Taking Care of Your Swimwear

Swimsuits are made from fabric and materials that are different and unique from your everyday wardrobe therefore, they require different care instructions.  We want to ensure that you get maximum enjoyment from your swimwear and that it keeps you looking awesome as long as you own it.

Gentle and delicate are the key words to keep in mind.  This means no washing machines and dryers.  Good old hand washing in a very mild detergent is the best way to wash your swimwear.  All you need is a small tub, detergent made for swimwear (found at most specialty swimsuit shops), or simply a small amount of gentle liquid hand soap such as Neutrogena, Dove, or any brand you may have will be fine. In addition, a towel and a flat surface for drying would be most ideal. 

The process begins as soon you bring home from the store or receive that rocking awesome swimwear via the mail. First, read the tags on it and pay careful attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. If anything on there differs from what we are recommending in this article, please follow the manufacturer's suggestions for your particular swimwear. 

Generally, the next step is to rinse the swimwear in the tub with cool water and then apply soap. If you are using special swimwear detergent, then follow those instructions to put the right amount in cold water.  If using hand soap, use 1 teaspoonful per gallon of water.  Put the swimwear in the soapy water and gently massage.  Do not wring swimwear because it may damage the material.  Drain the water and put in fresh water when it is sufficiently clean. Continue to rinse by gently massaging your swimwear until the soap is all squished out.  You may need to repeat this process a few times until there is no more soap in the swimwear and the fresh batch of water is no longer soapy.  Now, take it out and gently squish out any excess water.  Remember, no twisting or wringing.  Lay a towel out on a flat surface and lay your swimwear on top to let it air dry.  Swimwear dries very easily on a flat surface because it so thin and porous.  Laying your swimwear flat to dry is recommended rather than hanging it up because the flat surface will help it keep its shape.  Do not put your swimwear out in the sun to dry as tempting as it may be, thinking it will dry faster that way.  The sun will cause damage to the colors and cause fading.

The reason why we do not suggest using washing machines to wash your delicate swimwear is because it is often too agitating and the detergent you usually put in there will break down the material and you will get less wear out of it.  We want you get maximum enjoyment from your swimwear.  Similarly, the heat of a dryer is much too hot for swimwear and will definitely shorten its life. 

After a fabulous day out in your swimwear, always rinse it in wool water because suntan lotions, chlorine, sand, etc., will cause the fabric to become brittle and cause the color to fade.  Just a quick rinse is all you need until you have time to do a good hand washing.  

So, to keep your swimwear intact and looking fabulous just remember to hand wash, be gentle, and never wring or twist it.  You put time into finding your fabulous swimwear, you look hot in it, so be kind and gentle to it, to get maximum enjoyment from it.