Swimsuit fabric is the essential material for creating professional-looking swimwear, rash guards, and activewear that can withstand sun, chlorine, and saltwater. With UV 50+ protection, 4-way stretch, and a smooth, cool hand, our swim fabrics deliver the performance and durability you need for water activities.
Whether you're sewing one-pieces, bikinis, board shorts, or dance wear, choosing the right swimsuit fabric and understanding proper sewing techniques ensures beautiful, long-lasting results that look and feel amazing.
What is Swimsuit Fabric?
Swimsuit fabric (also called swim fabric or swim knit) is a specialized performance fabric made from polyester/spandex or nylon/spandex blends designed specifically for swimwear and water activities. Unlike regular knit fabrics, swim fabric is engineered to withstand chlorine, saltwater, and UV exposure while maintaining excellent stretch, recovery, and color fastness.
Swim fabric has a smooth, sleek surface with a cool hand that hugs the body. The 4-way stretch allows for comfortable movement in water, while the tight knit construction prevents the fabric from becoming see-through when wet. Many swim fabrics feature UV 50+ protection to shield skin from harmful sun rays during outdoor swimming.
Why Choose Our Swimsuit Fabric?
- UV 50+ Protection - Built-in sun protection for hours of outdoor swimming
- Chlorine Resistant - High chlorine resistance maintains color and elasticity
- Recycled Options - Many fabrics made from recycled nylon spandex for sustainability
- 4-Way Stretch - Moves with your body in all directions
- Smooth, Cool Hand - Feels comfortable against skin
- Quick-Drying - Dries faster than cotton-based fabrics
- Excellent Recovery - Snaps back to shape after stretching
- Won't Become Sheer - Tight knit construction stays opaque when wet
- Vibrant Colors & Prints - Wide selection of solids and fun patterns
- Color Matching Service - We'll help you coordinate prints with solids
Types of Swimsuit Fabric
Nylon Spandex
Nylon/spandex swim fabric offers exceptional softness, durability, and chlorine resistance. It has a silky smooth feel and excellent drape. Nylon swim fabric is lighter weight than polyester versions and often feels more luxurious. Perfect for: fitted swimsuits, bikinis, one-pieces, rash guards.
Polyester Spandex
Polyester/spandex swim fabric provides excellent chlorine and UV resistance with a slightly firmer hand than nylon. It holds color extremely well and is very durable. Often more affordable than nylon options. Perfect for: competitive swimwear, board shorts, activewear, dance costumes.
Recycled Swim Fabric
Many of our swim fabrics are made from recycled nylon spandex, offering the same performance as virgin materials while reducing environmental impact. These eco-friendly options maintain all the essential qualities of traditional swim fabric while supporting sustainability.
What Can You Make with Swimsuit Fabric?
Swimsuit fabric is incredibly versatile for water activities and beyond:
- One-piece swimsuits and tankinis
- Bikini tops and bottoms
- Rash guards and swim shirts
- Board shorts and swim trunks
- Fitted jammers (men's/boys' swim trunks)
- Cover-ups and swim skirts
- Competitive swimwear
- Dance and gymnastics leotards
- Athletic wear and activewear
- Surf wear and water sports apparel
Looking for sewing patterns? Check out swim-specific patterns from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop:
Frequently Asked Questions About Swimsuit Fabric
How do I tell which side of swim fabric is the right side?
For solid swim fabrics, the right side has a slight sheen when you hold it to the light. If you gently stretch the fabric, you'll see faint lines on the right side. For prints, the pattern is typically more vibrant on the right side. When in doubt, choose the side you prefer - both sides work!
What type of needle should I use for sewing swimsuit fabric?
Always use a stretch or ballpoint needle. Size 75/11 works for most swim fabrics. Using a universal needle can cause snags, skipped stitches, and damage to the fabric. Replace your needle before starting each swim project for best results. Schmetz stretch needles (blue bar) are highly recommended.
What stitch should I use for sewing swim fabric?
Use a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch - never a straight stitch, as it will pop when the fabric stretches. If you have a serger, an overlock stitch gives a professional finish. For topstitching, you can use a coverstitch machine, a zigzag stitch, or a twin needle on your regular machine for a mock coverstitch look.
What is swim lining and do I need it?
Swim lining is a lightweight poly spandex mesh fabric that lines the inside of swimsuits to prevent see-through fabric and add modesty. It's essential for the crotch area of swimsuit bottoms and typically used in the bust area of tops. Swim lining comes in nude, white, and black. Always use swim-specific lining, not regular lining fabric.
What type of elastic should I use for swimsuits?
Use swim-specific elastic that can withstand chlorine and saltwater. Cotton-covered rubber elastic is the gold standard - it won't break down like polyester-covered elastic. We recommend 3/8" width for most swimsuit applications (leg openings, waistbands). For board shorts, use wider elastic like 1.25" or 1.5" for waistbands.
Can I use regular thread for sewing swimsuits?
Yes! Regular polyester thread works perfectly for swim fabric. You don't need special thread. Just make sure to use a stretch stitch so your seams can stretch with the fabric.
How should I care for swimsuit fabric and finished swimsuits?
Always rinse your swimsuit immediately after use in cold, fresh water to remove chlorine and saltwater. Wash in cold water (hand wash or gentle machine cycle) and lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low. Avoid washing with rough items like towels. Never use fabric softener. For unfinished fabric, pre-wash is optional since swim fabric doesn't shrink.
Does swimsuit fabric shrink?
No, polyester/spandex and nylon/spandex swim fabrics do not shrink. They are heat-set during manufacturing. This means you don't have to pre-wash your fabric before cutting, though some sewists prefer to wash it anyway to remove any finishing chemicals.
Can I use swimsuit fabric for non-swim projects?
Absolutely! Swim fabric is excellent for athletic wear, dance costumes, gymnastics leotards, yoga pants, and any fitted activewear. The 4-way stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and durability make it ideal for any high-movement activities.
What's your color matching service?
We offer a color matching service to help you coordinate printed swim fabrics with solid colors. This service ensures your print and solid fabrics match perfectly, eliminating the guesswork when shopping online. It's especially helpful for creating color-blocked swimsuits or matching family sets.
Tips for Sewing with Swimsuit Fabric
- Use a new stretch needle - Size 75/11 ballpoint or stretch needle
- Test your stitch first - Practice on scraps to check tension and stitch type
- Use stretch stitches only - Zigzag, overlock, or specialty stretch stitches
- Lower your presser foot pressure - Prevents fabric from stretching while sewing
- Use clips instead of pins - Pins can leave permanent holes in swim fabric
- Stabilize seams if needed - Clear elastic helps prevent stretched-out seams
- Twin needle for topstitching - Creates a professional finish with built-in stretch
- Serge for clean finishes - A serger gives the most professional look
- Use swim-specific elastic - Cotton-covered rubber won't break down in chlorine
- Always use swim lining - Essential for opacity and modesty in critical areas
- Lengthen your stitch - Slightly longer stitches (3.0-3.5mm) prevent rippling
- Don't stretch while sewing - Let the fabric feed naturally unless pattern directs otherwise
Topstitching Options for Swimsuit Fabric
You have three main options for topstitching swim fabric hems and seams:
- Coverstitch Machine - Creates a professional double-needle topstitch on the right side with an overlock on the wrong side. Best option for a store-bought look. Keeps seams flat and stretchy.
- Twin Needle (Mock Coverstitch) - Fits in your regular sewing machine. Creates two parallel lines of stitching on top with a zigzag on the bottom. Use a STRETCH twin needle (blue bar). Set to straight stitch and lengthen to 4. Creates automatic stretch. This is the technique many professional swimwear companies used before coverstitches became affordable.
- Zigzag Stitch - Simple and effective. Lengthen stitch to 4 for a less dense zigzag. Provides excellent stretch. Professional looking when done carefully.
Essential Swim Notions
Complete your swimsuit projects with these essential notions:
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Why Buy Swimsuit Fabric from KnitFabric.com?
- Fast Shipping: Flat rate shipping on all orders
- UV 50+ Protection: All swim fabrics rated for sun protection
- Chlorine Resistant: Tested for durability in pools and saltwater
- Recycled Options: Eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials
- Color Matching Service: We help you coordinate prints with solids
- Complete Selection: Swim fabric, lining, and elastic all in one place
- Quality Guarantee: Premium swim fabrics that perform beautifully
- Expert Support: Our team knows swimwear sewing inside and out
Shop our full collection of swimsuit fabric by the yard and create beautiful, professional swimwear for the whole family!
Questions about which swim fabric to choose or how to sew swimwear? Contact us—we're here to help!
