1. Jimmy Lam Institute of Textiles & Clothing
Swimwear Fabrics
Jimmy Lam
Institute of Textiles & Clothing

2. Learning Objectives Basic Characteristics for swimwear
Fabric Structure
Fiber and Yarn requirement

3. Basic Characteristics
Opacity
ie not able to see through when wet (by adding acetate/nylon for liner)
Higher order of stretch and recovery
swimwear fit the figure tightly, and must be stable to elongation when wet
Higher order of resistance to abrasion
because of house wringer

4. Basic Characteristics (II)
Higher fabric bursting strength
used for tight-fitting beach styles, fibers and yarns are important
Colour fastness to light
under explore under strong sunlight
Colour fastness to sea and pool water
Given the requirement for knitted fabric, what kind of stitch and structure are suitable for swimwear ?

5. Fabric Structure
Rib structure is better for swimwear (instead of plain) because
rib structure trends to be more opaque (without adding lining) and more dense;
rib structure is more elastic than single jersey (single jersey can add elastic yarn to overcome it)
Common Rib structure for swimwear
interlock
swiss pique
using stretch nylon and stretch polyester with /without spandex.

6. Fabric Structure (II)
In whatever structure, the necessary elasticity is achieved by either laying-in or knitting-in elastomeric yarn, preferably spandex over rubber because of its lighter weight.
The fabric stretch is affected by:-
the fabric structure
whether the elastomeric yarn is used in bare or covered form

7. Fabric Structure (III)
A covered form yarn (spandex with an outer sheath of yarn) will normally restrict on its elasticity
The degree on its extension and return from elongation will depend on the amount of covering.

8. Fiber and Yarn
Generally, textured filament with modified into stretch yarn on false twist are more appropriate for use in swimwear than spun yarn
For spun yarn, worsted system yarn is preferred over woolen system for swimwear, with high twist factor.