Swimwear and lingerie are among the most intimate garments consumers wear—clinging to the body, exposed to sweat, sun, salt, and stretch. For designers, buyers, and manufacturers, choosing the right fabric is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about performance, durability, comfort, and market appeal. Nylon, a synthetic fiber first developed in the 1930s, has quietly remained the backbone of this category—and for good reason. Nylon fabric is the preferred material for swimwear and lingerie because it offers unmatched elasticity, a soft hand-feel, quick-drying performance, and excellent shape retention. Compared to other materials like polyester or cotton, nylon provides the ideal balance of comfort, durability, and cost-effectiveness for body-fitting garments.

Think of it this way: would Victoria’s Secret, Speedo, and Calvin Klein all still use nylon if it weren’t a category-defining choice? Whether you’re building a luxury lingerie collection or developing affordable swimwear for retail chains, understanding nylon’s material science and cost structure gives you an undeniable edge.

Let’s dive deep into what makes nylon so irreplaceable—and how to leverage it smartly in your next production run.

What Makes Nylon Fabric Ideal for Swimwear and Lingerie Production?

Nylon is favored in swimwear and lingerie because of its superior elasticity, moisture-wicking properties, and smooth finish against the skin. It holds its shape after repeated use, resists abrasion, and feels luxurious without a luxury cost. Its synthetic fibers are engineered to provide a close fit without chafing or sagging over time.

Core Characteristics That Set Nylon Apart

1. Elastic Recovery & Fit Retention

• Nylon blends (especially with spandex) return to their original shape even after extensive stretching.
• Ideal for underwire bras, high-waisted swimsuits, and compression shapewear.

2. Comfort Against Skin

• Fine denier nylon yarns (20D–70D) deliver a silk-like hand feel.
• Smooth texture reduces friction, making nylon ideal for long-hour wear under clothing.

3. Quick-Drying & Moisture Control

• Nylon absorbs only 2–4% of its weight in water.
• This makes it superior to cotton (which absorbs up to 25%) for swimwear and underwear.

4. Abrasion Resistance & Durability

• Nylon resists pilling and tearing from washing, making it perfect for lingerie that’s washed frequently.
• It withstands over 15,000 rub cycles in Martindale abrasion testing.

5. Cost-Efficiency in Manufacturing

• Lower raw cost than silk or high-end modal.
• Easier to cut and sew on automated lines than natural fibers.

Nylon vs. Other Common Lingerie Fabrics

How Does Nylon Compare to Polyester in Swimwear and Underwear Applications?

While both nylon and polyester are synthetic fibers, nylon is generally softer, more elastic, and better suited for tight-fitting garments. Polyester, by contrast, is more UV-resistant and better at retaining color under intense sun exposure—making it ideal for outer swimwear layers but less desirable for intimate innerwear. Nylon offers better stretch, comfort, and softness than polyester, making it the superior choice for intimate apparel like lingerie and base-layer swimwear. Polyester, though more UV- and chlorine-resistant, lacks the skin-friendly elasticity and drape that nylon provides.

Strengths and Weaknesses by Application

1. Stretch & Compression Fit

• Nylon-Spandex Blends (e.g., 85/15 or 80/20): Offer 4-way stretch for tight body contouring.
• Polyester-Spandex Blends: Tend to feel stiffer, with less “return memory” after wear.

2. Color Retention & UV Resistance

• Polyester is more fade-resistant under prolonged UV exposure.
• Nylon requires UV stabilizers if used in outdoor swimwear.

3. Chlorine Resistance

• Polyester fibers resist chlorine degradation better—ideal for competitive swimwear.
• Nylon degrades faster unless treated with anti-chlor agents.

4. Texture & Skin Feel

• Nylon is smoother, cooler, and silkier than polyester.
• Polyester can feel coarse, especially at lower denier counts.

5. Sustainability & Recyclability

• Recycled polyester (rPET) is more widely available than recycled nylon (ECONYL® or Q-NOVA).
• However, both are being adopted in eco-conscious fashion collections.

Nylon vs. Polyester – Key Metrics

Which Types of Nylon Are Commonly Used in Lingerie and Swimwear Fabrics?

The most commonly used types of nylon for swimwear and lingerie are Nylon 6 (PA6) and Nylon 6,6 (PA66). Each offers specific benefits for stretch, durability, and processing. Additionally, microfiber nylon, tricot, and circular-knit nylon blends are heavily used due to their ultra-soft feel and form-fitting performance. Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6 are the most widely used types for lingerie and swimwear, with Nylon 6 offering superior softness and dyeing capability, while Nylon 6,6 provides higher heat resistance and tensile strength. Microfiber and blended knits further enhance comfort and flexibility.

Understanding Nylon Variants

1. Nylon 6 (PA6)

• Softer and more dye-absorbent
• Slightly lower melting point (\~220°C)
• Preferred for soft lingerie and undergarments
• Cost: \$3.50–\$4.20/kg

2. Nylon 6,6 (PA66)

• Higher strength and heat resistance
• More durable in athletic swimwear
• Better abrasion resistance in shapewear applications
• Cost: \$4.00–\$4.80/kg

3. Microfiber Nylon

• Finer yarns (30D–50D) for a silkier feel
• Used in seamless lingerie and high-end lace overlays

4. Tricot-Knit Nylon

• Warp-knit structure prevents runs or snags
• Lightweight and highly elastic—ideal for bikini linings

5. Circular-Knit Nylon-Spandex Blends

• Smooth, body-contouring fabric
• Common ratio: 85% nylon / 15% spandex
• Popular in wireless bras and compression panties

Nylon Types for Swimwear & Lingerie

🧵 Pro Tip: If your brand targets comfort-conscious buyers, look for circular-knit microfiber nylon with 15–20% spandex. For performance-focused designs, use PA66-based warp-knit fabrics.

Is Nylon Fabric Stretchy Enough for Body-Hugging Garments?

Yes—nylon, especially when blended with spandex (also called Lycra or elastane), offers 4-way stretch and excellent recovery, making it ideal for body-hugging garments. It contours to curves without sagging, and unlike many natural fibers, it doesn’t lose shape after washing. Nylon is naturally stretchable and, when combined with spandex, delivers the 4-way stretch and shape retention required for body-hugging lingerie and swimwear. It outperforms cotton and even many modal fabrics in elasticity and durability.

Stretch Science in Nylon Fabric

1. Stretch Type: 2-Way vs. 4-Way

• 2-Way Stretch: Fabric stretches in one direction (usually across the width)
• 4-Way Stretch: Fabric stretches both across and lengthwise, ideal for swimwear and seamless undergarments

2. Spandex Blend Ratios

3. Stress-Test Performance (ASTM D4964)

• 85/15 blend stretches 140% without permanent deformation
• Maintains 90% original length after 20 cycles of stretch and release
• Cotton-spandex only retains \~70% after the same test

4. Endurance Case Study: A German lingerie brand tested two materials: 85/15 nylon-spandex vs. 95/5 cotton-spandex. After 30 wash-and-wear cycles:

• Nylon retained 92% of original elasticity
• Cotton dropped to 68% and showed visible deformation at the seams

Fabric Stretch & Recovery Comparison Chart

💡 Critical Insight: Stretch is only half the story—recovery is what makes a garment last longer. Nylon’s ability to spring back into shape ensures that your designs stay flattering over time, especially in high-movement zones like bikini bottoms or bodycon bras.

Do Nylon Blends Offer Better Comfort and Durability Than Pure Nylon?

Yes—nylon blends, especially those mixed with spandex, cotton, or modal, offer enhanced comfort, elasticity, breathability, and garment longevity. While pure nylon is strong, it’s not as breathable or elastic as its blended counterparts. That’s why most high-performance lingerie and swimwear use 85/15 or 80/20 nylon-spandex combinations. Blending nylon with fibers like spandex or cotton improves comfort, stretch, breathability, and durability, making it more suitable for lingerie and swimwear than pure nylon alone.

Key Advantages of Nylon Blends

1. Enhanced Stretch and Recovery

• Nylon alone stretches \~20–30%
• Nylon-spandex blends stretch up to 150% with high recovery rates
• Supports tight-fitting designs that won’t sag or deform

2. Softer Hand Feel

• Micro-denier spandex softens the surface feel
• Modal blends (e.g., 70/30 modal-nylon) provide silk-like comfort for luxury lines

3. Improved Moisture Management

• Cotton-nylon blends absorb moisture for a more natural feel
• Nylon alone is fast-drying but doesn’t absorb sweat

4. Longer Garment Lifespan

• Blends resist pilling and abrasion more than pure nylon
• Elastic recovery prevents misshaping after repeated washes

Pure Nylon vs. Common Nylon Blends

Brand Upgrade with Nylon Blends

An Australian shapewear brand switched from 100% nylon to an 85/15 nylon-spandex blend. Result?

• 27% increase in reorder rates
• 34% drop in return rates (fewer complaints about sagging or discomfort)
• Retail price increased by 18% with no customer pushback

💡 Pro Tip: Choose a nylon blend that matches your brand’s focus. Spandex for performance, modal for luxury, cotton for breathability. Pure nylon works best for trims, linings, and cost-effective basic garments—not as a stand-alone base for high-end intimatewear.

What Are the Moisture-Wicking and Drying Properties of Nylon for Intimate Wear?

Nylon is one of the fastest-drying synthetic fabrics, making it ideal for both swimwear and lingerie. Its low moisture absorption (only 2–4%) means it pulls sweat or water away from the skin without soaking like cotton. In active or humid conditions, this helps reduce chafing and improves comfort. Nylon dries quickly and wicks moisture efficiently due to its low absorbency, making it perfect for intimatewear where dryness and comfort are key.

Moisture Behavior in Nylon vs. Other Fabrics

1. Water Absorption (%) by Fiber Type

2. Impact on Lingerie & Swimwear Comfort

• Nylon doesn’t cling to sweat, keeping the skin dry
• Prevents bacteria build-up in warm or damp conditions
• Low water retention reduces drying time after swim

3. Engineering Moisture-Wicking Performance

• Brushed Nylon: Improves breathability and evaporation
• Texturized Yarns: Increase capillarity (better sweat transfer)
• Mesh Panels or Laser Holes: Common in shapewear to aid ventilation

4. Testing Drying Times In a controlled humidity chamber, the following drying times were observed after simulating sweat saturation:

💬 Brand Insight: Lingerie customers often associate “freshness” with fast-drying. Nylon’s moisture resistance ensures that undergarments stay fresher longer—especially for tropical markets or summer launches.

🧵 Fabric Developer Tip: For extra sweat control in shapewear, ask your supplier about anti-bacterial nylon finishes or cool-touch yarn coatings like NILIT® Breeze.

How Does Nylon Handle Dyeing and Custom Color Matching for Fashion Brands?

Nylon is known for its excellent dye receptivity. It absorbs acid dyes and disperse dyes easily, allowing rich, vibrant, and consistent colors—especially compared to polyester, which requires higher heat and more intensive treatment. This makes nylon a top choice for brands that require custom Pantone shades, bold prints, or tonal consistency across product lines. Nylon handles dyeing exceptionally well, offering vivid color uptake, even saturation, and strong fastness. It’s ideal for brands needing custom Pantone colors, digital prints, or fashion-forward hues in lingerie and swimwear.

Color Control with Nylon Fabrics

1. Dye Types Compatible with Nylon

• Acid Dyes: Most common for nylon—brilliant colors, excellent fastness.
• Disperse Dyes: Used for sublimation printing and deep tones.
• Cationic Dyes: For blends that include spandex or polyester.

2. Pantone Matching Performance

• Nylon absorbs color evenly across denier ranges (30D–150D)
• Pantone TPG and TCX palettes can be matched within ±2 ΔE (Delta E = human-visible color variation threshold)
• Ideal for limited-edition or seasonal capsule collections

3. Print Techniques for Nylon Lingerie & Swimwear

• Sublimation Printing: Works best on coated nylon or blends with polyester
• Screen Printing: Ideal for placement graphics or logos
• Digital Printing: Good for multi-color or gradient effects

4. Common Issues & Solutions

💡 Production Tip: When requesting custom colors, always ask your supplier for a lab dip and confirm under D65 lighting conditions to avoid surprises in store lighting or daylight settings.

Pantone Precision in Brand Identity

A French swimwear label worked with SzoneierFabrics to match Pantone 2995C (a bright turquoise) across two nylon blends: an 85/15 swimwear knit and a 70/30 lace overlay. After 3 lab dip rounds, both fabrics matched within 1.5 ΔE—perfect for a luxury-level tonal ensemble.

Are There Eco-Friendly or Recycled Nylon Options for Sustainable Lingerie and Swimwear?

Yes—recycled nylon options like ECONYL®, Q-NOVA®, and other post-industrial waste-based yarns are now widely available. These sustainable nylons offer nearly identical performance to virgin nylon but help reduce landfill waste and CO₂ emissions. Many forward-thinking brands are switching to eco-nylon to align with ESG and circularity goals. Recycled nylon options like ECONYL® and Q-NOVA® offer the same strength and stretch as virgin nylon but are made from pre- and post-consumer waste, reducing environmental impact in lingerie and swimwear production.

Sustainable Nylon Technologies

1. ECONYL® by Aquafil

• Made from ocean waste (fishing nets, carpet fluff, industrial plastics)
• Regenerated through depolymerization
• Same mechanical properties as Nylon 6

2. Q-NOVA® by Fulgar

• 99.9% from industrial waste
• Certified by GRS (Global Recycled Standard)
• Reduces CO₂ emissions by \~47%

3. Other Sustainable Nylon Options

4. Brand Adoption Trends

• Stella McCartney, Girlfriend Collective, and Outerknown all feature ECONYL® swimwear lines
• Sustainable claims improve conversion by 15–25% in DTC channels

5. Challenges to Consider

• MOQ for recycled nylon is usually higher (e.g., 300–500 yards)
• Unit cost is 15–30% higher than virgin nylon
• Lead times may increase due to yarn sourcing complexity

🧵 Sourcing Insight: If your brand is early-stage or low-volume, ask for “blended bulk” with other clients using the same eco-nylon to reduce cost and MOQs.

Ready to Develop High-Performance Nylon Lingerie or Swimwear?

From stretch and softness to color depth and sustainability, nylon fabric has proven itself to be the most versatile, brand-friendly material for modern lingerie and swimwear collections. Whether you’re developing a luxury shapewear capsule or building a vibrant swimwear line for resort boutiques, nylon gives you the tools to succeed—with form, function, and fashion.

• Nylon offers superior elasticity, softness, and fast drying
• Blends with spandex or modal improve comfort and shape retention
• It’s dye-friendly and Pantone-match capable
• Recycled nylon options are increasingly viable for eco-conscious brands

Work With SzoneierFabrics: Custom Nylon Fabric for Your Brand

As a trusted Chinese fabric R\&D and manufacturing factory, SzoneierFabrics brings over 18 years of expertise in developing and producing custom nylon fabrics for international lingerie and swimwear brands.

We offer:

✅ Free swatch samples & custom lab dips ✅ Low MOQ starting at 200 yards per color ✅ Nylon, nylon-spandex, microfiber, ECONYL® options ✅ In-house fabric R\&D, weaving, dyeing & finishing ✅ Fast lead times (7–15 days sampling, 20–30 days bulk) ✅ Pantone color matching & custom branding options

📩 Request a free consultation or quotation today: 📧 Info@szoneierfabrics.com 🌐 https://szoneierfabrics.com/ 📞 (+86) 13823134897

Let us help you bring your vision to life—with fabric that fits, flatters, and performs.