A good swimsuit can be expensive! I want to make mine last as long as possible. That is why it is so important to properly care for your swimsuit so that it will last longer and you can really get your money’s worth out of it. We all have that favorite swimsuit that makes us feel confident and we want to keep it in the best shape that we possibly can. Follow these tips to keep the colors bright and the shape perfect!
Most swimsuits are made of Lycra or spandex so that is what this post will be about. Always follow the instructions on the label of your swimsuit to make sure there isn’t anything extra that you need to do. I have included affiliate links in this post for your convenience.
Wash Before you Wear
It is a good idea to wash your new bathing suit in vinegar so that the colors don’t fade, this will keep it looking newer longer. Just let the swimsuit soak in 1 tbs. of vinegar to 1 quart of water for about 30 minutes. Then massage the fabric with your fingers. Once done, squeeze out the excess water and lay it flat to dry.
Rinse after Every Single Use
It is best to rinse off your swimsuit with cold water after every single use, even if you were just sunbathing. Oils from your skin, sunscreen, sweat and more get into the fibers of the suit and make it dirty. If you are at the beach, see if they have a cold shower where you can rinse off before you head home. If the dirt and oils are left on the suit, it can damage the elasticity of the swimsuit, causing it to loose it’s shape over time.
Hand Wash for Longevity
It is best to wash women’s swimsuits by hand. Men’s are more durable so they can usually be washed in the washing machine. To wash, fill a sink with cold water and add a little bit of laundry detergent for delicates. Let it soak for about 10 minutes and then work out the dirt and oil with your fingers. Rinse the swimsuit until the water runs clear. Do not wring the suit, it will ruin the shape.
If you want to use the washing machine, put your suit in a mesh laundry bag to help protect it. Throw in a few hand towels to keep the agitation at a minimum and wash it on delicate or gentle cycle.
Dry it Properly
Do not put your swimsuit in the dryer! Heat will ruin the fabric. To dry your swimsuit, lay it between two towels and roll it up. Then gently press the towels so they absorb any moisture. Then remove your suit and lay it flat to dry.
Don’t hang them by the straps or over a rod because water will run toward the bottom of the suit and it can ruin the shape. Keep it out of direct sunlight so that the colors won’t fade.
Only Sit on Towels
I hate when I ruin a swimsuit due to pilling. An easy way to avoid this is to always sit on a towel. Just throw a towel over any chair or the edge of the pool so that it will help protect your swimsuit. If you don’t want to walk around with a big towel, you can always wear a coverup or sarong to help prevent snags as well.
Wear a Cheap Suit in a Hot Tub
If you are a fan of hot tubs, you will only want to wear a cheap swimsuit or at least one that isn’t your favorite. The hot water can ruin the elasticity of your favorite swimsuit.
Rotate your Swimwear
Spandex needs at least 24 hours to get back to it’s original shape after it has been stretched out and worn. Make sure you have at least two or three different swimsuits that you can rotate throughout the week. You want to give your swimsuit time to get back it’s shape so that it will last longer and look great on you.
Rinse Before you Swim
If you can, rinse off your swimsuit in cold water before you go swimming. This will help decrease the amount of chlorine it will absorb and can help keep the colors brighter.
Hopefully, by using these tips you will get a lot of wear out of your new swimsuits this year. If you properly care for your swimsuit it will do the same for you. Make sure you check out my post below to help you find the perfect swimsuit if you haven’t found one already.
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