How to read laundry symbols
Every care label tells a story. Here's how to read it.
Swimwear takes a beating. Between the chlorine, the saltwater, the sunscreen, and the sun, even well-made pieces fade and lose their stretch faster than they should. The good news is that a few consistent habits make a real difference.
The most important rule applies to any garment you want to last: go easy on washing. Machine washing stresses elastic fibers more than almost anything else, so swimwear should never go in the machine. A gentle hand wash in cold or lukewarm water is all it needs.
Wait thirty minutes after applying sunscreen before putting on your swimsuit. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, but it leaves stubborn yellowish stains on fabric, and letting it absorb fully into your skin first keeps those stains from setting.
Rinse your swimwear in cold water after every wear. Cold matters here because hot water breaks down elastic fibers and the suit loses its shape. A quick rinse removes residual salt and chlorine before they work into the fabric.
Always hang your swimwear inside-out to dry in the shade. The sun will dry it quickly, but direct sunlight bleaches color just as fast.
If swimwear has been sitting in a beach bag too long, a proper hand wash helps. Fill a sink with lukewarm water at around 30°C, add a small amount of Steamery Active Laundry Detergent, and let the swimwear soak for one hour. Wash gently without rubbing or twisting, rinse in cold water, press out the excess carefully, and hang to dry in the shade. The detergent removes odor-causing bacteria at 30°C without stressing the fabric.
