We’ve all been there—standing in a store or scrolling online, swimwear options abound, and a pair catches our eye. But as we check the label and notice “polyester,” a question arises: Is polyester swimwear good for swimming? After all, with the myriad of choices out there, ensuring we make the right pick for our aquatic adventures is paramount.
Yes, polyester is not only suitable but often preferred for swimming. Its unique properties, ranging from chlorine resistance to durability, make it a top choice for both casual beachgoers and competitive swimmers alike. It’s also affordable and widely available, making it the optimal choice for most people.
In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deeper into the qualities of polyester and explore its advantages and potential downsides when it comes to swimwear.
What is polyester typically used for?
Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum-based products. It is one of the most commonly used fibers in the textile industry due to its versatility, durability, and affordability. However, the most relevant parts of polyester as it pertains to this article is how it is used in regular clothing, swimwear, and sportswear.
- Clothing: Polyester is widely used in everyday clothing items such as shirts, pants, dresses, and jackets.
- Sportswear: Its moisture-wicking property makes polyester suitable for activewear.
We’ll dedicate the next section to talking about how it is used in swimwear.
Why is polyester used in swimwear?
Polyester is favored in swimwear for several reasons:
- Chlorine Resistance: Polyester is known to have a high resistance to chlorine, making it ideal for swimwear as it can withstand regular exposure to pool chemicals without breaking down.
- Durability: Polyester fibers are strong and maintain their shape, elasticity, and color longer than many other materials.
- Quick-Drying: The fiber’s properties allow it to release water quickly, making it convenient for swimmers.
- Color Retention: Polyester holds dye well, meaning swimwear made from this material is less likely to fade with exposure to sunlight and chlorine.
- Cost-Effective: Polyester can be more affordable than other swimwear materials, making it a popular choice for manufacturers and consumers.
How does polyester compare to other swimwear materials, like nylon or spandex?
Each material has its strengths and weaknesses:
- Polyester: As mentioned, polyester is chlorine-resistant, durable, and retains color well. It’s less stretchy than some other materials but maintains its shape over time.
- Nylon: Nylon is lightweight, smooth, and has a slightly silkier feel than polyester. While it offers great stretch and fit, nylon can break down faster when exposed to chlorine. It’s often blended with spandex to improve elasticity and durability.
- Spandex (Lycra): Spandex is known for its exceptional elasticity. It hugs the body, providing a snug fit, but it is sensitive to chlorine and can degrade over time. Spandex is often mixed with other materials (like nylon or polyester) to combine the best properties of each.
When choosing swimwear, the best material often depends on the intended use. Competitive swimmers might prefer polyester because of its durability in chlorine, while casual beachgoers might opt for nylon-spandex blends for comfort and fit.
Can you swim in polyester clothing, such as activewear?
Yes, you can swim in polyester clothing. In fact, many activewear or sportswear items made of polyester are designed to wick moisture, making many of them suitable for water-based activities. However, there are a few considerations:
- Fit: Polyester activewear might not provide the same snug fit as traditional swimwear, potentially causing drag in water.
- Drying Time: While polyester dries relatively quickly, thick clothing or layered items might take longer to dry than a typical swimsuit.
- Comfort: Swimsuits are specifically designed for swimming comfort, with features like flat seams to prevent chafing. Polyester activewear might not offer the same level of comfort in the water.
- Swimming Pool Dress Code: If you plan on swimming at a public pool, chances are any non-swimwear clothing, even activewear made of polyester, is not allowed. Follow the rules of your local pool and wear proper swimwear. You can still wear your polyester clothing to the beach or elsewhere.
Is polyester swimwear durable?
Absolutely. One of the standout qualities of polyester is its durability, especially when compared to other common swimwear materials. Here’s why polyester swimwear is considered durable:
- Chlorine Resistance: Polyester stands up well against chlorine, a common chemical in pools that can weaken and fade many fabrics.
- Shape Retention: Polyester tends to maintain its shape over time, even with frequent use, making it less likely to sag or bag.
- Color Retention: Swimwear made of polyester is less susceptible to fading from sun exposure and chlorine.
- Tensile Strength: The fibers themselves are strong, reducing the likelihood of wear and tear.
While all materials will eventually show signs of wear with regular use, polyester swimwear often lasts longer than other materials, especially in chlorinated environments.
How breathable is polyester swimwear?
Polyester, as a synthetic fiber, is generally less breathable than natural fibers like cotton. This is because its fibers are closely knit, reducing the amount of air that can flow through the fabric.
In swimwear, however, breathability is often less of a concern since the primary function is to be immersed in water. Moreover, many polyester swimwear pieces are designed with mesh inserts or other features to increase airflow and comfort when worn outside of the water.
How does polyester react to chlorine and salt water?
Polyester is known for its strong resistance to both chlorine and salt water:
- Chlorine: One of polyester’s standout properties is its high resistance to chlorine. While many fabrics break down and weaken when exposed to chlorine over time, polyester remains relatively unaffected. This resistance ensures that swimwear retains its shape, strength, and color for longer periods, even with regular exposure to pool water.
- Salt Water: Polyester also fares well in salt water. While salt can be abrasive and damaging to many fabrics, polyester retains its structural integrity and color well. However, it’s always a good idea to rinse swimwear in fresh water after exposure to salt water to maximize its lifespan.
Does polyester swimwear fade over time?
All fabrics can fade over time, especially when exposed to elements like sun, chlorine, or salt. However, polyester is notably fade-resistant compared to many other materials.
Thanks to its synthetic nature, polyester holds dyes well, making it less susceptible to fading from UV rays or chemicals in the water. That said, prolonged exposure to the sun or not rinsing off chlorine/salt can still cause some fading over an extended period.
How does polyester feel on the skin when wet?
The feel of polyester on the skin when wet can vary based on the weave and finish of the fabric. Generally, polyester has a smooth and slick texture when wet, allowing it to glide over the skin. It does not become heavy or saggy like some cotton fabrics might.
However, because it’s less absorbent than natural fibers, it can feel a bit clingy when saturated. Some people find this comfortable and snug, while others might prefer the feel of materials that have a blend of natural fibers.
Do polyester swimsuits offer UV protection?
Polyester fabric can offer some degree of UV protection due to its tight weave, which can block or reduce the penetration of UV rays. Some polyester swimsuits are even treated with UV-blocking chemicals to enhance their protective qualities.
However, the level of protection varies depending on the thickness, color, and type of polyester used. Darker colors generally offer more protection than lighter ones.
Additionally, some swimwear brands specifically manufacture UV-protective swimwear (often labeled as UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor) to provide guaranteed sun protection. Always check the product specifications or labels to determine the level of UV protection offered.
Can polyester swimwear cause skin allergies or irritations?
While polyester is a synthetic material and generally hypoallergenic, there are instances where individuals might experience allergies or irritations. Potential reasons include:
- Chemical Sensitivities: The chemicals used in the dyeing or finishing process of polyester fabrics can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
- Friction: Prolonged wear, especially if the swimwear doesn’t fit well, can cause friction and lead to rashes, particularly in sensitive areas.
- Moisture Retention: While polyester is quick-drying, if it remains damp for long periods (like when sitting in a wet swimsuit), it can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, possibly leading to skin issues.
Is polyester swimwear suitable for competitive swimming?
Yes, polyester swimwear is suitable for competitive swimming. Many competitive swimmers prefer polyester because of its advantageous properties:
- Durability: It can withstand frequent exposure to chlorinated water without breaking down.
- Shape Retention: Polyester swimsuits maintain their shape and fit even after extended use, ensuring consistent performance.
- Chlorine Resistance: The material does not degrade quickly in chlorinated environments, essential for swimmers who train regularly in pools.
- Drag Reduction: High-quality polyester swimsuits are designed to reduce drag in the water, maximizing a swimmer’s speed.
You would be hard-pressed to find a swimsuit that didn’t include polyester or polyester blends in their products.
How does the cost of polyester swimwear compare to other materials?
Polyester swimwear is generally more cost-effective than swimwear made from other high-performance materials. The affordability stems from the widespread availability of polyester and the efficiency of its production process.
However, the price can vary based on factors like brand, design, and additional features. While high-quality polyester swimwear from top brands might be more expensive, it’s often still more affordable than equivalents made from other materials.
Are there any downsides to using polyester for swimwear?
While polyester boasts many benefits, especially for swimwear, there are potential downsides:
- Breathability: Polyester is less breathable than natural fibers, which might make it less comfortable for prolonged wear outside of the water.
- Environmental Concern: Polyester is a petroleum-based product, and its manufacturing can contribute to environmental pollution. Additionally, microplastics shedding from polyester fabrics during washing can be a concern for marine environments.
- Feel: Some individuals prefer the feel of natural or different synthetic fibers on their skin, finding polyester too slick or clingy when wet.
How should I care for my polyester swimsuit to ensure longevity?
To maximize the lifespan of a polyester swimsuit:
- Rinse After Use: Always rinse the swimsuit in cold, fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or other chemicals.
- Hand Wash: Instead of machine washing, hand wash the swimsuit with mild soap. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents.
- Dry Naturally: Do not put your swimsuit into the dryer. Instead, lay the swimsuit flat in a shaded area to air dry. Avoid wringing it out, which can stretch the fabric. If you want to speed up the drying process, roll the wet swimsuit up in a dry towel to gently squeeze out some excess water. Also, avoid leaving it to dry in direct sunlight, which can fade the colors and weaken the material.
- Avoid Ironing: Polyester can melt or become misshapen when exposed to high heat. If you must remove wrinkles, use the lowest heat setting and place a cloth between the iron and the swimsuit.
- Rotate Swimsuits: If you swim frequently, it’s helpful to have multiple swimsuits and rotate them to prevent excessive wear on any single one.
Following these care guidelines can help maintain the swimsuit’s color, shape, and overall integrity for a longer time.
Sources:
- https://prototype.fashion/best-swimsuit-fabric/
- https://www.landsend.com/article/fabrics-to-look-for-when-choosing-mens-swimwear/
- https://startmakingwaves.com/swim-gear-choosing-right-swimsuit-material/
- https://splashables.com/care-maintenance/polyester-vs-lycra/
- https://baliswim.com/choosing-swimsuit-material-the-best-swimsuit-fabric-for-you/
