The Best Fabrics for Swimwear: A Buyer’s Guide

Swimwear asks a lot of a fabric. It has to stretch and recover, hold its shape when wet, survive sun, salt and chlorine, stay opaque, and still feel good on the body. Here is what to look for when you choose swimwear fabric for a collection.

The main swimwear fabrics

Nylon spandex tricot

The industry standard for fashion swimwear. Nylon spandex tricot (usually 15–20% spandex) is soft, smooth and has excellent stretch and recovery. It comes in matte, semi-matte and shiny finishes. A matte tricot like Sportivo (82% nylon, 18% spandex, 210 GSM) is a reliable base for bikinis and one-pieces.

Poly spandex

Polyester blends hold color better under sun and chlorine and are the only option for sublimation printing, which makes them popular for printed swim, resort lines and kids’ swim. They are slightly less soft than nylon but very durable.

Chlorine-resistant constructions

For competitive and training swimwear worn in pools every day, look for chlorine-resistant constructions such as PBT polyester blends. They trade some softness and stretch for a much longer life in chlorine.

Swim lining

Lining adds opacity, comfort and structure. A lightweight nylon lining like Helenca Lining (100% nylon, about 100 GSM) is standard for fronts, crotch panels and full linings.

What to check before you buy

• Stretch: swimwear should be 4-way stretch so it moves with the body in every direction. See our guide to 2-way vs. 4-way stretch.
• Recovery: stretch the fabric hard and release it. It should snap back without bagging. Poor recovery means saggy suits after a few wears.
• Weight: most swim tricots sit around 180–230 GSM. Lighter feels cooler and dries faster; heavier gives more coverage and hold.
• Opacity: stretch the fabric over your hand, especially in white and light colors. If it turns sheer, plan for lining.
• Colorfastness: ask how the color holds up to chlorine, salt water and sun. Polyester generally keeps color longest.
• Finish: matte reads modern and minimal; shiny and metallic finishes suit performance, competition and statement styles.

Matching fabric to the swimwear type

Caring for swimwear fabric

Give your customers simple care instructions: rinse in cool fresh water after every wear, hand wash gently, never wring, and dry flat in the shade. Heat, chlorine and sunscreen are what break down spandex fastest.

Sample before production

Always sew a test suit and wear-test it in the water before cutting production. Order samples from 1 yard, or browse our full swimwear fabric collection, available in solids and prints and in stock in Los Angeles.

FAQ

What is the best fabric for swimwear?

For most fashion swimwear, a nylon spandex tricot with 15–20% spandex. For printed or pool-heavy swimwear, consider poly spandex or a chlorine-resistant polyester.

Does swimwear need lining?

Usually yes, at least in the front and crotch, and always for light colors. Lining improves opacity, comfort and shape.

Which swim fabric lasts longest in chlorine?

Chlorine-resistant polyester constructions such as PBT blends last much longer than standard nylon spandex in pools.