time or after only a few swims/washes.
Durability
A poor-quality suit will be made of thinner material that feels plastic, cheap or rough. Conversely, higher-quality fabrics will feel thick and soft.
Ease of Care
Depending on the quality and mix of materials used, your swimsuit’s cleaning instructions can vary.
Pineapple Watermelon Swim Shorts
Emerald
$60Turtle Matching Couples Swimwear
$80Turtle Swimsuit
$49What material are swimsuits lining made of?
Just like outer materials, swimwear lining fabric can (and should be) colorfast, chlorine-resistant, and durable. Most swimwear lining fabric will match the properties of the swimsuit material. This helps the lining to move and behave in the same way, making for a comfortable fit and swimsuit-wearing experience.
Power mesh is an ideal fabric for swimwear lining used a lot in commercial garments. This fabric is perfect for body control. Also, when cut a little smaller than the swimsuit, it can help to camouflage lumpy love handles.
Finally …
What material are swimsuits made of? Swimwear’s unique look, feel, and design features are all down to its material makeup. Most swimsuits are made from a blend of Polyester, Nylon, and Elastane, with PBT or Neoprene, added from time to time for their insulative properties. How these materials are mixed influences swimsuits’ stretchiness, flexibility, durability, and water/chlorine resistance.
So, it’s essential to know what materials are used in making swimsuits when it comes to shopping for swimwear. That way, you can make the right choice for you and be sure that you’ll get the best out of your swimsuit.
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Pink Striped Matching Couples Swimwear
$80Read more
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