Swimsuit fabric is almost always 80-90% nylon,polyester or another similar synthetic fiber.The other 10-20% is spandex,lycra,or elastane (all of which are different words for the same thing).It’s very important that swimsuits’ fabric have at least 10% spandex as it is the spandex content that gives the fabric the stretch that it needs.
• Nylon
Nylon fabric is an alternative fabric to polyester.Nylon is lightweight and offers a smooth fit.Nylon fabric has its disadvantages as it is not chlorine resistant and not as long lasting as polyester. Characteristics of Nylon fabric are:
* Abrasion Resistant
* Lustrous,soft
* Low in moisture absorbency
* Excellent elasticity
* Launders easily
• Polyester
Polyester fabric has dominated the competitive swimwear industry for several years.Whether blended with Lycra or by itself,polyester is the leading fabric for competitive swimwear.New technologies in polyester have improved the hand and feel of the material,allowing it to surpass other fabrics. Polyester holds its color and is resistant to chlorine.Characteristics of polyester fabric are:
* Strong resilient fibers
* Soft and comfortable fit
* Durable,resistant to shrinkage
* Abrasion/pilling resistant
* Quick drying
* Chlorine Resistant
* UV Protection
* Holds its shape
* Exceptional breathability
* 4 way stretch
* Launders easily
• Spandex
Spandex, Lycra or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity.It is stronger and more durable than natural rubber.It is a polyester-polyurethane copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont’s Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro,Virginia.Because of its elasticity and strength (stretching up to five times its length),spandex has been incorporated into a wide range of garments,especially in skin-tight garments such as swimwear and beachwear.A benefit of spandex is its significant strength and elasticity and its ability to return to the original shape after stretching and faster drying than ordinary fabrics.Spandex fiber characteristics are:
* Can be stretched over 500% without breaking.
* Able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length.
* Lightweight.
* Abrasion resistant.
* Poor strength,but stronger and more durable than rubber,soft,smooth,and supple,resistant to body oils,perspiration,lotions,and detergents.
• Nylon
Nylon fabric is an alternative fabric to polyester.Nylon is lightweight and offers a smooth fit.Nylon fabric has its disadvantages as it is not chlorine resistant and not as long lasting as polyester. Characteristics of Nylon fabric are:
* Abrasion Resistant
* Lustrous,soft
* Low in moisture absorbency
* Excellent elasticity
* Launders easily
• Polyester
Polyester fabric has dominated the competitive swimwear industry for several years.Whether blended with Lycra or by itself,polyester is the leading fabric for competitive swimwear.New technologies in polyester have improved the hand and feel of the material,allowing it to surpass other fabrics. Polyester holds its color and is resistant to chlorine.Characteristics of polyester fabric are:
* Strong resilient fibers
* Soft and comfortable fit
* Durable,resistant to shrinkage
* Abrasion/pilling resistant
* Quick drying
* Chlorine Resistant
* UV Protection
* Holds its shape
* Exceptional breathability
* 4 way stretch
* Launders easily
• Spandex
Spandex, Lycra or elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity.It is stronger and more durable than natural rubber.It is a polyester-polyurethane copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont’s Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro,Virginia.Because of its elasticity and strength (stretching up to five times its length),spandex has been incorporated into a wide range of garments,especially in skin-tight garments such as swimwear and beachwear.A benefit of spandex is its significant strength and elasticity and its ability to return to the original shape after stretching and faster drying than ordinary fabrics.Spandex fiber characteristics are:
* Can be stretched over 500% without breaking.
* Able to be stretched repetitively and still recover original length.
* Lightweight.
* Abrasion resistant.
* Poor strength,but stronger and more durable than rubber,soft,smooth,and supple,resistant to body oils,perspiration,lotions,and detergents.
