WHAT AFFECTS SWIMWEAR COLOUR AND SHAPE?

Overtime, pool chlorine or salt, suntan lotions, moisturisers and other contaminants build-up and gradually degrade the elasticised fibres that give swimwear its shape and colour.

Always check the label. The following suggestions may take a little more time, but they can extend the life of your swimwear.

BEFORE ENTERING THE WATER

Rinsing the bather or showering in cool water can reduce fabric chlorine absorption.

Avoid oil-based skin lotions and treatments because the oil can degrade elasticised fibres.

AFTER LEAVING THE WATER

Do not sunbathe because the sun drying the wet fabric increases chlorine residue build-up.

Do not shower in hot water wearing your swimsuit because heat affects elasticised fibres, especially around arm and leg openings.

Rinse your bather thoroughly with cool water to flush residues from the fabric, roll it in a separate dry towel and gently squeeze to dry – but do not leave it in the towel.

Do not wrap your swimsuit in a pool or beach towel that has absorbed chlorine or salt water because the warm damp environment will promote chemical transfer into the swimwear.

HANDWASH AFTER EVERY USE – TWO OPTIONS

Option 1   Use Suit Saver to neutralise the chlorine and remove chlorine odour. Fill a basin with cool water (max 30 deg Celsius), add a squirt of Suit Saver, immerse the swimwear and swirl around for a few minutes, drain the basin, re-fill with clean water, rinse the swimwear thoroughly then gently squeeze the water out – do not wring dry.

Option 2   Use a gentle detergent (do not use bleach or fabric softener). Fill a basin with cool water (max 30 deg Celsius), add the detergent, immerse the swimwear, swirl around, soak 10-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly then gently squeeze out the excess water – do not wring dry.

Turn the swimsuit inside out to reduce damage to the more delicate outer layer.

Do not machine wash. It can be too abrasive and cause the fabric to pile and bobble and machine-washing detergents can cause long-term damage to the fabric.

AIR DRYING IS THE ONLY WAY

Do not tumble dry because heat degrades fibre elasticity and colour. Air drying takes a bit longer but preserves fabric performance and aesthetics but must be done indoors or in a fully shaded outdoor location.

Leave it inside out, gently shake off excess water and lay it flat on a towel or hang to dry to prevent wrinkles.

STORE TO REST THE FABRIC

When completely dry, fold loosely and store.

Research suggests that leaving swimwear to ‘rest’ for a couple of days allows the fibres to regain the shape and elasticity that is part of retaining a good fit.