How to choose high quality swimsuits and make sure they last?

Choosing a swimsuit that looks great is a decision, but how do you know that the suit will stand the test of time and the elements: sun, salt, sunscreen, sand and chlorine? They can be very hard on swimwear, especially when it is of poor quality or poorly maintained. Faded colors and bent seams don't look good - so how do you make an informed choice?

Swap disposable fashion for investment pieces by choosing high-quality swimsuits that still look great after multiple wears and washes. Keep the following things in mind.

Swimwear fabrics and materials

When examining a bikini, you can tell simply by touching the quality of the fabric. Poor quality suits will be made of thinner materials that feel plastic, cheap or rough. Higher quality fabrics will feel thick and soft. Perform a stretch test: pull the fabric in all directions and make sure it recovers well. Also check the lining; poor quality swimsuits are often only partially lined or not lined at all. High-quality, fully lined suits provide better support and make the suit more durable.

Look at the materials used in the swimsuit top: snaps, hooks, padding and wire. Do bottle caps look cheap and break quickly or are they durable? Are the pads lined and do the wires stay in place? Feel the inside of the thin cords and ties; high-quality suits have elastic-reinforced cords, while low-quality suits do not.

Swimsuit Construction

Check the seams and stitching. Poor-quality swimsuits usually have only one row of stitching, which can easily break; look for double-stitching details (i.e., two rows if stitched along the seam). Make sure the seams do not split when stretched. Look at any details of the stitching, such as ruffles, beadwork, or sequences to make sure they are sewn securely. Seams should be perfectly straight, with no gathering bunches, inconsistencies or bends.

Looking at the inside of the garment will give you a good idea of the quality. If there are loose linings hanging or anything that looks unfinished, the manufacturer has cut corners in construction. A quality suit looks seamless from the inside out. All padding, wire and boning should be smooth, securely attached and symmetrical.

Take care of your swimsuit

After a day of swimming in the pool or splashing in the waves, be sure to rinse your suit in fresh water before drying it, as prolonged exposure to chlorine and salt water can cause the fabric to degrade. Resist the urge to pull the suit out, as this can cause the fabric to stretch; instead, gently squeeze it with a towel to absorb moisture. Yes, it is faster to dry your bikini in the hot sun, but doing this often will cause the color to fade. Always wash your swimsuit properly with a mild detergent before storing it for long periods of time. Do not store your swimsuit wet or leave it in a plastic bag for long periods of time.

We know it's tempting to throw your bikini in the washing machine, but this is the easiest way to stretch the swimsuit fabric and make it tear faster. Even on a gentle cycle, agitation can wreak havoc on many parts of the swimsuit, such as the elastic band, cup padding and decorative elements. Hand wash swimsuits with a mild detergent. If you absolutely must put them in the machine, at least put them in a mesh bag and use the cold water and deli cycle. Never, ever put your swimsuits in the dryer; instead, lay them flat to dry. Never iron your swimsuit.

Be careful when sitting or lying on rough surfaces (such as concrete, rocks, or bumpy surfaces around pools); even the finest fabrics can pucker and pill if your butt hits something rough. Lay a towel or saran cage first. Be careful when sitting on wooden docks, benches or chairs, too, because debris can tear your swimsuit.

Finally, rotate your swimsuit as often as possible. Wearing the same suit every day can cause the elastic to wear out and expose the fabric to harsh conditions. Plus, it gives you a wonderful opportunity to express yourself in many different styles!