Swimsuit
A garment designed for swimming or other activities in water. Its cut and materials balance movement, coverage, comfort, and resistance to water.
Swimwear fabric: Textiles used in swimsuits, often blends of synthetic fibers chosen for stretch, durability, and drying speed. Stretch fabrics let swimsuits fit closely while allowing movement.
Competitive swimwear: Swimwear designed for racing, where fit and fabric can affect drag, comfort, and mobility. Racing suits prioritize performance constraints beyond ordinary recreational use.
Bathing costume: Historical clothing worn for bathing, especially in public or seaside settings. Earlier bathing costumes show how modern swimsuits developed from garments built for modesty.
One-piece swimsuit: A swimsuit whose upper and lower sections are joined into one garment. It is a distinct construction style within the broader category of swimsuits.
Elastane: A synthetic fiber known for exceptional stretch and recovery, also called spandex or Lycra. Its elasticity helps swimsuits retain a close fit during swimming.
Hydrodynamic drag: The force that resists an object's motion through a fluid. Swimsuit fit and surface texture can influence drag in the water.
Annette Kellerman: An Australian swimmer and performer who promoted practical one-piece bathing suits in the early twentieth century. Her public advocacy helped make fitted women's swimwear more acceptable.
Two-piece swimsuit: A swimsuit made of separate upper and lower garments. Its separated pieces contrast with one-piece construction and allow varied combinations.
Nylon: A family of synthetic polyamides used in textiles, ropes, and many other products. Nylon is a common swimsuit fiber because it is lightweight and abrasion-resistant.
Wetsuit: A close-fitting garment, usually made of foamed neoprene, that reduces heat loss in cold water. Unlike ordinary swimsuits, it is designed chiefly for thermal insulation.