Choosing water-resistant fabrics for swimsuits that are durable and soft to the touch
Swimsuits are high-selling items, especially during hot seasons, particularly in warm cities. The swimwear market tends to expand almost every season since people often wear swimsuits for various activities like swimming in the sea or hotel pools. This has led to the emergence of numerous swimwear brands, both small and large, increasing the production of swimsuits. Consequently, the quality of swimsuits varies, with the crucial factor being the choice of fabric. Suitable fabrics for swimsuits should be water-resistant to prevent immediate absorption when in contact with water.
What are water-resistant fabrics like?
Water-resistant fabrics are typically woven from polyester or nylon fibers, both of which are synthetic fibers that repel water. These fabrics make swimsuits lightweight and allow wearers to move freely. The effectiveness in repelling water depends on the density of the fabric fibers. Additionally, good swimsuit fabrics should dry quickly and allow for good airflow since wearers may spend extended periods in water, and excessive water absorption can make wearing uncomfortable. They should also withstand the conditions of seawater and pool water, as well as be resistant to sunlight.
Currently, there are several types of fabrics with these properties, each with different compositions and proportions of fabric fibers, resulting in similar yet distinct characteristics.
5 Popular Types of Water-resistant Fabrics for Swimsuit Production High Stretch and Water-and Sun-resistant
1. Lycra
This fabric is made from various synthetic fibers, with spandex being one of the well-known types. Lycra fabric boasts high stretchability, stretching up to 6-7 times its original size, making it ideal for swimwear intended for constant movement. It has a smooth texture, retains shape well, dries quickly, and is lightweight. Additionally, there is spandex lycra, another type of fabric under this category, made of 90% spandex and 10% Lycra fibers. Spandex lycra provides high stretchability, smoothness, and a shiny fabric texture.
2. Power Mesh Compression Fabric
This fabric is woven from 15% spandex and 85% nylon fibers, providing water resistance due to its synthetic fiber composition. Its mesh structure is sturdy and allows for high stretchability in all directions. It is lightweight, dries quickly, has a soft and smooth texture, and is non-irritating to the skin.
3. Cristan Fabric
This fabric is woven from polyester and Lycra fibers, featuring dense fabric with high stretchability and firmness, similar to Lycra fabric. It has a soft and smooth texture, providing comfort for wearers.
4. ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn) Fabric
This fabric is woven from 95% polyester and 5% Lycra fibers, offering water resistance, high stretchability, shape retention, cool touch, quick-drying, and a variety of colors.
5. Nylon Fabric
Nylon fabric is water-resistant and stands out with its durable texture that maintains its original shape. It is resistant to chemicals and sunlight, does not shrink, dries quickly, and has a lightweight and non-fading color. Its soft and smooth texture provides comfort for wearers.
Apart from these five fabrics, the swimwear industry also focuses on environmentally friendly fabrics. Most swimsuit fabrics are made from synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, which can contribute to microplastic pollution, especially during washing. Therefore, eco-friendly synthetic fibers like Econyl and Repreve, made from recycled plastic waste such as discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles, have gained attention. Econyl is made of nylon fibers, while Repreve is made of polyester fibers. These fibers have low water absorption properties and offer UV protection, chlorine resistance, tear resistance, and skin-friendliness.
Understanding the types and characteristics of fabrics can help swimsuit business owners choose the most suitable fabrics for their swimwear brands, ensuring high quality and standards. Additionally, purchasing fabrics from reputable suppliers can enhance business flexibility and growth, such as having sufficient stock for swimwear production and selling fabrics with reliable standards, such as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, indicating that the fabric has been tested for harmful substances and produced in an environmentally friendly facility. AATCC PTPs standards also ensure colorfastness, shape retention, fiber analysis, and fabric water resistance.
Bulliontex offers a wide range of fabrics, including swimwear fabrics, with over 30 years of experience, focusing on innovative textile solutions to provide the best fabric options for customers.
Please contact Bulliontex to buy fabric.
Phone: 089-892-4900 คุณพริตตี้
E-mail: sales@bulliontex.com
Line: @bulliontex
