Consumers today are looking for customized swimwear that is durable and responsibly designed. According to a 2023 study by McKinsey & Company, 70% of consumers remain loyal to brands offering strong personalization, while 66% prioritize brands with an eco-responsible approach.
Thanks to modern techniques like thermal sublimation or digital printing techniques for swimwear, brands can quickly produce high-resolution, durable patterns compatible with innovative fabrics like recycled polyester.
⭐ Key takeaways
- Polyester & polyamide: excellent performance according to ISO 105-C06 (washing) and ISO 105-B02 (lightfastness) standards.
- Digital printing (DTG/DTF): ideal for small runs, prototypes, and complex designs.
- Thermal sublimation: color fastness > 80 washes validated by AATCC 61 standard.
- Structured quality control: UV, chlorine, elasticity, and washing tests according to ISO/AATCC standards.
- Technical choice: depends on fabric, production volume, and environmental impact.
Swimwear fabrics
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1.1 Fabric types and technical properties
The fabric influences chlorine resistance (ISO 105-E03), drying speed, dimensional stability (ISO 14704-1), and color fastness (ISO 105-C06).
- Polyester (PES): shape memory, quick-drying, optimal compatibility with sublimation.
- Polyamide: soft, stretchy, highly resistant to abrasion and water.
- Elastane: high stretchability (up to 400–500%), sensitive to excessive heat.
Tip: recommended compositions: 82–88% polyester / 12–18% elastane or 78–80% polyamide / 20–22% elastane.
1.2 Compatibility with printing techniques
- Polyester: best choice for sublimation (disperse inks).
- Polyester blends: good compromise between softness and color fastness.
- Polyamide: requires pre-treatment for durable printing.
- Stretch fabrics: deformation compensation recommended (3–8%).
| Technical Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Elastane | Requires precise tension adjustment to avoid deformations. |
| Screen printing | Certain formulations can locally stiffen the textile. |
Using a sewing machine with an elastic stitch is essential to preserve the quality of the pattern.
Swimwear digital printing techniques
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2.1 Direct to Garment (DTG) printing
The DTG technique deposits pigment inks directly into the fibers, with a resolution that can reach 1200 dpi. Color management is done via textile ICC profiles, in accordance with ISO 12647 standards.
2.2 Advantages
- Faithful reproduction (deviation <2 ΔE on optimized substrate).
- Ideal for small runs and prototyping.
- Total flexibility for piece-by-piece customization.
2.3 Limitations
- Less chlorine-resistant than sublimation.
- Highly dependent on pre-treatment.
- Limited compatibility on high-density polyester.
2.4 Color management
Printers use ICC profiles allowing faithful matching according to Fogra/GRACoL standards.
| Printer Type | Usage |
|---|---|
| Enjet I15-190 | Polyester & sportswear printing. |
| Mimaki TX300P-1800 | Light & abrasion resistant inks. |
Tip: prioritize blended polyester fabrics to maximize print quality.
Thermal sublimation
3.1 Process and equipment
- Fabrics ≥ 70% polyester
- Disperse inks
- Sublimation printer
- Heat press or calender (190–210 °C for 35–60 s)
3.2 Customization
Ideal for premium & all-over collections without extra thickness.
3.3 Durability
- > 80 wash cycles (AATCC 61)
- UV resistance (ISO 105-B02)
- Chlorine resistance (ISO 105-E03)
Comparison of methods
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Digital printing | High precision, ideal for small runs. | Lower durability in pools. |
| Thermal sublimation | Exceptional color fastness, no raised texture. | Incompatible with cotton, requires polyester. |
Steps of the printing process
5.1 Pattern preparation
- Recommended files: JPEG, AI, PSD.
- Recommended resolution: 300–360 dpi.
- ICC profile adapted to the textile.
5.2 Transfer and fixation
Control of temperature, pressure, and time is essential to avoid defects and deformations.
5.3 Finishing and quality control
- UV tests: ISO 105-B02
- Washing tests: ISO 105-C06
- Chlorine tests: ISO 105-E03
- Elasticity tests: ISO 14704-1
- Seam control: ISO 13935-2
FAQ
Which fabrics should be chosen for durable printing?
Polyester is the best choice for sublimation and durability.
Does digital printing damage the fabric?
No, if the substrate is suitable and the inks are properly fixed.
Can a printed swimsuit be machine washed?
Yes, on a gentle cycle (30–40 °C) without bleach.
Which technique to choose for a small series?
DTG for flexibility; sublimation if polyester fabric and maximum durability are desired.