Nothing lasts forever – rocks turn to sand, civilizations rise and fall, new species emerge and old ones die out, and sooner or later, your swimsuit will get all loose and worn out unless you take proper care of it. But how do you extend the average lifespan of such a short-lived clothing item? Well, we have a few tested and tried for you so if you don’t want to spend millions shopping for beachwear, give them a try – you won’t regret it.
Avoid Strong Chemicals and Wash Your Swimsuit Regularly
If you love dipping in pools and hot tubs, you’ll be very unhappy to hear that most tap waters can do extensive damage to your swimsuit. Tap water usually contains high levels of chlorine and this chemical element, however essential for the human diet, can damage the elastic fibers used in most spandex bathing suits and excessive quantities can even speed up the fading of fabric colors. The same goes for cosmetics, tanning oils and sun crèmes – once they find a way to your swimsuit, they will probably stay there for good, and may even damage the fabric. Due to weaker stretchiness, your favorite bikini may end up all shapeless and flabby, and you probably won’t be able to do anything about it. Therefore, if you want your sexy swimsuit to last you a few years longer, make sure your wash it regularly, keep it far away from makeup and lotions and avoid heavily chlorined water when choosing your swimming pools.
Ripstop Alert – Watch out for Sharp Textures and Rough Surfaces
Sitting or lying on rough surfaces can lead to nasty tears and rips in your bathing suit. Watch out for any prickly tips, sharp textures and rough edges when sunbathing on the beach, marine rocks, pool platforms or boat decks – all it takes is just a careless tiny nick on your bikini top, and the miniature fabric slit will start stretching and tearing away with regular wear, so better stay on the safe side and watch where you sit during your swimsuit-adorned summer conquests.
Read the Labels: Gentle machine cycles vs. cold-water hand wash
Most swimwear available online in Australia is machine washable at 30 degrees, but it’s better to double-check the washing and care instructions before throwing them into the washer than to wind up with a pair of loose tankini bottoms. The stretchy spandex fibers and soft padding used in 99% of regular bathing suits are not strong enough to stand gentle machine washing cycles, let alone relentless centrifugal rinsing routines and tend to get floppy if you expose them to higher temperatures. Also, if you have any loose bits and ends on your suit top such as beads, tassel or decorative ribbons that may come off during machine washing, it’s better to hand wash your bathing suit in cold or lukewarm water and use a mild soap or special detergents for delicate fabrics.
Time changes everything and some losses cannot be avoided, but with some sensible tender, love and care, you won’t have to say goodbye to your favorite swimsuit for a couple of years more. Try and keep your bikini clean and in shape – after all, its purpose is to present your body in the best possible light and it won’t be able to do that if you let it go all shabby and loose with neglect.
