How to Keep Your Swimsuit from Fading
With beach and pool weather fast approaching, it’s time to look over your swimsuit collection. Whether you’re sticking with what’s already in your wardrobe or treating yourself to something new this season, make sure your swimsuit stays vibrant all summer by caring for it properly. It’s easy to keep your bathing suit looking its best—especially when you choose one made from chlorine-resistant fabric. We’ve put together some care tips for swimwear, along with our picks for the sturdiest one-piece swimsuits and tankinis.
Choose Chlorine-Resistant Fabric
Chlorine-Resistant Fabric helps resist against fiber breakage. This prevents bagging and sagging in our Chlorine-Resistant swimwear. You should look for a blend of nylon and Lycra® Xtra Life™ spandex, which wears 10 times longer on average than regular spandex. This material is designed to retain its shape and structural integrity even after repeated wear and washing. It also provides UPF 50 for covered areas.
Chlorine-Resistant One-Piece Swimwear
You can choose from lots of chlorine-resistant swimsuits. If you’re looking for a one-piece swimsuit, you’ll find no shortage of options. For classic beach style, a scoop-neck one-piece is always a stylish choice. These suits come in many colors and prints, from neutrals like black and navy to bright, ocean-inspired hues.
Of course, the scoop neck isn’t the only neckline style you’ll find when shopping for a chlorine-resistant one-piece. There’s also the V-neck, which is another universally flattering neckline. If you’re looking for modest swimwear, there’s a range of high neck one-piece swimsuits from which to choose.
If you plan to participate in athletic activities at the beach or pool, choose a high-neck swimsuit with a sporty zipper opening. There are also zippered one-piece swimsuits made for post-mastectomy wear; they have soft-cup bras with prosthesis pockets to ensure comfort and coverage.
You’ll also find tummy control swimwear that’s made from chlorine-resistant fabric. This type of bathing suit has compression to create a streamlined look. Some swim dresses also resist chlorine and other causes of color fading. Sun, sweat, sunscreen, and saltwater can cause swimsuit fabric to wear out more quickly, which is something you can avoid with Lycra® Xtra Life™.
Chlorine-Resistant Two-Piece Swimwear
If you prefer a two-piece swimsuit style, you can’t go wrong with a tankini swimsuit. Just as with one-piece swimsuits, you’ll find tankinis made from durable nylon and Lycra® Xtra Life™ spandex for extended wear and prevention against fading and losing shape. Tankinis are a versatile summer fashion choice because the tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched to create lots of looks.
When it comes to tankini tops, style options abound. You can go for a scoop-neck swimsuit or a V-neck. The Grecian style is another tankini and one-piece swimsuit style to consider—it flatters every figure. Or opt for a bandeau tankini, which can be worn with or without straps for a retro-inspired look.
Tankini bottoms come in traditional bikini styles and other styles like women's board shorts, high-waisted bikini bottoms, along with tankini swimsuits with shorts for even more coverage. Swim skirts are yet another option—they, too, come in chlorine-resistant fabrics and provide ample coverage for the hips and bottom.
How to Care for Your Swimsuit
In addition to choosing swimwear that’s made from chlorine-resistant fabric, it helps to know how to care for your suit. Although chlorine-resistant swimwear does resist chemicals from sunscreen, it’s still a good idea to keep sunblock, lotions, and oils away from the fabric if possible.
Hand-wash your swimwear for the best results. Even the most durable fabric can wear out in the washing machine, so it’s better to launder it by hand. After wearing your swimsuit, rinse it with cool water. If washing is needed, use a gentle detergent and lightly massage the fabric. Rinse again in cool water and gently squeeze out the excess water.
To dry your bathing suit, lay it flat on a towel, then roll the towel up. This helps remove any excess moisture trapped in the fabric. Then, unroll the towel and let your swimsuit dry flat. If you’re drying your suit outdoors, keep it out of direct sunlight.
Swimsuit Cover-Ups and Accessories
Beach cover-ups are a summer essential that you’ll want in your closet. You can wear one over your swimsuit when you get out of the water for coverage and style—many cover-ups offer UPF 50 and are made from soft, fast-drying material, like 100% cotton in airy weaves, such as voile and jersey. Rash-guard cover-ups in long- and short-sleeve styles also protect against the sun’s rays.
In addition to stylish swimwear, you'll want to stock up on beach bags, beach towels, and water shoes for summer. With a little preparation, you’ll be set to enjoy the pool or the beach to the fullest.
No matter what swimsuit styles you choose to wear this summer, selecting high-quality, chlorine-resistant fabrics and caring for your swimsuits properly can help them last longer.