Modest Swimwear Fabric Guide: Lycra vs Parachute
Lycra is a stretch knit that hugs the body and moves with it, while parachute fabric is a woven, water-repellent material that drapes looser and sheds water instead of absorbing it. Both resist chlorine well enough for regular swimwear use, but they differ in stretch, dry time, and feel, which is why BAE Modest uses each for different styles.
What Fabrics Are Used in Swimwear
Most modest swimwear is made from either Lycra or parachute fabric because both perform well in swimming conditions.
| Fabric | Best Known For |
|---|---|
| Lycra | High stretch and body-hugging comfort. |
| Parachute Fabric | Lightweight feel and fast drying. |
Both fabrics are made for regular swimming and are commonly used in burkinis, modest swimsuits, and swim hijabs.
What Is Lycra Fabric
Lycra is a stretch fabric made by blending nylon or polyester with spandex (elastane). Its knitted construction allows the fabric to stretch in every direction and return to its original shape after movement. Lycra is commonly used for:
- Fitted burkinis
- One-piece modest swimsuits
- Swim leggings
- Swim hijabs
- Active swimwear
Because it follows the body's movement, Lycra is ideal for swimming, water sports, and active beachwear.
What Is Parachute Fabric
Parachute fabric is a lightweight woven fabric with a water-repellent finish. Unlike Lycra, it does not hug the body. Instead, it creates a looser silhouette that provides extra coverage while remaining comfortable in and around the water. Parachute fabric is commonly used for:
- Loose-fitting burkini tops
- Modest swim cover-ups
- Resort swimwear
- Relaxed-fit modest swimwear
Its ability to shed water quickly makes it especially comfortable after leaving the pool or beach.
Lycra vs Parachute Fabric
The biggest differences between Lycra and parachute fabric are stretch, fit, drying speed, and feel.
| Feature | Lycra | Parachute Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Knitted fabric. | Woven fabric. |
| Stretch | Four-way stretch. | Limited stretch. |
| Fit | Close-fitting. | Relaxed fit. |
| Feel | Smooth and flexible. | Lightweight and airy. |
| Water Resistance | Holds a small amount of water before drying. | Water-repellent surface. |
| Drying Speed | Quick drying. | Faster drying. |
| Best For | Active swimming and water sports. | Relaxed swimming and extra coverage. |
Which Fabric Stretches More
Lycra stretches more than parachute fabric. Its 4-way stretch allows the fabric to move naturally with the body during swimming, diving, or water sports before returning to its original shape.
Parachute fabric has only limited stretch because it is woven rather than knitted. It keeps its shape better and creates a looser fit instead of following the body's contours. Choose Lycra if flexibility and freedom of movement are your priority. Choose parachute fabric if you prefer a relaxed fit with extra coverage.
Which Fabric Dries Faster
Parachute fabric dries faster than Lycra. Its water-repellent surface allows water to run off instead of soaking into the fabric.
Lycra also dries quickly compared with everyday fabrics like cotton, but it holds a small amount of water within its knitted fibers before drying completely.
For beach holidays or resort swimming where you spend time both in and out of the water, parachute fabric often feels lighter after swimming.
How Do Lycra and Parachute Fabric Feel Different
Lycra hugs the body with a close, contoured fit, while parachute fabric sits looser and away from the skin. Lycra's stretch knit is why one-piece and fitted burkini styles use it, and parachute's looser drape is why fuller-coverage sets that aren't meant to trace the body's shape often use it instead.
Lycra feels:
- Smooth against the skin.
- Stretchy and flexible.
- Close-fitting.
- Supportive during movement.
Parachute fabric feels:
- Light and airy.
- Looser around the body.
- Less clingy when wet.
- Comfortable for everyday beach wear.
What Weight Should Modest Swimwear Fabric Be
Yes. Fabric weight affects both comfort and coverage. A fabric that is too light may become more transparent when wet, while a fabric that is too heavy can feel uncomfortable during long swimming sessions.
Quality modest swimwear balances fabric weight with stretch, breathability, and opacity to remain comfortable both in and out of the water. See Fabric Weight and Opacity for recommended fabric weights.
How Do You Care for Lycra and Parachute Swimwear
.Both fabrics need the same basic care to last longer. Rinse in cold water after each wear, especially after chlorine exposure, and avoid chlorine bleach and fabric softener, both of which break down spandex fibers over time. Air dry flat rather than hanging, since hanging while wet can stretch the fabric out of shape.
See What makes a fabric chlorine-resistant for why chlorine exposure specifically degrades swimwear fabric.
