Mens water-repellent swimwear: technology, limits and the difference from quick-

Category: Pánske plavky – materiály, strihy a technológie

Water-repellent mens swimwear is not the same as quick-drying. We explain the technology, testing and real-world limits of finishes.

Water-repellent mens swimwear is not the same as quick-drying. Although the terms are often confused, they are two different technologies - one works at the level of the finish, the other at the level of the fibre itself.

In the article Quick-drying mens swimwear: How Water and Moisture Wicking Works
weve explained how the capillary effect works and why synthetic fibers dont bind water to the core. Now well look at the second part of the issue - water repellency.

What are water repellent mens swimwear and how do they work

Water repellent mens swimwear has a surface treated so that water does not form a continuous film, but clumps together into droplets.

It is not waterproof.
It is not waterproof.
It is also not automatic quick dry.

It is about reducing the surface energy of the material.

When a drop of water hits the fabric, it creates a so-called contact angle:

  • less than 90° → water spills

  • more than 90° → water pools

With a good DWR treatment, the contact angle can be 110-130°.

This does not mean that the material will remain dry after full immersion.


Contact angle, DWR and the physics of water repellency

The most common technology is Durable Water Repellent (DWR).

This is a thin polymer film applied to the surface of fibres. The treatment reduces surface energy and increases the contact angle of water.

Important:

DWR does not change the molecular structure of the fiber.
It is a surface coating.

The effect fades with wear or chemical disturbance.


Why water repellent swimwear is not quick drying

Difference from Mens quick-drying swimsuits: How Water and Moisture Wicking Works
is essential.

Rapidity is a material property.
Water repellency is a surface effect.

If the fiber is absorbent, water will get between the fibers regardless of the surface finish.


Polyester vs. water repellent finish - what determines drying

Polyester has an absorbency of approximately 0.4%.
Cotton has an absorbency of approximately 7-8%.

This means that polyester absorbs virtually no water into the core.

Along with quality material, as explained in the article
Hi-Tech polyester without elastane in mens bathing shorts

there is no degradation of the elastic fibers in chlorine.

For a more detailed comparison of materials, see text
Best Materials for Mens Swimwear: Quality, Comfort and Durability in Practice



How water repellency is tested (AATCC 22, ISO 4920)

Water repellency is tested by spray test.

According to AATCC 22 or ISO 4920, a well-defined amount of water is applied to the material and the spillage or clumping of droplets is evaluated.

New material can score 90-100 points.
After repeated washing or exposure to chlorine, the value can drop significantly.


How quickly the water repellent finish wears off

Water repellent coating degrades:

  • by mechanical friction

  • UV radiation

  • chlorine (0.3-1 ppm)

  • salt water

    After one season of heavy use, the effect may be noticeably weaker.

    However, the material hydrophobicity of polyester remains stable.

    Water-repellent vs. quick-drying mens swimwear - a technical comparison

    Parameter Quick-drying polyester Water repellent finish
    Property Type Material Surface
    absorbency about 0.4% depends on the filament
    Contact angle < 90° 110-130°
    Lifetime long-term gradually decreasing
    Chlorine resistance high decreasing

    When does a water repellent swimsuit make sense

    Water repellency makes sense, especially for shorts and short water contact models.

    However, for intense swimming, material construction is critical.


    How to choose a good quality mens swimsuit

    If youre looking for long-lasting comfort and quick drying, keep an eye on the material composition.

    For a full range of products, please see the category
    mens swimwear


    FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

    Is quick-drying or water repellency better?

    For swimwear, quick-drying is more important. Water repellency is a complementary effect.

    Do water repellent mens swimsuits lose their effect with washing?

    Yes. The finish will degrade over time with mechanical and chemical stress.

    How is the water repellency of swimwear tested?

    Spray tested according to AATCC 22 or ISO 4920.

    What is the difference between water repellent and quick dry swimwear?

    Water repellent swimwear has a finish. Quick-drying swimwear has low absorbency fibres.


    Back

    The difference between water-repellent mens swimwear and fast-drying mens swimwear is the difference between surface effect and material technology.

    If long-term comfort is the goal, fiber structure is critical.
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