Do Swimsuits Loosen In Water?
Swimsuit concerns are widespread before hitting the pool. Some women worry about their bikini coming loose in water, but is there any truth to this?
The answer is yes and no. According to Dr. Abigail Waldman, a dermatologist with Skin Associates in New York City, it's possible for your swimsuit material to stretch out in water. "It really depends on the swimsuit material," she says. "Swimsuits that are made of spandex or nylon will likely loosen when wet.
If you're not wearing underwear underneath your swimsuit, there could be even more give." If you're worried about your suit loosening while swimming laps, opt for fabric that's less prone to stretching — like cotton or Lycra. Also, you can keep your suit in place by wearing a pair of panties underneath.
Facts About Swimsuit
"Sewn-in underwear is another option," Dr. Waldman says. "This type of swimsuit doesn't have elasticized edges, so it won't stretch out when wet." Just remember to choose the right style for the kind of activity you'll be doing — full-coverage styles are best if you plan on surfing or stand-up paddling, while thongs will provide enough support and coverage for lap swimming and playing volleyball. (Athletic onesies can work great for water aerobics and water skiing.)
If pulling on a set of boy shorts isn't your cup of tea, another trick is to pull your suit down on the sides, so it becomes even tighter around your body.
"You can also try tightening the straps," Dr. Waldman says. "The back and shoulder straps of a swimsuit will stretch out over time, but they'll hold up better than the front and side straps." If your suit is still too loose after trying these fixes, you can always get it tailored.
Due To Fabrics(Lycra)
According to a dermatologist in New York City, it's possible for your swimsuit material to stretch out in water. "Swimsuits that are made of spandex or nylon will likely loosen when wet," she said. "You can try tightening the straps," she added. "The back and shoulder straps of a swimsuit will stretch out over time, but they'll hold up better than the front and side straps."
In conclusion, wearing underwear underneath your swimsuit is recommended when you plan on playing sports or swimming laps. Also, be sure to choose fabric that won't stretch (like cotton). To keep your suit in place while swimming, try pulling it down on the sides so it becomes tighter around your body. If you're still having problems with the suit coming loose, take it to a tailor for alterations.
Due To Dryer
Heat causes the material to shrink. If you are using a dryer, turn your dryer down to low heat or no heat if possible. This will help prevent shrinking. Putting in a few tennis balls can also help fluff up the swimsuit and keep it from tangling with other pieces of clothing inside the dryer. When you pull out the swimsuit, stretch it back into its original size and shape before hanging it on a hanger to air dry.
Due To Chlorine
Chlorine is added to pool water to kill of harmful bacteria and germs, but it can damage swimsuits over time. If you notice the elasticity in your swimsuit loosening or fading, try rinsing out the chlorine with clean water before hanging your suit on a hanger to dry. Rinsing will help prevent any unnecessary damage from occurring.
Her skin doctor says it's possible for your swimsuit material to stretch out in water because "Swimsuits that are made of spandex or nylon will likely loosen when wet." She continues by saying that you can "try tightening the straps," "The back and shoulder straps of a swimsuit will stretch out over time, but they'll hold up better than the front and side straps."
If you're still having problems with the suit coming loose, take it to a tailor for alterations. To fix this problem, try wearing underwear underneath your swimsuit or switching to fabric that won't stretch as much (like cotton).
Due To Developed Stress Points
Too much pressure on the swimsuit within certain areas can create small holes and tears. This is common in some parts of a swimsuit, such as around the leg openings and arm holes. If your swimsuit starts to develop stress points, it will begin to stretch out at these points because there is too much pressure put on them.
Due To Improper Washing Technique
Turning the swimwear inside out before washing is recommended to prevent bleach stains or other materials on your swimsuit from fading. Avoid using chlorine, as it can weaken the elasticity over time and cause the swimsuit to stretch. "You can also try tightening the straps," she says. "The back and shoulder straps of a swimsuit will stretch out over time, but they'll hold up better than the front and side straps." If your suit is still too loose after trying these fixes, you can always take it to a tailor for alterations.
Due To Long Time Usage
After a long period of time, the fabric of your swimsuit will become loose and stretch out. If you never wash your suit after using it for a long time, the chlorine from swimming pools will warp the material over time. This will cause your suit to loosen even if you haven't worn or washed it in a while.
Your suit may also lose its elasticity if pulled on too hard due to playing sports or other strenuous activities. In order to prevent this from happening, wear underwear underneath your swimsuit when playing sports or swimming laps so it doesn't come off as easily. And always remember to remove your suit after usage instead of keeping it on all day as this can weaken the material as well as cause unpleasant odors to develop.
Washing In Washing Machine
Swimsuits can also lose their elasticity if you inadvertently wash your suit in the washing machine. If this happens, just apply a bit of solid fabric softener directly onto the swimsuit and then rinse it out with lukewarm water to soften the material again. Washing your suit by hand is recommended to prevent damage. Washing machine can break down the elasticity of swimsuits if they are washed.
Due To Ironing
When you iron a swimsuit, the heat can literally melt and warp the spandex or nylon material. If you try to use an iron on your swimsuit, it will probably burn or melt before you get a chance to straighten out the fabric.
To fix this problem, avoid placing your suit in direct contact with an ironing board when pressing it by hand. Wearing underwear underneath your suit can also help prevent embarrassing accidents like having wardrobe malfunctions while wearing your bikini on the beach.
Washing In Chlorine Water
Chlorine is added to pools to kill harmful bacteria and germs, but it can damage suits over time. If you notice elasticity in your suit loosening or fading, rinse it out with tap water and hang it to dry in the shade instead of placing it in the washing machine.
Avoid Using Bleach
When you wash your suit, avoid using bleach or stain removers on your swimsuit as this will weaken its elasticity over time. If the material is light colored, be careful when applying sunscreen because stains can develop from too much exposure to sunlight.
Try wearing underwear underneath if you're worried about stains making their way onto the outside of your swimsuit: There's no need to worry too much if some parts get stained or faded since they won't be visible when worn under a dark colored shirt anyway. Always keep in mind that chlorine and saltwater may cause damage to swimsuits so always rinse them out after they have been used.
Due To Scrubbing Too Hard
After a period of time, your swimsuit may stretch out. If the material is sensitive like spandex or nylon, it could become loose after being pulled on too hard due to playing sports or swimming laps in the pool. If you notice this happening, make sure to apply fabric softener onto your suit before rinsing it out with lukewarm water to soften the material again.
For Spandex/Nylon Material Swimsuits
The materials that many swimsuits are made of can lose their elasticity if they are washed for an extended amount of time. It's best to hand wash these types of suits rather than putting them into a washing machine as well as avoiding using hot water when cleaning them instead use warm water cleaning them.
Due To Too Much Squeezing
After a period of time, your swimsuit may stretch out. If the material is sensitive like spandex or nylon, it could become loose after being pulled on too hard due to playing sports or swimming laps in the pool. Make sure to apply fabric softener onto your suit before rinsing it out with lukewarm water to soften the material again. Squeezing may damage the swimsuit.
Due To Hanging The Swimsuit
If you like to hang your swimsuits to dry, try not to place them in an area where they will be exposed to too much sunlight. Doing this can cause fading and damage due to the heat and UV rays. Instead, keep them in a shady and cool area or use a drying rack if possible.