Fabrics 101

Your guide to fabrics, linings and styling hacks

At ZenaSwimwear, we offer a curated selection of hundreds of solid and printed fabrics in vibrant colors and unique patterns. Customize your dream swimsuit by choosing any fabric from our collection. Browse our full range in the Fabrics Gallery to find your perfect match.

Fresh Designs every year

We refresh our collection annually, introducing approximately 20 new colors and prints to keep our lineup modern and inspiring. Printed fabrics are sourced in limited quantities, and once a design sells out, it won’t be restocked. This ensures each season’s collection remains exclusive and up-to-date.

Color Accuracy 

While we strive to showcase our fabrics authentically online, slight variations in color or detail may occur due to screen settings and photography limitations. For total confidence, we invite you to experience our materials firsthand.

"FREE" Fabric Samples

Unsure about a color or texture? We offer (4) four free fabric samples to help you decide! Visit our Fabrics Gallery page, add the ones you like to the cart and we’ll send swatches directly to you.

solids & prints

We carry 200GSM 80/20 Nylon Spandex and 80/20 Polyester Spandex in Matte finishes. Information can be found at the bottom after opening each image. Matte Finishes tends to hide more imperfections on the body.

sparkle

Nylon Lycra with a metallic overlay. These overlays have gotten stronger over the years but are still subject to flaking and dulling. Special care should be given to these suits as they are made more for their look and less for their durability.

Neon and Brights

Neon and Bright colored fabrics (orange, yellow, lime greens and hot pinks); fade more quickly than any other colors. These fabrics are the most sensitive to sunlight.

Color Tips

A general rule for good swimsuit flattery is to use darker colors on areas you would like to slim and understate and lighter and brighter colors on areas you would like to highlight (this rule also applies to general fashion). While a black swimsuit will likely do the trick for slimming your body, you may be able to do even better by using swimsuit colors wisely. 

For example, if you would like to de-emphasize your hips, try pairing dark bikini bottoms with a light-colored bikini top. The light color will draw attention and eyes toward your bust and away from your hips. 

Another good slimming trick is to create a Tankini or One Piece in a generally bright color and add darker insets on the sides giving you a more hourglass figure.

Prints & Placement

When looking at prints, pay attention to the color, size, and placement of the print. Prints on a darker background are more slimming. In addition, prints with allover swirls will stop the eye from focusing on any one area of the body.

Shine

While shiny fabrics will make the body seem larger, non-shiny, flat, matte style fabrics will slim the body the most. If you do like the idea of shine or sparkle in a swimsuit but not the enlarging effects, design using a shiny fabric in a a darker tone/color. You can also add the shine to the contrasting trim.

White and Light Colored Fabric

No matter what you line a white suit with; it will always be slightly see through when wet. Use your judgment when ordering a suit in a lighter color and if we are offering a light colored fabric on our internet site it will be lined appropriately.

Color-Blocking

Add a personalized touch to your swimsuit with optional contrast trim or binding! Mix and match any fabric from our collection to create unique accents, straps, or details. Not interested in trim? Simply leave the contrast fabric selection boxes blank.

Endless Design Possibilities

Here’s where you can let creativity shine (a few of many options!):

  1. Top or Bottom Edges: Frame your suit with a pop of color.
  2. Sash Ties & Bow Ties: Elevate your look with playful details.
  3. Ruffles & Straps: Add texture or subtle contrast.

Explore even more ways to personalize your design!

Premium Lining for Comfort & Coverage

All ZenaSwimwear pieces feature 80% Nylon/20% Spandex stretch nylon lining in three versatile shades: nude, white, and black. Every bottom is fully lined front and back for seamless coverage.  Our One Piece Styles have an added optional, whole-body Light weight Power mesh.

Transparency Considerations

While we take extra care with light-colored fabrics, please note:

  1. White swimwear may remain slightly sheer even with lining.
  2. Pale hues (yellows, light blues/pinks/aquas) require special attention.

Rest assured: When you order light-colored fabrics from our collection, we automatically:

  1.  Use the right lining for your chosen fabric color
  2.  Double-line high-coverage areas for opacity 

Design Assistant Main Page

FAQ?

We stock hundreds of solid and print fabrics, adding around 20 new colors and prints each year. Limited-quantity prints are replaced once they sell out, ensuring a fresh and ever-evolving selection.

We provide 200GSM 80/20 Nylon Spandex and 80/20 Polyester Spandex in matte finishes. Matte fabrics are ideal for slimming, as they minimize shine and hide imperfections better than glossy or sparkle fabrics.

Absolutely! If you’re unsure about colors or prints, we send out free fabric samples. Just fill out the Free Fabric Sample Form on our Fabrics Gallery page, and we’ll mail them to you.

Yes! Color-Blocking is an optional contrast that you can add or leave out. Choose any of the fabrics we carry for details like top or bottom binding, sash ties, ruffles, straps, bow ties, or other accessories. If you prefer not to add any change, simply leave the color blocking selection boxes blank when ordering.

ZenaSwimwear uses nickel-finished metal hardware, including 1-inch back clasps and 3/8-inch or 3/4-inch sliders/hooks, designed for durability and adjustable strap widths.

We use stretch 80% Nylon/20% Spandex in nude, white, or black for lining all our swimwear. Bottoms are lined both front and back and our Our One Piece Styles have an added optional, whole-body Light weight Power mesh.

Some lighter colors like white, yellow, light blue, or pale pinks can still appear slightly see-through, even with lining. We do our best to double-line where necessary, but please keep this in mind when selecting your fabric.

Yes. Neon and bright hues (e.g., hot pink, lime green) fade quicker in sunlight. We recommend hand-washing and avoiding prolonged sun exposure to preserve vibrancy.

  1. Darker colors: Slim areas you want to downplay (e.g., hips).
  2. Lighter colors: Highlight features like the bust.
  3. Prints on dark backgrounds: Create an allover slimming effect.