How to Make Your Plus Size Swimwear Last
Finding the perfect plus-size swimsuit is exciting. But you should also view it as an investment that should stay in great condition for years, not just one season. However, getting well-made swimwear isn’t the only thing that guarantees your bathing suit will last. The way you take care of it is the essential factor. Keep reading to learn how to properly choose, wash, and handle your plus-size swimsuit to make it last.
Choose Quality First
The foundation for making your plus-size swimwear last is to choose quality products. Good deals and bargains are always tempting, but don’t let that be the only deciding factor when choosing bathing suits. You should also consider the fabrics, features, and overall construction too. Cheap swimsuits that won’t last are generally made of thin materials that feel rough and synthetic. High-quality swimwear will feel soft and have thick fabric. They’ll also be fully lined and fit better than low-quality bathing suits. Do a stretch test to see how well the fabric recovers if you're shopping in person. If you’re shopping online, look for qualities like chlorine-resistant materials and lining.
Prep New Swimsuits
So you’ve found the perfect plus-size swimsuit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. That’s great! But before you wear it for the first time, you need to prep it. You’ve probably never heard of prepping new swimsuits, but it’s a step that can add longevity to your swimwear. So how do you prepare your bathing suit? It’s easy. Combine one tablespoon of white vinegar and a quart of water and soak it for 30 minutes. This will help prevent color bleeding before you wear it.
Rinse After Every Use
One of the best ways to prevent fading and wear from chlorine or saltwater is to rinse your swimwear. Rinsing bathing suits is also an excellent way to reduce the number of washes. It’s possible to wash swimwear too frequently, with some people washing after every wear, but that’s not necessary. You only need to wash your bathing suit after every three to five wears. But you also don’t want to leave chlorine or salt to soak in and dry into the fabric. For longevity, simply rinse your swimsuit as soon as possible after each use.
Properly Wash Your Swimwear
Hot water isn’t your bathing suit’s friend and will only cause more wear and tear. To get the most life out of your plus-size swimwear, only use cold water when rinsing and washing. The water temperature isn’t the only thing you have to be conscious of, though. Be mindful of the type of soap you use to wash it and how you wash it.
It’s always better to handwash swimwear in mild soap. This could either be a laundry detergent that’s formulated for delicates or using swimsuit-specific soap. Whatever you use, just avoid standard laundry detergent, which is too harsh for the fabric.
Properly Dry Your Bathing Suit
You’ve thoroughly rinsed out your plus-size one-piece swimsuits, and now you just have to hang them up to dry, right? Actually, you shouldn’t hang your swimwear at all. This simple action—that we’ve all done—can stretch out the fabric in your bathing suit over time. So your once perfect-fitting swimsuit can get loose and provide less support.
On that note, you also want to avoid twisting and stretching your swimsuit when you dry off. This will lead the fabric to deteriorate and become misshapen. The best way to dry your plus-size underwire swimwear is to lay it on a towel and roll it up. Gently press over the swimsuit to absorb excess water, then unwrap it and lay it out to dry.
Keep a Few Options
Another key to making any good swimsuit last is not wearing it all the time. It’s best to have multiple bathing suits that you can rotate between. This lessens the amount that it's getting exposed to the sun and water, which will lead to getting the most out of it. Luckily, you probably don’t need too much convincing to get extra swimwear. It’s the perfect reason to have different stylish options like a plus-size tankini, one-piece, and a plus-size swim dress.
Be Careful Where You Sit
This tip might seem funny, but where you sit in your bathing suit can wear down the fabric. If you’re just sitting directly on sand or cement, snags and piling can cause. These things might seem harmless and normal, but they can lead to larger damage like holes. Your best bet is to bring large, soft beach towels to sit and dry off on. This will not only be more comfortable but will also extend the life of your swimsuit. A high-quality plus-size swimsuit can last for years. Make sure you get the longest lifespan out of your swimwear by following these pro tips.