Swim to Street: How to Repurpose Swim Fabrics for Year-Round Wear Swimwear fabrics aren’t just for the beach anymore. With the rise of sustainable fashion and the need for versatile clothing, makers everywhere are getting creative with how they use recycled swimwear fabrics beyond the pool. These high-performance materials are breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretch-friendly. Perfect for creating wardrobe staples that work year-round. In this blog, we’ll show you how to take your favorite swim fabrics and transform them into stylish, functional pieces you can wear all year long. Why Use Swim Fabric Beyond Summer? Swim fabrics are typically made with a blend of recycled polyester or nylon and spandex. This combination gives them: Four-way stretch Quick-dry capability UV resistance Durability for active use That makes them ideal for everything from yoga tops to layering pieces for fall. Top Clothing Items You Can Sew with Swim Fabric 1. Athleisure Tops & Tanks Use swim knit to make racerback tanks, fitted tops, or yoga bras. The stretch and moisture-wicking properties make these ideal for workouts or layering under cardigans in cooler months. ✅ Fabric & Pattern Ideas: Greenstyle Patterns  Solo Tank in a print like Tropical Hurricane, layered over the Power Bra in Solid Red or Peacock Rib Love Notions Clearwater Summer Essentials (meant for swim & activewear) in Floral Silhouettes. @createdbybe made the sports bra version. 2. Everyday Leggings or Bike Shorts Yes—swim fabric can double as activewear fabric. Especially when paired with supportive patterns, it’s perfect for leggings, shorts, or even lounge sets. ✅ Pattern Ideas: Jalie Clara Leggings or Swim Shorts Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs (Bonus: these are free & they have free add ons) Fabric Suggestion:Ribbed Swim Solids: For leggings or fitted shorts, these offer a slightly heavier weight with amazing recovery—ideal for fall fitness fashion.  Pro Tip: Be sure to double check the stretch requirements for the pattern you are using to ensure a flawless fit. Swim Prints would work great on a looser fitting short. 3. Base Layers for Fall/Winter Turtlenecks, fitted long sleeves, and base layers made from swim fabric? Absolutely. Swim knits trap body heat while keeping moisture away—ideal under flannels or jackets. ✅ Pattern Ideas: Hey June Handmade Union St. Tee Closet Core Patterns Core T-Shirt (free) Fabric Suggestion:Sienna Brown or Rosemary Solids:Rich autumn tones and breathable fabric make these a no-brainer. 4. Fashion Bodysuits A sleek bodysuit made from shiny or matte swim fabric is on trend for layering with high-waisted pants or skirts. ✅ Pattern Ideas: George and Ginger Roadtrip Bodysuit or Friday Pattern Co Elysian Bodysuit Get creative and use your favourite 1 piece bathing suit pattern and modify it to include snaps. Check out this tutorial from Friday Pattern Co on how to add snaps to their Elysian Bodysuit Fabric Suggestion:Use a staple colour like Jet Black, and add some sexy Onyx Power Mesh accents like @houseofhotard did here: 5. Dresses or Skirts For a sporty twist, use swimwear fabric to create body-hugging dresses or midi skirts. Great for transitional weather and layering. ✅ Pattern Ideas: Petite Stichery Romy Twist Tee & Skirt  Seamwork Mesa Dress Fabric Suggestion:Use Ribbed Swim for more structured skirts, and Solids or Prints for tops and flowy skirts Sewing Tips for Swim Fabric: Use a ballpoint or stretch needle (size 75/11 or 80/12) Opt for polyester thread for better strength Use a serger or zigzag stitch to maintain stretch Consider a walking foot if your machine struggles with slick fabrics Use lining as needed to ensure you piece isn't see through, and add cups for some additional support Sustainability Spotlight: Why Choose Fabric & Flow? We offer a stunning range of Swimwear Fabrics, and other earth-friendly options like Bamboo and Recycled Denims. Every metre you use helps reduce waste and promotes slow fashion—making your creations not just stylish, but sustainable. Explore our full Swim collection HERE. Final Thoughts Swimwear fabric isn’t just for summer—it’s one of the most versatile materials in your stash. From stylish tanks to thermal base layers, these year-round spandex pieces will take you from swim to street in comfort, style, and sustainability. Ready to get sewing? Stock up on eco-conscious, designer-quality fabrics and start creating activewear that works year-round.