What fabric is used for swimwear?
Swimwear fabrics primarily consist of nylon or polyester blends with elastane, also known as Spandex. Here are 15 types of fabrics listed, mainly nylon or polyester blends with spandex and other additives. Each fabric is detailed with its advantages and disadvantages to assist you in making the right choice.

15 types of swimwear fabric for your options
Each fabric composition serves a unique purpose and function, influencing the types of products it can be used for. For instance, 100% polyester is suitable for beach pants but not for one-piece swimsuits. Understanding these fabric characteristics is essential for designing styles that align with consumer preferences.
Polyester Blends
Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum-based chemicals, leading to global pollution through its production and use. However, there are now two sustainable alternatives to traditional polyester.
To provide a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic fabrics such as polyester, DuPont developed Sorona fiber, a revolutionary shift from oil-based to bio-based materials.
Sorona can be produced using approximately 37% renewable resources annually, utilizing recycled plant materials. This approach reduces reliance on petroleum resources and helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycled polyester, abbreviated as rPET, is polyester derived from recycled sources like plastic bottles, carpets, and other plastic materials. This approach reduces the need for virgin polyester, conserves energy, and minimizes waste going to landfills.
Pros
- Budget-friendly fabric.
- Good wear resistance.
- Have the greatest level of durability.
- Hold color very well in both dyes and prints.
- Polyester’s environmental impact can be more effectively managed compared to nylon.
Cons
- Not as soft as nylon.
- It is not a breathable fabric.
- Poor moisture absorption.
- No synthetic fibers are entirely “sustainable” or environmentally friendly.
Nylon Fabric
Nylon fabric is a synthetic textile made from melted petroleum polymers, creating fibers that are completely synthetic with no organic basis. Its main component is petroleum oil, making it non-biodegradable.
Carvico‘s eco-friendly fabrics are crafted with ECONYL® yarn, a regenerated nylon made from pre and post-consumer waste materials, for sustainable options.
Due to its durability and elasticity, nylon is often combined with spandex to enhance stretchiness, making it a preferred choice for tights, yoga pants, stockings, sportswear, swimwear, and other form-fitting clothing.
Pros
- super quick drying.
- Resistant to fading.
- A tough and durable material.
- A strong fiber in terms of tensile strength.
- Smooth surface with a luxuriously soft feel.
Cons
- Not eco friendly
- Non-biodegradable
- Not a breathable fabric
- Not intended for sublimation printing.
- Nylon’s color retention is not as good as polyester’s.
- The price of nylon is slightly higher than that of polyester.
- Prices of nylon can vary widely, but they are generally just a bit higher than those of poly.
Cotton
Cotton fabric is widely used in fashion and is chemically organic, free from synthetic compounds. However, its low elasticity makes it less favored for swimsuits. Nevertheless, some sustainable brands opt for this eco-friendly cotton fabric.
Terry cloth, a type of cotton with looped patterns woven into it, is ideal for creating a two-piece swimsuit.
Pros
- Well absorb sweat
- Environmentally friendly materials
Cons
- Dry slowly
- Hold a great deal of water
- Easily lose their shape when wet
Lurex / Metallic
Lurex fabric is a stretchy mesh made of fibers around thin metallic wires, offering a shimmering appearance. It comes in various colors, with silver and gold being the most popular choices.
Pros
- A captivating shining effect.
- Its elasticity allows for unrestricted movement.
Cons
- Not as smooth as silk or satin.
- Not environmentally sustainable.
- It may feel itchy, especially against bare skin.
Rayon
Rayon, often dubbed “artificial silk,” offers the comfort of cotton and the luxurious feel of silk. Rayon is commonly used for making sarong wraps and cover-ups.
Pros
- Wrinkle-free fabric.
- Hold its shape and color well.
- It costs less than silk.
Cons
- Not sustainable.
- Not environmentally sustainable.
- The fabric lacks inherent stretchability.
Ribbed knit
Ribbed knit fabrics typically blend spandex with other yarns, featuring alternating raised and lowered rows that create ridges on both sides, giving it a distinctive appearance. Its properties depend on its composition; for instance, when made from a blend of cotton and spandex, it inherits the characteristics of cotton.
Tips: When choosing ribbed fabric, assess its characteristics based on its composition.
Velvet
Velvet fabric is a type of luxurious textile known for its soft and plush texture. It is characterized by its dense pile, which is made by weaving two sets of yarns together.
One set creates the base fabric, while the other set creates loops that are then cut to form the soft pile on the surface. Velvet can be crafted from a variety of fibers such as silk, cotton, polyester, and blends.
Pros
- A distinctive soft feel.
- A luxurious, elegant fabric.
- Velvet does not tend to wrinkle.
Cons
- Highly dust absorbent.
- Most velvet fabric is not easy to clean.
Jacquard
Jacquard fabric is a refined textile characterized by intricate patterns woven directly into the fabric. It is produced using a jacquard loom and can be crafted from various fibers, including natural materials like cotton and silk, as well as synthetic blends such as polyester and polyester-cotton.
The diversity of jacquard fabrics results in textures that vary from soft to coarse, with options that can be stretchy or non-stretchy, and exhibit either a flowing or stiff drape when draped.
Tips: Select your preferred fabric based on the composition of the jacquard.
Satin
Satin, known for its glossy and smooth appearance, is often favored as a more affordable alternative to silk, contributing to its widespread popularity. It can be manufactured from various fibers, including silk, cotton, and polyester.
Pros
- Smooth touch.
- A luxurious look and feel.
Cons
- Satin’s slick texture can be tricky to sew with.
- Satin can snag due to its interlaced threads.
Corduroy
Corduroy, a durable fabric made from various materials, stands out due to its unique construction. Although not commonly used for swimsuits, it provides an alternative fabric choice.
Stretch leather
Leather is typically the primary material used for making bags. However, there are also highly elastic types of leather that can be used for making swimsuits, offering a distinctive visual effect due to its unique fabric properties.
Tips: Opt for a thin, elastic leather to make the swimsuit a more effective choice.
Denim
Denim fabric is known for its high durability and slightly ribbed, coarse texture. It is commonly crafted from cotton or a blend including rayon and/or polyester. Beyond its use in jackets, pants, skirts, and workwear, high-elastic lightweight denim is also suitable for making swimsuits.
Lace
The lace fabric is sheer and elegant, featuring open, webbed patterns. Available in various colors and designs, lace is versatile and suitable for fashionable apparel and lavish décor. It is commonly used as embellishment, as seen in Beach Bunny swimwear and Skims’ lace swim collection.
Mesh
Mesh fabric is a sheer and breathable material, typically loosely woven or knit, and can be made or blended with fibers such as nylon, polyester, cotton, and spandex. It varies in weight and stretchiness, from lightweight to heavyweight and minimally stretchy to very stretchy.
Tan-through fabric, a type of mesh fabric with micro holes, allows sunshine to pass through these tiny openings.
Sequin fabric
Sequin fabrics are predominantly composed of polyester and come in a wide array of designs, colors, and patterns. These fabrics are adorned with shiny, flat plastic or metal embellishments, which impart a stunning shimmer to the apparel.
Pros
- An eye-catching fabric.
Cons
- The complicated procedure of making sequin swimwear.
- Loosening the sequins affects their appearance and may cause them to fall off.
- Avoid washing sequin fabric in the machine to prevent damage or loosening of the sequins.
What’s the Best Fabric for Swimwear?
When choosing swimwear materials, weight and composition are crucial considerations.
Typically, swimwear fabric materials range from 180-200 g/m². Fabrics below 150 g/m² are suitable for lining. For fabrics between 150-180 g/m², a double layer (fabric + thin lining) is recommended for swimsuit construction. Fabrics exceeding 200 g/m² offer a unique texture, ideal for competitive styles to enhance product appeal.
Spandex content determines fabric elasticity. A higher spandex content (10%-20%) is optimal for both two-piece and one-piece swimwear due to excellent elasticity. Fabrics with less than 10% spandex are suitable for bikinis but may need to provide more elasticity for one-piece swimsuits, potentially affecting consumer satisfaction.
Each fabric possesses unique attributes that make it suitable for different styles, rather than one being inherently superior to another.
Here’s a table listing which styles are suitable for different types of fabrics.
Styles | Recommended Fabric |
Bikini | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Lurex/Rayon/Ribbed knit/Jacquard/Satin/Corduroy/Leather/Demin/Lace/Sequin/Mesh |
One-piece | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Ribbed knit/Demin |
Beach skirts | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Lurex/Rayon/Ribbed knit/Jacquard/Satin/Corduroy/Leather/Demin/Lace/Sequin/Mesh |
Beach dress | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Rayon/Ribbed knit//Satin/Mesh |
Beach sarong | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Lurex/Rayon/Ribbed knit/Jacquard/Satin/Corduroy/Leather/Demin/Lace |
Beach wrap | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Lurex/Rayon/Ribbed knit/Jacquard/Satin/Corduroy/Leather/Demin/Lace/Mesh |
Jumpsuits | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Mesh |
Beach trousers | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Mesh/Rayon/Linen |
Beach shorts | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Mesh/Rayon/Linen |
Kaftan | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Mesh/Rayon/Linen |
T-shirt | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Mesh/Rayon/Linen |
Shirt | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Mesh/Rayon/Linen |
Shrug | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Mesh/Rayon |
Men briefs | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Rayon |
Men shorts | Polyester blends/Nylon blends/Cotton/Rayon |
When choosing clothing fabric, it’s crucial to understand the materials, types, and properties, especially when selecting fabric for swimwear to minimize textile waste.
By applying the knowledge gained from this article, you should now feel confident in selecting the ideal fabric. Should you have any lingering questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further assistance.