Choosing Swimsuit Fabric: An Ultimate Guide to Swimsuit Material
Is Swimwear Fabric Important?
Selecting the best swimsuit material for training or competition can be tricky. With all the quality brands on the market today the choices can be somewhat overwhelming: Kiefer, Speedo, TYR, Arena, and Dolfin. The choices vary between what style, color or pattern, and fabric. The selection of swimsuit fabric is very important and should reflect your goals as a swimmer: are you looking for the best fit, durability, stretch – or all of the above? Your choice of swimwear is vital to meeting your expectations.
Types of Swimwear Fabric:
Polyester Polyester fabric has dominated the competitive swimwear industry for several years. Whether blended with Lycra® or by itself, polyester is the leading fabric for competitive swimwear. New technologies in polyester have improved the hand and feel of the material, allowing it to surpass other fabrics. Polyester holds its color and is resistant to chlorine. Some polyester swimsuits includes:
- Kiefer Aqualast Female Flyback
- Kiefer Team Accent PBT Flyback
- Kiefer Aqualast PBT Jammer
- Kiefer Aqualast Men's Brief
- Kiefer Krazies
- Kiefer Khaos
Characteristics of polyester fabric are:
- Strong resilient fibers
- Soft and comfortable fit
- Durable, resistant to shrinkage
- Abrasion/pilling resistant
- Quick drying
- Chlorine Resistant
- UV Protection
- Holds its shape
- Exceptional breathability
- 4 way stretch
- Launders easily
Polyester PBT PBT or Polybutylene Terephthalate Combined with polyester yarns PBT has a natural stretch factor similar to Lycra. An example of this type of swimsuit is the Kiefer Team Accent PBT Flyback. Characteristics of PBT fabric are:
- Chlorine resistant
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
- Fast Drying
- Repels water
- Snag Resistant
Nylon Nylon fabric is an alternative fabric to polyester. Nylon is lightweight and offers a smooth fit. Nylon fabric has its disadvantages as it is not chlorine resistant and not as long lasting as polyester. Some nylon swimsuits include:
- Kiefer Team Panel Lycra® Fastback
- Kiefer Team Panel Lycra® Jammer
- Kiefer Women's Lycra® Powerback Solid
- Kiefer Lycra® Solid Female Flyback
- Kiefer Lycra® Jammer
Characteristics of Nylon fabric are:
- Abrasion Resistant
- Lustrous, soft
- Low in moisture absorbency
- Excellent elasticity
- Launders easily
Learn More About Swimwear:
- Swim Shorts vs. Speedos
- The Different Types of Fabric Used in Swimsuits
- 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
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