For competitive swimmers, training volume is high and pool exposure is constant. A suit that looks good on day one but breaks down within weeks quickly becomes frustrating—and expensive. One of the most important differences in training swimwear comes down to fabric: polyester versus Lycra (spandex blends).
While both materials have their place in swimwear, polyester has become the preferred choice for serious training suits. Here’s why.
Chlorine Resistance
Chlorine is the single biggest factor in swimwear deterioration. Lycra-based fabrics contain elastane (spandex), which is highly sensitive to chlorine exposure. Over time, chlorine breaks down elastic fibers, causing suits to stretch out, lose compression, and become thin.
Polyester fibers, by contrast, are inherently more resistant to chlorine damage. They do not rely on elastane to maintain structure, meaning they retain their shape and integrity significantly longer in heavily chlorinated pools.
For swimmers training multiple times per week, this difference becomes noticeable very quickly.
Shape Retention and Fit Stability
As Lycra degrades, suits begin to feel loose and unsupported. Straps may stretch, fabric may sag, and overall fit becomes inconsistent.
Polyester swimwear is known for maintaining its structural integrity. The fit remains stable across months of training, providing consistent compression and support. This consistency allows swimmers to focus on performance rather than adjusting to changing gear.
Color Longevity
Frequent pool exposure can cause colors to fade, especially in blended fabrics. Polyester is far more colorfast than Lycra blends, meaning prints and solid colors retain their vibrancy longer.
For swimmers who train daily, this means their suit looks newer for longer—an important factor for both confidence and durability perception.
Long-Term Value
While Lycra suits may feel softer initially and can be suitable for recreational use, they often require replacement much sooner under competitive training conditions.
Polyester training suits typically last significantly longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Over the course of a season, this translates into better long-term value for swimmers and families.
When Lycra Makes Sense
Lycra blends can still be appropriate for light recreational swimming, leisure use, or fashion-oriented designs where stretch softness is prioritized over durability.
However, for competitive swimmers logging consistent weekly volume, polyester remains the more practical and performance-driven choice.
At TheSwim Canada, our training suits are built using 100% polyester fabric specifically to withstand the demands of competitive swimming. Durability, consistent fit, and long-term performance are not optional features—they are the foundation.
Swim Beyond. Push Your Limits. TheSwim.