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Swimsuit Jersey

What are swimwear fabrics?

Swimwear fabrics are a group of fabrics used for swimwear and water-related clothing. They are not one single fabric type, but a category of stretch and technical fabrics selected for comfort, recovery, quick drying and performance in wet conditions. Within this category, Swimwear Jersey and Swimshort Jersey are two common fabric types with different functions.

Swimwear Jersey is usually used for close-fitting swimwear that needs stretch and recovery. Swimshort Jersey is more suitable for looser swimwear styles where quick drying, light weight and shape retention are important. The right choice depends on fit, movement, opacity and exposure to water, chlorine, salt and sunlight.

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Specifications

  • Construction Swimwear category including stretch Swimwear Jersey and more stable Swimshort Jersey
  • Composition Commonly polyester, recycled polyester, polyamide and elastane
  • Fabric weight Commonly around 115 to 200 g/m², depending on construction, density and finish
  • Stretchability Varies by fabric type: Swimwear Jersey usually has high stretch, while Swimshort Jersey is often more stable with little to moderate stretch
  • Abbreviations PES = polyester, RPL = recycled polyester, PA = polyamide, EL = elastane

Properties of the fabrics

Swimwear fabrics are usually made from polyester, recycled polyester or polyamide, often combined with elastane when stretch is needed. Polyester and recycled polyester help with shape retention, durability and quick drying. Polyamide can give a smooth, flexible hand feel, while elastane adds stretch and recovery.

Swimwear Jersey is a smooth knitted stretch fabric for swimsuits, bikini tops, bikini bottoms, swim leggings and rash guards. Swimshort Jersey is usually a more stable swim-related fabric for swim shorts and relaxed waterwear, where strong stretch is less important. Some swimwear qualities may include QuickDry or UPF50 UV protection, depending on the specific article.

Applications

  • Swimsuits in Swimwear Jersey.
  • Bikini tops and bottoms in Swimwear Jersey.
  • Swim leggings and rash guards.
  • Swim shorts in Swimshort Jersey.
  • Relaxed beachwear shorts.
  • Lightweight water-related garments.

Care instructions

  • Rinse swimwear fabrics after contact with chlorine, salt water or sunscreen.
  • Wash usually at 30°C on a gentle programme, depending on composition and finish.
  • Wash inside out to reduce friction and help protect the surface.
  • Avoid fabric softener, because it can affect stretch recovery and technical finishes.
  • Air drying is preferred, away from direct heat and strong sunlight.

Certificates

  • Most swimwear fabrics are available with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, depending on the specific article.
  • Many qualities are available with GRS certification when recycled polyester or recycled polyamide is used.
  • QuickDry may be listed for fabrics designed to dry quickly after washing or water exposure.
  • Some swimwear qualities offer UPF50 UV protection, which helps reduce UV exposure during outdoor use.

Practical tip

Test swimwear fabrics under the same conditions as the final garment. Check stretch recovery, opacity during movement, drying speed and colour behaviour after contact with water, chlorine, sunscreen and sunlight.

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Written by

Dave Van der Steen Nooteboom Textiles

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