Lesson 1Fibre types and blends for swimwear (polyamide/nylon, polyester, elastane/Spandex)Grasp the main swimwear fibres and blends, including nylon, polyester, and elastane. Compare their stretch, strength, UV and chlorine resistance, drying time, and texture to choose blends that suit bikini styles, support requirements, and budget in our local markets.
Properties of nylon and polyamide swim fabricsPolyester blends and chlorine resistanceRole of elastane and Spandex in stretchBalancing fibre content, support, and drapeReading and interpreting fibre labelsLesson 2Fabric care, chlorine/salt/sunscreen resistance, and testing protocols for durabilityInvestigate how chlorine, saltwater, heat, and sunscreen affect swim fabrics and elastics. Learn about care instructions, rinsing methods, and basic home tests to evaluate colourfastness, pilling, fibre degradation, and elastic wear for bikinis that last in Namibian waters.
Chlorine, salt, UV, and sunscreen damage mechanismsHome tests for colourfastness 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, stabilisers, glues, and hardware selectionReview swim-specific supplies like polyester threads, textured threads, elastic stabilisers, seam tapes, adhesives, and rust-resistant hardware. Understand how each aids stretch seams, strap security, and long-term bikini performance in humid environments.
Selecting swim-safe threads and needlesElastic stabilisers 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 pairingsExplore how linings and power meshes provide modesty, support, and comfort in bikinis. Learn about opacity levels, stretch matching, and placement to ensure outer fabric, lining, and mesh cooperate without twisting, bubbling, or rolling during wear.
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 bikinisUnderstand how fabric weight, GSM, hand, and opacity impact coverage, support, and drape in bikinis. Practice assessing samples with lining options to prevent see-through spots, sagging, or stiffness in both wet and dry states, ideal for local use.
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 propertiesExamine typical swim knit structures like tricot, warp knits, and circular knits. Learn how their build affects curl, snag resistance, stretch balance, drape, and print clarity to pair fabric type with bikini design features.
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 coloursLesson 7Directional stretch: crosswise vs lengthwise stretch and assessing recoveryIdentify crosswise and lengthwise stretch in swim knits, measure stretch percentage, and evaluate recovery. See how stretch direction influences pattern layout, negative ease, support, and lasting fit stability 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 behaviourExamine various swim elastics, such as rubber and braided types, fold-over, and picot. Compare widths, stretch power, and edge behaviour to keep leg, waist, and neckline openings secure, comfortable, and smooth on the skin.
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
