What are the best fabrics for bikinis and swimwear?
Publicado el 17 April, 2026
Are you designing your next swimwear collection? Choosing the right fabric is the most challenging step in creating bikinis and swimsuits that stand out for their quality, durability, and design.
In the swimwear sector, the decision between polyester or polyamide, as well as the commitment to sustainability, will make a difference for your brand. In this technical guide, we help you choose the ideal materials for your bikini designs.
Fabrics for Bikinis and Swimwear: Polyester or Polyamide?
For manufacturing high-quality bikinis and swimsuits, both materials are excellent. However, at Waixo, we lean towards Polyester for professional swimwear.
The main reason? Sustainability. Polyester allows the use of water-based inks, a much more ecological alternative than the acid inks needed for polyamide (nylon), ensuring an environmentally friendly customization process without losing resistance to chlorine or UV rays.
| Feature | Recycled Polyester | Polyamide (Nylon) |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | High (Water-based inks) | Medium (Acid inks) |
| Chlorine Resistance | Excellent | Very High |
| Color Fastness | Superior | High |
Bikinis: Elasticity and Support
When designing bikinis, it is essential to use materials that offer flexibility and freshness without being see-through, as well as good resistance to withstand exposure to sun, chlorine, and seawater.
To achieve this, at Waixo, we recommend any of our lycras, and the choice depends on the intended use or the effect you want to achieve. For inspiration, we recommend visiting our Get Inspired section where you can see which fabric some of our clients have used to make swimwear.
Sustainability: The future of swimwear fashion
Create a collection of bikinis and swimsuits with recycled yarn and eco-friendly printing. Add differential value to your brand with zero-waste processes.
Men's Swimwear: Durability and Style
The fabrics used in men's swimwear can be rigid or elastic depending on their final use. For classic-cut beach shorts, microfiber is the absolute winner, specifically our Recycled Microfiber - Biarritz for its lightness and ultra-fast drying. For surf swimsuits, however, Basic Recycled Polyester - Sportswear is a more suitable option. And finally, for slip-style swim trunks, lycra is a perfect choice.
Professional tips for your collection
1. Technical tailoring for elastic fabrics
Working with high-grammage lycras requires precision. To ensure durable seams on your bikinis, use ballpoint needles (Super Stretch) and zigzag or coverstitch settings to allow the fabric to stretch without breaking the thread.
2. How to maintain the quality of your designs
To keep the colors of your swimwear collection vibrant, rinsing with fresh water after use in the sea or pool is recommended, and avoid direct sun drying, thus protecting the elastane fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swimwear
What fabric is best for manufacturing a bikini?
The blend of polyester and elastane (lycra) is the best option due to its flexibility, durability, and ability to be printed with ecological methods.
How to ensure women's bikinis are not see-through?
The secret lies in the fabric's grammage. At Waixo, we have different types of grammage to ensure total opacity and a perfect fit for any bikini.
Are recycled fabrics suitable for swimwear?
Absolutely. Recycled polyester retains all the technical properties of virgin polyester, being the current standard for sustainable bikini brands.