{"id":1969,"date":"2018-12-26T03:39:49","date_gmt":"2018-12-26T03:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theswimwearguide.com\/?p=1969"},"modified":"2023-10-16T20:36:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T20:36:36","slug":"will-chlorine-ruin-a-bathing-suit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/answearable.com\/will-chlorine-ruin-a-bathing-suit\/","title":{"rendered":"Will chlorine ruin a bathing suit? What’s the best fabric?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Yes, chlorine will eventually ruin a bathing suit. Constant exposure to this corrosive chemical loosens elastics, fades colors, and deteriorates the overall fabric strength. Understand though, that the speed of which this occurs largely depends on the fabric you choose for swimwear, as well as the way you care for it. Here are different swimsuit fabrics, their properties, and what you should choose.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lycra\/ spandex<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lycra, or in its generic term\u2014spandex or elastane\u2014can be stretched several times but still recover to its original shape as if it’s new again. Its flexibility also allows easy movement making it a great ingredient for swimwear and workout apparel. Lastly, it’s even stronger than its organic rival which is the rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, when it comes to chlorine water, 100% lycra isn’t a smart choice, especially if you swim in the pool on a daily basis. If worn daily, expect a lycra swimsuit to only last within 4-5 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyester<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polyester, however, is a different story. Of all fibers, synthetic or natural, it possesses the strongest resistance against chlorine and most chemicals. In fact, it lasts 3 times longer than Lycra. It’s also the most colorfast so it retains the original color even after several months of exposure with chlorinated water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, it’s ideal for competition swimmers due to its lightness. It absorbs less water than spandex and nylon, thanks to its hydrophobic property. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyester may well be one of the most durable fabric ever invented by science. Unfortunately, it lacks the flexibility and comfort that spandex has. 100% polyester is certainly impractical as it doesn’t facilitate easy movement the way spandex and nylon does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nylon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nylon, on the other hand, contains both the characteristics of spandex as being stretchable and polyester as being light and hydrophobic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem? Unlike spandex when stretched too much, it may not completely recover its shape. And unlike polyester, a nylon-concentrated swimsuit won’t be strong enough to survive the daily assault of chlorinated water. It also isn’t ideal for outdoor activities since the color fades much faster when exposed in the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what swimsuit fabric should you choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The good news is, swimsuit brands have mastered the art of blending fabrics. Through blending, they can achieve just the right property in a swimsuit depending on its purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you’re a frequent pool swimmer and durability is your top priority, choose a swimsuit with a higher percent of PBT or polyester in it. It could be blended with a little bit of nylon and\/or spandex for comfort and stretchability, but always make sure that polyester takes the bigger part. At least around 60- 70% of the overall fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here<\/a><\/strong><\/u> to see the list of our recommended chlorine-resistant swimsuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get chlorine off of your bathing suit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n