Suit and Swim Cap Care

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Swim Suit

Swimsuits are a very necessary component of your swim gear. Whether you prefer polyester, lycra, or a blend of both, all swimsuits age. There is no magic fabric that will last indefinitely. But, like everything exposed to chlorinated water on a regular basis, they will need to be replaced. Not an inexpensive proposition, there are a few simple steps you can take to extend the life of your swim suit.

1. Have a properly fitted swimsuit. Suits that don’t fit correctly will place unnecessary pressure on seams causing early rips and tears. If you’re unsure what size suit you need, stop in at Elsmore Swim Shop and they can properly fit you – both for training and technical suits.
2. After each training session and meet, be sure to rinse out your suit in cool, clear, non-chlorinated water. You can also hand-wash your suit using specially-formulated detergents designed to neutralize and eliminate chlorine (not Tide). Never put your suit in a washing machine.
3. After rinsing/washing your suit, be sure to let it air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Allowing your suit to lay flat when you dry it will prevent potential sagging. Please don’t leave your suit balled up in a wet towel and never put your suit in a clothes dryer.
4. Have multiple suits and rotate their usage. Rotate the suits you wear, so each suit can properly dry between uses.

With a few extra steps, your swimsuits can last much longer. Best rule of thumb – take care of your suit like you do any other piece of equipment. And, always have a spare…. just in case.
 

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Swim Cap

Does it seem like you always need a new swim cap? With all of the stretching and pulling to simply put caps on, added to the chlorine exposure, swim caps are your most frequently-replaced piece of gear. There are, however, a few simple steps you can take to extend the life of your swim cap.

1. When putting your cap on, be sure to first remove any hair accessories, like bobbie pins or clips, that could puncture or tear your cap.
2. When adjusting your cap, use your finger tips (not your fingernails) to pull the cap into place.
3. After removing your cap, give it a quick rinse in non-chlorinated water.
4. Dry your cap gently with your towel or allow to air dry. Don’t leave your cap wrapped in a towel or damp in your equipment bag.
5. Sprinkle talcum powder inside your cap and distribute evenly. This will absorb moisture and help prevent bacteria growth. Talcum powder also keeps your cap from sticking to itself.
6. Between uses, keep your cap in a separate pocket in your swim bag to protect it from sharp objects.

With a few extra steps, your cap can last much longer. However, caps still need to be replaced when they show signs of wear, small holes, mold spots, or discoloration. Best rule of thumb – take care of your caps like you do any other piece of equipment. And, always have a few spares…. just in case.