There are two types of stretchy rubberlike fabrics that can be used in swimwear. You could actually use rubber, but I don't know of anyone who swims in it and it requires the use of talc on the body before wearing or you cannot get real rubber clothing off again. Rubber clothing also needs polishing to make it shiny while the stretchy rubberlike fabrics have a shine when dry.
Stretch PVC: Lycra fabric with a thin layer of PVC "glued" to it. It is like a layer of (black) Selotape or Scotch tape stuck to black Lycra. The PVC in this fabric is not breathable, you will sweat beneath garments made of this fabric. Also the PVC will start to split and shred off if it is overstretched. Not sure what happens to this fabric in water.
Stretch Polyurethane: This fabric can be made to look like rubber or faux leather, it is more stable and longer lasting than stretch PVC though less shiny. It is breathable so less sweaty to wear, made into swimwear it would cling to the body and yet be slippery if grabbed from the outside (eg in water polo).
I have some of each of these fabrics, if someone would like a swim brief made in either fabric (but can't buy one ready made) let me know.
|