Swimwear Fabrics Explained: Why Franco Marine Uses Premium Nylon-Spandex
Not all swimwear fabrics are created equal. The material your swimsuit is made from determines how it fits, how long it lasts, how it feels against your skin, and how well it holds its shape after repeated exposure to sun, salt, and chlorine. Here's what you need to know about the fabrics Franco Marine uses — and why each one was chosen.
Nylon-Spandex: The Gold Standard for Swimwear
Franco Marine's core fabric is a premium nylon-spandex blend — chosen for its exceptional four-way stretch, chlorine resistance, and ability to retain shape wash after wash. Four-way stretch means the fabric moves with your body in every direction, conforming to your shape without pulling, gaping, or restricting movement.
Key properties of premium nylon-spandex:
- Chlorine and saltwater resistance — nylon degrades far more slowly than polyester when exposed to pool chemicals and seawater, preserving colour and elasticity over time
- Shape retention — the spandex component (typically 15–20%) provides elastic recovery, meaning the fabric returns to its original shape after every wear
- Quick-dry performance — nylon-spandex dries significantly faster than cotton or polyester blends, making it ideal for active beach and water use
- Soft hand feel — premium nylon has a smooth, almost silky texture against the skin, unlike the rougher feel of lower-grade polyester
- Fade resistance — high-quality nylon-spandex holds colour through repeated UV exposure and washing, maintaining its vibrancy season after season
Jacquard Fabrics
Our jacquard pieces feature woven-in patterns that are part of the fabric structure itself — not printed on top. This means the design never fades, never peels, and never cracks. The texture adds a luxurious, tactile dimension to each piece that cannot be replicated by surface printing. Jacquard also has a slightly firmer hand than standard nylon-spandex, giving structured pieces like MASSIMA and TIO a distinctive, architectural quality. Explore our jacquard styles in the Montferrat collection.
Hand-Crochet Lace
Select Franco Marine styles feature hand-crafted crochet lace details. Each piece is unique — made by artisans using traditional techniques that reflect our commitment to European craftsmanship. No two crochet pieces are identical. The lace is worked by hand using fine thread, creating an open, intricate texture that is both delicate in appearance and surprisingly durable in practice. Discover crochet styles in the Viva la Vida collection.
What to Avoid
Avoid swimwear made from 100% polyester or low-spandex blends. Here's why:
- 100% polyester degrades faster in chlorine and saltwater, loses elasticity more quickly, and tends to feel rougher against the skin
- Low-spandex blends (under 10% elastane) lack the stretch and recovery needed to maintain a flattering fit — the fabric sags, bags, and loses its shape after just a few wears
- Printed-on patterns (as opposed to woven jacquard) fade, crack, and peel with UV exposure and repeated washing
- Unlined swimwear becomes see-through when wet and offers no support — a sign of cost-cutting at the expense of quality
Care & Longevity
To preserve your nylon-spandex swimwear and extend its life across multiple seasons:
- Rinse in cold water immediately after each use — this removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they can degrade the fabric fibres
- Hand wash with a mild, pH-neutral detergent — avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, which break down elastane
- Lay flat to dry in the shade — never wring, twist, or tumble dry; heat and mechanical stress damage the elastic fibres and cause permanent distortion
- Avoid sitting on rough surfaces (concrete, textured pool edges) in your swimwear — abrasion causes pilling and weakens the fabric weave
- Store flat or loosely folded — avoid compressing swimwear under heavy items, which can distort the elastic fibres over time
With proper care, Franco Marine nylon-spandex swimwear is designed to last three to five seasons — far longer than fast-fashion alternatives.
Ready to experience the difference? Shop our bikini tops and bikini bottoms crafted from premium nylon-spandex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is used in luxury swimwear?
Luxury swimwear is typically made from premium nylon-spandex blends — usually 80% nylon and 20% spandex or elastane. High-end brands may also use specialty fabrics such as woven jacquard (for textured, pattern-woven pieces) or hand-crafted crochet lace (for artisan, one-of-a-kind details). Franco Marine uses all three across its collections.
Is nylon-spandex good for swimwear?
Yes — nylon-spandex is widely considered the best fabric for swimwear. It offers four-way stretch, excellent shape recovery, chlorine and saltwater resistance, quick-dry performance, and a soft feel against the skin. It outperforms polyester in every key area relevant to swimwear longevity and comfort.
How long does nylon-spandex swimwear last?
With proper care — cold rinse after each use, hand washing, and flat drying — premium nylon-spandex swimwear should last three to five seasons. Swimwear that loses its shape, fades, or pills after one season is typically made from lower-grade fabric or has been exposed to harsh detergents, heat, or prolonged UV without rinsing.
What is jacquard fabric in swimwear?
Jacquard is a woven fabric where the pattern is built into the weave structure itself — not printed on the surface. In swimwear, this means the design never fades, peels, or cracks. Jacquard has a slightly firmer, more structured feel than standard nylon-spandex, making it ideal for pieces where architectural shape and texture are part of the design intent.
What makes hand-crochet swimwear special?
Hand-crochet swimwear is made by artisans using traditional techniques — each piece is unique and cannot be exactly replicated by machine. The intricate open-lace texture is both visually distinctive and surprisingly durable. Franco Marine's crochet pieces are crafted in Europe, reflecting a commitment to slow fashion and artisan craftsmanship over mass production.
Why does Franco Marine use nylon-spandex instead of polyester?
Nylon-spandex outperforms polyester in chlorine resistance, shape retention, softness, and longevity — all of which matter significantly in swimwear. Polyester is cheaper to produce but degrades faster in saltwater and pool environments, loses elasticity more quickly, and tends to feel rougher against the skin. Franco Marine prioritises fabric quality and longevity over cost reduction.