Polyester Vs. Lycra – Splashables Inc. (2024)

FAQs

Which is better lycra or polyester? ›

Polyester is more chlorine resistant and more colorfast. It also stretches less and is less susceptible to wear and will last longer. Lycra is more form fitting and will show off your bits and pieces better, it that's something you want to do. It also dries faster and has a softer texture.

It's not uncommon for some apparel products to be made solely from polyester, although it's more common for this material to be blended with other natural fibers, such as cotton.

Polyester: Polyester is the most common choice for swimsuits because it is resistant to chlorine and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It's durable, form-fitting and comfortable to wear. Nylon: Typically, nylon is what you think of when you imagine fashion swimwear.

Whether blended with Lycra® or by itself, polyester is the leading fabric for competitive swimwear. New technologies in polyester have improved the hand and feel of the material, allowing it to surpass other fabrics. Polyester holds its color and is resistant to chlorine.

Polyester swimsuits have made huge leaps in design and fit, which are accredited to new weave patterns, and flexibility. Polyester is much more hydrophobic than the spandex found in lycra, which means it won't absorb as much water, will dry faster, and will keep its shape longer.

Best NS Lycra Fabric Supplier in India | 85% Polyester.

Polyester swimwear fabrics, blended with Lycra (or spandex), have the greatest level of durability. Stretch polyester, however, is a very general category. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of different blends from various fabric mills.

As a general rule, we recommend you stay away from synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon in hot and humid weather conditions since these materials tend to trap odors and bacteria. Garments made of synthetic materials cannot breathe and will trap the heat and make you feel warm.

The stretchy nature of the fabric allows for a greater range of movement, making it easier for swimmers to move through the water with ease. Additionally, lycra fabric is quick drying, making it a great choice for swimmers who need to dry off quickly between laps or after exiting the water.

Polyester. A polyester swimsuit is the most chlorine resistant of all the swimsuit fabrics. You can expect a 100% polyester swimsuit to last 3-4 times longer than lycra. It is light, durable, and retains its color better than other materials.

Does chlorine react with polyester? ›

Chlorine affects everything, but synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, polypropylene) are resilient, and polyester is quite resilient to chlorine. Polyester also tolerates chronic full sun / ultraviolet (UV) exposure (nylon fades and becomes brittle from UV exposure over time).

Most of the water fails to penetrate the fibres, helping to keep chlorine away from it. However, as mentioned above, no fabric is completely waterproof or fully chlorine-proof. Chlorinated water and sunshine will eventually cause the colours to fade even in nylon and polyester.

If you're a more casual swimmer, while polyester is still a good choice, you might also be interested in spandex swimsuits as well! 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.

The best fabric for swimwear is a polyester/elastane blend. Elastane is the super stretchy fabric better known by the brand names Spandex or Lycra. Polyester is colorfast and resistant to chlorine, making it a perfect choice, Nylon is another good fabric for swimwear!

100% Polyester

Often labelled as '50% polyester/50% polyester PBT'. PBT is another version of polyester, so this is still a 100% polyester suit. This is the most durable fabric against chlorine. Suits often last over a year if you swim 3-5 times a week.

In that time, LYCRA^® fiber has become renowned for its quality and durability, and has become the most recognized brand of spandex fiber in the world today. People choose it for its exceptional elasticity, lasting shape, and the comfortable fit it delivers to all types of apparel.

Spandex is stretchy and resilient (bounces back to its original form after stretching), so it helps the garment fit snuggly and move comfortably with the body. Polyester keeps us dry, thanks to its moisture-wicking properties.

Cotton and polyester couldn't be more different. Cotton is natural, breathable, absorbent, and sustainable. Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic fiber that doesn't breathe well, repels water, and isn't sustainable.

While uncommon, some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to the materials used in Lycra fabrics or the dyes and chemicals applied to them. This can result in skin irritation, itching, or rashes. Body odors: Lycra is not as effective as natural fibers in absorbing moisture and preventing odors.