June , 2022

June 7, 2022| Posted in Swim Apparel| 1| 13787

The Different Types of Fabric Used in Swimsuits

The Different Types of Fabric Used in Swimsuits

Swimsuits have a long history that dates back to the 1700s. Naturally, the materials and fabrics that we use for swimsuits are nothing like those worn back then. With the introduction of synthetic materials, we created suits that can withstand chemicals, hold up against the sun and sand and have a comfortable fit that makes swimming or lounging more enjoyable.

Although some suits are much more durable than others, it's typical for any suit to last for less than a year of consistent use. Some will only get you through the summer, while others will push that year mark and stretch their life a little longer. Because different fabrics have different properties, you might want to stock up on multiple suits. You can find a form-fitting suit that will look great in the sand or on the pool deck, a quality suit for training, and a competition suit that will last you throughout your season.

Common Types of Swimsuit Fabrics

Most suits will blend multiple fabrics rather than having only one fabric. Regardless of your intended use, some materials add stretch and resistance to natural elements that make swimsuits more durable and better suited for either competitive or casual wear.

Common types of swimwear fabric include:

Polyester: Polyester is the most common choice for swimsuits because it is resistant to chlorine and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It's durable, form-fitting and comfortable to wear.

Nylon: Typically, nylon is what you think of when you imagine fashion swimwear. Although it's less UV resistant and chlorine can damage it, you can blend nylon with other fabrics and materials to create comfortable and stretchy swimwear.

Elastane: You will not find a 100% elastane suit. Instead, manufacturers have to blend the elastane with other synthetic materials or natural fibers. Doing so will give the suit much more stretch. The production process for elastane can be extensive, so these suits are typically more expensive.

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT): PBT is a plastic yarn fiber with a natural stretch and a smooth and light feel. It has a stiffer texture but is excellent for athletic swimming.

Natural fabrics: Cotton and wool are natural fabrics that were much more common in the earliest versions of the swimsuit. The first suits were made of wool, and cotton followed years later. Today, most people prefer to wear synthetic fabrics instead of natural fibers. Wool and cotton suits struggle to keep their shape, absorb water, and are easily damaged by the sun and sea salt.

Neoprene: Neoprene is a synthetic rubber and is technically not a fabric, but it is used to make wet suits and other swimwear. Neoprene is the insulated foam that keeps water close to your body so that you stay warm when swimming in open waters. It is soft and comfortable and doesn't slip off.

The Benefits of Common Swimsuit Fabrics

The best swimsuit fabrics for you will be ones that make you comfortable for your activities. Whether you're looking for a suit to help you glide through the water, keep you warm in the ocean, or allow you the flexibility to perform workouts, make sure you're comfortable in your suit.

Check out the benefits of these common swimsuit fabrics:

Polyester

Polyester is more resistant to natural elements than other fabrics. It can hold up in chlorine and isn't easily damaged by the sun, making it great for indoor or outdoor swimmers. Polyester is also very durable and very easy to take care of, making it a popular choice. With quick-drying properties, zero water absorbency and the ability to absorb dye, these suits are ideal for teams and individuals.

Nylon

Nylon feels and looks attractive. When blended with elastane, these suits can hug all your curves and make for wonderful fashion pieces. Nylon repels water and is quick-drying, but not as much as polyester. Because of their comfortable fit, nylon suits can be great for training or pool party attire but aren't as suitable for competitions unless paired with other fabrics.

Elastane

Elastane is the fabric that brings us spandex and Lycra. These suits are form-fitting and can be blended with different swimsuit fabrics to create long-lasting and durable competitive suits or beautiful statement pieces. Because elastane must combine with other materials, the best competitive suits will have between 10% and 20% elastane.

PBT

PBT will help you glide through the water when you pair it with a matte finish. It's also resistant to chemicals so that it will hold up in pools with chlorine. PBT is also fast-drying, comfortable and resistant to UV rays and piling, making it a great competition fabric.

Neoprene

Neoprene has the advantage of keeping you warm. These suits will enable you to compete in races that take place during colder months or practice your skills in the winter. Your natural body heat can warm the water that your wet suit has trapped close to your body, helping you withstand colder temperatures.

Natural Fabrics

Natural fabrics don't perform as well in the water, but they are more sustainable than the other options. They can create retro styles that help you stand out when sitting by the poolside or soaking in the sun. They're readily available and tend to be less expensive than other alternatives.

Competitive vs. Casual Swimsuit Fabrics

Most competitive suits have the best swimsuit materials for chlorine, aid swimmers in gliding through the water, and are durable enough to last through multiple competitions. Casual swimsuits will typically last for the summer and, depending on their use and how often you take care of them, can last for up to a year.

Most competitive or fitness swimmers wear polyester swimsuits. Team suits are usually made of polyester because you can print on them. Nylon makes suitable training swimsuits because they can be combined with elastane, but people primarily wear them as fashion pieces. You can find spandex in durable tech suits that are great for competitions because they propel you through the water. You can use neoprene for some competitions that take place in open waters to keep the athletes warm.

Natural fabrics are not ideal for competitive swimwear. Because they soak in water, they create a drag in the water and they don't last as long with repetitive use. Wool and cotton can be beautiful statement pieces, but they won't aid you in swimming or gliding through the water. They struggle to hold their shape and take longer to dry, making them less suitable for competitions such as triathlons, where athletes need to switch from one event to the next without changing.

The most durable suits will be a blend of fabrics. Polyester blended with elastane or PBT will be the most ideal for competitive swimmers. These suits will last longer, hold their shape the best, resist damage from UV rays and chlorine, and aid your movement in the water.

Swimsuits From Kiefer Aquatics

Kiefer Aquatics has over 70 years of experience with swimwear, gear, equipment, and supplies. We're humbled by our origins and proud of our strides in the aquatic community. We have a customer satisfaction guarantee because we know we provide the best service and supplies out there.

We have suits that you can wear for training, workouts, and competing. Whether you're looking for a durable tech suit or looking to become an aerobics fanatic, we've got you covered. For team needs or individual pieces, browse swimwear from Kiefer Aquatics.

Learn More About Swimwear:

Choosing Swimsuit Fabric: An Ultimate Guide to Swimsuit Material

Swim Shorts vs. Speedos

What To Look For When Choosing A One-Piece Swimsuit

Competitive Swimwear Sizing Guide

How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit: A Step-By-Step Guide

How To Choose A Technical Swimsuit

Understanding the 12 & Under Technical Suit Ban

Training Suits Explored and Explained Brand Edition: TYR

June 7, 2022| Posted in Water Aerobics| 5| 3448

Swimming vs. Running: Which is a Better Form of Exercise

Swimming vs. Running: Which Is a Better Form of Exercise

To determine whether swimming or running is better for your health, you need to evaluate the goals you want to accomplish. Consider whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, build endurance, improve stamina, or adopt a healthy lifestyle. Aerobic exercises can increase your memory, combat cognitive decline, and reduce stress. No matter what you choose, know that you're choosing to improve your health.

You need very little equipment to perform either activity, but sometimes facilities are more readily available for one sport depending on where you live. You could also perform both activities and engage in cross-fit training, but if you want to choose one, hopefully, this guide will help you determine which would be best for you.

Pros and Cons of Swimming vs. Running

Running and swimming are the two of the most popular sports in the United States for a good reason. Both activities require very little investment, and you can begin training and seeing growth quickly. Both sports burn many calories and are healthy ways to adopt a better lifestyle. While both can give you a deep sense of accomplishment, deciding which is better depends on your ultimate goals.

Running

Running is the most popular sport in the U.S. It requires little to no equipment, and you can perform it in any of your favorite locations, including a local park, a gym, and even your living room.

Here are some of the pros of running:

You can run virtually anywhere and anytime.

Running comes naturally to humans.

You don't need any additional equipment.

Running is one of the least expensive exercise options.

You can increase your oxygen-carrying capacity.

Although running is convenient, it comes with disadvantages. You may find it challenging to find the motivation to run the same course every day, and you are more likely to injure various parts of your body.

Some more cons of running include:

You can become easily dehydrated in hot weather.

Injuries are common.

Some people struggle to remain engaged and interested.

Running puts a significant amount of strain on the knees and other joints.

Running mainly involves working only on your lower body.

Swimming

Following right behind running as a popular exercise in the U.S. is swimming. Besides being a way to get fit, swimming is a life skill that can save your life. Knowing how to swim correctly can assist you in oceans, pools, and lakes where accidents may happen or when weather affects water conditions.

Consider these pros of swimming:

You experience much less stress on your joints.

It's refreshing to swim when the weather is warm or humid.

There's a lot of versatility in the exercises you perform.

You can work a variety of muscles through various activities.

You can tailor workouts to target your needs.

It's a total body workout.

You can have a lot of fun in the water.

You can typically swim even if you're injured compared to other sports.

Despite being a fun way to get in shape, some logistical challenges are worth considering. You also need to anticipate more time for your workouts and practice mental discipline to stay focused.

The following are cons of swimming:

Swimming is not the most effective form of weight loss.

It may be tempting to relax instead of finishing your routine.

Depending on your location, water may not be easily accessible.

Preparing to get in and out of the water can be time-consuming.

You may find water less inviting in the winter or during cold months.

Which Burns More Calories?

If you're looking to lose weight, you'll likely want to know which sport will help your burn the most calories. Keep in mind that you will burn calories by getting regular exercise regardless of the activity you're performing.

Swimming burns more calories than running the same distance. However, your weight will affect the number of calories you burn. Some studies show that in 30 minutes, someone weighing 155 pounds will burn 294 calories while performing low-impact step aerobics and 168 calories while performing water aerobics.

Something to note is that burning calories does not mean losing belly fat. Running can more effectively get rid of belly fat than swimming. Furthermore, even though swimming typically burns more calories, different strokes will exert various amounts of energy. While freestyle and butterfly strokes are effective calories burners, the backstroke requires significantly less energy and burns considerably fewer calories.

Why Swimming Is Better Than Running for Exercise

Running focuses on the lower body and is hard on the joints, while swimming is low-impact, works all muscles, and doesn't pressure the joints. You can swim to improve your body strength and tone it in your work areas. Furthermore, cold water strengthens your immune system and improves your blood circulation.

Swimming vs. Running for Cardio

Cardio is an excellent exercise that strengthens your cardiovascular system and promotes healthy heart changes. Both forms of cardio can encourage weight loss, burn calories, and strengthen your overall system. However, swimming works more than the upper body and helps strengthen every area of your body.

Swimming takes the cake when it comes to which exercise is a better form of cardio. There is more resistance in water than in the air. Kicking in the water requires more effort than stepping on the ground.

It's also easier to incorporate weights in the pool. You could perform a dumbbell workout to work your arms and shoulders and take classes focusing on full-body training. You can include a variety of fitness bells, exercise disks, and more into your water routine, but you likely can't jog around the block with weights in your hands for an extended time.

Swimming vs. Running for Endurance

Building endurance in either sport requires repetition and consistency. Whether you're trying to run or swim longer distances, practice will enable you to hone your skills and muscle memory.

Swimming is more effective at building endurance than running. When you swim, you're pushing against the water's resistance rather than only the air when you run. Your muscles become conditioned and trained, which helps to build endurance.

It takes time to get familiar with the proper breathing technique to swim and challenge your lung capacity appropriately. Once you do, you'll be able to swim longer distances with fewer breaths between your strokes. There are plenty of swimming workouts available to give you a good starting point where you can easily track your progress.

Running will also help build some endurance to run longer distances in a shorter period. However, because swimming works so many muscles, the endurance you build in the water will aid you in other sports, exercises, and activities — including running.

Water Fitness Swimwear From Kiefer Aquatics

Kiefer Aquatics has been operating for over 73 years. Kiefer was started by Adolph Kiefer, a 1936 gold Olympic medalist. Since then, we've worked to continue reinventing how we swim. With equipment inspired by his designs, we've created gear that can improve the way you swim and further build your muscle and endurance.

We know a thing or two about what swimming can do for your body, health, and headspace, and we hope we've helped you end the swimming vs. running debate. You can use our collection of water fitness equipment to build your endurance and hone your skills. Check out our variety of water fitness swimwear to get you working out in quality gear as soon as possible.