As the Spring/Summer 2026 swimwear season approaches, global trends are increasingly driven by a focus on health and wellness, sports tourism, and sustainability. Hyosung’s Fashion Design Center (FDC) has identified these as the key factors influencing swimwear design, guiding brands and retailers to create products that meet evolving consumer demands.
Gary Oh, General Manager of the Hyosung FDC Team, highlights that consumers today are more focused on self-care and travel, particularly for sport. This shift is fueling demand for versatile, multi-functional apparel crafted from sustainable materials. These trends are pushing the swimwear industry toward more eco-friendly and functional designs that cater to active lifestyles.
Sporty, multifunctional swimwear that blends performance with style is emerging as a dominant theme. As surf style and adventure swimwear continue to thrive, new pieces are being designed with playful textures, sustainable fabrics, and enhanced functionality. Hyosung, known as the world’s largest elastane manufacturer by market share, is supporting this shift with a range of textile solutions tailored to the latest trends in swimwear.
Claire O’Neill, Hyosung’s Director of European Brand Marketing Textiles, notes that the integration of recycled materials and high-performance fibers is driving significant innovation in the swimwear sector. These materials not only offer tangible benefits to brands but also provide consumers with differentiated products that align with their values.
Several leading swimwear brands are already embracing Hyosung’s innovative solutions. For instance, Panache will incorporate 100% recycled PalmTree fabric made with regen™ Elastane into its women’s Signature Scallop, Liliflora, Polka Dot, Paradiso, and Cascade ranges. This sustainable elastane, made from reclaimed waste generated during the elastane production process, helps Panache maintain its commitment to using more eco-friendly materials.
Speedo, on the other hand, has introduced its Lookout Volley 16” board shorts for men, the first fully recycled four-way stretch design, also crafted with 100% recycled regen™ Elastane. This aligns with the growing demand for surf-style swimwear that’s both fashionable and functional.
In collaboration with Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing Co., Ltd., Hyosung has also helped develop FishTale®️, a next-generation fabric for Yamamay’s Basic Essential swimwear collection. Made from a blend of regen™ Ocean post-consumer recycled nylon partially sourced from discarded fishing nets and 100% recycled regen™ Elastane, FishTale®️ supports a circular economy model while reducing waste.
Hyosung’s high-performance CREORA® Highclo Elastane, known for its superior chlorine resistance and durability, is also being used in collections by Curvy Kate and Hanna Andersson. CREORA® Highclo provides long-lasting compression, maintaining the swimwear’s shape and fit even after frequent exposure to heat, ensuring that pieces retain their quality for every water adventure.
As the Spring/Summer 2026 season draws nearer, Hyosung’s textile innovations are helping brands deliver swimwear that’s not only stylish but also sustainable and functional. “For 2026, the future of swimwear lies in the intersection of fashion, performance, and sustainability,” said O’Neill. “We’re proud to support brands in creating pieces that fit the way people really live, move, and travel.“
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