The 55700-1001 is a premium 82% polyester / 18% spandex stretch fabric engineered for swimwear, leggings, sports bras, and performance activewear. At a substantial 220 GSM and 60–61" wide, this poly-spandex blend delivers four-way stretch, strong recovery, and the opacity and durability that production-quality swim and athletic garments demand. It pairs naturally with the rest of our swimwear fabric and activewear fabric collections.

Key Features of 55700-1001

Built on an 82% polyester, 18% spandex construction, 55700-1001 combines the chlorine resistance and color retention of a polyester-dominant blend with the flexibility that spandex provides. The 220 GSM weight sits in the mid-to-heavy range, giving the fabric a smooth, opaque, squat-proof hand that holds its shape through repeated wear, while the 18% spandex ensures it stretches and recovers with the body. The generous 60–61 inch width makes for efficient cutting across swimwear, leggings, and sports bras alike.

Why Polyester Spandex for Swim and Activewear

A polyester-led blend like this one offers real advantages over nylon for many performance applications. Polyester naturally resists chlorine and UV degradation better than nylon, helping pool and beach garments hold their color and elasticity longer. It also wicks moisture efficiently and dries quickly, which is exactly what leggings, sports bras, and yoga wear need during activity. For other solid-color program fabrics in this category, browse our solid spandex collection.

Ideal for Custom Sublimation Printing

At 220 GSM with a smooth polyester face, 55700-1001 is an excellent base for dye-sublimation printing. Because sublimation dye bonds directly into polyester fibers, prints stay vibrant and crack-free even under heavy stretch and chlorine exposure, making this fabric a strong choice for custom swim and activewear lines. Learn more on our sublimation printing guide, or explore ready-made designs in our patterned spandex collection.

Ideal Applications

This fabric's blend of stretch, support, and durability makes it well suited to a wide range of form-fitting garments, including leggings and yoga wear:

• Swimwear — bikinis, one-pieces, and rash guards
• Leggings and yoga wear
• Sports bras and compression tops
• Performance activewear and sportswear

Why Choose 55700-1001?

• Chlorine & UV resistance from the polyester-dominant blend, ideal for pool and beach wear.
• Four-way stretch with strong recovery, thanks to 18% spandex, for a flexible, comfortable fit.
• 220 GSM opacity that stays squat-proof and supportive under movement.
• Moisture-wicking and quick-drying performance for active wear.
• Sublimation-ready smooth polyester face for vibrant custom prints.

Final Thoughts

With its balanced 82/18 polyester-spandex construction, 220 GSM weight, and wide format, 55700-1001 delivers both performance and comfort in a single versatile fabric. Whether you're producing swimwear, leggings, sports bras, or yoga wear, it offers the stretch, durability, and print-readiness that modern activewear brands rely on. Available by the yard with no minimums, or by the full roll for production runs.