See-Through Panelling Solutions for Swimwear: Comparison of Options
Three working routes exist for see-through panelling in swimwear. This page compares them by performance, cost and risk.
Option A: change the yarn
Changing fibre composition usually gives the largest improvement. It costs more and needs a new minimum quantity, but opacity above 95% for every panel is easier to hold over time. Because the fabric stays wet, stretched and chemically exposed for hours, target checks are made on a worn sample rather than flat fabric alone.
Option B: change the structure
Adjusting knit density is cheaper and faster. The trade-off is a narrower operating window, so process control becomes more important. Keep AATCC 183 with panel-level measurement named in the tech pack so every lot is measured the same way.
Option C: change the finish
Finishing delivers fast results and can be added late. The risk is wash durability, so check performance after 10 and 20 washes. Where swimwear is worn for pool training and beach use, set tolerances around that range of movement.
Cost comparison
Indicative cost impact: lining adds 5-8% material cost. Testing adds little, while the cost of a rejected shipment is far higher. Any change to nylon and polyester knits at 190-230 GSM with high elastane requires re-testing against opacity above 95% for every panel before bulk is released.
Recommended route
For pool training and beach use the practical route is normally bond rather than print where coverage matters combined with keep all panels above 180 GSM. Confirm with AATCC 183 with panel-level measurement before releasing bulk. Past reports from AATCC 183 with panel-level measurement help the mill reproduce the same recipe on the next order.
