When it comes to swimwear, the fabric isn’t just about looks, it plays a huge role in comfort, durability, and performance. Whether you're spending long summer days at the beach, training in chlorinated pools, or designing custom team swimwear, choosing the right material makes all the difference.
Australia’s climate, with its strong UV rays and saltwater beaches, puts swimwear through more than its fair share of wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to pick a fabric that not only feels good but also holds up against chlorine, sun exposure, and frequent use.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best fabrics for swimwear, compare their strengths, and help you make an informed choice, whether you’re a swimmer, a designer, or simply shopping for the next addition to your swimwear collection.
Key Takeaways
- Polyester blends are best for durability, chlorine resistance, and printed custom swimwear.
- Nylon-elastane fabrics offer comfort and stretch, ideal for bikinis and casual wear.
- PBT fabrics hold their shape and resist chlorine, great for training suits.
- Eco fabrics like ECONYL® and Repreve® combine performance with sustainability.
- Choose fabrics with UV 50+, quick-dry, and good stretch recovery for Aussie conditions.
- Always test fabric swatches before full production or custom orders.
Overview of Swimwear Fabric Types
The world of swimwear fabrics can be a little technical, but knowing the basics helps you choose the right material for your needs, whether it's for custom teamwear, leisurewear, or competitive swimsuits. Here's a breakdown of the most popular fabric types used in swimwear across Australia:
1. Nylon Blends (Polyamide + Elastane/Spandex)
Nylon blends are among the most commonly used fabrics in swimwear, and for good reason. They’re soft to the touch, highly stretchable, and offer a body-hugging fit that’s both flattering and comfortable.
Best for: Bikinis, fashion swimwear, light recreational use.
Pros:
- Ultra-soft and smooth on the skin
- Great two-way and four-way stretch
- Perfect for vibrant colours and solid prints
Cons:
- Lower chlorine resistance
- Can fade or degrade faster with regular pool use
- Less UV protection than some alternatives
In hot Australian summers, nylon-spandex blends feel great to wear, but they’re best suited to casual beachwear rather than daily pool training.
2. Polyester Blends (Polyester + Spandex/Elastane)
Polyester is fast becoming the go-to fabric for swimwear, especially in chlorine-heavy environments. Modern polyester blends have come a long way, offering excellent durability while still being comfortable to wear.
Best for: Competitive swimwear, training suits, custom teamwear.
Pros:
- Excellent chlorine resistance
- High UV protection (often rated UV 50+)
- Quick-drying and fade-resistant
- Holds colour and prints extremely well
Cons:
- Slightly firmer texture compared to nylon
- Can feel less soft initially but softens over time
In Australia, where local swim clubs and school teams rely on durable uniforms, polyester blends are a top choice for long-lasting, custom swimwear.
3. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)
PBT is a type of polyester known for its shape retention and high resistance to chlorine. It’s often found in competitive and endurance swimwear.
Best for: Training swimsuits, lap swimming, high-chlorine pools.
Pros:
- Outstanding chlorine resistance
- Retains shape over time
- Fast-drying and lightweight
Cons:
- Less stretchy than nylon or spandex blends
- Not ideal for fashion-forward or form-fitting styles
For regular swimmers, PBT offers unmatched durability and performance, especially in public or indoor pools.
4. Sustainable/Recycled Fabrics (e.g. ECONYL®, Repreve®, Vita PL)
Eco-conscious brands are turning to innovative fabrics made from recycled plastics like fishing nets and PET bottles. These fabrics perform just as well as traditional materials, sometimes even better, and they help reduce environmental impact.
Best for: Sustainable swimwear lines, eco-friendly teamwear, green-conscious consumers.
Pros:
- Often just as durable and stretchable as traditional blends
- Excellent chlorine and UV resistance
- OEKO-TEX® and GRS certified (depending on source)
- Biodegradable options now emerging (e.g. Amni Soul Eco)
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point
- Availability varies by supplier
In Australia, where sustainability is becoming a bigger buying factor, recycled fabrics are gaining popularity among both swimwear labels and buyers.
5. Textured Fabrics (Ribbed, Crinkle, Waffle)
Beyond the standard smooth finishes, textured swimwear fabrics have grown in popularity for their sculpting effect and fashion appeal.
Best for: Boutique swimwear, lifestyle brands, fashion-forward collections.
Pros:
- Visually striking
- Can enhance body shape and support
- Often used in sustainable blends
Cons:
- Slightly heavier
- May take longer to dry
- Not suitable for competitive swimming
These textures offer something different for designers looking to stand out in the Australian swimwear scene.
How to Choose the Best Fabric for Your Needs
Not all swimwear fabrics are created equal, and what works for one purpose may not suit another. Here’s how to choose the right material based on intended use, environment, comfort, and care.
1. For Leisure & Everyday Wear
If you’re after swimwear for beach days, lounging by the pool, or light recreational use, comfort and style often take priority.
Recommended fabrics:
- Nylon-elastane blends: soft, flexible, flattering
- Textured swimwear fabric: for a fashion-forward look
- Eco-friendly fabrics: for sustainable style
Look for:
- Good stretch (2-way or 4-way)
- Fade resistance for long sun exposure
- Quick-dry fabric for all-day comfort
- Sun-protective fabric with UV 50+ rating
2. For Training & Competitive Swimming
If you swim regularly in chlorinated pools, fabric choice can dramatically impact the longevity of your swimwear.
Recommended fabrics:
- PBT or PBT-polyester blends, built to last
- Chlorine-resistant polyester fabrics
- Compression fabric swimwear for support
Look for:
- High chlorine resistance
- Shape retention over time
- Low water absorption
- Minimal stretch for reduced drag
3. For Kids' Swimwear
Children need swimwear that can withstand rough play, sun, and frequent washing, while staying comfortable all day.
Recommended fabrics:
- Polyester-spandex blends: durable and soft
- Recycled polyester: kinder to the environment
- Quick-dry swimwear materials
Look for:
- Soft and breathable swim fabric
- Fade-resistant swimsuit material
- Hypoallergenic or OEKO-TEX® certified options
4. For Team or Custom Swimwear
When ordering custom swimwear for schools, clubs, or events, durability and branding are key. You want a fabric that holds colour well and performs under pressure.
Recommended fabrics:
- Polyester-spandex or PBT-polyester blends
- Recycled swimwear fabrics like Repreve® or Vita PL
Look for:
- Excellent printability
- UV protection and chlorine resistance
- Long-lasting colour and structure
5. For Eco-Conscious Choices
If sustainability matters to you or your brand, choosing eco-friendly swimwear fabric is a powerful step.
Recommended fabrics:
- ECONYL® (regenerated nylon from fishing nets)
- Repreve® (recycled bottles)
- Amni Soul Eco (biodegradable yarns)
Look for:
- GRS or OEKO-TEX® certifications
- Reduced microplastic shedding
- Comparable stretch and durability to standard fabrics
No matter your use, it's always smart to ask for swatches and test how the fabric feels, stretches, and recovers. Fabric choice is not just about aesthetics, it's about performance, comfort, and longevity.
Technical Considerations & Fabric Properties
Choosing the right swimwear fabric also means understanding its technical makeup. Here are the key properties to consider:
1. Stretch and Recovery
Most swimwear fabrics feature two-way or four-way stretch.
- Two-way stretch offers vertical or horizontal flexibility: ideal for support and shape retention.
- Four-way stretch stretches both ways: allowing greater comfort and freedom of movement.
Best for: active wearers, competitive swimmers, children’s swimwear.
2. Breathability & Dry Time
Quick-drying and moisture-wicking fabric keeps you comfortable between swims.
- Polyester blends dry faster and feel lighter.
- Nylon is breathable but holds more water.
- Textured fabrics may take longer to dry.
Best for: hot climate swimwear, all-day wear, Aussie summer beach days.
3. UV Protection
Prolonged sun exposure can damage both your skin and your swimwear.
- Look for fabrics with UPF 50+ ratings.
- Polyester and recycled polyester offer superior UV resistance.
- Avoid cheap fabrics with no UV certification, they break down faster under Aussie sun.
Best for: outdoor swimming, beachwear, custom surfwear.
4. Chlorine Resistance
Chlorine is harsh on fabrics. If you’re swimming in pools regularly, choose materials that won’t fade or stretch out.
- PBT and polyester blends resist chlorine exceptionally well.
- Nylon may break down quickly with daily exposure.
- Recycled fabrics vary, check the specifications.
Best for: training, competitive swimwear, swim clubs.
5. Printability and Colour Retention
Whether you want bold branding or standout patterns, not all fabrics print equally well.
- Polyester holds colour brilliantly, especially for digital prints.
- Nylon gives softer colours but may fade faster.
- Ribbed and textured fabrics offer a unique look, but not ideal for detailed prints.
Best for: team swimwear, custom swimsuits, designer collections.
6. Sustainability Credentials
More suppliers now offer eco-certified swimwear fabrics that balance style, function, and environmental responsibility.
- Check for OEKO-TEX®, GRS, or Bluesign® labels.
- Recycled fabrics reduce landfill and carbon footprint.
- Biodegradable yarns (like Amni Soul Eco) decompose in landfills.
Best for: ethical swimwear brands, conscious consumers, Australian-made eco lines.
These technical factors are crucial whether you're buying off-the-rack or designing your own swimwear range. The more you understand about fabric properties, the better your final product will be, for comfort, performance, and value.
Choosing the Best Swimwear Fabric in Australia
Choosing the best fabric for swimwear depends on how you’ll use it, and in Australia’s sun-drenched, chlorine-heavy conditions, the right choice makes all the difference.
If you’re after long-lasting swimwear for training or team use, polyester and PBT blends are your best bet for durability, UV protection, and chlorine resistance. For those who prioritise comfort and a flattering fit, nylon-elastane fabrics offer a soft, stretchy feel ideal for leisurewear or fashion swimwear.
Eco-conscious? Today’s recycled swimwear fabrics like ECONYL® and Repreve® perform just as well as traditional blends, and they’re better for the planet.
No matter your purpose, understanding fabric properties, like stretch, drying time, UV resistance, and sustainability, will help you make the right call. If you're designing custom swimwear in Australia, be sure to sample swatches and work with a supplier who knows their materials inside out.
Ready to create custom swimwear with premium fabrics?
Explore our custom teamwear services at Team Spirit Sports or get in touch to discuss the best fabrics for your needs.
FAQs About The Best Fabric for Swimwear
1. What is the best fabric for swimwear?
It depends on your use. Polyester blends are best for chlorine resistance and long-term durability, while nylon-spandex blends offer superior comfort and stretch. For eco-conscious buyers, recycled fabrics like ECONYL® are a great choice.
2. Is polyester or nylon better for swimwear?
Polyester is more chlorine- and UV-resistant, making it ideal for training or team swimwear. Nylon feels softer and more flexible, which is great for casual and fashion swimwear. Each has its strengths.
3. What fabrics are chlorine resistant?
Fabrics like PBT, polyester blends, and some eco-swimwear materials (like Vita PL or Repreve®) are highly chlorine resistant. These are commonly used in competitive and training swimsuits.
4. Is recycled swimwear fabric durable?
Yes, high-quality recycled fabrics like ECONYL®, Repreve®, and Vita PL perform as well as traditional materials. They’re stretchable, long-lasting, and certified for eco and swim safety.
5. What’s the best swimwear fabric for the Australian climate?
In Australia’s harsh sun and high-UV conditions, fabrics with UPF 50+, quick-dry performance, and chlorine resistance are best. Look for polyester blends, PBT, or eco-certified materials made for hot climates.
6. Can I customise swimwear with printed logos or designs?
Absolutely. Polyester blends are ideal for custom prints because they hold colour better than nylon. If you're ordering custom teamwear in Australia, polyester ensures your branding stays vibrant.