Summer is in full swing in the northern hemisphere and sewing swimwear is on my mind. As I’m shopping around for materials for my own swimwear projects, I thought it would be helpful if I compiled a list of places that carry swimwear fabrics and supplies for you guys.

I’m sure there are many, many other online stores out there that carry swimwear supplies, but here are some of the ones that I’ve come across.

Swimwear Fabric

For the main or self swimwear fabric, you want to stay away from natural fibers because they absorb moisture. Instead, you want to look for synthetics with a spandex or lycra blend. Think fabrics that have a high nylon content or polyester content paired with spandex or lycra. They work best because they are quick drying and the spandex or lycra provides ample stretch but also great recovery.

In addition to the content, the stretch is also important in sewing swimwear. In general, you want to look for a fabric that will stretch in both the lengthwise and crosswise directions. This is key for sewing one piece swimsuits because the fabric has to travel up and down and around the body. Fabrics that stretch either in the lengthwise direction or the crosswise direction only should be reserved for 2-piece sets.

Here are the list of places that carry swimwear fabric.

IN US

• Amazon
• Designer Alley Fabrics
  
• Fabric.com
• Fabric Depot
• The Fabric Fairy
• Hart’s Fabric
• Michael Levine
• NY Fashion Center
• Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop
• Sew Sassy
• Solid Stone Fabrics
• Spandex by Yard
• Spandex House
• Spandex World
• Spoonflower (select their sports lycra)
• Stylish Fabric

INTERNATIONAL

• Ann’s Fabric (Canada)
• Bra & Corset Supplies (Canada)
• Emerald Erin Swim Shop (Canada)
• Funki Fabrics (UK)
• Pitt Trading (Australia)
• The Remanent Warehouse (Australia)

If you do a quick search on Etsy, you will also find a number of small businesses that carry swimwear fabric.

Swimwear Lining Fabric

The most common swimwear lining fabric is a 100% nylon 4-way stretch fabric. It primarily comes in black, nude and white. It’s worthwhile to line your swimsuit project so you can extend the life of your swim garment and provide more modesty when your swimsuit gets wet. Some swimwear fabrics can become transparent or semi-transparent when wet.

You can technically line your swimsuit project with the self fabric, but I don’t actually recommend it because swimwear fabric is often heavier in weight and two layers can provide unwanted bulk. In addition, if you are using a printed fabric, the print from the lining layer can show through when the suit is wet.

Here are the list of places that carry swimwear lining:

IN US

• Etsy
• The Fabric Fairy
• Jo-Ann Fabric
• Sew Sassy
• Spandex  House

INTERNATIONAL

• Bra & Corset Supplies (Canada)
• Emerald Erin Swim Shop (Cananda)
• The Remanent Warehouse (Australia)

Swimwear Elastic

It’s important to use the correct elastic when sewing swimwear. Regular lingerie elastic cannot be used for your swimwear projects because they are not resistant to salt, chlorine, or sun. Here are three common types of swimwear elastic and below I have listed a couple of shops where you can purchase them.

Cotton Swimwear Elastic

Cotton swimwear elastic is woven with rubber, which provides elasticity and strength. It holds up well against chlorine, salt and sun.

You can purchase cotton swimwear elastic from the following places:

• Amazon
• Fabric.com
• Sew Sassy

Rubber Elastic

Rubber elastic is smooth on both sides and comes in 1/4″ and 3/8″ widths commonly. It’s a popular choice for sewing swimwear and its thinness makes it the least bulky of all three aforementioned swimwear elastics. If you are working on a swimwear project with bulky fabrics, consider using rubber elastic. This is the elastic I use for my swimwear projects.

You can purchase rubber elastic from the following places:

• Etsy
• Gold Star Tool
• Sew Sassy

Filpar or Siliconized Rubber Elastic

Filpar or siliconized rubber elastic is another option for sewing swimwear. It is natural rubber that has been textured and coated with silicone. Its waffle weave texture makes it easy to handle and sew.

You can purchase filpar from the following places:

• B Wear (Sweden)
• Bra & Corset Supplies (Canada)
• Emerald Erin Swim Shop (Canada)
• Sew Squirrel (Australia)

Swimwear Foam

If you’re interested in creating your own foam cups for your swimsuit, you can pick up swimwear foam from the following places:

• Tailor Made Shop (I own Tailor Made Shop and I appreciate your business and support. <3)
• Bra & Corset Supplies (Canada)
• Emerald Erin Swim Shop (Canada)
• Sew Sassy

Swimwear Findings & Notions

There are a large number of shops that carry bikini closures, g-hooks, and other hardware for swimwear sewing. Those shops are often the same shops that carry lingerie making supplies. Instead of listing every individual shop that does, please check out my Where to Buy Bra Making Supplies Online post. A number of the shops listed above also carry swimwear findings and notions.

Final Notes

If there’s an online shop where you like to purchase your swimwear supplies, please feel free to share in the comments below. I would love to expand this list with your help!

Happy Sewing.