Two years ago, I bought the most gorgeous swimsuit from a well known French brand called Princess Tam Tam. It wasn’t cheap – I paid R1350 for it (and that was with my fashion ed’s discount – I was at Fairlady at the time). But, the quality is fabulous, and I feel confident about my body when I wear it. It was only after I made this (rather large) purchase, that I started considering and researching the proper method of caring for swimwear.
That said, I’m amazed at how many women I know who’ll happily spend R500 upwards on swimwear, and pay no attention whatsoever to the care instruction label. These past holidays , I noticed how many of my girlfriends (no names mentioned!) removed their swimwear after use, left it out to dry on the line – in the sun, and either swam in it again, or simply packed it away in the closet. When it did get washed, they carelessly threw it the machine. They then wondered why their swimwear looked so ‘tired’ after just a few months of wear.
So I figured a post on how to care for your swimwear was in order. Yes, following the tips below takes more time and effort than simply tossing your swimwear in the washing machine, but you’ll be guaranteed that your cozzie or bikini will look great for years to come.
- Swimwear should be rinsed and hand washed using a mild detergent (such as Woolite) after each wear to remove chlorine, salt water and sand. Just rinsing it in tap water will not effectively remove chemicals or salt.
- After washing, roll your swimwear in a towel to remove excess water. Never wring it or hang it on the line as this can alter the shape, causing the fabric to stretch.
- Never ever put your swimwear in a tumble dryer or iron it – obviously!
- Dry it on a flat surface, out of direct sunlight. Harsh sun can cause discolouration and make the fabric stiffen.
- Never use bleach to remove any stubborn marks – even on white swimwear.
- Wait for your swimwear to dry completely before packing it away. Placing damp swimwear in your closet will not only affect the colour, it will also encourage mildew to grow on it.
- Try not wearing your swimsuit or bikini in a Jacuzzi – high water temperatures and chemicals will damage the fibers.
- Be wary when applying sunscreen, as some can satin your swimwear and deteriorate the elastic fibers. Washing it after every use with a mild detergent should remove any stains.
- Only ever wash your swimsuit in the machine if it’s in a mesh lingerie bag. And ensure you wash it on a cold, gentle cycle.
- To prevent what I call ‘bobble bum’, always place a towel beneath you – especially on rough surfaces that can snag or tear the fabric.
- Consider investing in two swimsuits, especially if you’re in the water regularly. It takes a day for a swimsuit to dry completely, and return to its original shape after washing.
