SWIMWEAR CARE
Swimwear Care Guide
There are so many different types of swimwear fabrics these days, from lycra swimwear fabric to chlorine resistant swimwear fabric to high tech racing fabric, but they all have one thing in common...they must all be properly cared for to ensure you get the longest possible wear out of your swimsuit.
Please remember that just because a swimsuit is chlorine resistant it doesn't mean that it will withstand being rolled up in a towel, not rinsed until your next training session! The same rules apply to ALL swimwear fabrics.
Have a shower before putting on your swimsuit
If you have the time, we recommend having a shower before you put your swimsuit on. Your swimsuit will easily pick up grease, dirt, deodorants, skin and face lotions, sunscreen, make-up, leave in conditioners etc... While these generally wash off in the pool, the chemicals in these products can contribute to deterioration.
Always avoid grease, oils, sunscreen and other chemical substances.
Avoid contact with rough surfaces
Fabric can be snagged or pilling may occur if placed in contact with rough surfaces. Please avoid contact with rough surfaces, including pool walls, decks, lane ropes, starting blocks and concrete seating. This means you should not sit on the pool deck, starting blocks, LANE ROPES or pull yourself out over the pool edge. DO NOT slide your body over the top of the lane ropes when making your way across to the side of the pool, always go under the lane rope to exit. If you want to sit on the pool edge, deck or starting blocks either sit on a towel, kickboard or pool buoy. Always use the stairs to exit the pool.
- Rinse your swimsuit after each wear!
After you have worn your swimsuit in training or in your race make sure you remove it straight away and rinse it in cold fresh water and lay flat to dry. While most of us love nothing more than to jump into a hot shower after training or a race, this is THE worst thing you can do. Don't bleach, iron or dry clean your swimsuit and don't wring the swimsuit out to dry.
NOTE: This rule is very important for those of you who own racing swimsuits. These swimsuits are made from very thin fabrics and are not designed for endurance they are designed for speed. Please remove your swimsuit after every race, rinse and lay flat to dry between your races. DO NOT remain in your racing swimsuit all day at a swim meet as it will deteriorate very quickly.
- Do not bleach, iron or dry clean your swimsuit
We strongly recommend that you do not bleach, iron or dry clean your swimsuit. It's really as simple as that!
- Never leave your swimsuit rolled up in your towel
We have all done it and most you probably do it quite regularly, but honestly this is one of THE worst things you can do, especially if you then decide to leave your towel in your swimming bag, locker or car for the day/night. Never, leave your wet swimsuit rolled up in a towel as moisture, darkness and heat can cause bacteria to breed and this will eat away at the fabric, making your swimsuit perish faster.
Where To Wear Your Swimsuit
Training Swimsuits
Training swimsuits are a great choice for those looking for an all purpose swimsuit. Chlorine resistant training swimsuits are fantastic for swimmers who spend hours swimming in chlorinated pools. Lycra swimsuits on the other hand are a great choice for those who spend a small amount of time at the pool. Most surf swimmers, divers, rowers, recreational swimmers and those who participate in other water sports tend to like the lycra swimsuits due to the stretch.
While there is nothing technically slow about training swimsuits they are not considered to be ideal for racing as they are generally lined in the front, back or both and if the swimsuit is chlorine resistant the fabric is much denser and heavier than racing swimsuits. However, a lot of junior swimmers like to race in Lycra swimsuits as they are comfortable, provide a firm fit and are often a more affordable option.
Training swimsuits should never be worn in hot spas, saunas or steam rooms.
High Tech Racing Swimsuits / High Performance Competition Swimsuits
High Tech Racing swimsuits are made from very sensitive fabrics which are often thinner and lighter than your traditional training swimsuits. Therefore, we recommend that your racing swimsuit should only be worn at important swimming meets such as State, National & International Competitions. They should NEVER be worn at swimming training.
You should wear your racing swimsuit for your race only. DO NOT wear your racing swimsuit in your warm up, race warm down or in between races as the swimsuit will perish faster. It is also more likely to catch on something when you are sitting around waiting for your next race.
Make sure you remove your racing swimsuit after each race and follow the tips above.
NOTE: It is not uncommon for competitive swimmers to own several racing swimsuits which they interchange throughout their swim meet.