How to Avoid Ruining Your Swimwear
Our water sports apparel, designed for both competition and training, offers a comfortable and precise fit. We know how frustrating it can be when a swimsuit doesn’t fit well: that feeling of water seeping between the fabric and your skin, or the discomfort when it starts to feel tight where it didn’t before. To keep your Odeclás garment maintaining its shape, elasticity, and functionality from day one, it’s important to avoid these 10 common mistakes.
1. Using Fabric Softener or Harsh Detergents
Mistake: They add softness but weaken elasticity and damage coatings like UV protection or chlorine resistance.
How to avoid it: Always use mild detergents, preferably those made specifically for technical fabrics or swimwear.
2. Washing with Hot Water or Using Bleach
Mistake: Heat and products like bleach degrade synthetic fibers and fade the fabric.
How to avoid it: Always wash with cold or lukewarm water and avoid bleach or abrasive products.
3. Twisting or Wringing Vigorously
Mistake: Twisting the garment causes deformation, loss of elasticity, and damage to seams.
How to avoid it: Gently press out water using a towel. Do not twist. Handling it carefully greatly extends its lifespan.
4. Drying in the Sun or Using a Dryer
Mistake: Direct sunlight and extreme heat degrade colors, elasticity, and technical finishes.
How to avoid it: Dry it in the shade, preferably on a flat surface. Always avoid the dryer.
5. Storing It Wet in a Plastic Bag
Mistake: This encourages mold, bad odors, and deterioration of rubber and elastic parts.
How to avoid it: Store the garment only when it is completely dry and in a well-ventilated space.
6. Sitting on Rough Surfaces
Mistake: Rubbing against edges, benches, stone, or rough surfaces can cause wear, pilling, or micro-tears.
How to avoid it: Use a towel or a soft surface as a cushion.
7. Exposing It to Extreme Heat, Such as in a Jacuzzi or Sauna
Mistake: High temperatures damage the fabric’s structure and speed up elasticity loss.
How to avoid it: If you use a sauna or jacuzzi, it’s best to reserve a different swimsuit for that purpose.
8. Not Rinsing Immediately After Use
Mistake: Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and sweat damage fibers if left on the fabric.
How to avoid it: Rinse the garment with cold water as soon as you leave the pool or sea.
9. Washing It Too Much in the Washing Machine, Even on a Delicate Cycle
Mistake: Even gentle cycles cause the drum and mechanical washing to deform seams and elastics over time.
How to avoid it: Hand wash whenever possible. If you use a washing machine, use a laundry bag and a delicate cycle without heat.
10. Not Rotating Swimsuits When Training Frequently
Mistake: Continuous use without rest accelerates fabric wear and loss of fit.
How to avoid it: Have at least two garments to alternate and allow each to regain its shape.
Extra Tips to Extend the Life of Your Swimwear
- Avoid fabric softener: it can remove elastic properties and functional coatings from the fabric.
- Use appropriate detergents: products made for technical clothing or chlorine-resistant fabrics help preserve the garment better.
- Treat stains carefully: for sunscreen or cream residues, you can use baking soda or a gentle pre-treatment before washing.
- Take care of bands and elastics: these areas are especially sensitive to heat, friction, and harsh washing.
- Wet your swimsuit before entering the pool: entering with the garment already damp reduces the amount of chlorine absorbed at once and lessens the impact on the fibers.
How to Care for Your Sports Swimwear and Make It Last Longer
Small actions like rinsing promptly, choosing the right detergent, or not drying the garment in the sun make a big difference. If you also choose garments designed for frequent pool use, maintenance will be easier and durability greater.
If you train with two-piece suits, it’s also wise to choose models made for pool use and repeated wear. You can see our selection of women’s sports bikinis, designed to offer comfort, good fit, and chlorine resistance for daily training.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you better preserve your garments, protect your investment, and extend the lifespan of your sports swimwear.
