The swimsuit is one of the most exploited pieces of summer clothing. The sun, salt water, chlorine, sand and sun care products can quickly affect its appearance and properties. However, proper swimwear care is not complicated - just a few simple rules are enough to keep the colour, elasticity and form for longer. In this article, we explain how to care for swimwear, how to wash, dry and store it, and what the difference is between caring for models made from modern materials such as Econyl.
From this article you will learn:
- why swimwear loses its colour and shape,
- How to wash your swimsuit so that it does not get damaged,
- How to care for outfits made of different materials,
- What distinguishes Econyl and how to care for it,
- How to dry and store your swimwear,
- What mistakes to avoid in daily care.
Why does swimwear deteriorate faster than other clothing?
Swimwear, unlike most everyday clothing, they are subjected to extremely intensive wear. Contact with seawater, chlorine from the pool, sun, sand and high temperatures makes their fabric perform under very demanding conditions. UV radiation can accelerate colour fading, while chlorine and salt disrupt the structure of the fibres, weakening their elasticity and durability.
The condition of the garment is also affected by how it is used. Frequent putting on and taking off, stretching the fabric, sitting on rough surfaces and even improper drying (e.g. in the sun or on a radiator) can cause stretching, wrinkling or loss of shape. Furthermore, beach cosmetics, especially oils and sunscreens, penetrate the fabric structure and can accelerate dulling or cause greasy stains.
In practice, the most common problems are:
- loss of elasticity,
- deformation of the cups or support straps,
- abrasions near seams,
- stretching of the fabric on the buttocks or abdomen,
- faded colours and uneven discolouration.
Many of these phenomena are not the result of poor quality clothing, but the result of improper use and care. Therefore, even the best model can deteriorate if it is not treated properly after every contact with water or sun.
The most important rule - rinse immediately after use
One of the most important steps in caring for a swimsuit is to rinse it as soon as you take it off. Even if you don't have the opportunity to do a wash, it's worth rinsing your swimsuit in clean, cool water. This removes salt, chlorine and cosmetic residues, which are the fastest to damage the fibres. Do not leave a wet swimsuit folded in a beach bag - this encourages deformation of the material and loss of colour. This practice also results in the material of the swimsuit, as well as the bag, acquiring an unpleasant odour.
How do you wash your swimwear to keep it in shape?
The best way to wash a swimsuit is by hand in lukewarm water with a mild detergent such as laundry detergent. A few minutes of soaking and light kneading is enough - no rubbing or wringing. Machine washing, especially on intensive programmes, can lead to damage to the elastane fibres, stretching of the fabric and deformation of the cut.
After washing, do not forcefully squeeze the outfit - squeeze excess water gently into a towel. Then leave to dry in the shade, flat. Drying in the sun or on a radiator can accelerate colour fading and impair the elasticity of the fabric.
What absolutely not to do when washing?
How should you look after your swimwear and what should you avoid? First and foremost, do not use bleach or softeners, even in minimal amounts. These agents can weaken the elastane fibres, causing loss of elasticity and wrinkling. Also, do not wash the garment in hot water - high temperatures stretch the fabric and damage its structure.
Another mistake is to twist the swimsuit, which can lead to permanent deformation of the cups or stretching of the fabric. Also absolutely avoid tumble drying - the intense rotation and hot air are destructive to both the colour and shape of the swimsuit.
Care of swimwear in different materials
The care of the swimsuit should be adapted to the type of material. Swimsuits made of polyamide/elastane blends are very elastic, but they do not tolerate heat well - both during washing and drying. Hand washing in lukewarm water preserves their elasticity and prevents the fibres from stretching.
Models made from recycled polyamide, such as Econyl, are more resistant to chlorine, UV rays and sunscreen oils, but also require gentle treatment. It is best to rinse them after each use and avoid prolonged soaking.
If the garment contains elements with higher elasticity or a denser weave, it is better to reduce friction and not use detergents with enzymes or bleach. This will ensure that the fabric retains its uniform structure, colour and original shape for a longer period of time.
Drying your swimwear - it matters more than you think
After washing, swimwear is best dried flat, in the shade and in an airy place, away from direct heat sources. The sun's rays can cause the colours to fade and the fibres to gradually weaken, especially with frequent drying in full sunlight.
Avoid drying your swimsuit on hot sand, heated sun loungers, metal railings, balcony railings and in the car - all of these places heat up quickly and can deform the fabric. The swimsuit should also not hang from thin ropes or be fastened with clothespins, which stretch the straps and leave permanent marks. It is safest to dry the unfolded outfit on a towel or an airy, cool surface.
Out-of-season clothing storage
Once the summer season is over, take a moment to properly prepare your swimsuit for storage. It's best to make sure it's thoroughly rinsed, clean and completely dry, then fold it loosely, without tightening the straps or bending the cups. The ideal place will be a cotton bag or drawer where the swimsuit will not be exposed to light or heat.
Long-term storage in foil packaging is not a good option - the lack of air circulation promotes moisture accumulation, which can affect fabric structure and colour. Natural, breathable protective materials allow the garment to maintain its form and aesthetic appearance until the next season.
Kornelia Rataj swimwear vs. care
Swimwear available in shops Kornelia Rataj are made from exceptional materials, such as regenerated Econyl yarn, which combines durability with environmental care. Thanks to careful workmanship and thoughtful cuts, the costumes retain their great looks even after many seasons of use - provided they are properly cared for.
To keep your swimwear looking like new for longer, all you need to do is ensure that it is washed gently and dried naturally. By avoiding harsh detergents, high temperatures and twisting the fabric, the elasticity of the fabric, the intensity of the colour and the original shape can be maintained. It's an investment that really pays off - not only for your skin, but also for the planet.
FAQ
Machine washing is best avoided. Even gentle programmes and low speeds can weaken the elastic fibres and deform the cut. A short hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent is safest.
It is a good idea to rinse the swimsuit in clean water after each use to remove salt, chlorine and cosmetic residues. A detergent wash is needed when the swimsuit has been worn extensively or has had prolonged contact with pool water.
No. Direct UV rays accelerate colour fading and weaken the fibres. The outfit is best dried in the shade, flat, in an airy place, away from heat sources.
The outfit should be clean and completely dry. It is best to fold it loosely and store it in a cotton bag or drawer, away from light and heat. Avoid plastic packaging, which retains moisture.