Why Poly Spandex Knit is Best for Swimwear

Why Choose Poly Spandex 4-Way Stretch for Swimwear?

If you're looking for an excellent fabric for sewing your own activewear and swimwear, Poly Spandex Knit with 4-way stretch delivers on performance, comfort, and quality. Whether you're sewing a handmade bikini, designing custom swimsuits, or producing small-batch swimwear, this fabric offers everything you need for beautiful, long-lasting results.

Here’s why it’s a great choice—and how The Textile District’s fiber reactive printing makes it even better.

1. Superior Stretch and Recovery for Active Swimwear

This 4-way stretch swimwear fabric stretches both horizontally and vertically, offering a body-hugging fit that moves effortlessly with your body.

Whether you’re swimming, surfing, or lounging by the pool, it stays snug and comfortable without sagging or losing shape.

2. Flattering Fit with Gentle Compression

Thanks to its high spandex content, this fabric offers gentle compression, helping create a secure and flattering silhouette. It’s ideal for all swimsuit styles—from minimalist triangle bikinis to high-coverage one-pieces and supportive swim tops and activewear styles.

3. Soft, Lightweight Feel for All-Day Comfort

The knit texture is smooth and soft against your skin, making it perfect for long beach days or poolside wear. Its lightweight feel works beautifully for trendy design elements like ruching, knots, and cutouts.

4. Durable, Easy to Sew, and Made to Last

This fabric resists pilling, fading, and stretching out of shape, even after repeated use. It's also easy to sew with a ballpoint needle and stretch stitch, making it a favorite for home sewists and independent swimwear brands.

5. Quick-Drying and Low Maintenance

Polyester fibers in this knit help wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly, so your swimsuit is ready to wear again fast. It’s machine washable, too—no special care required.

6. Vibrant, Long-Lasting Color with Fiber Reactive Printing

What truly sets this fabric apart is the fiber reactive dye printing process used by The Textile District—a professional textile printing method that enhances both beauty and performance:

• Bold, lasting color: Fiber reactive dyes chemically bond with the fibers, producing vivid, saturated prints that resist fading—even after exposure to sun, saltwater, and chlorine.
• Superior wash durability: Colors remain crisp and vibrant through many washes, making this fabric ideal for swimwear that’s made to last.
• Soft, natural feel: Unlike surface-printed materials, fiber reactive printing preserves the stretch and softness of the fabric for ultimate comfort.

To keep your custom swimsuits looking their best, we recommend gently rinsing them in clear water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residue. This simple step helps maintain the color and elasticity of the fabric for the long term.

7. Explore Designer Print Catalog for Custom-Printed Fabrics

Ready to start your next swimwear project? Explore our curated collection of surface pattern designs created by independent artists from around the world, or, you can print your own designs! Whether you're sewing a bold bikini or a chic cover-up, we offer print-on-demand fabric that combines performance with personal style.

Featured design is "Peony Garden" from the newest mini collection created by Jasmine Goodwin Designs. 

Shop Fabrics by Design Category

• Tropical Fabrics – bold florals, lush foliage, abstract prints, and exotic motifs
• Floral Fabrics – delicate blossoms, bold botanicals, and lush garden prints
• Fabrics for Kids - whimsical patterns, adorable characters, and fun colors
• View All Prints →

All designs in our online catalog are available by the yard on our premium poly spandex knit 4-way stretch fabric—printed just for you in the USA using our eco-friendly, fiber reactive dye process.