Lesson 1Fiber types and blends for swimwear (polyamide/nylon, polyester, elastane/Spandex)Learn about main swimwear fibers and blends, like nylon, polyester, and elastane. Compare their stretch, strength, how they stand up to UV light and chlorine, drying time, and feel, so you can choose blends that fit bikini style, support needs, and what you can afford.
Properties of nylon and polyamide swim fabricsPolyester blends and chlorine resistanceRole of elastane and Spandex in stretchBalancing fiber content, support, and drapeReading and interpreting fiber labelsLesson 2Fabric care, chlorine/salt/sunscreen resistance, and testing protocols for durabilityFind out how chlorine, saltwater, heat, and sunscreen harm swim fabrics and elastics. Learn about care labels, how to rinse them, and easy home tests to check color staying power, pilling, fiber breaking down, and elastic getting tired, for bikinis that last long.
Chlorine, salt, UV, and sunscreen damage mechanismsHome tests for colorfastness and dye crockingAssessing pilling, snagging, and surface wearChecking elastic fatigue and fabric baggingDesigning a simple wear and wash test planLesson 3Other notions: swim-specific threads, coatings, stabilizers, glues, and hardware selectionLook at swim-specific small items like polyester threads, textured threads, elastic stabilizers, seam tapes, adhesives, and hardware that doesn't rust. Learn how each one helps with stretch seams, strap safety, and how well the bikini works over time.
Selecting swim-safe threads and needlesElastic stabilizers for straps and openingsUsing seam tapes and clear elastic wiselyAdhesives and glues for temporary holdingRust-resistant rings, sliders, and closuresLesson 4Swimwear linings and power meshes: functions and compatible pairingsSee how linings and power meshes give modesty, support, and comfort in bikinis. Learn about how see-through they are, stretch matching, and where to put them so outer fabric, lining, and mesh work together without twisting, bubbling, or rolling up.
Choosing lining weights and opacity levelsMatching stretch and recovery with shell fabricUsing power mesh for targeted support zonesFully lined vs partial lining strategiesPreventing twisting, bubbling, and rollingLesson 5Weight, GSM, hand, and opacity considerations for bikinisLearn how fabric weight, GSM, feel, and see-through level affect coverage, support, and how it hangs in bikinis. Practice checking samples against lining choices to stop see-through spots, sagging, or stiffness when wet or dry.
Understanding GSM and fabric weight rangesEvaluating hand, drape, and surface sheenChecking opacity in dry and wet conditionsPairing shell fabrics with suitable liningsBalancing support, comfort, and movementLesson 6Fabric constructions: knit types (tricot, warp knit, circular knit) and their propertiesLook at common swim knit types like tricot, warp knits, and circular knits. Learn how their build affects curling, snag resistance, stretch balance, hanging, and print clearness so you can pick the right fabric for bikini design parts.
Identifying tricot and warp knit structuresCircular knits and their drape in bikinisCurling, laddering, and snag resistanceStretch balance and grain stabilityChoosing knits for prints and solid colorsLesson 7Directional stretch: crosswise vs lengthwise stretch and assessing recoveryLearn to find crosswise and lengthwise stretch in swim knits, measure how much it stretches, and check recovery. Understand how stretch direction changes pattern layout, negative ease, support, and long-term fit steadiness in bikinis.
Finding grainline and greatest stretch directionMeasuring stretch percentage with a ruler testTesting fabric recovery and growth over timeAligning pattern pieces with stretch directionBalancing negative ease for comfort and supportLesson 8Swim elastics: types (soft fold-over, picot, narrow swim elastic, braided), widths, and edge behaviorStudy different swim elastics, like rubber and braided types, fold-over, and picot. Compare widths, stretch power, and edge ways so leg, waist, and neckline parts stay safe, comfortable, and smooth on the body.
Rubber vs braided swim elastic propertiesChoosing elastic width for each bikini edgeFold-over elastic for clean finished edgesManaging picot elastic on curves and cornersTesting elastic stretch and recovery by hand
