0591-286710710591-28888128
5540 Polyester Spandex Swimwear Fabric 250gsm — 15% Elastane | Chlorine Resistant | Extra-Wide 170CM
How does it feel?
250gsm polyester spandex heavyweight swimwear fabric. This is one of the heaviest in the collection — you pick it up and immediately know it's built to last. Solid, dense, with a firm hand feel that holds its shape. 170cm wide — wider than standard, so you get more efficient cutting. Polyester gives it a drier, crispier touch than nylon, with a clean matte or semi-matte finish. 2 yards per kilo. The low yield tells you everything: this fabric packs serious weight into every meter. You don't choose this for a lightweight vacation piece. You choose it when you need support, compression, and durability that won't quit.
Is it tough? Does it last?
Polyester is the workhorse of swimwear fabrics. It handles chlorine degradation better than nylon, resists UV fading from sunlight, and holds its color and shape through hundreds of hours of exposure. At 250gsm, it's dense enough that it won't bag out, sag, or lose compression. Won't shrink, won't fade, won't turn brittle. For competitive swimwear, bodybuilding suits, and heavy-duty activewear that get worn hard and washed often, it goes the distance. Not the kind that quits after one season.
What can I make with it?
Competitive swimwear that needs maximum compression and a locked-in feel. Bodybuilding and fitness competition suits. High-compression shapewear. Heavyweight yoga leggings and training tights. Any garment that demands strong support, full coverage, and long-term durability. If you need lighter options, we have 200gsm, 175gsm, and 150gsm versions. If you need nylon for a softer hand feel, our nylon swimwear range has options at similar weights. This one's for when you need the heaviest polyester workhorse — thick enough to sculpt, tough enough to last.
FAQ
1. How is this different from your 250gsm nylon swimwear fabric?
Fiber and width. The nylon version at 250gsm has a softer, smoother hand feel with a subtle natural sheen and comes in a 160cm width. This polyester version is drier, crispier, and comes in an extra-wide 170cm width for more efficient cutting. Polyester handles chlorine better. Nylon feels softer. If you want maximum durability and fade resistance, go polyester. If you want the softest feel, go nylon.
2. 170cm wide — is that wider than your other swimwear fabrics?
Yes, 170cm is a wider width than our standard 150-160cm swimwear fabrics. This extra width gives you more efficient cutting — better fabric utilization, less waste. For volume production, this alone can make a meaningful difference in your per-unit fabric cost.
3. 250gsm — is this your heaviest swimwear fabric?
One of them. We have options at 320gsm that are even heavier. This 250gsm sits in the top tier — solid, dense, built for maximum support. If you need the absolute heaviest, the 320gsm is there. If you need heavy but not the absolute max, this 250gsm is the sweet spot.
4. Is this fully opaque? Do I need a lining?
Yes, fully opaque at 250gsm. No lining needed. This is one of the heaviest swimwear fabrics available, so transparency is never a concern, even in lighter colors or under full stretch.
5. Polyester vs nylon for swimwear — why pick this one?
Chlorine and UV resistance. Polyester naturally handles chlorine and sunlight better than nylon. If your customer is a regular lap swimmer, trains outdoors, or needs their suit to hold its color and compression through countless pool sessions, polyester is the workhorse. Nylon is softer and has a natural sheen. Polyester is built to last longer in harsh conditions.
6. How's the stretch? Will it bag out?
Strong four-way stretch with 15% elastane — pulls over 2x crosswise and snaps right back. The heavyweight construction means the compression is firm and locked-in. Won't sag, won't bag, won't lose its shape. For competitive suits and shapewear that need to hold their compression, this delivers.
7. 2 yards per kilo — is that the lowest yield in your collection?
Yes, this is one of the lowest yields we carry. Low yield means high density — more material packed into every meter. This isn't a cost-cutting fabric. It's a premium heavyweight fabric where the value is in the performance, not in squeezing out maximum yardage per dollar. If you need to cover a large area on a tight budget, our lighter options are better suited. If you need maximum support and coverage, the low yield is worth it.
8. Can I use this for bodybuilding or fitness competition suits?
Yes, that's one of its best uses. The heavy weight, strong compression, and full opacity make it ideal for stage suits that need to sculpt and support under bright lights. The polyester base also resists UV, so it won't fade under stage lighting or outdoor sun.
9. Is this fabric suitable for medical or healthcare applications?
No. Our fabrics are designed and produced for swimwear, activewear, sportswear, and related uses. We do not currently manufacture or supply fabrics for medical, filtration, or industrial applications. If you need medical-grade textiles, we recommend consulting a specialist supplier.