What to look for in Swimwear Fabrics 

From my friend who designs swimwear: “Using 2 layers of the same fabric will make the pattern fit smaller, except if the pattern designer made the pattern to be reversible. There are some pieces, like small bottoms in which you don't notice if you change the method (reversible or non reversible), but on swimsuits, you will notice they will not fit properly if they are intended to be sewn as non reversibles and then they are made as reversibles using 2 layers of swimwear fabric. This is because the lining does not change the tension around the body while the swimwear fabrics do. And if you have 2 layers of swimwear fabrics, the tension will increase and that's why it fits smaller. For the non reversible, i use a 12% negative ease base block, and this way they will fit much better. Reversible I use 8% Regarding the fabrics, i love using Polyamide + elastane, a premium quality type of swimwear, available in plain colors but extremely comfortable. The main brand for that is Carvico. They are Italian, but i believe they sell in US also. They also sell fabrics for lingerie and Active Wear . I use the power mesh every time i need bigger support, and now i use it on active wear. Nevertheless, it also makes the fit a bit smaller since as you told, the tension is bigger then on swimwear fabric. From Carvico i use Atlanta PLUS for activewear, VITA 360 for the swimwear and Silhouette or Gossamer for linings! So i believe one of the important thing to consider is that the designer of the patterns, recommends using 2 layers of fabric if it's reversible or 1 swimwear fabric plus lining if non reversible, and that's very important for the customers to follow so they get the best experience from the design they are sewing!”

You are such a gem Liz. I wish you nothing short of happiness and good health for all your days.

Really nice overview! I'm definitely going to come back to this as a resource in the future

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise in swimwear. I am so glad your videos are available again. I love watching your videos and learning from them.

Thank you for all your videos- very appreciated👍❤️

I'm going to be coming back to this video soon to take notes because was it helpful? Pfff absolutely!! Covered everything I wanted to know about making my first swimsuit, especially the power net!! Gonna be a hot summer this year i😏😏

you were a lot of help thank you

Just the question I was asking! Thank you!!

I appreciate your info

Thanks 😊

Fantastic video... great 411 about swim wear... I have purchased from Fabric Fairy in the past n with again... recently got a couple of lenghts from a custom printer n it is lovely but I haven't made them up yet... my #1 swim suit pattern for this summer is the Azure from Designer Stitch, sooo loving this suit... would you think about making a video on the swimsuit patterns that are out there n what features to look for... thank you... blessings

Excellent video. Quick question: if you were to use power mesh or net to line swimwear, would you then also use swimwear lining for coverage, or just one or the other? Thanks!

Do you know if there is a significant difference between swimwear fabric and compression fabric for athletic wear?

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Really helpful resource, Liz, thanks! Is bra foam typically swim compatible?

I really want to blend a bra pattern into a swim pattern so I can have a swimsuit with underwire.