With summer around the corner there is no time like the present to dust off your swimwear and get it ready for trips to the beach and days at the pool. However, you may be wondering if your swimwear from last year is going to last you all summer long. Let’s talk about good quality swimwear, how to prolong its life and how to know when to replace it.
Purchasing High-Quality Swimwear
If you have a high-quality swimsuit, then it can last you a few seasons. To determine if you have a piece of high- or low-quality swimwear, pay attention to how the fabric feels. If you have a poor-quality swimsuit, you may notice that the material feels lighter and is prone to overstretching. You can also look at the lining in your swimsuit. Lower quality swim bottoms are either lined just halfway or sometimes not at all. The lining in the swimwear should not be loose or hang out of place in any way. A higher quality piece of swimwear will be fully lined with a fabric that feels thick and soft.
You can also look at the straps, hooks, and pads on the swimwear to determine the quality. If they look sturdy and unbreakable then the swimwear is more likely to stand the test of time. Use this criterion when shopping for new swimwear if you plan to wear your pieces for more than one season.
You also may want to consider the type of wear and tear that your swimwear will see. If you are someone who primarily wears their swimsuit in chlorinated water, then you will need to replace it more often. Chlorine can have damaging effects on the fabrics used in swimwear. Saltwater is also known to fade and wear down the fabrics on swimwear. So if you are only wearing your bikini to lay out and tan, then you may be able to replace your swimwear less often.
Signs to Get a New Bikini
How will you know when a bathing suit has reached the end of its lifespan? Here are some of the tell-tale signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
1. Pilling
Pilling is an annoying thing that bathing suit bottoms are especially prone to. It is what happens when you have been sitting on rough or uneven surfaces that cause the fabric to pull, creating an unsightly and uneven texture. If you have noticed this happening on your bikini bottom, it is time to replace it.
2. Stretching
If you notice that the fabric of your swimwear has a lot more give then it did when you purchased it, this can be due to stretching over time. Bikinis with ties on them are stretched on a regular basis, so most of these styles are especially prone to this. If you have noticed that your bathing suit doesn’t fit, like it did when you bought it then it’s time for a new one.
3. Fading
Bright, dark and neon colored swimwear will fade overtime, especially if you have a lower quality piece. Unsightly color variations are a good reason to get a new bikini.
4. Sagging
Sagging bikini bottoms are annoying, unsightly, and should be replaced immediately. Once you have gotten to this point with your swimwear, you are absolutely ready to replace it.
5. Clasps
Bathing suits with metal clasps or details can become risky to wear once they have reached the end of their lifespan. If you are stressing about your clasps giving out then save yourself the worry and invest in a new suit.
How to Prolong the Life of your Swimwear
When you purchase a new high-quality piece of swimwear, you are going to want to try and prolong its lifespan to the best of your ability. Fortunately, there are some things we can do after a long day out at the pool or beach to help with this. The first thing you will want to do when you get home is rinsing out your swimsuit with clean, cold water to remove any chlorine or saltwater that remains on the fabric. You can also use a mild soap to hand wash the swimwear after use.
When it comes to washing your swimwear in the washing machine you need to avoid harsh detergents and hot water to ensure that you are not causing further damage. The best recommendation is to hand wash your swimwear, but it can be washed in the washer safely if the right procedures are used. When you are ready to dry, you will want to air dry them by laying them flat and out of direct sunlight. Never use an iron on your swimwear.
As long as you follow these basic care tips for your new bathing suit, you will be able to rock your new bikini for the next few summers to come. But then again it never hurts to have choices so don’t be afraid to add to your collection!
