Even if we're only wearing it for a few weeks each year, we put our bathing suits [1] through a lot. They get drenched in chlorinated or salty water and wrung out and hung over the bathtub or shower. Then the next day, you jump into the ocean and do it all again! It's no wonder they start to look tired a little sooner than you'd like, and that's particularly frustrating if you've invested in a designer brand [2]. If you're a regular swimmer, you're making your kit work even harder, so you need to take extra care to ensure it lasts the distance. Here's how to make sure your bikinis and swimsuits last [3] as long as possible.
Always Store It in a Cool, Dry Place
Wherever you're storing your swimsuits, make sure they're cool, dry, and accessible for your next holiday. The bathroom is not the place to keep them, even when they're drying, as it tends to be the most humid part of the house. Plastic bags aren't good for them, and you're much more likely to get moisture buildup and mildew. Not only will that eat away at your swimsuit or bikini, but it'll smell pretty horrible, too. If you must use plastic bags, make sure they're vacuum-packed so no air is getting in. You'll save storage space, too.
Always Hand Wash
You might want to throw your swimsuit in the washing machine with everything else when you get back from your trip, but hand washing is the best way to take care of swimwear. Pay attention to the fabric, too. If you've gone silky, buy a delicate detergent. If your swimsuit is more sporty, you might need a detergent that's suitable for Lycra and stretchy fabrics. Whatever you do, don't leave your swimsuit to soak overnight; this damages the fibres. Leave it to soak in cool water for 30 minutes and then rinse. If you simply must machine wash, get a mesh bag for your suit. One more thing: never, ever wring excess water out of your suit, as it'll ruin the shape. Press out excess water with a towel instead.
Don't Hang It Up
We know it can be really tempting to hang your swimsuit up in the sun so it dries quicker, but you're risking changing the shape as it dries. Always lay it out flat so it keeps its shape for longer. And if you want to keep your colour, don't leave it to dry all day in direct sunlight. Ten minutes on the sun lounger once you've hopped out of the pool should be fine. We know you just want to get back to your book and your cocktail is arriving any minute now, but your suit will fade if you keep doing this.
Travel Smart
The good news is that — with all of the washing and drying — you're definitely going to need to take more than one swimsuit on holiday if you want to look after them properly. As if you needed an excuse! If you have backups, you won't be tempted to cut corners or *shudder* put a damp bikini back on the next day.
Lay It Flat, Always
You know to lay it flat as it dries, but it's also worth considering this when you're packing, too. Avoid the scrunch when you're packing, especially with bikinis. It can be really tempting to overpack and squish just one more swimsuit into that teeny gap. Don't do it; you're just ruining a perfectly good suit, and you'll regret it the day you're packing for your next beach trip.
Lay them flat in your suitcase, stacking any molded cups if you have them. Make sure you slip one in your carry-on, too. Hopefully your luggage will make it to your destination with you, but if not, you've got an excuse to lie by the pool until it arrives.