Using Swim Fabric Not for Swim

What is “swim” fabric?

Exactly what you’re probably thinking: it’s a fabric commonly used to make swimsuits. A more helpfully descriptive name for it is nylon spandex.

What makes it so suitable for swimming?

Nylon spandex wicks moisture away from the body and dries quickly.

Well, that actually sounds great for athletic-wear, too.

You’re right. It is. Which is why I thought I’d whip up this Lago Tank using some “swim” nylon spandex fabric from Boho.

Not All Nylon Spandex Is Equal

Something I’ve noticed between this particular nylon spandex and the athletic nylon spandex I used on some Peg Legs: they feel quite different.

Described as an “Athletic Nylon Spandex Fabric,” this nylon spandex from Boho is listed at 10 oz. with 75% horizontal and vertical stretch

  • softer hand
  • cooler texture
  • better drape
  • smoother

Described as a “12oz Dry Fit Nylon Spandex Athletic,” this fabric from Made of Love is a slightly heavier weight with more stretch (100/150), and has a very different feel:

  • warmer feel
  • stiffer hand
  • rougher texture

I personally prefer the 10 oz. blue fabric from Boho; it feels amazing against the skin. I also used this fabric for the bra in my first Agility tank, and the same type of fabric with a different print in my second Agility tank and they are both extremely comfortable in the heat.

“Swim” Fabric is Not Exclusive to Swimwar

There are so many great properties that give the 10 oz. nylon spandex from Boho so much potential for more than swimwear. You can absolutely use it for athletic wear, or if you’re just looking for a cool fabric that will be comfortable on scorching days. The drape would work great in a summer dress, too, and swim fabric tends to come in all kinds of prints. I’ve got some leftover of the geometric print from Agility #2 and I would love to shape it into something fun and summer-friendly. I’m not sure what that’s going to be yet–G+G Little Black Bra, or a M4M Jade Dress?

The possibilities are endless.

Project Settings

Presser Foot
Stitch#
Width
Length
Needle
Top Thread Tension
Application
overedge (C)
6
5.5
3.5
blue tip
4
edge finish
standard zig-zag (A)
5
1.0
4
blue tip
4
seams, hem
adjustable edge foot
5
1.0
4
blue tip
4
topstitch

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Posted in Free Patterns, Sewing, The Things I've Made • August 25, 2020 | No Comments»

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