FabricLA Nylon Spandex Fabric Matte Tricot Swimwear by the Yard

In this review of FabricLA Nylon Spandex Matte Tricot, the bottom line is straightforward: sewists and small-scale makers who need a reliable, true swimwear stretch fabric will appreciate this 80% nylon, 20% spandex blend. The reviewer found the cloth to be soft, smooth, and impressively elastic, making it a practical choice for swimsuits, linings, and activewear where recovery and resistance to oils and sunscreen matter. Buyers seeking a consistent pre-cut yard by yard option will value the way the product is sold in individual 1-yard cuts.

Key Features

• Fiber blend: The 80% nylon and 20% spandex composition provides a balanced combination of durability and stretch for garments that need structure and rebound.
• 4-way stretch: Multidirectional stretch across and along the grain ensures garments like swimsuits and leggings move with the body and return to shape after wear.
• Swimwear optimization: The fabric is engineered to resist oils, lotions, and sweat so suits retain shape and color when exposed to sunscreen and body oils.
• Width and cutting: At approximately 58/60 in wide and sold in 1-yard pre-cut units, it is easy to order exact amounts for small projects and sample runs.
• Care guidance: Hand wash cold, avoid bleach and dry cleaning, and line dry away from direct sun to maximize life and color retention.
• Versatility: Suitable for swimwear, linings, athletic wear, dancewear, and even unconventional uses like table covers thanks to its drape and anti-pilling properties.

Who It's For

The fabric is aimed at home sewists, costume makers, and independent designers who need a dependable swimwear or activewear textile that is soft to the touch yet resilient under stretch. Its pre-cut 1-yard sale model is particularly convenient for crafters testing colors or small-scale production runs.

It is less suited to projects that require heavyweight or heavily structured material, or to large-scale manufacturers who prefer rolls rather than individual yard cuts; those users may want to source heavier textiles or bulk formats elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Professional-feeling fabric quality with smooth hand and good stretch recovery appropriate for swim and activewear.
• Resists oils, lotions, and sweat which helps maintain fit and finish in swim applications.
• Wide 58/60 in width offers ample fabric for pattern layouts and reduces seams.
• Sold in individual 1-yard cuts, making it easy to buy small quantities and test colors.

Cons

• Some customers find the fabric on the lighter or thinner side, so it may need lining or double layers for opacity in certain styles.

Specifications

Fiber content	80% nylon, 20% spandex
Stretch	4-way stretch with high elasticity
Width	Approximately 58/60 in (150 cm)
Sold by	Pre-cut 1-yard units (select quantity for multiple cuts)
Recommended uses	Swimwear, swimsuit lining, sportswear, activewear, dancewear
Care	Hand wash cold, no bleach, line dry away from direct sun
Special properties	Resistant to oils, lotions, sweat; anti-pilling; dyeable and suitable for printing

Our Verdict

FabricLA Matte Tricot is a solid choice for makers who need a true swimwear and activewear textile that balances softness with strong recovery and resistance to oils and sunscreen. The pre-cut yard increments and wide width make it good value for small projects and prototypes, though sewists wanting heavy coverage may need lining or doubled layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuit lining?
Yes. The fabric is specifically recommended for swimwear and linings and resists degradation from oils and sunscreen.

How should I care for garments made from this fabric?
Hand wash in cold water, avoid bleach and dry cleaning, and line dry away from direct sun to preserve elasticity and color.

Can this fabric be printed or dyed?
Yes. The nylon spandex blend is dyeable and suitable for wet or digital printing and sublimation with appropriate inks and processes.