What is chlorine-resistant swimwear?

If you spend any amount of time in the pool, you've probably noticed that your favorite swimsuit starts to fade and lose its shape way faster than it should. The culprit? Chlorine. It does an amazing job keeping pool water clean and safe, but it is rough on regular swimwear fabrics.

Chlorine-resistant swimwear is made of fabrics that withstand harsh chlorine. Lab tests show that high-quality chlorine-resistant fabrics can last 2–3 times longer than standard swimwear materials.

We’ll discuss chlorine-resistant swimsuits, their materials, their benefits, where to shop, and how to care for them, so you can enjoy constant pool time without shopping for a swimsuit every few months.

👙 SwimZip makes UPF 50+ chlorine-resistant swimwear that keeps your whole family looking great at the pool, season after season.

How chlorine damages swimwear

Swimwear is often made from materials like spandex (also called Lycra or elastane) and nylon that react poorly with chlorine. When chlorine mixes with water, it creates hypochlorous acid (basically a diluted bleach) that attacks fabric fibers and dyes on a molecular level.

This chemical reaction causes three main problems with regular swimwear:

1. The colors fade and look dull
2. The elastic fibers break down, so the suit loses its stretch and shape
3. The fabric becomes thin and more prone to tearing

You might notice your swimsuit starting to sag in all the wrong places or looking washed out after just a few pool visits.

What is chlorine-resistant swimwear made of?

Chlorine-resistant swimwear uses fabrics and construction techniques that withstand the effects of chlorine.

Polyester

Polyester’s molecular structure naturally resists the damaging effects of chlorine, so it maintains its integrity even after hundreds of hours in the pool. Polyester also has built-in UV protection (starting around UPF 15 even without special treatments), resists fading, and dries quickly. A high-quality polyester swimsuit can last 3–4 times longer in chlorinated water than one made primarily from standard spandex.

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

PBT is a specialized polyester fiber that takes chlorine resistance to the next level. This material offers natural stretch without relying heavily on spandex, which means it maintains its shape even better over time. PBT resists pilling and abrasion from pool surfaces, plus it handles sunscreen, body oils, and saltwater without breaking down. Its color retention surpasses standard polyester, which keeps your suits vibrant through multiple seasons. This is why competitive swimmers often choose PBT-based suits.

Nylon-spandex blends

While pure nylon isn't as chlorine-resistant as polyester, nylon-spandex blends are extremely durable and soft against the skin. These blends can be found in children's swimwear because the fabric is gentle on delicate skin. SwimZip uses premium nylon-spandex blends in our swimsuits, with polyester linings for additional durability and comfort.

Chlorine-resistant elastane

Some manufacturers use specially formulated elastane (spandex) that can withstand chlorine exposure better than regular versions. When combined with polyester in the right ratios (typically 85–90% polyester with 10–15% spandex), these blends can deliver the right balance of comfort and durability.

Benefits of chlorine-resistant swimwear

A longer lifespan is the obvious benefit of investing in chlorine-resistant swimwear, but it’s not the only one. Fabrics that resist chlorine also have other qualities that you’ll enjoy.

• Vibrant colors: No more faded, washed-out-looking suits after a few pool visits. Chlorine-resistant fabrics maintain their bright colors and patterns.
• Consistent fit: The suit keeps its shape and elasticity, so you won't deal with sagging or that baggy look that happens when elastic breaks down.
• Quick drying: Polyester and PBT fabrics dry rapidly, which is helpful if you're swimming multiple times a day or need to pack up and go.
• UV protection: Many chlorine-resistant fabrics naturally offer enhanced UV protection, and SwimZip swimwear features UPF 50+ rated fabric.
• Better performance: The fabric maintains its compression and supportive structure, which serious swimmers will appreciate.
  

🏊 Check out our sun protective swimwear for kids featuring chlorine-resistant fabrics for swim lessons and all-day pool fun.

Who should buy chlorine-resistant swimwear?

Anyone who swims can benefit from chlorine-resistant swimwear, but it's especially valuable for:

• Regular pool swimmers
• Swim team members
• Swim lesson students
• Lifeguards and instructors
• Water park visitors
• Anyone who wants value

How to care for chlorine-resistant swimwear

These simple habits will help your chlorine-resistant suits last even longer:

• Rinse after every swim: Give your swimsuit a quick rinse in cold, fresh water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine before it can cause any damage.
• Hand wash when possible: Use cool water and a mild detergent. Gently work the soap through the fabric and rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh detergents and fabric softeners. If you must machine wash, use the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and place your suit in a mesh laundry bag for protection.
• Air dry: Never put your swimsuit in the dryer. The heat damages elastic fibers and can break down even chlorine-resistant fabrics. Lay your suit flat on a clean towel or hang it to dry in a shaded area.
• Don't wring it out: Twisting and wringing stretches the fabric and damages the fibers. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water or roll your suit in a towel and press lightly.
• Alternate your swimsuits: If you swim frequently, having two or more swimsuits lets each one fully dry and recover its shape between uses. Spandex fibers need about 24 hours to fully bounce back.
• Avoid hot tubs when possible: Hot tubs are tough on swimwear because the combination of heat and chlorine accelerates fabric breakdown. If you can't resist a hot tub soak, consider keeping a less expensive suit specifically for that purpose.

☀️ Explore our rash guards for chlorine-resistant coverage that protects your skin from pool chemicals, abrasion, and harmful UV rays.

Where to buy chlorine-resistant swimwear

You can buy chlorine-resistant swimwear from most major brands, including us. At SwimZip, every swimsuit features chlorine-resistant fabric as a standard feature. You don't need to hunt for a special "chlorine-resistant" label because it's already built into everything we sell.

SwimZip combines chlorine-resistant fabrics, UPF 50+ sun protection, 4-way stretch, quick-drying technology, and flat, chafe-resistant seams. An outer nylon-spandex blend, paired with a polyester lining, gives you soft skin comfort and lasting resistance to chlorine and salt water.

👨👩👧👦 Browse our family matching swimwear sets for coordinated, chlorine-resistant looks that make beach and pool photos absolutely adorable.

Chlorine-resistant swimwear FAQ

What is the difference between chlorine-resistant and chlorine-proof swimwear?

"Chlorine-resistant" doesn't mean "chlorine proof." No swimwear fabric is immune to the effects of chlorine. The term "chlorine-resistant" means the fabric holds up better than standard materials, but with enough exposure over enough time, all swimwear will eventually show some wear.

Some brands use the term "chlorine proof," but this is just marketing language. If you see this claim, look at the actual fabric composition to judge quality rather than relying on buzzwords.

Can I wear chlorine-resistant swimwear in saltwater?

Chlorine-resistant fabrics also handle saltwater. The same properties that protect against chlorine damage help the fabric resist degradation from salt and other ocean elements. SwimZip swimwear is designed for pool and beach use.

Is chlorine-resistant swimwear more expensive?

Chlorine-resistant swimwear typically costs a bit more than budget swimwear because the specialized fabrics cost more to produce. But they last so much longer that they often save you money over time. Instead of buying three or four cheap suits that fall apart, you buy one quality suit that stays looking great.

How can I tell if a swimsuit is actually chlorine-resistant?

Check the fabric composition on the label or product description. Look for polyester content of 85% or higher, or fabrics specifically labeled as PBT. Nylon-spandex blends can also be chlorine-resistant if the manufacturer uses high-quality materials and construction. At SwimZip, all our swimwear is chlorine-resistant by design.

Will chlorine-resistant swimwear protect my skin from chlorine?

No. Your swimwear isn’t watertight, so chlorinated water will still contact your skin underneath your swimsuit. Chlorine-resistant swimwear protects the fabric, not your skin, from accelerated deterioration. If your skin is sensitive to chlorine, rinse with fresh water after swimming to reduce exposure.

Can I find children's chlorine-resistant swimwear?

At SwimZip, all of our children's swimwear features the same chlorine-resistant construction as our adult collection. Kids' suits often get even more wear and tear from frequent swim lessons and water play, so durability matters just as much (if not more) for the little ones.

Further reading

What is a sunsuit?

The differences between UPF and SPF

What is UPF clothing?

Does UPF wash out of clothing?

Sun protection tips everyone should follow