---
type: "fabric"
name: "Swimwear Raschel"
slug: "swimwear-raschel"
fabric_family: "specialty"
construction: "plain"
typical_fibers:
  - "Nylon"
  - "Spandex"
weight_gsm: "150–250 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/swimwear-raschel"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:30:01.564102+00:00"
---

# Swimwear Raschel

Swimwear Raschel is a lightweight, stretchy fabric designed for swimwear applications, combining the durability of nylon with the elasticity of spandex.

- **Fabric Family**: Specialty
- **Construction**: Plain
- **Typical Fibers**: Nylon, Spandex
- **Weight**: 150–250 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Swimwear Raschel

Swimwear Raschel is a specialty knit fabric known for its unique construction that provides excellent stretch and recovery, making it ideal for swimwear. Typically made from a blend of nylon and spandex, this fabric offers a soft hand feel and a comfortable fit against the skin. The Raschel knitting technique allows for a variety of textures and patterns, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Its moisture-wicking properties help keep the wearer dry, while the fabric's quick-drying capabilities make it perfect for aquatic environments.

## Knit Properties

- **Wales per Inch**: 6
- **Courses per Inch**: 8
- **Knit Gauge**: 24G

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 30%
- **Weft Stretch**: 40%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 1.5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 200 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.1
- **UPF Rating**: 50

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Bright
- **Opacity**: Semi Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Fluid

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Quick Drying
- Chlorine Resistance
- Shape Retention

## Common Finishes

- DWR Durable Water Repellent
- Antimicrobial Treatment
- UV Protection

## Common Applications

- Swimwear
- Activewear
- Athletic Apparel
- Loungewear

## Common Uses in Detail

### Swimwear & Bikinis

Its chlorine-resistant [Nylon](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/nylon) base and spandex stretch make it ideal for swimsuits and bikinis, conforming to the body while withstanding repeated exposure to pool chemicals, saltwater, and sunlight without losing shape or color.

### Athletic Apparel

The four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties suit high-performance athletic wear such as compression shorts, sports bras, and leggings, allowing unrestricted movement while keeping athletes comfortable during intense training or competition.

### Loungewear & Leisurewear

Its soft hand feel and flexible stretch lend themselves naturally to casual loungewear and leisure sets, offering everyday comfort and a flattering fit that moves with the body whether relaxing at home or running errands.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash with mild detergent; do not use fabric softeners. Tumble dry on low heat or hang to dry. Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorinated water.

- Machine Wash Warm
- Do Not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low
- Iron Low Heat

## Additional Information

Swimwear Raschel is favored for its ability to retain shape and resist fading, making it a popular choice for both competitive and recreational swimwear.

- **Regional Names**: Raschel knit, Swim knit
- **Sourcing Regions**: Asia, North America, Europe
- **Testing Standards**: AATCC 16 (Colorfastness to Light), AATCC 107 (Colorfastness to Water), ISO 13934-1 (Tensile Strength), AATCC 135 (Wrinkle Recovery)

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Nylon](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/nylon.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Activewear Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-interlock.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-jersey.md) — Specialty
- [Activewear Tricot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/activewear-tricot.md) — Specialty
- [Adire](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/adire.md) — Specialty
- [Ankara Wax Print](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ankara-wax-print.md) — Specialty

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/swimwear-raschel) — HTML version of this page.*