Selecting the proper swimming costume material determines whether your swimwear will please customers or let them down. The knowledge of fabric science benefits any brand whether you operate as a start–up or established label or clothing manufacturers since it protects your brand image and delivers satisfaction to end-users while saving money.
This guide presents the main materials along with their advantages and disadvantages and current market developments for complete confidence in your fabric selection.
The Big Two: Nylon vs. Polyester
When you browse a wholesale catalog for swimwear materials, you will almost always face a choice between two main fibers: Nylon and Polyester. Both are blended with spandex (Lycra) for stretch, but they serve different purposes.
1. Nylon Blends
Nylon is the industry standard for fashion swimwear. It feels incredibly soft against the skin and has a slight sheen that looks fantastic under the sun.
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Pros: Soft hand-feel, excellent stretch, vibrant color uptake.
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Cons: Can be less resistant to chlorine over time compared to polyester.
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Best for: Fashion bikinis, one-pieces, and luxury resort wear.
2. Polyester Blends
Polyester has evolved. Modern polyester blends are the workhorses of the swimming costume fabric world. They are rugged, retain their shape, and hold dye exceptionally well.
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Pros: Superior chlorine resistance (PBT), high UV protection, durable.
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Cons: Historically rougher than nylon, though new technologies are making it softer.
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Best for: Competitive swimwear, aqua-aerobics gear, and kids’ swimsuits.
The Stretch Factor: Why Elastane Matters
You cannot talk about swimwear without talking about stretch. The “magic” ingredient in any swimming costume fabric is the elastomer, commonly known as Spandex, Lycra, or Elastane.
A standard t-shirt might have 2% to 5% spandex. However, quality swimwear requires much more.
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Ideal Ratio: Look for fabrics with 15% to 20% Elastane.
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The Benefit: This high percentage ensures “four-way stretch.” This means the fabric stretches lengthways and widthways, hugging the body without sagging when wet.
Pro Tip for Buyers: Always check the “recovery” of the fabric. Good fabric stretches out but snaps back to its original size immediately. If the recovery is poor, the swimsuit will look baggy after one swim.
3 Essential Features for High-Quality Swimwear
When sourcing wholesale fabric, do not just look at the print. You need to look at the performance specs. Your customers want swimsuits that last longer than a single summer.
1. Chlorine Resistance
Pool water is harsh. Chlorine attacks fibers, causing them to break down and lose elasticity. If you are designing for athletes or frequent swimmers, look for “chlorine-resistant” labels or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) blends.
2. UV Protection
Sun safety is a massive selling point. Fabrics with a tight knit structure can offer a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+. This is a great feature to market to parents buying for children or surfers spending hours in the ocean.
3. Weight and Opacity
The weight of the fabric is measured in GSM (Grams per Square Meter).
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Too light (under 170 GSM): The fabric might become see-through when wet.
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Too heavy (over 230 GSM): The suit might feel heavy and take too long to dry.
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The New Wave: Textured and Sustainable Fabrics
The swimwear market is changing. Customers are looking for something unique. Divergent thinking in your sourcing strategy can set your brand apart.
Textured Fabrics
Flat prints are great, but texture adds luxury. Ribbed fabrics, jacquards, and seersucker textures are trending heavily. They are forgiving on the body and add a high-end feel to simple silhouettes.
Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability is no longer a niche; it is a requirement. Many brands are switching to swimming costume fabric made from recycled plastics, such as discarded fishing nets or plastic bottles (often branded as ECONYL or REPREVE). Offering recycled polyester or nylon in your shop shows you are in tune with modern consumer values.
Final Thoughts for Wholesalers and Designers
Sourcing the right material is a balance of art and science. You need the aesthetic appeal of beautiful colors and textures, combined with the engineering required to withstand sun, salt, and chlorine.
By focusing on the right blend of Nylon or Polyester, ensuring a high Elastane count, and keeping an eye on sustainability trends, you can produce swimwear that looks good on the rack and performs perfectly in the water.
Ready to start your next collection?
FAQ
Polyester blends are ideal due to their high resistance to chlorine and UV rays, making them durable for regular swimmers.
Lycra (spandex) gives swim fabric excellent stretch and shape retention, improving comfort and fit for active use.
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Yes. Recycled polyester, recycled nylon, and bamboo blends are sustainable choices, with many brands now offering eco-friendly swimwear lines.
Focus on intended use (performance vs. style), comfort, durability, stretch, and environmental impact. Always test samples before bulk ordering.
Market trends include recycled and plant-based fibers, smart textiles (UV, anti-odor), and seamless, zero-waste manufacturing techniques.
