How to make your swimsuit last longer

To beat the heat, Australians will often spend their summer by the ocean and pool, though few realise how rapidly chlorine, salt and sun can breakdown their swimwear. An RMIT expert explains why, and shares tips on how to maintain the quality and longevity of your swimsuit.

Carolina Quintero Rodriguez, Senior lecturer, School of Fashion & Textiles

"It is worth knowing that pool chemicals, UV rays, and salt water are quietly damaging your swimwear's delicate fibres, especially as kids are heading back to swimming lessons and the recent heatwave is sending everyone to the pools.

"Modern swimwear is engineered from about 80% polyester or nylon blended with 20% elastane. It is the elastane that keeps swimmers fitting snugly, but it is also the most vulnerable to chlorine and sun damage.

"After 300 hours of chlorine and sunlight exposure - roughly 35 summer days - your swimsuit's strength can drop by 65%, which explains why last season's swimmers might have lost their shape.

"Get into the habit of rinsing your swimwear immediately in cold water after the pool or beach to remove chlorine, salt, sunscreen and oils. This is a 30 second routine that could extend your swimsuit’s life for years.

"Never use hot water, machine dryers, bleach or fabric softeners on swimwear, and always try to air-dry in the shade rather than direct sunlight as UV rays continue breaking down the elastic fibres."

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