One of my favorite things to do in summer is to hit the pool with my girlfriends. Or spending the day at the beach! We can spend all day frolicking in the water and getting fabulous pics by the water, looking like glam dolls in our swimwear.
I look forward to it all through the long winter months.
But nothing is more heartbreaking than to open up that trunk of summer clothes at the start of the season and find that your brand-new pink swimsuit has faded over the winter – and now looks beige! Has that happened to you too?
Particularly swimwear. If you think about it, our swimwear goes through a lot. It is constantly exposed to sunlight, and high temperatures in jacuzzis and heated pools, not to forget swimming pool waters are full of chlorine and that can eat into the fabric. At the beach, the salt water and stains from sunblock lotions can harm your beachwear. If a faded bikini top or a loose swimsuit is your worst nightmare, know that Lolita has your back.
Today's blog brings you the best tips to clean and care for your swimwear and other delicate garments. Regularly caring for your swimwear correctly can help it last longer and keep it looking new for years. All you have to do is follow the steps below –
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WASHING – Start with a gentle rinse to get the chlorine, sand, or chemicals out of the fabric. Allow your swimsuit to soak in cool water for 20 to 30 minutes before you wash it. Next, take a gentle liquid detergent or a spoonful of shampoo mixed in water. Usually, it is recommended that you hand wash your swimwear instead of machine wash. If you absolutely must wash the garment in a machine, put it in a mesh bag, and remember to use the delicate cycle.
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STAIN REMOVAL – If you have stubborn stains from sunscreen lotions, food, or wine – treat them before giving your swimsuit a final wash. A pinch of baking soda mixed with vinegar can work wonders to get rid of stains, but you must act fast!
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DRYING – Dry your swimwear by spreading it on a flat surface out of direct sunlight, don't be tempted to hang it in the sun. Hang drying your swimwear can stretch out the spandex and lose elasticity, while direct sunlight can affect the fabric's colour. It is also not wise to throw delicate garments in a dryer.
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STORAGE – To store your swimwear, use a breathable cloth bag. Make sure the garment is completely dry; the presence of any moisture can give rise to mildew and bacteria. Do not use plastic or polythene bags to store your swimwear for long.
KNOW YOUR FABRICS
When it comes to caring for clothes, it's essential to know your fabrics well. Here are some of the primary fabrics and materials used in swimwear and how to protect them from wear and tear.
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Spandex – Spandex is what makes the swimwear fabric stretchy and capable of adapting to your body shape. Spandex requires gentle care, and garments with spandex should not be hung to dry. Always dry your spandex swimwear by spreading it on a flat surface.
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Lycra – Swimwear and a lot of activewear are made out of lycra or a mix of lycra and cotton. This fabric allows your skin to breathe and keep dry while working out or doing physical activity like trekking.
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Polyester – Though not the most comfortable, polyester swimsuits are popular because of their ability to avoid damage from sunlight and chlorine. It is essential to wash polyester swimwear right after use to preserve it for longer.
Show your clothes the love they deserve, and they will pay you back by looking great for years! Keep your swimwear wash and care routine simple but thorough to make it look fresh every time you put it on. Now that you know how to keep your beachwear clean and fresh, you're ready to hit the beach in style!