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For swimmers who train frequently (3+ times per week) or spend long hours in chlorinated pools, polyester is the better choice due to its superior chlorine resistance and shape retention. Nylon is more suitable for recreational swimming, open-water activities, or situations where comfort and a softer feel take priority.
Chlorine is the single biggest threat to swimwear longevity. Polyester's denser molecular structure gives it far greater resistance to chlorine and UV exposure compared to nylon. Testing data from professional swimwear brands such as Speedo and TYR shows that high-quality polyester swimsuits can withstand 200–300 hours of use in chlorinated water, while comparable nylon suits typically begin to show visible fading and loss of elasticity after 100–150 hours.
When nylon absorbs chlorine, the fibers gradually degrade, causing the suit to thin out, become semi-transparent, and lose its stretch. For swimmers who train daily, this means a nylon suit may only last one season, while a polyester suit can often hold up for one to two years.
Polyester has stronger elastic recovery — it resists deformation even after repeated stretching, which is why most competitive training suits use polyester as their primary material. For example, the TYR Durafast series is made from 100% polyester, specifically marketed for its durability and shape stability.
Nylon, on the other hand, is well regarded for its initial fit. The fibers are softer and conform more closely to the body, almost feeling like a second skin when dry. However, nylon absorbs water and swells slightly when wet, which can cause the suit to loosen in the pool. Polyester absorbs almost no water (absorption rate approximately 0.4%, compared to nylon's roughly 4%), maintaining a stable, compressive fit throughout your swim.
| Performance Factor | Polyester | Nylon |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| UV protection | Excellent | Moderate |
| Softness / comfort | Moderate | Excellent |
| Water absorption rate | ~0.4% (barely absorbs water) | ~4% (absorbs some water) |
| Lifespan (pool use) | 200–300 hours | 100–150 hours |
| Price range | Mid to high | Low to mid |
| Color retention | Excellent | Moderate |
If you swim mainly at beaches, lakes, or outdoor pools, polyester's UV resistance remains the stronger option. Most swimwear rated UPF 50+ uses polyester or polyester blends. Under prolonged sun exposure, nylon fiber strength degrades roughly twice as fast as polyester, and colors fade noticeably sooner.
That said, if your outdoor activities involve a lot of movement — such as snorkeling or water sports — nylon's flexibility and stretch (with a typical elongation at break of 15–25%, versus polyester's 12–18%) allows for a greater range of motion.
A large share of swimwear on the market uses blended materials to balance the strengths of each fiber. The most common compositions are:
Regardless of material, proper care significantly extends swimwear life. For both polyester and nylon, the key practices are the same: rinse immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt residue, hand wash or machine wash on a cold gentle cycle, and air dry away from direct sunlight — never use a tumble dryer.
Polyester is more forgiving when care is neglected. Because it absorbs so little water, even the occasional missed rinse results in far less chlorine being retained by the fibers, causing less cumulative damage over time.
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