Swimwear

Core Features of Lycra Yarn in Swimwear

• Exceptional Stretch & Shape Retention — Lycra (spandex/elastane) can stretch up to around 500% and will rapidly bounce back to its original form, ensuring swimwear fits snugly while maintaining shape after use and laundering.

• Durability & Resistance — Advanced variants such as LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber are highly resistant to chlorine, sun creams, oils, heat, and UV exposure, lasting up to 10× longer than standard elastane fibers.

• Comfort & Fit — Lycra yarns deliver a “second-skin” feel: lightweight, breathable, and flexible for unrestricted movement in and out of water .

Fabric Composition & Construction

Blend Ratios

Swimwear fabrics generally consist of 10–20% Lycra/elastane blended with nylon or polyester as the primary base fiber. This balance achieves stretch, comfort, and resistance without bulk.

Technical Yarn Options

• Bare Lycra yarn (100% elastane) is seldom used alone; it's typically wrapped or blended.

• Covered Lycra yarn and core-spun Lycra yarn (Lycra filament wrapped with nylon or polyester) offer enhanced uniformity, durability, and structured stretch suited for swimwear applications.

Benefits & Performance Advantages

Chlorine, Salt & UV Resistance

• Fabrics featuring LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ fiber maintain elasticity and resist fading and degradation even with extensive exposure to pool chemicals, ocean water, sun block, and heat.

• Some fabrics use LYCRA® BEAUTY or T400® EcoMade, combining shaping stretch with enhanced color protection and sustainable materials.

Shape & Recovery

• Lycra fibers maintain consistent shape, hugging the body even after repeated wear and washing, making swim garments reliable and long-lasting.

• Strong recovery enables competitive swimmers and athletes to perform without concern of fit loosening mid-use.

Light & Breathable Comfort

• Lycra-based swim fabrics are low-weight (typically 190–230 g/m²), fast-drying, and prevent chafing or sagging in and out of water.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Eco-friendly Lycra solutions such as LYCRA® T400® EcoMade utilize recycled and bio-based sources, enabling recyclable swim fabrics and circular production systems (e.g. the Decathlon Aqua Vision project).

• Blends with ECONYL® (regenerated nylon) and LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ allow companies to produce durable, chlorine-resistant suits with minimal environmental impact.

Technical Considerations for Swimwear Design

• Fabric Weight & GSM: Lightweight at ~190–230 g/m² for optimal drying and handling ease .

• Yarn Construction: Prefer core-spun or covered Lycra yarns to ensure smooth appearance and consistent stretch behavior.

• Lining & Support: Many swim garments are double-lined or reinforced (e.g. power mesh, swim lining) to support fit and structure. Avoid stretch distortions by combining fabrics carefully.

• Sewing Techniques: Use stretch needles, zigzag or twin-stitch for seams; stabilize bias-cut or high-stretch areas with basting spray or internal slings to avoid warp distortion