Why are my swimmers disintegrating?

So, you’ve treated yourself to a gorgeous new swimsuit only to find it is falling apart after a few wears. This is a frustrating and disappointing situation to find yourself in, especially since shopping for the perfect swimsuit can be such a difficult task.

Swimwear is made from delicate stretch fabric that requires special care when wearing and laundering your pieces. If you treat your swimmers incorrectly, they could end up disintegrating or falling apart.

Find out why your swimwear is disintegrating and how you can prevent this happening to new pairs in the future.

 Woman with long red hair steps out of the pool wearing a black swim dress with pink flower design

Effects of Chlorine

Chlorine is the number one culprit of your swimwear disintegrating. Chlorine is a strong chemical used in public pools and spas and many home pools.

If you are swimming in public pools, spas, and heavily chlorinated home pools, you might be damaging your swimwear. Most swimsuit fabric cannot withstand the damaging effects of chlorine and will most likely disintegrate, lose elasticity, discolour, and fall apart.

If your swimwear is disintegrating, look at your swimming habits and check whether you are spending time in heavily chlorinated pools and spas. 

Effects of Heat

Heat is another cause of damage to your swimwear. Heated pools and spas can cause your swimmers to disintegrate, especially when combined with chlorine and other chemicals.

Not only can heated pool water cause damage to your bathers, but also the heat from washing machines and dryers. Be honest about your laundering habits and acknowledge if you have used machines to wash and dry your swimmers.

Even on a gentle cycle, washing machines and dryers can cause your swimwear to disintegrate, fade, and lose shape.

Woman reclines by the pool wearing powder blue one piece swimsuit with white polkadots 

How to prevent your swimwear from disintegrating

Choose your Swimwear Wisely

When choosing your swimwear, be honest about where you will be wearing it. You can prevent your swimwear from disintegrating by choosing the right fabric.

Chlorine resistant fabric is made from 100% polyester fabric that can withstand the effects of chlorinated pools and heated spas. We strongly recommend choosing swimwear made from chlorine resistant fabric if you are spending time in public pools and heated spas.

Your 100% polyester swimwear will last longer, retain its shape and colour, and keep its elasticity, even when worn in chlorinated pools.

Care for your swimwear

Whether you choose chlorine resistant or regular swimsuit fabric, the way you launder your swimwear is important.

Machine washing and drying is not appropriate for laundering swimwear and will reduce the life of your bathers. Avoid using machines if you want to prevent your bathers from disintegrating.

Rinsing your swimwear in cold water after each wear should be adequate, but if you do need to wash them, hand washing with a gentle detergent is recommended.

SHOP CHLORINE RESISTANT SWIMWEAR

3 women wade through the pool wearing different styles of chlorine resistant one piece swimsuits 

How to Wash Your Swimmers

If a cool water rinse isn’t enough to clean your swimwear, follow these simple steps

  1. Cold hand wash in gentle detergent if necessary
  2. Rinse in cool water
  3. Gently wring out excess water
  4. Dry in shade
  5. Store neatly

Woman sits by the pool wearing navy and white polkadot v neck tankini top and plain navy bike pants 

What to Avoid

In addition to avoiding heat and chlorine, to keep your swimwear looking its best, be sure to follow this advice:

  • Don't soak your swimwear overnight as this can loosen the fibres.
  • Don't dry your swimsuit in direct sunlight as this may cause fading.
  • Don't hang your swimmers on a metal rod as this can alter its shape and may leave permanent rust marks on the fabric.
  • Don't sit on rough surfaces. Swimsuit fabric can pill or snag on concrete, tiles or decking by the pool. Always put a towel down when lounging or sitting around in your swimwear. 

RELATED: The Do's and Don'ts of Recycling Swimwear

Following this advice will ensure your swimwear stays looking new for longer and your bathers will last for more than one season. By purchasing wisely and caring for your swimwear correctly, you can get the most out of your investment and enjoy your fabulous new swimmers year after year. 

 


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