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Make Your Swimsuit Last Longer: 8 Tips To Preserve Your Favourite Suit

Just Say No To Stretched-Out Bikini Bottoms
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Swimsuits aren't cheap. So when you find the perfect one (which in itself isn't easy), you want to make it last longer than a season.

But there are several things you might be doing to your bathing suit that could actually shorten its lifespan.

According to ConsumerSearch.com, damage happens largely because suits are made of Spandex or other stretchy fabrics -- materials that can react badly to pool chemicals or the heat of the sun.

To keep your suit looking good for years to come, care for it using these eight tips:

Wash ASAP

Tips For Making Your Bathing Suit Last

Wash ASAP

The less time bacteria has to set in, the better, says Real Simple. Even if you can only give your swimsuit a rinse with fresh water at first, that's better than nothing. About.com Laundry Guide Mary Marlowe Leverette points out suits need a rinse even after only sunbathing. Sunblock and the body's oils can do damage.

Hand Wash

All the experts we found recommended hand washing. One pro told Allure magazine, the issue with washing machines is that they agitate all the delicate parts (like the cups, padding, ties, etc.). All this movement can damage a delicate suit, leaving things bunched, stretched, or otherwise ill-fitting.

Soap Up

The retail website SwimsuitsForAll.com recommends washing a suit with a mild hand soap, while Allure suggests a detergent meant for delicates. Either way, a standard laundry detergent may be too harsh.

Dry Off

Resist the urge to wring out every last drop of water. Doing so can damage the fibers, says SwimsuitsForAll.com, leaving your suit sagging in all the wrong places. Hanging a swimsuit (especially by the ties) can stretch it out, too. Instead, lay the suit out on a towel, roll the towel up and squeeze gently, then lay your swimsuit out to dry. Avoid drying it in sunshine, which can fade the colour, says Leverette. Always dry the suit out completely before putting it away.

Rotate Suits

According to Real Simple, Spandex is a "memory fabric," meaning it needs a full day to snap back to its usual position. If you're on vacation or wearing bathing suits often, it's essential to have more than one, so that each suit has 24 hours to bounce back (not to mention time to wash and dry it completely).

Keep Cool

Hot water is bad for swimwear. Never wash your bathing suit in hot water, and avoid too many dips in the hot tub. Jacuzzi junkie? Allure recommends reserving one suit just for the hot tub -- and make it your cheapest suit!

Prep A New Suit

Swimsuit designer Vix Swimwear recommends prepping a brand new suit before taking it to the beach. A 30-minute soak in a vinegar and water mixture (one tablespoon white vinegar per quart of water) should prevent dye from bleeding.

Sit On A Towel

Whenever you're sitting on the ground next to the pool, on a wooden bench, or on any other rough surface, try to sit on a towel, suggests the blog Life With Three. Those impromptu seats can snag and tear the material. If carrying a towel 24/7 seems too high maintenance, simply wrap-up in a sarong when you leave your lounge chair -- you'll never even have to think about where your sitting (though the sarong will take the brunt of the blow, so make sure you won't mind snags in it).

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