Chlorine-Resistant Swimwear: 6 Benefits
You’ve spent some good money on swimwear over the years, and if you’re like us, then you’ve had the experience of a swimsuit fading over time until it is basically unwearable. It’s incredibly frustrating, and it can be expensive to replace your bathing suits continuously.
Whether you have your own pool that you love to float in during the summer, or just like to go to the pool at your fitness club, prolonged exposure to chlorine can wreak havoc on your swimwear unless you take preventative measures.
One way to combat the necessary evils of chlorine is to consider purchasing some chlorine-resistant swimwear. We have all the facts you want to know about chlorine and chlorine-resistant bathing suits.
How Does Chlorine Work?
We all know that chlorine is a chemical that is typically used in pools, hot tubs, and other bodies of water in order to disinfect and keep it clean. But you may be wondering how exactly chlorine gets the job done.
Chlorine is one of the 10 most commonly produced chemicals in the United States. It is not only used in pool water, but also in some cleaning chemicals and even in drinking water. It is also used to make paper as part of the bleaching process. You might be surprised to know that although chlorine is relatively harmless in small amounts, especially diluted in water, it was the first poison gas used in WWI.
In terms of what chlorine actually does: it has a strong oxidizing effect, causing the hydrogen to split from the water in moist tissue or water. In pool water this is good; in the human body, it’s bad.
How Can Chlorine Do Damage To My Clothes?
Chlorine is awesome because it kills viruses and bacteria in the water. But did you realize that the very substance keeping you safe is also damaging your swimsuit at the same time?
That’s right. Unfortunately, the damage done to swimwear by frequent swims in chlorinated water causes the fabric to fade in color, and to become looser and baggier, eventually becoming frayed and see-through.
It is the very effectiveness of chlorine’s germ-killing that makes it potent enough to harm your delicate clothing. You don’t have to accept the color-fading qualities of chlorine, though! Believe it or not, there is a material that is chlorine resistant that can keep your bathing suit looking fresh long after others fade away.
What Are the Benefits of Chlorine-Resistant Swimwear?
1. It Lasts Longer
Chlorine-resistant swimwear, on average, lasts longer than its traditional counterparts. It’s always disappointing when you finally find a flattering swimsuit that you love, only to have it fall apart after just a season or two of swimming and sunbathing.
Feeling self-conscious and embarrassed about a faded, see-through bathing suit is not exactly our idea of a day at the beach. That won’t be a problem with the more durable, longer-lasting chlorine-resistant swimwear.
2. It’s More Cost Effective
Forget fast fashion! You want high-quality clothing that’s going to stick around for years to come while maintaining its beauty. Because of the aforementioned long lasting nature of chlorine-resistant swimsuits, you won’t have to spend time and money buying a new swimsuit every season or so.
You have to consider all the additional hidden costs of buying a new swimsuit every year or two as well. Shipping costs on online orders, the gas you burn driving across town to the store; it all adds up.
3. Vibrant Colors
It’s not that chlorine-resistant swimwear comes in more vibrant colors than regular swimwear, but that the colors remain vibrant for the life of the suit. Many people opt for a plain black or white suit just because they are worried about a bright color fading into obscurity. With this type of swimwear, you can rest assured that your brights are going to stay that way.
4. Superior Sun Protection Factor
If you could practically guarantee that you could purchase a swimsuit that would provide better protection from the sun’s harmful rays, why wouldn’t you? Chlorine-resistant swimsuits can provide improved protection from the sun because of their durability.
Your conventional suit will start to degrade over time, and at first, it won’t even be noticeable. As a result, the sun protection your swimwear previously offered is no longer there. Chlorine-resistant swimwear, on the other hand, will keep you well protected for a long, long time.
5. The Suits Keep Their Shape
Consistently chlorinated swimming pool water will cause conventional swimsuits to lose their elasticity. As a result, the clothing stretches, loses its shape, droops, and, worst of all, tears. This is because all that chlorine gradually breaks down the fibers in the fabric over time, and there’s little you can do about it.
The only real way to avoid this typical wear and tear is to opt for a chlorine-resistant bathing suit when you’re headed to adult swim at the local gym, or jumping into your own pool.
6. Consistent Reliability
Chlorine-resistant swimwear is just more reliable than conventional bathing suits. Not only are the fibers resistant to chlorine and other pool chemicals, but they are also stronger. This means that they will resist pilling, tearing, and snagging.
What Are Some Tips for Finding the Perfect Chlorine Resistant Swimsuit?
Luckily, we live in the age of the internet. Of course, it never hurts to try on a bathing suit in a store, but with the convenience of online shopping, many people are putting their faith in online sizing guides and generous exchange policies. A few other tips for finding just the right suit:
- Try on two sizes: If you’re normally a 10, bring an eight into the fitting room, just in case the brand happens to run big.
- Don’t look in the mirror at first: Some of us struggle with body image. For those of us with that problem, try this tip. Put on the suit without looking in the mirror, and if it’s too tight and uncomfortable, spare yourself the feeling of seeing it in the mirror.
- Be adventurous with colors: Sure, you may have your go-to colors, but try branching out. You may find that one day you just love the way navy blue looks on you. Keep an open mind!
- Invest in your swimwear: Remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for?” It’s true. You are likely to pay a bit more for a quality product, but a cheap, poorly-made swimsuit is simply not worth the savings. In the long run, you will probably save money by buying a better, higher-quality suit.
Conclusion
You may have never even considered chlorine-resistant swimming suits in the past, but we hope that you will look into them now. Find yourself a high-quality bathing suit, and you will be very happy that you did. Your chlorine-resistant suit will survive many a pool and hot tub and will do so while keeping its color, shape, and elasticity.
Sources:
The Facts About Chlorine | NY Department of Health