Whether you've invested in a classic one-piece or a trendy bikini, taking care of your swimwear is essential to ensure it stays in pristine condition season after season.
With these easy tips, you can rock your favorite swimsuits all year without a care. So, dive in, soak up the sun, and let your swimwear stay in tip-top shape.
1. Go For Quality Swimwear
Let's start with the basics – quality matters. When searching for the perfect swimsuit, aim for those trustworthy brands known for high-quality materials. Look for nylon or polyester blends that can handle the beach and the pool. And, of course, make sure it fits like a dream because well-fitting swimsuits are less likely to sag.
2. The Rinse Ritual
You've just had a blast at the beach. Now what? Rinse! After every swim, give your swimsuit a quick rinse in cool, clean water.
- Use cold or lukewarm water – it's gentler on your swimwear.
- Gently rub your swimsuit between your hands to remove sand, salt, or sunscreen. No wringing, please!
3. Use a Mild Detergent
Once in a while, your swimwear might need a little more TLC. When that day comes, grab a mild detergent that's kind to delicate fabrics. Here's how to do it:
- Fill up a basin or sink with cool water.
- Add a teensy amount of that mild detergent and swish it until it's all mixed in.
- Drop your swimsuit into the soapy water and let it hang out for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse it thoroughly with cool water until the detergent is removed.
4. Machine Wash is a No-Go
Picture this: your swimsuit swirling around in a washing machine. Not a good idea. Machine washing can be tough on delicate fabric and stretchy elastic. So, stick to hand washing – it's way gentler.
5. Pat Dry, Don't Twist
Resist the urge to wring out that excess water. Instead, pat your swimsuit between two clean, dry towels. No twisting or wringing – you're not trying to give it a spin cycle!
6. Lay Flat to Dry
- Lay your swimwear flat on a towel or a mesh drying rack.
- Don't hang it by the straps; this can lead to stretching and misshaping.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent those colors from fading.
- And if you want both sides to dry evenly, flip your swimsuit inside out.
7. Watch Your Lounging Spots
When you're sunbathing or chilling poolside, be kind to your swimwear. Rough surfaces like pool edges, rocky spots, or concrete can be ruthless. So, throw down a towel or pull on a cover up before you lounge.
8. Rotate Your Swimwear
If you're all about swimming, get more than one swimsuit in your rotation. This way, they can get some downtime between swims and last longer.
9. Stash 'Em Right
Storing your swimwear like a pro is essential to prevent it from going out of shape. Here's how:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place, far from the sun's rays.
- Don't leave your swimsuit in a damp beach bag – that's a recipe for mold and mildew.
- Lay them flat instead of folding them for long-term storage.
- And keep them away from sharp stuff that might snag them.
10. Surprise Stains
Oops, you got a stain – it happens to the best of us! Here's your approach to handling it:
- Dab the stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess.
- Rinse the stain under cold water to remove as much as possible.
- If the stain's still there, dab a bit of mild detergent and gently rub it with your fingertips.
- Rinse it thoroughly with cool water.
11. Skip the Hot Tubs
Swimsuits and hot tubs don't mix well. High heat can be a bit much for your swimwear's elastic fibers. So, save your favorites for the pool or beach and leave the hot tub action for another time.
12. Watch Out for Sunscreen
Sunscreen is your skin's BFF, but it can be tricky for your swimwear. Some sunscreens contain chemicals that may cause discoloration or damage to swimwear.
- Put sunscreen on 15-30 minutes before slipping into your swimsuit to let it soak in.
- Look for sunscreens labeled "reef-safe" or "swimwear-safe."
- And be mindful when you're sitting – sunscreen stains can happen if you're not careful.
