As more and more people move away from fast fashion and embrace DIY projects like sewing their own clothing, swimwear has become a popular project for crafters. While you may think swimming costumes are only useful in summer, the demand exists year round – whether it’s a sunny break away or a trip to the pool, gym, or spa, having ethically produced, sustainable swimwear to wear will almost certainly come in handy.
If you’ve embraced sewing your own clothing or you’re on the lookout for a long-lasting swimsuit for indoor or outdoor swimming, today’s article will help you know how to choose the best swimwear for you based on the essentials – the material. Complete with details on the most popular swimwear fabrics as well as care tips to ensure it stands the test of time, this guide will help you decide what material best suits your needs so you can maximise the lifecycle of your swimwear.
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How to choose the best fabric for your needs
When it comes to choosing swimwear fabric, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the purpose of the fabric – are you looking for something that will be used for a casual day at the beach or a high-performance swimsuit for things like water sports and training? As detailed below, different environments and chemicals will demand more or less of your swimwear fabric, so it is important to think ahead.
Generally speaking, swimwear is made using some type of stretch fabric, however, not all are created equal. Each type of fabric has different properties that make it more or less suited for different purposes. Below, we’ve explored the different types of common swimwear fabric and shared the best option for all-around performance and reliability.
Common swimwear fabrics
When it comes to swimwear fabric, there are several options to choose from. In most cases, however, swimsuits will be made with stretchy, water-resistant fabrics like polyester, nylon, and lycra. You’ll also find options made with pure cotton and cotton blends (i.e. in a crochet style), however, these tend to be more fashion-based and less functional.
Each stretch fabric offers unique benefits depending on how you plan to use/wear your swimsuit. While there is an overlap in the features of these fabrics, there are some specific perks and drawbacks you may want to consider before purchase:
Lycra is a synthetic fabric that also offers high stretch and great UV protection. Resistant to perspiration as well as oily substances like suncream, Lycra is a very popular option for both casual and professional swimwear. There are also many recycled Lycra options available should you wish to create your own swimwear.
Polyester is a durable synthetic fabric that is resistant to shrinking and stretching, making it great for repeated washing. It is also resistant to UV rays but is not great in terms of breathability, meaning it may take longer to dry when wearing it.
Nylon is another synthetic fabric that is lightweight and quick-drying, however, it is prone to pilling and has poor UV protection, which is not ideal for outdoor swimming.
All in all, Lycra fabric tends to carry all of the perks of both Nylon and Polyester, however, it tends to be a bit more durable and is also resistant to certain chemicals often found in swimming pools. For this reason, Lycra is less likely to break down over time (even recycled Lycra), making it one of the better options for long-lasting swimwear.
The best swimwear material for sustainability
Between Lycra, Nylon, and Polyester, recycled Lycra is considered to be one of the best options in terms of sustainability while also maintaining performance. With an increased focus on sustainable fashion, recycled lycra has become an increasingly popular fabric for the likes of swimwear and athleticwear. Recycled lycra is often made from post-consumer waste, such as old clothing and textiles. In addition to being more sustainable, recycled lycra also often features unique patterns and colours, making it a stylish choice for eco-conscious sewers or fashion lovers.
Tips for taking care of your swimwear fabric
No matter what your swimsuit is made from, with exposure to the sun, salt water, chlorine, and even oily substances like tanning and sun creams, it is important to take care of your swimwear to ensure it lasts as long as you’d like. To extend the life of your swimsuit, follow these simple tips:
- Rinse your suit in cold water after each use. This will remove any chlorine or salt water that can damage the fabric.
- Hand wash your suit in a mild detergent with tepid or cold water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can break down the fabric fibres.
- Lay your suit out to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape.
- Carry out a bit of research on what substances damage the fabric of your specific swimsuit material
By following these care tips, you can not only ensure your swimsuit stays in good condition, but you will be able to maintain a more sustainable, long-lasting wardrobe.
Whether you’re shopping for new swimwear or decide to embark on creating your own pieces, it is important to choose the appropriate fabric not only for your style but for the planet too. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your swimwear is suited to your needs and that it stays looking new, season after season.
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Article provided by FunkiFabrics.com, suppliers of the latest lycra stretch fabrics with something to suit everyone’s style and colour preferences. Eco friendly fabrics available.
