Swimwear Wrap-Up

Finally closing out the swimwear segment, I have just a few random points to make.

1. For many of you, swimwear is more of an investment than a quick, cheap and cheerful buy. For that reason, I've shown a variety of different price points. While our goal is to save you money, I need to point out that if you buy a $10 per piece suit that doesn't fit you well, it'll sit in the drawer and amount to a $20 waste. If, for a good fit, you truly need to spend $60 or $80 on a suit, so be it- I certainly won't fault you. On the other hand, a good friend of mine finds her best fit in Old Navy swimwear- and saves a FORTUNE over what I end up spending! Swimwear is typically one of those situations where you get what you pay for. Many more expensive suits use higher quality fabrics that maintain the same size and shape wet or dry, include body shapers, and quicker-drying fabrics. Many less expensive suits are more likely to bleed, pill, or develop holes.

2. Regardless of how much you pay for your swimsuit, caring for it properly will prolong its life by a long shot. I take extremely good care of my swimsuits, and I still have some that I bought more than 5 years ago- that still look new. Some tips:
-Consider the type and amount of activity you'll be doing in a swimsuit. Do you lay poolside on a lounge chair a few times a season? Two suits will cover you. Do you swim all day and play volleyball on the beach every weekend all summer? You'll need 4 or 5. If you're going on vacation, the general rule of thumb is-you need 3- the one you're wearing, the one that's drying, and the one you're going to wear next.
-If you're laying poolside, and not doing much, you won't need as much support in your suit as if you're a more active swimmer or beach sports player. Also keep in mind that the more active you are at the beach, the more strain on your swimsuit and the more often you'll find yourself replacing it.
-Things that are bad for your swimsuit: pretty much everything you expose it to: sun, salt water, chlorine, sunscreen, sand, concrete. These things all start to break down the elastic and spandex and can cause your suit to become brittle, ill fitting, and pilled.
-Never, ever, ever put your swimsuit in the washing machine or the dryer. The wash cycles, and most detergents, can actually break down the elastic and spandex in your suit, causing it to fit poorly and have less ability to spring back to it's regular shape. Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent (I like Nordstrom's swimwear wash, which is formulated to neutralize chlorine and rid you of sunscreen and salt water, or you can use a gentle lingerie wash) and lay flat or on a drying rack to drip dry. Biggest mistake people make: putting their suit in the sun to dry! Don't do this- the sun, like harsh detergents, eats away at the spandex in your suit, making it brittle, AND it fades the color. Yuck!
-If you're going to sit on the edge of a pool, put a towel under your tush. It will save the seat of your swimsuit from snagging on the concrete and pilling.
-I can't say this one enough- do not ever, under any circumstances, hang around for extended periods of time in a wet swimsuit. It is not good for you! Change into a robe or a pair of cotton shorts asap after the beach.

Happy Summer, everyone!