Choosing the Right Swimsuit Material

Everyone likes finally finding that perfect swimsuit–just the right color or pattern, and holds up well after hours of swim time. When it comes to picking the right swimsuit, the options can be dizzying! There are many different kinds of materials, blends, and fits, not to mention cut and color. What type of swimsuit is right for me? Do the materials of a swimsuit make a difference? What’s the difference between all the different types of swimsuit materials? What we’re going to be looking at is two of the more prominent swimsuit materials–polyester and spandex–and the pros and cons of each. Let’s dive in!

Swimsuits are made in a variety of materials, from spandex to Polyester to blends of polyester and spandex, and nylon. Polyester and Spandex are two common swimsuit materials, and each have their own strengths. Choosing the right swimsuit material for you and your needs will make a difference in swimsuit durability, comfort, as well as budget considerations.

Spandex, which can also be marketed under the name Lycra, is another popular swimsuit material. Spandex is a stretchy material that offers a very good, comfortable fit. Spandex is known for its elasticity and stretch, which is ideal for swimming. Spandex suits have also been used by competitive swimmers, however one disadvantage is that spandex suits are not as chlorine friendly. Spandex suits must be rinsed in cool water after each use, and don’t hold up as well with the harsh chemicals of the pool which can lead to discoloration of the suit. That being said, spandex suits are less expensive than polyester suits, so if you’re a casual swimmer looking for a quality swimsuit at a mid-range budget level, spandex might be the swimsuit material for you!

When picking the right swimsuit material for you, there’s a lot of factors to consider. Both spandex and polyester suits have their advantages and disadvantages but what’s important to keep in mind is what the priority is for you as a swimmer. Are you more of a casual swimmer with a low budget, or do you spend more hours in the pool and need a durable material that can hold up to the extra exposure?