Sewing your own swimwear means the fit, the cut and the print are all yours. A strong four way stretch with a high spandex content gives you a suit that holds its shape in the water.
Here is the fabric we recommend, what to pair it with, and how many metres to buy.
The best fabric for swimwear
Swim and Sport Stretch UPF50+
Four way stretch with strong recovery, opaque when wet, and made to handle chlorine, salt water and sun.
Sew with a stretch needle and a zigzag or overlocker stitch.
How many metres for swimwear
Based on our 140 cm wide Swim and Sport Stretch. Cut with the most stretch running around the body. Allow 1.5 m for an adult short-sleeve rash vest and 2 m for a long-sleeve one in 2XL and up. Your pattern's fabric chart has the exact figure for your size.
Prints for the beach
Colourful Shells and StarfishCarla Ellis
Bold TropicanaDeinki Studio
Animal ClashRachel Parker
Casual Coastal SeashellMarie Le Moal
Prints for swimwear
Swimwear fabric questions
What is the best fabric for swimwear?
A polyester and spandex knit with four way stretch. Swim and Sport Stretch UPF50+ is 85% polyester and 15% spandex, made for chlorine and salt water.
Can I buy swimwear fabric by the metre in Australia?
Yes. Swim and Sport Stretch is printed to order with any design in our catalogue or your own artwork, from 1 m in 0.5 m steps.
How much fabric do I need for a swimsuit?
1 m of 140 cm wide fabric covers an adult one-piece up to about AU 18, a bikini, or two children's swimsuits up to age 5.
How do I care for printed swimwear?
Rinse it in cool fresh water after every swim and dry it flat in the shade. The print and the stretch both last longer.