Swim Fabric
Chlorine-resistant polyester/PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) blend engineered for competitive and recreational swimwear. Resists degradation from pool chemicals, retains shape through hundreds of wears, and dries quickly.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with swim fabric
We don't have any garments containing swim fabric in our catalog yet. Browse the full synthetic materials or check the product catalog.
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from swim fabric. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same swim fabric feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Good comfort (60) and care ease (72) for casual wear
Good durability (75) and comfort (60) for office wear
Good moisture wicking (70) and durability (75) for weather protection
Detailed Use Case Scores
Pros
- ✓ Chlorine-resistant — lasts far longer than standard swimwear fabrics
- ✓ Excellent shape retention even after heavy use
- ✓ Quick-drying and lightweight
- ✓ UV-resistant for outdoor swimming
Cons
- ✗ Not breathable enough for land-based athletics
- ✗ Petroleum-based and non-biodegradable
- ✗ Can feel stiff when brand new
- ✗ Limited stretch compared to elastane-heavy blends
Better alternatives
Higher-scored synthetic materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+14 vs Swim Fabric · 76/100
Membrane technology that is waterproof yet breathable. A laminate applied to other fabrics rather than a fabric itself.
+13 vs Swim Fabric · 75/100
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber — the world's strongest fiber by weight. 15x stronger than steel, used in cut-resistant gear, ultralight backpacks, and high-performance sails.
+12 vs Swim Fabric · 74/100
Waterproof breathable membrane fabric (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar technology) laminated to a face fabric. The gold standard for rain and storm protection in technical outerwear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Rinse after every swim to remove chlorine/salt
• Never wring — gently squeeze out water
Additional Care Tips
- • Rinse in cold fresh water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine/salt
- • Hand wash with mild detergent — avoid machine washing
- • Never tumble dry — lay flat or line dry in shade
- • Do not iron or bleach
- • Rotate between multiple suits to extend lifespan
Cost
$$$$$
Budget-friendly
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
High environmental impact