Summer is almost everyone’s favorite season of the year. It is characterized by warm temperatures, blooming flowers, and endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Besides this, it is also the perfect time to start planning your vacation with your loved ones and getting your tan while sunbathing on a sandy beach by the ocean.
However, in order to look and feel your best on your trip, you need to have the right swimsuit. Depending on your body type and fashion taste, there are various styles of bathing suits you can choose from to look extra gorgeous and comfortable all summer long.
As you are doing your search, you should also pay attention to the type of material used to make the swimwear. It is advised that you opt for high-quality fabrics which have excellent water-resistant and quick-drying properties and will help make your garments last longer.
To help you along, we have written the ultimate guide elaborating on the best materials used for swimwear and how to take proper care of them.
Common types of swimsuit materials
In general, there are many types of swimsuit materials used to make bathing suits. The most common ones are nylon, polyester, and elastane, though there are other blended materials that are used across most mainstream brands today.
Nylon
Nylon is undoubtedly the most commonly used material for swimwear. It is best known for its water-resistant and quick-drying properties, making them the ideal bathing suit material. The fabric also has a slight sheen which gives the garments an elegant and stylish appearance. When combined with a stretch material, it can be figure-hugging and even a bit compressive which is perfect for those who are looking for more support.
Its only downside is that it isn’t UV resistant and its production can truly take a toll on the environment. So, if you want a material that is more environmentally friendly, ECONYL is the perfect option for you.
ECONYL is regenerated nylon which is just as tough, durable, and stretchy as normal nylon and is the perfect option for making bathing suits. When properly cared for, ECONYL swimwear will last longer than its nylon counterparts.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that was first introduced into the fashion industry in the 1970s. It may be used as a single material to make various apparel products, though it is most commonly blended with other natural fibers like cotton to make clothes, including swimwear. This combination helps improve shrinkage and durability, reduces wrinkling, and is highly resistant to harmful UV rays.
Thanks to the latest technologies, polyester has significantly improved in terms of texture. Compared to other materials, it feels very good on the skin and can retain its color and shape for a longer period of time. It also has fast-drying properties and it is stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any sunscreen stains staying on your bikini.
Elastane
Elastane is another popular material used for making swimwear. It is best known for its stretchy properties which allow the garments to be stretched to a certain limit and then returned back to their original shape when released. Because of this, the fabric is often referred to as Spandex as it is the main material in this swimsuit fabric.
In addition to this, elastane also has UV-resistant qualities with a UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 25-39, compared to non-elastic knits with lower UV protection properties.
One thing about elastane is that it doesn’t stand alone, but instead it is combined with other types of fabrics, most commonly with nylon or polyester when creating swimwear. It also dries very quickly, offers a comfortable fit, and feels very light and well to the skin.
Caring for your swimwear
No matter what type of swimwear fabric you choose, you need to take care of your swimsuit properly. The thing is the materials can take a beating from the chlorine in pools, salty water, sand, high temperatures, and sunscreen lotions, all of which can affect their color, elasticity, and overall quality.
The general rule is to always wash your bathing suits in cold water using mild detergent. Make sure you rinse them well after each washing, let them air-dry, and never iron them.
Final thoughts
Shopping for swimsuits can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right type of swimwear material. It is best that you opt for garments made out of nylon, ECONYL, polyester, and elastane as they are the most durable and comfortable.
For more information, refer to our post and learn how to shop and care for high-quality swimwear.