wimsuits are made out of a variety of materials that need special attention when giving them a wash. For the best results and a long-lasting suit, follow these tips on washing your suit.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Choosing a suit
- Washing your suit
- Drying your suit
- Extra tips and tricks
Choosing the Right Suit
What is your suit made of? Find out the best ways to keep your suit like new based off of the material it is made out of.
Swimsuits are made out of a variety of different materials like spandex, polyester, elastane, and nylon. If you’re like me, you are constantly trying to find the perfect suit- the most comfortable material, the perfect fit, the color that matches my skin perfectly. Well, you’re not alone. Finding the best suit for you depends all on the material and their different needs, tendencies, and lifetimes.
Polyester
Durable and long-lasting, polyester swimsuits are synthetically made for lasting wear and tear. Ideal for more competitive swimmers and beach bums, polyester suits hold their color and shape even through influences from the environment like chlorine, salt, and oils. With less stretch than other materials like spandex, polyester suits run smaller in sizing and have a slightly less fitting silhouette than spandex and nylon. They tend to be pricier, but in the long run, save time and money because of their durability and longevity. Make sure to invest in the best-some lower priced polyester suits can be lower quality and therefore, short-lived.
Spandex (Lycra)
Spandex, also known as Lycra, is a common swimsuit material usually blended with nylon. Stretchy and more fitted, spandex has an elasticity that polyester just does not have. More ideal for casual swimmers, suits made out of spandex tend to be more flattering on a body but do not have the durability of polyester. Less expensive than other suits, spandex suits are a more temporary suit, and must be washed more often because of its submission to chlorine and other harsh chemicals.
Natural Materials
If you’re an environmental enthusiast like me, you might be looking for a suit that is kind to the Earth. Suits made of hemp, cotton, and bamboo are not as accessible or durable as suits made of synthetic material, but they sure are more sustainable. Hopefully, these material swimsuits find the perfect blend of sustainability and durability in the future.
Washing Your Swimsuit
Just like your skin, your suits need special attention based on its tendencies and use. Follow these special care instructions to keep your suit looking young.
The biggest mistake people make with their suits in the summer is after-swimming-care. A balled up swimsuit wrapped in your wet towel for a few hours promotes mold and mildew growth--ew! If you’re desperate while traveling, fold your swimsuit gently into a plastic bag with holes and loosely wrap a towel around the bag to absorb moisture or place your suit in a mesh bag so your suit can breathe.
Wash Before Swimming
Although this may sound unnecessary, rinsing your suit before swimming can prevent your suit from losing its elasticity. Because swimsuits contain polymers, or synthetic substances in swimsuits, prolonged exposure to water containing harsh chemicals, salt, or minerals can break down those polymers resulting in a suit with a shorter lifespan.
Rinsing your suit under clean, fresh tap water or showering in your suit before jumping in your pool or swimming in the sea will fill the filaments of your suit with fresh water first, allowing your suit to wick less of the chlorinated or salt water.
Wash After Swimming
It’s simple…follow the rules on the tag of your swimsuit- they’re there for a reason! Some simple extra care precautions can save your suit from sagging, pilling, and fading.
If washing your suit in the washing machine, first place your suit in a mesh laundry bag, especially if it is a bra-like bikini top to keep the cup shape, or swim trunks to prevent drawstring tangling. On a delicate cycle with cold water, use a gentle detergent or soap to wash your suit.
If hand-washing your suit, fill a tub or sink with cold water and use a small amount of swimsuit soap or detergent. Gently swish your suit in the water and let it sit for 5-15 minutes before gently squeezing out the extra water.
This Suit Soak is cheap and reliable, with hundreds of testimonials and ratings. This suit wash extends the life of a suit, removing the chlorine smell from the material and preventing fading. With this soap, a little goes a long way!
Another Cheap and reliable Swim wash with hundreds of ratings also extends a suit’s life, removing chlorine, salts, and oils from the fabric. Scented but not tested on animals, this gentle swim wash protects your suit’s color and elasticity.
Avoid sitting directly on the concrete or sharp grounds that create pilling or reduce elasticity. Sit on a towel or chair to protect your suit.
Drying Your Swimsuit
Just as important as washing your suit, drying your swimsuit incorrectly can cause it to lose its elasticity.
If you are using your dryer make sure to place your suit in a mesh laundry bag and apply the “no heat” option. You want to be as delicate as possible with your swimsuit, as heat causes damage to the fibers of your suit.
If air drying (recommended), you want to be sure that there is no lingering moisture that your suit will soak up and cause mildew growth. First, wrap your suit in a dry towel and squeeze to get the majority of water out. Then, lay your suit across a mesh drying rack or bar to air dry for 24 hours to allow it to form to its original shape. Avoid laying your sun outside in the sun to dry– heat and sunlight damage the fibers of the polymer chains in your suit.
Tackling Stains
Lasting stains, especially oils from sunblock, tanning oils, and food stains can be a pain to get out. Because swimsuits are made of wicking polymers, your suit will soak up oils easily. Treat stains with a small dollop of detergent or dish soap and wash gently with warm to room temperature water.
If your home has hard tap water, you may see yellow or brown stains appear on your suit. This is because avobenzone, an oil found in most sunscreens, reacts with iron in hard water to create rusting. Try a sunblock without avobenzone to protect your suit further.
Avoid using heat– it makes stains harder to get out. Speaking of heat damaging your suit, did your suit become saggy after your dip in the hottub? Harsh temperatures of heat– liquid or dry– can cause colors to run and fibers to degrade.
Natural Remedies
Whether you have sensitive skin, or you just love the environment, you may tend to stay away from commercial detergents and soaps and aim for the natural substitute. Cheap, natural, and accessible, these gentle swimsuit detergents will keep your skin and your suit looking young.
Vinegar-Based Wash
Fill your sink or a small tub with cold water and a quarter cup of white vinegar. Swish your suit in the mixture and let sit for 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse your suit out with clean, cold tap water and let air dry.
Baking Soda-Based Wash
Fill your sink with cold water and a quarter cup of baking soda. Let your suit soak for 15 minutes and let air dry for 24 hours before wearing to ensure no extra moisture is left behind. Prevent wringing out or twisting your suit.
Conclusion
Swimsuits are made out of different materials that can affect the longevity of your suit’s life. Keeping this in mind, your suit needs specific care and preparations before and after taking a dip in the pool, sea, or hot tub. If you follow these few tips and tricks, your suit will stay vibrant, elastic, and comfortable.
