Swimwear is a unique category of clothing that requires special care to maintain its quality and longevity. Bathing suits, swim trunks, and other types of swimwear are often worn in harsh conditions—saltwater, chlorinated pools, and intense sunlight that can quickly degrade their materials.
Given the expense and often seasonal use of swimwear, it's essential to follow best practices for care to get the most out of your investment. Below, we outline the dos and don'ts of swimwear care to help you keep your swimwear in top condition.
Do: Rinse and Hand Wash
One of the most critical steps in swimwear care is rinsing your swimsuit immediately after use. Whether you've been swimming in a pool, the ocean, or just sunbathing, your suit comes into contact with elements that can damage its fabric. Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils all contribute to the degradation of swimwear materials.
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Rinse Immediately: After swimming or sunbathing, rinse your swimsuit with cool, fresh water. This helps to remove chlorine, salt, and other chemicals that can break down the fabric.
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Hand Wash: Machine washing can be too harsh for delicate swimwear fabrics. Instead, use a gentle detergent and hand wash your swimsuit. This will prevent unnecessary agitation and stretching of the material.
Don’t: Wring Out Your Suit
Wringing out your swimsuit may seem like a quick way to remove excess water, but it can cause significant damage to the fibers and elasticity of the suit.
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Avoid Wringing: Never wring out your swimsuit. The twisting action puts stress on the fabric, which can lead to stretching and loss of shape.
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Drying Method: Instead of hanging your suit, which can stretch out the straps, lay it flat on a dry towel. Roll the towel up with the suit inside and gently press to absorb excess water. Then, lay the suit flat to dry in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken the fabric.
Do: Rotate Suits
During the swimming season, it's beneficial to have more than one swimsuit in rotation. This practice helps maintain the shape and elasticity of your swimwear.
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Multiple Swimsuits: If you swim frequently, try to have at least two swimsuits that you alternate. This gives each suit time to rest and return to its original shape.
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Spandex Recovery: Spandex, a common material in swimwear, needs time to recover its elasticity. By rotating suits, you ensure that each one has a chance to dry completely and regain its shape.
Don’t: Overdo the Heat
Heat can be particularly damaging to swimwear fabrics. Both hot water and direct sunlight can weaken the fibers and cause colors to fade.
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Cool Water: Always wash your swimwear in cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can break down the elastic fibers in the fabric, leading to a loss of shape and support.
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Limit Hot Tub Use: If you frequently use hot tubs, consider designating an older or less expensive swimsuit for that purpose. Prolonged exposure to hot water and chlorine can significantly reduce the lifespan of your swimwear.
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Shade Drying: Avoid drying your swimsuit in direct sunlight. UV rays can fade colors and weaken the fabric. Instead, dry your swimwear in a shaded area or indoors.
Conclusion
Proper swimwear care is essential for maintaining the appearance and functionality of your suits. By following these dos and don'ts, you can extend the life of your swimwear, ensuring that it stays vibrant and supportive for many seasons to come.
Rinse your swimwear after each use, hand wash with gentle detergent, avoid wringing or hanging it to dry, and rotate between multiple suits. Additionally, protect your swimwear from excessive heat and sunlight to preserve its elasticity and color. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your swimwear to the fullest, season after season.
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