Smart Ways to Make Your Swimsuit Last Longer

Do your swimsuits fall apart after a month or so? If you’re wearing your swimsuit in chlorinated water on a regular basis, there are a few things you can do to make your swimsuits last longer.

Extending the life of your new swimsuit starts before you ever buy it. Finding a bathing suit that fits properly will not only make it more comfortable to wear, but it will also keep your suit from stretching out over time.

Rule #1:

Make sure to wash your swimsuit after each and every wear—even if you don’t go in the water. “Sunscreens contain ingredients that can be damaging to the fabric and can lead to the eventual breakdown of the material,” says Marysia Reeves, designer of Marysia Swim (marysiaswim.com). To top it off, some SPFs are more detrimental than others, warns Lindsey J. Boyd, co-founder of the all-natural detergent line, The Laundress. Mineral-based lotions and oil formulations can cause yellowing or gradual stains over time if swimsuits are not washed properly. Another reason to be meticulous about washing your suit, particularly if you’re taking a dip in the pool? Chlorine is harsher on swimwear fabrics than fresh and salt water and can leave bright colors especially susceptible to fading.

Rule #2:

Never. EVER. Put your swimsuit in the washing machine or dryer!

This may come as a surprise to you, but your swimsuit is delicate and needs the proper TLC if you want it to live a long and happy life. Your swimsuit doesn’t like harsh detergents, being jostled around, or being exposed to heat. It already gets eaten up by chlorine, so don’t put it through any more agony. You can extend the lifespan of any suit by rinsing it out in the sink when you’re done.

How you hand wash your swimsuit makes a big difference, too. Start by filling your sink with cold water and add one capful of mild detergent or white vinegar. Let the swimsuit soak in the solution for up to 30 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. To dry, gently roll your suit in a clean dry towel, lightly pressing to remove the excess water. While it may be tempting, you should never wring out your swimsuit, as doing so may damage the spandex fibers. When you’re finished, lay the suit flat to dry.

Rule #2.1:

You know those nifty little devices at public pools that you can use to help get more water out of your suit?

Just say NO!

Even though they say they are specifically designed to dry your swimsuit, this is like putting it into your dryer at home (which is a no-no!)
Now keep in mind, we’re sharing this information with you to help you get the MAXIMUM life out of your swimsuit. However, if you use these every once in a while, you still should get a pretty decent lifespan.

Rule #3:

Have you ever wondered why your suit seems longer than it was when you bought it? Well… do you hang it to dry?

We recommend that you DO NOT hang your suits to dry. Much like that lovely sweater your grandma gave you, if you hang it up while it is wet, gravity is going to help you stretch it out more than wearing it does! Remember…it’s delicate!

Rule #4:

By now you’re probably wondering how in the world you’re supposed to dry your suits since we’ve pretty much ruled out every way that you use for your clothes on a regular basis. Well, normally we charge for this sort of inside information, but we’ll make an exception, this once.

The BEST way to dry your swimsuit is to lay it out flat on a towel and let it air dry! Easy right?

As far as washing goes – rinsing the suit out really well in the sink works just fine. The key is trying to get as much Chlorine off the suit as possible because it eats away at the fibers. If you think you need a little extra help getting out all of the Chlorine, Speedo makes a Swimsuit Cleaner or you can also try Suit Solutions. They both are specially made to help pull out the Chlorine.

Extra Notes:

To keep your swimsuit in tip-top shape, also be mindful to avoid these don’ts:

• Don’t soak a swimsuit overnight. This can loosen fibers.
• Don’t let a swimsuit dry directly in the sun. This may cause fading.
• Don’t put a swimsuit in the dryer. The heat weakens the elasticity of the spandex. This is the same reason why you shouldn’t wear your favorite bikini in a Jacuzzi.
• Don’t hang a swimsuit on a metal rod to dry. Hanging can alter the shape of the garment, while the metal rod could leave a rust mark that’s impossible to get out.
• Don’t sit on rough surfaces while wearing a swimsuit. The concrete beside the pool or wood from the lounge chairs may snag the swimsuit material. Always lay down a towel before you sit.