Understanding Speedo Swimwear Fabrics for Optimal Performance

When it comes to swimming, the fabric that makes up your swimsuit can greatly affect your performance and comfort in the water. Swimwear brands like Speedo put extensive research into their fabric choices, selecting specific blends that serve a variety of purposes. Whether you’re training or competing, understanding the different types of swimwear fabrics can help you make an informed decision.

Why Fabric Matters in Swimming

In swimming, where every second counts and seamless movement through the water is essential, the type of fabric you wear plays a huge role. The right swimsuit fabric can help reduce drag, offer a better fit, and improve durability. While some fabrics might provide an ideal fit, others may offer longer-lasting wear. Ultimately, selecting the right fabric for your swimwear needs will ensure you get the most out of every swim session.

The Fabrics That Make Speedo Suits Stand Out

Speedo has pioneered some of the best-performing swimwear fabrics, designed with both the athlete and the environment in mind. These fabrics are carefully crafted to offer flexibility, comfort, and long-lasting performance. Below is a breakdown of the most common materials you’ll find in Speedo swimsuits:

POLYESTER

• Best for: Competition suits and long-lasting wear

• Composition: A durable, chlorine-resistant alternative to Spandex

• Pros: Chlorine-resistant, retains shape, very durable

• Cons: Less stretchy than Spandex, less comfortable initially, most expensive

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

• Best for: Fitness and competitive suits, especially for outdoor swimmers

• Composition: Blended with Polyester

• Pros: Cost-effective, durable, chlorine-resistant, excellent elasticity

• Cons: Second most expensive

NYLON

• Best for: Drag suits and training suits

• Composition: Often blended with Spandex

• Pros: Lightweight, smooth fit, quick-drying, and durable

• Cons: Fades with prolonged sun exposure; rinse after each swim

SPANDEX (LYCRA®)

• Best for: Competitive swimsuits

• Composition: Known for its stretch and form-fitting qualities

• Pros: Excellent elasticity, mid-range price, durable

• Cons: Prone to damage from chlorine exposure; rinse thoroughly after each use

XTRA LIFE LYCRA®

• Best for: Competitive swimmers

• Composition: Blended with other fabrics for enhanced performance

• Pros: More durable than regular LYCRA®, retains color and shape, chlorine-resistant

• Cons: Higher price point than Lycra suits

Speedo Fabric Names and Composition

ECO ENDURANCE +

• Eco Endurance+ is 100% chlorine resistance for long-lasting performance and dries faster after your swim workout. One of the yarns in this fabric is made from 100% post-consumer waste, such as recycled plastic bottles, making it 50% made from recycled material.

ENDURANCE +

• Designed to last longer, Endurance+ is a 100% chlorine resistant fabric. Every suit created in Endurance+ is quick drying and engineered to retain its shape swim after swim. Endurance+ is exclusive to Speedo. In addition, Endurance+ offers 20 times more fade resistance than conventional swimwear fabrics and improved snag resistance. Endurance+ features UPF 50+ sun protection.

ECO ENDURABRITE

• Higher chlorine resistance than standard swimwear fabrics. Eco Enduraabrite fits like new for longer with creora highclo and has high colour performance – enabling the use of fluorescent and bright colours. The yarn in the fabric is made from 100% post-consumer waste, such as recycled plastic bottles.

ENDURANCE 10

• All swimwear, which bears the Endurance 10 mark, features a higher chlorine resistance than standard Lycra swimwear fabrics. It fits like new for longer with CREORA HighClo. Stretch and shape retention allows for a comfortable fit, so you can enjoy your swim without feeling restricted. Endurance 10 features UPF 50+ sun protection.

ECO ENDURAFLEX

• Better for the environment, our new shape-retaining Speedo Eco EnduraFlex fabric is made from 100% pre-consumer waste, such as waste fabric from factories. These styles feature CREORA HighClo to provide a higher chlorine resistance than standard swimwear so that your swimsuit fits like new for longer. This shape retention fabric also stretches, allowing you to swim without feeling restricted.

SHAPE COMPREX ULTRA

• ShapeComprex Ultra combines shapewear innovation with swimwear technology. This power fabric, controls and shapes the body, giving a smooth silhouette. This fabric is ultra-chlorine resistant and features LYCRA XTRA LIFE, which lasts twice as long as standard swimwear fabric.

Choosing the Right Fabric for You

When choosing your Speedo swimsuit, remember that many models feature a blend of different fabrics, each serving a unique purpose. Some materials are designed for better shape retention, while others are focused on longevity and performance. Whether you're competing or training, you’ll want to select a swimsuit that balances durability, fit, and performance based on the type of swimming you do most.

Now that you know the differences between Speedo's swimsuit fabrics, you can confidently select the suit that best suits your needs. With the right material, you’ll be ready to glide through the water like a pro.