Although starting a swimwear brand can be exciting, especially within the design process, it is important to master some key aspects. This can include picking the correct manufacturer, sourcing the correct fabrics and getting the perfect quality for your brand.
Swimwear brands have made a huge mark within the fashion industry, with a variation of fashion designs to offer with the ever-evolving world of fashion, there is a lot you can work with, if you are looking to start your own swimwear line. As you will already know, there is a lot of competition out there, so when you are in the design process, ensure that your swimwear designs are unique from the rest. You may choose to design either a trend-led swimwear collection or a ‘trend-relevant’ swimwear collection, either is great, but ensure you remember what your brand ethos is- remember, that swimwear is a product that’s used throughout the whole year, not just for summer. Whether you design a collection used for leisure purposes or holiday purposes, ensure that you can upsell your product in other seasons.
1. Finding the Perfect Fabric
The first key step is finding a suitable and long-lasting fabric for your swimwear line is vital and an important part of the production process. Swimwear fabrics are a bit more technical during construction compared to normal fabrics used for every-day clothing.
Some fabrics we suggest are:
- Polyester – this is commonly used in sports/ athletic clothing due to its durability and technical pros. It is comfortable, long-lasting and contain strong fibres all of which are important for a swimwear line. In addition, you need to remember to use a fabric that dried quickly, therefore Polyester is definitely a fabric source you should consider.
Some other advantages of Polyester include:
– UV protection
– UPF 50+
– Anti Chlorine
– Keeps its shape – (the shape can be stretched and pulled and it will return back to its usual silhouette)
– Breathable – (having a breathable fabric is vital as it is important for the wearer to be comfortable as they will be undertaking physical activity in it such as sports or gym)
– Can be washed easily – (a great advantage as you are likely to be washing this type of clothing often. Ensuring the choice of fabric can be washed at ease is important for re-using factors)
- Nylon is another fabric we suggest. It is often used in swimwear and once again, it is used for its technical pros. The only disadvantage to Nylon, is that is does not have any chlorine resistant properties. However, it does hold many other advantages including:
– Anti-pilling
– Washes easily – (a great advantage as you are likely to be washing this type of clothing often. Ensuring the choice of fabric can be washed at ease is important for re-using factors)
– Breathable – (having a breathable fabric is vital as it is important for the wearer to be comfortable as they will be undertaking physical activity in it such as sports or gym)
– Keeps its shape – (the shape can be stretched and pulled and it will return back to its usual silhouette)
– Dries quickly – (due to frequent washes and the fabric commonly being used in water, it is essential that the fabric can dry quickly, if not, this can be very uncomfortable and weigh it down)
– Anti-crease – (the look and feel of the fabric needs to feel smooth, appealing and comfortable. Having anti-crease factors is important for the care and quality resistance of the fabric)
- Sustainable fabrics is another fabric you need to consider. To find out more about sustainable fabrics, check out our article ‘New and Upcoming Textiles Materials 2019’- where we go into further details about alternative and eco-friendly fabrics that you can use for your swimwear line.
2. Choosing a Manufacturer
Picking a suitable manufacturer for your swimsuit line is the next vital step. As swimwear has become more popular over the past years, you will have a large ton of manufacturer options both in the UK and abroad. Each will offer either a Full Package Production (FPP) or a Cut, Make and Trim (CMT) production. FPP is recommended for new designers as the factories can help with the whole production process all the way from design to the final product, but be cautious that this process does come at a higher price.
Types of processes
The CMT production process is great for designers who have mastered every design detail and now need their product made into real life. This process is often used by well-established fashion companies and it saves them a lot of time and money.
Selecting a specialist manufacturer for your swimsuit line is ideal. There will be workers whom have first-hand and specified experience in the swimwear department. This means that they also suggest innovative ideas and help with the technical aspects of your swimsuit designs. Our service at Chanodil can help you find the perfect specialist manufacturer for your swimsuit design for both big order quantities and small order quantities.
3. Additional Notes
Ensuring you master the process and know all the tips and tricks of starting a swimwear brand beforehand (as it is a lot more technical) you’ll be off to a good start. As mentioned earlier, Chanodil can help select you the perfect manufacturer for your swimsuit line, who can help with your designs, fabric and much more. We have a ton of vetted and verified specialists manufacturers from the UK and overseas to help you kick start your swimwear line. If you’re unsure about where to start, message us on our online 24×7 live chat, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
