Swimsuits are primarily used in water-related activities, such as swimming, diving, surfing, and water aerobics. They are designed to provide comfort, support, and freedom of movement while in the water. Swimsuits are also popular for sunbathing and beach activities, as they allow for easy movement on sand and in and out of the water.
One of the main challenges that swimsuits face is the constant exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and sun. These elements can cause fading, stretching, and deterioration of the fabric and colors over time. Swimsuits also need to be durable enough to withstand the rigors of active water sports and activities, such as surfing or diving. Additionally, swimsuits need to fit well and provide adequate support to ensure comfort and prevent wardrobe malfunctions while in the water.
Keep tight, do not fall off, prevent penetration and friction, etc. In addition, the material must be able to resist water erosion and damage, and maintain good air permeability and fast drying. In competitive situations, swimsuits are designed with a greater emphasis on performance and speed to maximize an athlete's swimming speed and hydrodynamics.
What are the suitable fabrics for swimsuits?
Due to the challenges that swimsuits face, the characteristics of custom swimwears are usually excellent water resistance and quick-drying, to keep dry and comfortable while swimming and dry quickly after swimming; excellent elasticity, providing enough stretch and flexibility when swimming; swimsuits need to have good chlorine resistance due to the presence of chloride in the pool to prevent corrosion by chlorine water; when swimming outdoors, the swimsuit needs to have good anti-ultraviolet performance to protect the skin from damage.
Generally, there are these fabrics:
Polyester swimsuit fabric is commonly used for training and competitions due to its durability and quick-drying properties, and is not easily affected by chlorinated water and sunlight. The disadvantage is that it may not be breathable.
PVC swimsuit fabric has waterproof and shock-resistant properties, and is well-ventilated, but is not suitable for long-term exposure to sunlight as it will degrade.
Nylon swimsuit fabric is soft, breathable, has good elasticity and anti-ultraviolet properties, and is not easily affected by chlorinated water and sunlight. However, it is slightly thinner than polyester and is prone to friction and wear.
Polyurethane swimsuit fabric has excellent elasticity and breathability, but is more susceptible to the effects of chlorinated water and sunlight.
These fabrics have good antioxidant, anti-ultraviolet, waterproof and quick-drying properties, suitable for swimming, surfing, diving and other water sports.
What are water-based dyes?
Pigments are dispersed in water to form a suspension system, rather than being dispersed in organic solvents. Common water-based dyes include reactive dyes, acid dyes, and direct dyes. When applied to swimsuit fabrics, these dyes have the characteristics of bright colors, uniform dyeing, good dyeing effect, and not easy to fade. In addition, water-based dyes have less impact on human beings and the environment, and meet environmental protection requirements. The following are commonly used water-based dyes:
Disperse dyes: This is a water-based dye that can be used to dye polyester fibers and has good color fastness.
Acid dyes: This dye has excellent light fastness and sweat resistance and is suitable for various types of fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and polyurethane.
Primary color dyes: This is a water-based dye that can be used on various types of fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and chloroprene. This dye has high color saturation and good color fastness.
Acrylic acid dyes: This dye has a wide range of uses and can be used on fibers such as polyester, nylon, and cotton. It has bright colors and good color fastness.
What should be considered when using fabrics and dyes?
Some water-based dyes are incompatible with fabrics, which may cause uneven colors or poor dyeing effects. Therefore, it is necessary to choose compatible dyes and fabrics. Swimsuits for different purposes require different fabrics and dyes. For example, competitive swimwear usually requires lightweight, durable fabrics and bright colors, while swimming coaches and recreational swimmers may prefer soft, comfortable fabrics and soft colors.