8 tips to make your swimsuit last longer

If summer is generally synonymous with beautiful sunny days, beaches, and colorful cocktails, we often regret having to change our swimsuit for the following season.

After taking a beating during the 2 to 3 months we cherish so much, our dear bikini is often ready for the bin while our attention turns to other, admittedly more interesting activities. However, this isn't inevitable – you just need a few tricks we're sharing in this article to give it a more generous lifespan.

1. Rinsing is mandatory

Would you imagine constantly keeping sea salt on your skin?

Probably not. For your dear summer companion, it's the same – fibers and fabric absolutely hate salt. It surrounds the fibers, makes them harden, and can even cause stains, so be nice to it and rinse it with fresh water.

Just a few seconds at the sink or shower head will save its life.

2. Avoid the washing machine

It's not like we haven't told you already. Whether it's our dear sexy lingerie or bikinis, they hate machine cycles.

Be cool with your garments that require special attention, and spare them endless rounds rubbing against other clothes. Opt for hand washing – it's quick and super effective, but more than anything, your dear swimsuit will love it.

If you really can't be bothered (which I understand), choose a cold cycle or 30°C maximum, without drying or spinning.

In this case, make sure to tie all the straps to avoid a twisted mess when it comes out.

3. Natural drying

You've finally chosen to hand wash your bikini, and that's a very good thing. Now comes the time to put it out to dry, and the idea of hanging it on a door handle, tap, or coat rack in the bathroom is tempting.

You must always keep in mind that when hung, your swimsuit will stretch downward with gravity, its weight having increased with the water still present in its fibers.

Our advice: lay it flat to dry on a drying rack or white towel, and never in direct sunlight. You can gently squeeze it by hand before laying it out.

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4. Mineral matters

The rocks of Malta's coasts or the coarse sand of Ibiza's beaches are more solid and aggressive than they appear, and your bottom sitting on them will make your bikinis suffer.

Lying down or sitting, always think about the towel underneath to limit wear from friction. This attention clearly makes a difference and will save you from pilling or, worse, tears.

5. Spas and hot tubs

Yes, it's summer and we all love spas and the occasional jacuzzi. What does your swimsuit think about that? Excessive heat and chemicals like chlorine are among the worst enemies of your swimwear.

If you can, change swimsuits so you don't subject the same piece to these activities (which I don't want to discourage you from in this article).

Just like with seawater, a rinse in fresh water with a little soap will do it the world of good after your chill episode.

6. Sunscreens and after-sun products

This tip is a bit tricky, but it deserves to be highlighted. If your skin needs it, your swimsuit doesn't – and it doesn't really like the idea.

Ideally, put on your sunscreen before putting on your swimsuit, about 30 to 40 minutes before so your skin absorbs most of the cream or oil.

You don't want to know the ingredients they contain, and neither does your swimsuit. Bonus win: you won't have sandy legs to slather and will be ready to tan peacefully.

7. Proper storage

Left aside for months, swimsuits sometimes have a hard life. With few exceptions, it's stored at the bottom of the drawer before we pile our thick winter woolens on top, often just tossed in.

Give it a special place by folding it carefully – it will be delighted, and this will save you from the sacrilege of ironing, which quickly brings us to point number 8.