When the weather starts to get warmer, many people will start thinking about buying a new swimsuit. Swimsuits come in all different fabrics, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Knowing which fabric is right for you can be tricky, but it’s worth taking the time to learn about them before you buy in a wholesale swimsuit store.
Here are nine of the most common types of swimsuit fabrics:
1. Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s often used to make swimsuits because it’s durable and doesn’t stretch. Polyester is also non-absorbent, which means that it dries quickly.
However, polyester can be quite uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. It also tends to fade in the sun and can be quite expensive.
2. Nylon
Sometimes referred to as “nylon tricot,” this fabric is made from a mix of polyamide and lycra. This stretchy fabric dries quickly and doesn’t absorb water, which means that it won’t cling to your skin the way cotton swimsuits do.
Nylon swimsuits are often quite popular because they are so comfortable and flattering. They come in a wide range of colors and styles, and they are usually affordable. However, they can also be a bit see-through, so you may want to choose a darker color if you’re worried about your modesty.
3. Spandex
Spandex is a synthetic fiber that was invented in 1958 by American chemist Joseph Shivers. It’s made from polyurethane and is often used to make swimsuits because it’s stretchy and durable.
Spandex is also quite comfortable, but it can be a bit exposing. You can pick a dark color to hide your skin. If you’re looking for something comfortable and stretchy, then spandex is the way to go.
4. Acrylic
Acrylic is a synthetic fabric that was invented in the early 20th century and is made from petroleum liquids and air pollutants. It can also be blended with wool or cotton to add strength and softness.
Acrylic is one of the swimsuit fabrics that dries the quickest, and it doesn’t absorb water as cotton does. However, acrylic swimsuits tend to be quite expensive and can be uncomfortable as well as see-through.
5. Cotton
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Cotton is a natural fabric that comes from the seed pods of the cotton plant. It’s also one of the most common swimsuit fabrics. Cotton is a cool, breathable fabric that can absorb water and dry quickly depending on the quality of the cotton.
Many people prefer to wear cotton swimsuits in cold weather because they tend to be thicker and warmer, while most people prefer to wear them in hot weather because they dry so quickly.
6. Lycra/Spandex
Lycra/spandex blends are another common type of swimsuit fabric. They combine the stretchiness and comfort of spandex with the softness and durability of lycra for a high-performing suit that is both supportive and comfortable.
Some blended fabric suits also contain sun protection factors (SPFs) or chlorine resistance, which can be very useful if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in the water.
7. Rayon
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric that was invented in the late 19th century by French chemist Hilaire de Chardonnet. It’s made from cellulose and typically blended with cotton, nylon, or polyester to add strength and softness.
Rayon swimsuits tend to be quite comfortable and breathable, but they don’t dry very quickly. They can also stretch out easily if they’re not sewn properly.
8. Silk
Silk is a natural fabric that is made from the fine threads produced by silkworms. Swimsuits can be made from 100% silk or blended with other fabrics for extra strength and comfort.
Silk swimsuits are very comfortable but tend to be expensive and delicate, which means they need to be handled with care. They also dry slower compared to synthetic swimsuits. Silk fabric will keep you warm in cold weather but may not be practical if you live somewhere hot because it dries slowly.
9. Bamboo/Modal/Tencel
Bamboo is another popular type of swimsuit fabric because it’s both environmentally friendly and biodegradable, as well as incredibly soft and supportive.
It’s usually blended with spandex or nylon for added strength and then either blended with cotton.
9. Other Fabrics
Source: Pexels
There are other swimsuit fabrics that you may want to consider as well. For example, neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is often used to make wetsuits because it is warm and lightweight and has strong resistance to abrasion and wear.
Wool is another popular swimsuit fabric, as it provides warmth and natural water resistance, which makes it perfect for swimming pools and other bodies of water where chlorine might be present. It can also be blended with synthetic fabrics to add strength and warmth without adding weight or bulkiness.
Takeaways
Fabric is an important consideration when it comes to finding a swimsuit that meets your needs. There are many options to choose from! We hope this article helped shed some light on the various types of swimsuit fabric for you.