Italian Lycra, specifically the Eurojersey Sensitive Fabric we use at Mind Tech Lab Wave, is more durable than most swimwear fabrics on the market. It is also more responsive to how you treat it. The difference between a piece that looks new after 30 wears and one that has gone slack and faded is almost entirely in the aftercare.
Rinse in cold water immediately after swimming ¶
Chlorine and salt water both degrade elastane fibres over time. The damage is cumulative and mostly invisible until it is not. Rinsing in cold fresh water within an hour of swimming removes the majority of the chemical residue before it has time to work into the fabric. Do not wring. Press the water out gently with a towel.
Hand wash only, with a pH-neutral soap ¶
Machine washing, even on a delicate cycle, subjects the fabric to mechanical stress that shortens its life. We recommend a small amount of pH-neutral soap, the kind sold for wool or silk, dissolved in cool water. Submerge the piece, move it gently for about two minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The whole process takes five minutes.
Dry flat, away from direct sunlight ¶
UV exposure fades colour and weakens elastane. Hanging a wet swimsuit on a line in direct sun is the single fastest way to degrade it. Lay the piece flat on a clean towel in the shade or indoors. It will be dry within a few hours in most conditions. Do not use a tumble dryer under any circumstances.
Store folded, not on a hanger ¶
Hanging a swimsuit by its straps for extended periods stretches the fabric at the attachment points. Fold the piece flat and store it in the cotton dust bag it arrived in, or in a clean drawer. If you are storing it for the winter, make sure it is completely dry first.
What to do if the elastic starts to go ¶
If the elastic at the leg or waist begins to feel loose after a season of regular use, it is usually the result of repeated exposure to chlorine rather than a manufacturing defect. At Mind Tech Lab Wave, we use a German-made elastic tested to 200 wash cycles. If you are following the care instructions above and experiencing early degradation, email us. We will assess the piece and advise.
Swimwear at this price point should last several seasons with correct care. These steps are not complicated. They take less time than the swim itself.