---
type: "fabric"
name: "Swimwear Tricot"
slug: "swimwear-tricot"
fabric_family: "specialty"
construction: "plain"
typical_fibers:
  - "Nylon"
  - "Spandex"
weight_gsm: "150–220 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/swimwear-tricot"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:30:10.721232+00:00"
---

# Swimwear Tricot

Swimwear Tricot is a lightweight, stretchy fabric commonly used in swimwear and activewear, known for its smooth texture and excellent fit.

- **Fabric Family**: Specialty
- **Construction**: Plain
- **Typical Fibers**: Nylon, Spandex
- **Weight**: 150–220 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Swimwear Tricot

Swimwear Tricot is a specialty knit fabric constructed using a plain stitch method, primarily made from a blend of nylon and spandex. This combination provides superior elasticity and recovery, making it ideal for form-fitting garments such as swimsuits and athletic wear. The fabric is designed to withstand exposure to chlorine and saltwater, ensuring durability and longevity. Its smooth surface allows for easy movement and comfort against the skin, while also providing a flattering drape.

## Knit Properties

- **Wales per Inch**: 12
- **Courses per Inch**: 14
- **Knit Gauge**: 20G

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 30%
- **Weft Stretch**: 50%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 0.5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 1000 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.15
- **UPF Rating**: 50

## Appearance & Hand

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

## Performance Features

- Moisture Wicking
- Quick Drying
- Stretch
- Wrinkle Resistance

## Common Finishes

- DWR Durable Water Repellent
- UV Protection
- Chlorine Resistance

## Common Applications

- Swimwear
- Activewear
- Athletic Apparel
- Loungewear

## Common Uses in Detail

### Swimwear & Beachwear

Its exceptional stretch and smooth, quick-drying surface make it ideal for swimsuits and bikinis. The fabric conforms closely to the body, retains its shape when wet, and resists chlorine and saltwater degradation, ensuring long-lasting performance and a flattering fit.

### Activewear & Leggings

Lightweight and highly elastic, this fabric is widely used in athletic leggings, sports bras, and fitted workout tops. It moves freely with the body, wicks moisture away from the skin, and maintains its form through repeated stretching and washing.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold with mild detergent. Do not use fabric softeners. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. Avoid direct sunlight to maintain color.

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

## Additional Information

Swimwear Tricot is favored for its ability to retain shape and resist sagging over time, making it a popular choice for competitive and recreational swimwear.

- **Sourcing Regions**: Asia, North America, Europe
- **Testing Standards**: AATCC 16 (Colorfastness to Light), AATCC 107 (Colorfastness to Water), ISO 13934 (Tensile Strength)

## 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

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