Swimwear Fabrics Explained — What Actually Lasts

You spent £180 on a bikini and it went see-through after three wears. Or the elastic died. Or it stretched out and never bounced back. The problem isn't always the brand — it's the fabric. Here's what to look for (and what to avoid) if you want swimwear that actually survives more than one summer.

Nylon (Polyamide)

The gold standard for luxury swimwear. Soft against the skin, excellent stretch recovery, dries quickly, and resists chlorine better than most alternatives. Most premium brands use Italian-milled nylon with 15-20% elastane for stretch. If the label says "78% polyamide, 22% elastane" — that's the sweet spot.

ECONYL (Regenerated Nylon)

Made from ocean waste, fishing nets, and fabric scraps. Same performance as virgin nylon but with a sustainability story. Vitamin A and other eco-conscious brands use this extensively. It's not greenwashing — it genuinely performs as well as new nylon and reduces waste.

Polyester

More chlorine-resistant than nylon, which makes it excellent for pool swimmers. Less soft to the touch and can feel slightly "plasticky" in cheaper versions. Higher-end polyester blends (like those used in competitive swimwear) are thin, fast-drying, and incredibly durable. For regular pool use, polyester wins.

Crinkle/Seersucker

Hunza G's signature fabric. The textured crinkle stretch means one size genuinely fits most (UK 6-16), the fabric is forgiving across body shapes, and the texture hides any lumps or sheerness. Incredibly clever engineering disguised as retro aesthetic.

What Kills Swimwear

Chlorine: Breaks down elastane fibres over time. Rinse immediately after pool swimming — don't let it sit in your bag.

Sunscreen: Oil-based SPFs stain white swimwear yellow and degrade fabric. Apply and let it fully absorb before putting your bikini on.

Machine washing: The agitation and heat destroy stretch. Hand-wash in cold water with a gentle detergent. Always.

Wringing: Twisting wet swimwear stretches the fibres permanently. Press between a towel instead.

Drying in direct sun: UV fades colour and weakens elastane. Dry flat in the shade.

The Investment Calculation

A £30 bikini that lasts one summer = £30 per season. A £150 bikini in quality nylon that lasts 4 seasons = £37.50 per season — barely more, and you look infinitely better in it. Quality fabric pays for itself. Always.