No matter how good the quality your swimsuit is, it has to be cared for properly if you want to make it last long. Here's how you can make this task easier...
After going through a lot of confusion, you have bought yourself a swimsuit from a reputed brand. If you intend to make it last for long, say for more than one summer, just buying a good quality swimsuit is not enough. You also need to take proper care to maintain its fit on the body. Swimming costumes are generally made up of different materials like polyester, spandex and similar other fabrics; which are stretchable and comfortably adjust on any type of body. If the suits are not taken care of, they tend to become loose and also lose their color and attractiveness. To maintain the shine and fit of swimming costumes, you need to consider some simple instructions which are mentioned in the following part of the article.
Taking Care of Swimsuits
Wear Only after a Shower
The main issue in using colored swimsuits is that their color gets dull and fades away over time. To reduce the fading of color, dip the costume in water with a combination of two teaspoons of white vinegar. This is especially applicable to new, colored swimwear. Taking a shower before jumping into the pool will surely maintain the quality of the costume. Doing so will remove any conditioners and lotions that are on the body, since the chemicals from these may degrade the fabric.
No Rough Contact
Remember that swimsuits are fine garments, so you should avoid their contact with any kind of rough surface. Contact with rough surfaces may increase the wear and tear of the fabric. Wearers may unknowingly get in contact with pool walls, swimming ropes, cement structures around the pool; which should be avoided. For example, if you want to sit on a pool bench or deck, putting a towel underneath will avoid the suit coming in contact with rough surfaces.
Rinse and Wash the Correct Way
Swimsuit care is not only limited to before and during use, but also after your swimming sessions. An immediate wash with clean or lukewarm water after the swim is important. You will find a wide range of cleaning solutions in stores which come at just about $10. These products are useful in taking off all chlorine, salt, and other chemicals from the suit. Simply rinse with hands and do not put it in the washing machine. Even if the washing machine is set on 'soft' settings, it might be too harsh on the material, resulting in pilling. You can also use a mild soap or detergent for the washing purpose. When it comes to washing polyester or spandex clothing, you should never use bleach.
Dry Naturally
Air dry it, and that too in a place away from direct sun exposure. Just like normal clothes, sustained exposure to direct sunlight makes the clothes lose their color. Also, see to it that you don't squeeze the suit too much while drying. Squeezing too much may ruin the shape of the costume. Using a dryer is not a good idea, since the heat generated may damage the fabric. Keep the wet suit for drying for about 24 hours, which will help the suit return to its original fit. Ironing the swimwear is a 'no no', as the elasticity of the fabric can be lost, affecting the suit's fitting.
Remember that using dirty swimwear may lead to the formation of bacteria in the fabric, eventually leading to a skin infection. Bacteria formation may even occur if you store a wet, folded costume for long. You can refer to the instructions that come with each costume. Following these instructions would certainly help you maintain the color, elasticity and comfort of your swimsuit for several summers.
