Nylon Spandex Fabric 80/20 - 4-Way Stretch Swim & Activewear

In this review the author tests a 80% nylon, 20% spandex knit sold in individual pieces to judge suitability for swimwear, activewear and small sewing projects. The bottom line: this fabric is best for makers who need a soft, form-fitting textile with reliable 4-way stretch and good resistance to oils and perspiration; it performs well for swimsuits, leggings and dancewear but may show a noticeable shine in some lighting. The review focuses on texture, stretch recovery, care, and how the sold-by-piece format affects ordering.

Key Features

• 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex: A balanced blend that delivers firm recovery and a snug, comfortable fit suited to garments that follow the body.
• 4-Way Stretch: The fabric stretches across and along the grain which makes it easy to pattern around curves and allows freedom of movement for sports or dance.
• Sold by Individual Pieces: Each quantity is supplied as a separate piece, which simplifies matching for projects that need identical lengths but requires attention when ordering multiples.
• Resistance to Oils and Perspiration: The nylon content resists degradation from sunscreen, body lotions and sweat, extending the life of swim and workout pieces.
• Care Instructions: Gentle washing in cold water and air drying maintain elasticity and prevent damage, making the fabric low maintenance if handled properly.

Who It's For

This fabric suits home sewists and small-batch makers who need a reliable swimwear or activewear textile that holds shape and offers strong stretch recovery. It is particularly good for leotards, swimsuits, yoga pants, and performance costumes where a smooth, form-fitting finish matters.

It is less suitable for projects that require a matte, non-reflective finish; customers seeking heavy canvas-like durability or woven structure should look elsewhere. Also, if you need a single continuous length rather than multiple identical pieces, confirm the sold-by-piece format before ordering.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, smooth texture that sews and wears comfortably against skin.
• Excellent stretch and recovery thanks to the 80/20 nylon-spandex ratio.
• Good resistance to oils, lotions and perspiration, making it practical for swim and activewear.
• Does not fray easily at edges, which simplifies cutting and finishing seams.

Cons

• Some customers note a shiny appearance in certain lights, which may not suit every design aesthetic.
• Color accuracy can vary between dye lots, so matching multiple pieces requires caution.

Specifications

Material	80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Stretch	4-way stretch
Sold as	Individual pieces (each quantity is a separate piece)
Recommended uses	Swimwear, activewear, dance, yoga
Care	Hand wash cold or gentle machine, air dry or low heat
Resistance	Good resistance to oils, lotions and perspiration

Our Verdict

For sewists seeking a stretchy, comfortable fabric for swimsuits, leggings or performance wear, this 80/20 nylon spandex is a practical choice that balances stretch, recovery and resistance to body oils. It offers good value when ordered with attention to the sold-by-piece format and potential color variation; avoid it only if a completely matte finish is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the fabric sold?
The fabric is sold by individual pieces, so ordering quantity 2 with a 2 yard length returns two separate 2 yard pieces.

Can it be used for swimwear?
Yes; the nylon content and oil resistance make it suitable for swimsuits and garments exposed to sunscreen and sweat.

How should I care for it?
Hand wash in cold water or use a gentle machine cycle, avoid bleach and fabric softener, and air dry or use low heat to preserve elasticity.