What is the Best Material for Men’s Swim Trunks?
- Why Does Fabric Choice Matter for Swim Trunks?
- What Are the Top Performing Materials?
- Which Materials Are Best for Sustainability?
- Can You Customize Swim Trunk Materials?
Why Does Fabric Choice Matter for Swim Trunks?
Impact on Comfort and Fit
Different fabrics feel and fit differently. For example, nylon is softer and smoother, while polyester is more durable. Stretch fabrics like spandex blends offer enhanced mobility, especially for active use.
Durability Over Time
Repeated exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and sun can break down swimwear fabric. Fabrics like polyester and LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ resist fading and sagging better than regular blends.1
Drying Speed
Quick-dry materials reduce discomfort after swimming. Polyester and microfiber dry faster than traditional cotton or thick knits.
| Material | Comfort | Durability | Dry Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Moderate | High | Fast |
| Nylon | Soft | Medium | Fast |
| Spandex Blend | Stretchy | Good | Moderate |
What Are the Top Performing Materials?
Polyester
Polyester is fade-resistant, retains shape, and is excellent for chlorine resistance. It's the go-to choice for many performance swimwear brands.
Nylon
Nylon is smoother and softer, but can degrade faster in chlorine unless blended with resistant fibers. Ideal for casual or fashion swimwear.
Spandex (Elastane)
Used in blends, it adds flexibility and snug fit. Often found in competitive swim trunks. However, it stretches out with time if not blended properly.
Expert Advice
According to GQ, most premium brands now prefer polyester-spandex blends for a balance between style and performance.
| Material | Chlorine Resistance | Stretch | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | High | Low | Training, casual |
| Nylon | Medium | Moderate | Lounging |
| Polyester-Spandex | High | High | Swimming, active |
Which Materials Are Best for Sustainability?
Recycled Polyester (rPET)
Derived from post-consumer plastic bottles, rPET helps reduce waste and carbon emissions while performing similarly to virgin polyester.
ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon
ECONYL® is made from ocean plastics and fishing nets. It's durable, stretchable, and widely used in high-end eco-conscious swimwear.2
Organic and Bio-Based Alternatives
Some brands are now experimenting with plant-based or algae-based textiles, but availability is still limited and mostly niche.
| Sustainable Material | Source | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| rPET | Recycled bottles | Good |
| ECONYL® | Ocean waste | Excellent |
| Bio-Nylon | Plant-based | Developing |
Can You Customize Swim Trunk Materials?
Why Custom Fabric Choice Matters
Standard brands may not offer the right combo of stretch, thickness, or eco-profile. Custom swim trunks allow users to select the exact fabric composition to match their activity and values.
Bless Swimwear Custom Services
At Bless, we provide full material customization options. Whether you prefer soft-touch nylon, quick-dry polyester, or eco-certified fabrics, we make sure your swimwear is aligned with your performance and brand goals.
From Personal to Professional Use
Bless offers branding, embroidery, custom labeling, and eco-packaging for fashion labels, swim teams, or retailers looking for private label solutions.
| Custom Option | Material Benefit | Available at Bless |
|---|---|---|
| Eco-Fabric Selection | Reduce environmental impact | ✔ |
| Performance Stretch | Improved flexibility | ✔ |
| Color Sublimation | Durable, personalized design | ✔ |
| Private Label Service | Full branding options | ✔ |
Footnotes:
- Source: Good On You – Polyester and spandex blends offer superior chlorine resistance.
- More info from ECONYL® official site – Sustainable performance swimwear fiber made from waste.
