Swimwear is one of the most abused categories of clothing in a holiday bag. It gets rolled into a corner, packed while still damp, and then worn in salt water and chlorine for days on end. Most of the wear we see on returned pieces is not from use. It is from packing and post-swim handling. Here is what actually makes a difference.
How to Fold a Bikini for Packing ¶
Fold the cups of a bikini top inward, not outward. Folding outward creases the foam lining and can distort the cup shape permanently. For underwired tops, wrap the wire channel in a soft cloth or a sock before packing to prevent the wire from being bent under pressure. Pack swimwear near the top of your bag, not at the bottom where it will be compressed by heavier items. If you are travelling with a structured suitcase, the shoe pocket is often the best place for a bikini top.
What to Do After Swimming in Salt Water or Chlorine ¶
Rinse in cool fresh water as soon as possible after swimming. Salt and chlorine both degrade elastane fibres over time, and the damage accelerates if the fabric dries with the chemicals still in it. Do not wring or twist the fabric. Press it gently between two towels. Dry flat in the shade. Direct sunlight fades colour and weakens the fibres, particularly in lighter colourways. If you are at a hotel with a balcony in full sun, dry your swimwear inside instead.
How to Wash Swimwear on Holiday ¶
Hand-wash in cool water with a small amount of a mild detergent. The kind sold for delicates or wool. Most hotel shampoos work in a pinch, though they can leave a residue. Avoid hot water, which breaks down the elastane and causes the fabric to lose its stretch recovery. If you are washing in a hotel bathroom sink, make sure the sink is clean before you start. Residual cleaning products can react with the fabric.
When to Retire a Piece ¶
A well-cared-for swimsuit in ECONYL nylon should last three to five seasons of regular use. The signs that a piece is past its best: the fabric has lost its opacity when wet, the elastic has stopped recovering fully after stretching, or the colour has faded unevenly. At that point, the piece is not doing its job anymore. We offer a take-back programme for Stream Lab Core Nex pieces. Send them back and we will ensure they are recycled through Aquafil's regeneration system rather than going to landfill.
If you have questions about caring for a specific piece, email us. We reply personally and we know our fabrics well.