Polyester
The most widely used swimwear fabric. Pros: affordable, chlorine-resistant, color-fast, quick-dry. Cons: slightly stiff feel, less stretch than nylon. Best for high-volume basics.
Nylon
The premium swimwear choice. Pros: soft hand feel, excellent stretch, form-fitting, durable. Cons: higher cost, slightly less chlorine-resistant. Ideal for mid-to-high-end brands.
Recycled Fiber
The sustainable new option. ECONYL® and similar recycled nylons are made from ocean waste, matching virgin nylon quality. Perfect for sustainability-focused brands. GRS certification is key.
Blend Ratios
Common ratios: 80-85% main fiber + 15-20% spandex. Higher spandex means more stretch but also higher cost. Choose based on your product positioning.