{"id":823,"date":"2020-03-17T23:59:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T23:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.contrado.com\/blog\/?p=823"},"modified":"2021-01-11T09:11:51","modified_gmt":"2021-01-11T09:11:51","slug":"best-fabrics-for-swimwear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.contrado.com\/blog\/best-fabrics-for-swimwear\/","title":{"rendered":"Make a Splash: Top 6 Best Fabrics for Swimwear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Jump right in, the water\u2019s fine!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the holiday season fast approaching and summer months not far behind, our minds turn to beaches and pools, one too many cocktails in the sun, and swimwear. Finding a swimsuit or the ideal pair of trunks can feel like a chore. Instead of traipsing through aisles of endlessly samey swim shorts or dusting off that old bikini for the fourth or fifth consecutive summer, turn your swimwear blues into a sea breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get to know what swimwear really is. Everyone has a beach style which reflects their personality, but it\u2019s often difficult to match your exact style to what\u2019s in the shops. You might find the perfect style which simply doesn\u2019t go up to your size or the perfect fit with a pattern that\u2019s less than flattering. Whether you\u2019re going to exotic beaches or just the local spot, it\u2019s important that your outfit is comfortable, durable, and looks fabulous! Ensure all three by turning your hand at making your own swimwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"swimsuit<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Always wondered what swimsuits are made from?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The wide world of fabrics may seem daunting when it comes to swimwear, even for the more seasoned sewers. Luckily for us, there are already tons of fabrics perfectly suited for swimwear in all its forms. However, they often hide in categories like \u2018dancewear fabrics\u2019 and \u2018sports\u2019 or \u2018technical fabrics\u2019. Combat any confusion by getting to know the traits of the best swimwear fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrado\u2019s Swimwear Fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our selection of swimwear fabrics covers a range of characteristics; some are most suited to beachwear and garments worn near water and in the sun, and some of our fabrics are perfect for swimsuits and made to be immersed in the water with you. Have a look at our top picks, starting with our best swimwear fabrics for swimsuits and trunks. Next, we\u2019ll go onto fabrics for wetsuits and warmer garments, and finally, we\u2019ll introduce a splash-proof fabric for a variety of beachwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust keep swimming, swimming, swimming\u2026\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lycra Soft Sheen<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"lycra\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Boasting an impressive four-way stretch with high flexibility, this Lycra is anything but average. Loyal to its name, Lycra Soft Sheen<\/a> gorgeously reflects the light creating an elegant shimmer across the face. With moisture wicking capabilities, Soft Sheen draws heat away from the body. This makes a perfect fabric for one-piece suits with a lot of embellishment.
Lycra Soft Sheen is not entirely opaque and lets light in, but also retains stunning color when stretched. Whether you\u2019re on glorious Mediterranean shores or Brighton\u2019s pebble beach, with swimwear made from Lycra Soft Sheen, you\u2019ll glimmer in the water and glisten on the sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathable Waterproof<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"breathable<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This fabric does exactly what it says on the label! The printable side of the fabric is coated with PU. While being 100% waterproof, it also allows water vapor out so you can keep cool in the heat. The stiff handle and tight weave mean your designs show up gloriously, perfect for intricate details.
Lighter in weight than our Lycra options, Breathable Waterproof<\/a> is a stiff fabric so has zero of the stretch that the Lycras have. This makes it suited to swimwear with an independent shape such as tailored swim shorts. Breathable Waterproof is easy to work with so you can add zips, buttons, and pockets with relative ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slinky Lycra Matte<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"slinky<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Also featuring a four-way stretch, this Lycra has a super-quick recovery, flawlessly springing back to shape. At 4.13oz, Slinky Matte is heavier than its Soft Sheen sister is has a firmer resistance. It is more opaque when wet, so ideal for bikinis with lighter patterns and paler colors.
Lycra Matte is perfectly form-fitting as it drapes effortlessly against the body. The slippery face and super smooth reverse make it feel like a second skin, adding sensual elegance to any swimwear style. From trunks to tankinis, everyone can channel their inner David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson in our Slinky Lycra Matte<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWater, water everywhere\u2026!\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scuba Crepe<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"scuba<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A slightly heavier weight than Scuba, this fabric has a smooth back for a gentle touch against the skin and a textured front giving more depth to your designs. Scuba Crepe bears the same characteristics of versatility as Scuba, just with an interesting grainy look.
Suitable for wetsuits and swimwear with more coverage, Scuba Crepe<\/a> offers the feature of texture. The printed face maintains a vibrant color and is ideal for bouncy patterns and lively designs. Spongy with an elegant drape, Scuba Crepe fabric is also great for additions to swimsuits such as skirts, belt ties, or straps, adding texture and practicality to existing outfits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026He showed off, splashing around\u2026\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nautica Splash Proof<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"nautica<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re less of a swimmer and more of a pool-side lounger, you might not be looking for a waterproof fabric but instead something that\u2019ll keep you cool and dry. Although Nautica<\/a> is not waterproof, it has a water-resistant coating which makes it perfect for handmade beach shorts.
Nautica Splash Proof is a solid, taut fabric that\u2019s semi-transparent and looks great with vivid and contrasting prints. For beachwear perfect for littler ones, Nautica provides comfort and breathability, and they can have water fights all through the summer without getting their clothes soaked through!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riding the wave of swimwear trends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"swimwear<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Leaping Leopards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It reared its fierce head in Autumn, lived strong through winter, and it\u2019s here to stay throughout the spring\/summer season. Harking back to the nineties (read: Scary Spice catsuit), leopard print has slipped back into our lives and nobody\u2019s sorry. Not exclusive for the girls, turn boy cubs into jungle kings with Breathable Waterproof<\/a> swim shorts rippled with leopard print. Think outside the box with less conventional hues and diverse pattern directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beach-to-Bar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You may love your feather-clad crop top or your semi-see-through briefs, but we all know there\u2019s a time and a place. Versatile garments are a hot trend that we\u2019ve already seen as we battled the dismay of high temps in mid-winter. Create swimwear out of fabrics that can dazzle and protect, be beautiful bare and flattering layered. Soft Sheen Lycra<\/a> is a personal favorite as it\u2019s super adaptable. Quick-drying qualities make it perfect for wearing under a sheer, cotton shirt or providing support under a flowing and airy beach dress as you head to the Sangria stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Swimming Sixties<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take a plunge even further into the decade of free love, cheap thrills, and fabric frills! The 1960s was the first decade to liberate women\u2019s swimwear. Skimpy one-pieces and bikinis were all the rage. Modern styles merged with traditional fabrics; terry-cloth with its stand out texture was a very popular swimwear fabric. Be gone with subtlety and try a delightfully different look on the beach with a Terry Towelling<\/a> swimsuit. This fabric is highly absorbent and quick-drying, with the familiar, fluffy and soft texture. Finish the outfit with a printed headscarf \u2013 perfect for protecting beehives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a dip in our fabric oasis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now your head is full of swimwear ideas, check out our entire range of fabrics in a handy swatch pack. See all the fabrics, feel them, stretch them, and submerge them in water if you like! Choose your favorites and don\u2019t forget to share your thoughts and swimwear creations with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jump right in, the water\u2019s fine! With the holiday season fast approaching and summer months not far behind, our minds turn to beaches and pools, one too many cocktails in the sun, and swimwear. Finding a swimsuit or the ideal pair of trunks can feel like a chore. Instead of traipsing through aisles of endlessly […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Make swimwear that's comfortable, durable, and looks fabulous! Ensure all three by turning your hand at making your own swimwear."},"categories":[6,2],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nMake a Splash: Top 6 Best Fabrics for Swimwear - Contrado Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Make swimwear that's comfortable, durable, and looks fabulous! 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