How to maintain your swimsuits ?

The swimsuit is one of the favorite pieces in our summer wardrobes. You love yours so much that you want it to stay with you for as long as possible. It's also a great idea to take care of your environment. Despite its apparent robustness, your swimsuit is a delicate piece that needs to be taken care of to prolong the pleasure of wearing it for as long as possible. Canopea gives you some tips for taking good care of your swimsuit...

What are the main enemies of the swimsuit?

You may not know it, but your favorite swimsuit has many enemies. The main ones are the sun, salt and chlorine, which can make it lose its shine and elasticity. This may make you smile, as it seems so difficult to protect it from this dangerous trio! However, by taking a few precautions, you can minimize its harmful effects on your swimsuit.

How to wash your swimsuit?

When you leave the beach or the pool, you probably have the habit of slipping your swimsuit into a plastic bag or your bath towel. It would be better not to do this, but, let's face it, it's not always easy. In any case, avoid leaving your swimsuit in this awkward position for too long . As soon as you get home, rinse it to remove chlorine or salt. Avoid leaving it to soak in detergent. A simple hand wash with Marseille soap, in cold or lukewarm water and without rubbing, is enough. For stubborn stains such as sunscreen or ice stains, soaking your swimsuit in baking soda diluted with water or Marseille soap are two fairly effective solutions. If you don't have any soap on hand, you can use shampoo. A handy little tip when you're on vacation!

Washing your swimsuit in the washing machine, good idea or not?

No, this is not really the best idea. The washing machine is rather not recommended. Mechanical mixing could alter the elastic fibers, lycra or spandex, ensuring the elasticity of your favorite swimsuit. If you want to try machine washing anyway, do not forget to put it in a protective net, and wash it at 30° maximum, synthetic cycle. Above all, do not mix it with other colours because even if its colour is resistant, its polyamide fibre is softer and more vulnerable if mixed with other colours. If your swimsuit has molded or padded cups, it has even more to fear from a machine wash, which risks deforming the cups. Don't forget to remove them before washing, either in the machine or by hand!

How to dry your swimsuit?

After washing your swimsuit, you may be tempted to wring it out and hang it out in the sun to speed up drying. Both of these operations risk altering its pretty shapes and making it lose its elasticity. So, don't take any unnecessary risks, the gentlest solution is to gently squeeze it to remove the water, then dry it in the shade and preferably flat. This will preserve all its original qualities. You will probably have guessed that tumble drying, dry cleaning and ironing are also strictly forbidden! The watchword is: gentleness above all!

Sunscreens, the enemy of your swimsuit

Other enemies of your swimsuit: sunscreens, which risk staining and discoloring your favorite piece. However, they are essential to prevent skin aging and the risk of developing cancer. To preserve your swimsuit as much as possible, the best solution is to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before putting it on. Anti-UV swimsuits provide UPF 50+ sun protection, without chemical filters, which allows you to reduce the amount of cream used while effectively protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. For anti-UV t-shirts, it is obviously useless to apply sunscreen under the jersey, it would be useless. However, do not forget to apply cream to the face, hands and little legs for a responsible and well-protected session. By using less sunscreen, you reduce its harmful effects on the environment, particularly on corals and aquatic wildlife.

What actions can you take in everyday life to extend the life of your swimsuit?

By adopting a few simple gestures, you can ensure a longer lifespan for your swimsuit. Avoid sitting on rough or uneven surfaces: the edge of the pool, rocks, rattan chairs, etc. These surfaces can catch the fibers of your swimsuit. By wrapping yourself in a sarong or sitting on a towel, you will protect it effectively. Another way to keep your swimsuit longer is to invest in a quality Canopea anti-UV swimsuit, made from a beautiful material designed to resist the effects of chlorine, salt water and sun creams.

What to do with your used swimsuit?

Despite all the care given to your swimsuit, one day you will have to resign yourself: your favorite piece will be worn out and will have to be replaced. This will be the time to ensure a dignified end of life for this unique piece. Then think about recycling, we explain how here.

In the meantime, enjoy all the pleasures of summer in your favorite swimsuit. Canopea wishes you a great summer / a great start to the school year!