DISCOVER THE SECRET TO DURABLE SWIMWEAR
Help consumers love their swimwear longer with LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber
Jun 02, 2026
For beautiful, durable swimwear that lasts, the superior choice is LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber.
This special spandex/elastane fiber resists damage caused by chlorine, lotion, sunscreen, heat, and UV rays, and can last up to 10 times longer than unprotected spandex fibers, according to our real pool and lab testing data.
Typical spandex degrades more quickly when it’s exposed to these elements, losing its ability to stretch and snap back to its original size and affecting the comfort, fit, and shape of a garment. That can shorten a swimsuit's lifespan and negatively impact consumer perception of a brand/retailer — not to mention it’s a bummer when your favorite bathing suit wears out.
LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber is the solution.
HOW LYCRA XTRA LIFE® FIBER WORKS
WHY DOES DURABLE SWIMWEAR MATTER?
Consumers care about sustainability and the impact fast fashion has on the planet. They want swimwear that will last instead of wearing out after a season and ending up in the landfill. A 2020 survey of European consumers by McKinsey found that 65% were planning to buy more durable items, and 71% planned to keep the items they already own for longer. For most, it just doesn’t make sense to invest in a piece that won’t last and will likely add to the textile waste problem.
Durable, long-lasting swimwear offers a more sustainable alternative. According to a report from WRAP*, extending the wear life of clothing by an additional nine months can reduce the garment’s carbon and water footprints by up to 20%. By crafting chlorine-resistant swimwear with durable spandex that stands up to degradation, consumers can keep their swimsuits longer and lighten their impact on the planet. It’s a win-win.
*Source: Extending Product Lifetimes: WRAP’s Work on Clothing Durability, January 2024
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL DURABILITY?
Just as crucial as a garment’s physical durability is its emotional durability. Making products that align with consumer desires, including fit, comfort, and style, is critical to building a lasting relationship between the garment and the wearer. The more a consumer loves a swimsuit because of the way it makes them look and feel, the longer it will remain in use. LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber can help you meet this consumer desire.
"Our work was always based on the satisfaction of our clients: sophisticated women whose priorities are quality and comfort, which LYCRA XTRA LIFE® fiber helps us achieve."
Liana Thomaz
Designer
Água de Coco
PREMIUM MARKETING SERVICES FROM THE LYCRA® BRAND
When you choose certified fabrics made with LYCRA® fibers, you get more than just exceptional quality. The LYCRA Company prizes its partnerships and offers joint marketing support for mills, brands, and retailers that use our fibers, as well as product innovation and collaboration opportunities. We partner with leading mills around the world to develop fiber and fabric solutions that meet their specific needs, adjusting our formulas and testing fibers until we achieve the highest results, then helping tell the story of those innovations to brand partners and consumers. You also get access to our catalog of hang tags featuring the iconic wave logo, plus consumer education materials for your e-commerce shops. Add value to your next swimwear collection by choosing fabrics made with LYCRA® fibers. Contact us to find a mill partner or select the right fiber innovation for your next collection.
