Diary
Swimsuits are one of the staple pieces to our summer wardrobe. We love them so much that we want them to stay with us for as long as possible. Despite its apparent sturdiness, your swimsuit is a delicate piece that must be taken care of to prolong its lifetime as long as possible. Canopea gives you some tips to take good care of your swimsuit...
What are your swimsuit’s biggest enemies?
You may not know it, but your favorite swimsuit has many enemies. The main ones are the sun, salt and chlorine, which can cause it to lose its shine and elasticity. This could have you shaking your head, as it seems so difficult to protect it from this dangerous trio! However, by taking a few precautions, you can minimize its destructive effects on your swimsuit.
How to wash your swimsuit?
When you leave the beach or pool, you are probably used to slipping your swimsuit into a plastic bag or towel. As quick and simple as it may seem, this is actually not the best for your suit so avoid leaving it all balled up in this condition for too long. As soon as you get home, rinse it to remove the chlorine or salt. Avoid soaking it in detergent. A simple hand wash with Marseille soap, in cold or warm water and without rubbing, is sufficient. For tough stains, such as sunscreen or ice-cream stains, soaking your swimsuit in baking soda diluted with water or Marseille soap are two effective solutions. If you don't have soap on hand, you can use shampoo. A convenient little trick when you are on vacation!
To throw your swimsuit in the washing machine, good idea or not?
No, it's not really the best idea. The washing machine is actually discouraged. Mechanical tumbling could alter the elastic fibers, Lycra or Spandex, which ensures the elasticity of your swimsuit. However, if you wish to try a machine wash anyway, don't forget to put it in a protective net, and wash it at 30°C maximum, on a synthetic cycle. Most importantly, do not mix it with other colors, although it is color resistant, its polyamide fiber is softer and more vulnerable if mixed with other colors. If your swimsuit has padded or molded cups, a machine wash is likely to cause distortion of the cups, so don't forget to remove them before washing, whether by machine or by hand!
How to dry your swimsuit?
After washing your swimsuit, you may be tempted to wring it out and lay it out in the sun to speed up drying time. These two gestures are likely to alter its outline and make it lose its elasticity. So, to avoid any damage, it is best to gently squeeze it to remove water, then dry it in the shade and preferably flat to ensure you preserve all of its original qualities. You may have guessed it : tumble drying, dry cleaning and ironing are also strictly forbidden! The key words are: gentle above all!
Sunscreens, another enemy !
Another enemy of your swimsuit is sunscreen, which can stain and discolor your favorite piece. Although it is essential to prevent skin aging and the risk of developing cancer, in order to preserve your swimsuit as much as possible, the best is to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before putting it on. Sun protective swimsuits provide UPF 50+ sun protection, with no chemical filters, which allows you to reduce the amount of cream you use while effectively protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays. As for sun protective rashtops, it is not necessary to apply sunscreen under the top, as it protects from sun rays itself. However, remember to apply sunscreen to the face, hands and legs for some safe and protected fun in the sun. By using less sunscreen, you are also helping to reduce its harmful effects on the environment, especially on marine life.
What steps can you take on a daily basis to prolong the life of your swimsuit?
By adopting a few simple gestures, you can ensure a greater longevity to your swimsuit. Avoid sitting on rough or uneven surfaces: pool edges, rocks, wooden chairs... These surfaces can easily catch onto the fibers of your swimsuit. By wrapping yourself in a cover up or sitting on a towel, you will protect it more effectively. Another way to prolong the life of your swimsuit invest in a quality sun protective swimsuit like Canopea, made from beautiful material designed to resist the effects of chlorine, salt water and sunscreen.
What to do with your old swimsuit?
In spite of all the care taken of your swimsuit, one day, your favorite swimsuit will be worn out and will have to be replaced. This will be the time to ensure a proper end of life for this special piece. When this day comes consider recycling by finding a dropoff point or finding a company that will recycle it, learn more about it here.
In the meantime, enjoy all the summer fun in your favorite swimsuit. Canopea wishes you a very nice summer / a great start to the new school year!