Swimwear Basics from Zero
一、History of Swimwear
- Before the 16th century, swimming was done nude — what we now call “skinny dipping” or “sky bathing.”
- In the 16th century, exposing the body was considered sinful. As a result, upper-class men wore aprons, and women wore linen chemises. At this time, swimwear was a privilege of the aristocracy.
- From the 17th to the 19th century, swimwear was heavy and cumbersome. “Swimwear” at that time consisted of tops or long trousers made of serge or dark flannel fabric.
二、Swimwear Fabrics
1. DuPont Lycra (LYCRA) — i.e., spandex/elastane
Lycra is a synthetic elastic fibre with the best stretch performance of all fabrics. It can extend to 4–6 times its original length, has excellent elasticity, and quickly returns to its original length when the external force is released. It is suitable for blending with various fibres. It cannot be used alone but can be interwoven with any other synthetic or natural fibre. It enhances texture, drape, and wrinkle resistance. Lycra does not change the appearance of the fabric — it is an invisible fibre that greatly improves fabric performance. Two-way stretch woven fabrics containing Lycra provide great comfort and freedom of movement in both directions. Lycra with chlorine-resistant components gives swimwear a longer service life than ordinary materials and is mostly used for one-piece swimsuits.
2. Nylon Fabric
Nylon fabric is obtained by blending or interweaving nylon filament or staple fibre with other fibres, combining the characteristics and strengths of each fibre. Its texture is not as firm as Lycra, but its elasticity and softness are comparable. It has strong resistance to micro-organisms, second only to chlorofibre in muddy water or alkaline conditions. It is currently the most commonly used fabric for swimwear and is suitable for mid-priced products.
3. Polyester Fabric
Polyester is a very common synthetic garment fabric in daily life. It is a one-way stretch elastic fabric. Its biggest advantages are excellent wrinkle resistance and shape retention. It dries easily after washing, and its wet strength barely decreases — it does not deform and has good wash-and-wear performance. It also has good light resistance, outperforming natural fibre fabrics in sun resistance. Due to its limited elasticity, it is mostly used for swim trunks or two-piece swimsuits, and is not suitable for one-piece styles. It is suitable for low-priced products.
三、How to Choose Swimwear
1. Spandex content
The international standard for spandex content is around 18%. A good swimsuit should contain at least 18% spandex.
2. Elasticity
Good swimwear should feel snug and firm. More stretch is not necessarily better — what matters is recovery. A good swimsuit should return to its original shape after repeated stretching. Good hand feel is also important. You can compare professional swimwear brands such as FEW and YINGFA with department store brands like ZOKE and others. Remember: more expensive does not always mean better.
3. Brand
The two largest swimming brands in the world are ARENA and SPEEDO. They produce world-class swimming gear with stylish designs and excellent performance. However, both are very expensive. Average swimmers don’t need such professional swimwear unless you are a true swimming enthusiast, and they can be hard to find.
4. Style and pattern
Style and pattern are also essential factors for every swimmer. This depends on your body shape and should be chosen carefully.
