How to Create a Swimwear Tech Pack with AI

Swimwear tech packs have unique requirements driven by water exposure, chlorine resistance, UV protection, and the need for garments that maintain shape when wet. Standard casual wear specifications are not sufficient for swimwear production.

Key differences from standard tech packs: chlorine resistance ratings, UV protection specifications, wet-stretch behavior, lining requirements, and specialized elastic specifications.

Swimwear fabrics need technical specifications beyond standard composition and weight.

All swimwear requires lining — typically a lighter-weight power mesh or matching swim fabric. Specify lining fabric separately in the BOM with its own composition, weight, and color.

Elastic specifications are critical: leg opening elastic width and type (picot, fold-over, clear), waistband elastic width, and whether elastic is encased in a channel or sewn directly to the seam. Chlorine-resistant elastic is essential — standard elastic degrades quickly in pool water.

Swimwear uses flatlock seams or narrow overlocked seams with coverstitch — never standard lockstitch, which is uncomfortable against wet skin. All seam types should be specified as appropriate for stretch fabrics.

Bra cups (for women's one-pieces and bikini tops) need detailed specifications: cup type (molded, soft, removable pad), underwire or wireless, strap construction, and hook-and-eye closure if applicable.

Swimwear sizing requires separate consideration from standard garment sizing. Swimwear must fit snugly when dry because fabrics relax slightly when wet. Measurements should account for this — specify whether POMs are relaxed or stretched.

Grading for swimwear uses smaller increments than standard clothing because swimwear is body-conscious. Typical grade increments are 1-1.5 inches for bust/hip per size.