How to Care for Your Swimwear: Pool Edition

May 9, 2020

Pools – Love them or hate them you cannot escape them (especially during quarantine). That’s right, today we’re talking about pools and their affects on your swimwear. I was honestly surprised how many people didn’t realize the damage chlorinated pools can create. Have you ever owned a beautiful vibrant suit only to have it pale and faded by the end of Summer? You can thank all those pool days and not caring for the properly for that. Good news, after this blog post you’ll be able to extend your bikinis lifespan.

Pay for quality or pay the consequences.

You know I LOVE a good suit, one that is buttery soft and made with high quality fabrics. Another reason to spend that little extra for a better made suit is the majority of high quality bikinis are created with Lycra that is chlorine resistant. Meaning, you will have long lasting swimwear for you to wear for years to come. We stan sustainability and getting your moneys worth!

On the other hand, if you purchase a cheap bikini you’ll experience thinning over time as the chlorine eats away at the fabric. This can happen rather quickly or over an extended period of time, it comes down to how you care for your suit after a dip in the pool. Chemicals from the chlorine can cause your bikini to deteriorate (even when dry) if the bikini is not properly washed.

How to care for your swimwear.

The do’s and don’ts to long lasting bikinis.

Do

Prep your kini before going into the pool by showering in fresh water (this lessens the absorption of chlorine)
After enjoying your dip in the pool, immediately rinse off the suit in cool water
Wash your bikinis by hand and separate colors (you want to avoid bleeding onto other suits)
I recommend Bikinis Over Everything as your swimsuit cleaner. BOE is an all-natural handmade soap, formulated specifically for (yes you guessed it) bikinis! It smells amazing btw.
To remove excess water, place the suit in a white or neutral-colored towel (one that will not bleed) and roll the suit up then lightly squeeze
Lastly, hang dry the suit in a shaded place for it to air dry.

Don’ts

Cue the theatrics. I remember the first time I bought my first designer bikini and was cautious af about snags. You should be too! Avoid sitting on the edge of a pool or any textured surface for that matter as the abrasives causes major snags.
You can imagine my rage when my sister “borrowed” a bikini of mine only to be returned with a pilled look. This can happen when you lean against the inner parts of the pool. The lycra fabric will snag and break – UGH!
Promise me you will never machine wash and/or dry your bikinis. If you have in the past, you stop it right now. Excessive heat, spin cycle, and detergents are way too harsh for your swimwear. This will shorten your bikinis lifespan and ruin it.
Don’t crumble up your drenched suit and discard it like your ex. Wet bikinis left alone and forgotten can lead to odor, mildew, and a total mess. Trust me. RIP to my Frankie’s Bikinis bottom I unknowingly left in a beach bag.
Tanning oils, sunscreen, and moisturizers can stain your swimwear fabric. Be cautious when applying. I always get dressed first then moisturize and apply sunscreen etc.
Don’t wear your new bikini to a pool/hot tub that you know will be heavily chlorinated (aka hotel or public pools). Chlorine resistant or not, no bikini will hold up in these conditions.
Avoid hot tubs. The excessive chemicals and high heat will not only fade your fabric but stretch out your bikini. Opt for an older piece you own.