Transparent or sheer swimwear is gaining considerable popularity second to the cheeky thong bikini styles. The translucent styles including both one piece and two piece designs are magnificent show stoppers on any beach. If you are looking to get some attention and show off a little skin, these sheer designs are the perfect solution.
Transparent swimwear fashions come in a wide variety of translucency levels. Depending on your personal needs and acceptance level the see through or sheer intensity or lack of is a completely personal and individual choice. Similar to the cheeky swimwear designs that have achieved for the most part international acceptance, sheer swimwear fashions are quickly becoming extremely popular especially transparent or semi transparent bikini tops.
Definition of Transparent
Before we proceed, let’s get a better understanding of the word “Transparent”
- The word transparent is defined as: Having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly.
- Fine or sheer enough to be seen through
For the sake of this article transparent means how much skin tone or physical attributes can be seen through the fabric in question.
How Is Transparent or Translucent Swimwear Fabric Made and How is it Measured
Transparent swimwear fabric is made using thin Nylon/lycra or nylon/spandex blended thread and/or a low density of knit which results in a semi-transparent or translucent, flimsy cloth. The transparency level is measured using a unit of measure called a denier, from 3 (extremely thin, barely visible) to 15 (standard sheer for stockings) up to 30 (semi opaque) until 100 (opaque).
With the influx of European fashion influences into North America, the sheer swimsuit meaning both bikinis and one pieces have now become common place on public beaches. The European lifestyle believes in living life to the fullest and this lifestyle attitude is quickly spilling over into the US.
Transparent Swimwear
Transparent Swimwear is basically any swimsuit, be it a bikini or one piece swimsuit that is transparent or see through at all times. These styles are typically manufactured from a nylon / lycra fabric with a mesh or loose fabric weave.
Semi Transparent Swimwear
As it sounds the semi transparent bikini or swimsuit is not completely see through but casts a stunning silhouette of the female physique. The fabric allows for some level of light transition but limits the full view.
Transparent When Wet Swimwear
The transparent when wet is basically as it sounds, for the most part these swimsuits are ever so slightly transparent when dry but the fabric in question becomes clingy and sheer when wet. There are a number of different fabric types that become transparent only when wet and provide these characteristics.
Transparent Swimwear Fabrics
Gauze
Gauze is a unique fabric that provides a soft airy feeling when worn. Gauze is manufactured by creating an open loose weave creating a translucent fabric. From a technical point of view, the weave is created by weft yarns that are placed in pairs and are crossed over before and after each warp yarn. This style of weave gives the fabric its stability.
Gauze is a cool fabric that becomes transparent and clingy when wet. Under dry conditions, it is typically only slightly see through.
Nylon / Lycra Blend
The blended nylon and lycra fabric is probably the most common base used for sheer swimwear. It’s a silky smooth fabric that feels amazingly smooth against the skin, dries quickly and is the most resilient of all swimwear fabrics. In addition 90% of swimwear is manufactured from a blended nylon / lycra fabric but it is the swimsuit lining that limits is translucency level, remove the lining and you have a sheer or transparent swimsuit or bikini. The translucency level depends on the thickness of the fabric, the pitch of the weave and the colour.
Transparent Underwire Bikini Tops
Transparent When Wet Bikini Examples
Transparent When Wet Swimsuit Examples
