Before we look at how to take care of your new thong bikini, let’s look at swimwear fabric and understand the basics.
Swimwear Fabric.
Quality swimwear is typically manufactured from a blend of nylon and lycra.
Lycra is a polyurethane-based synthetic fiber that is a registered brand name that’s also called elastane or spandex. First developed by Dupont in 1958 with the intent to replace latex rubber as an elasticity agent in the clothing industry. Lycra brings two key characteristics to the table that make it perfect for swimwear. The first is strength. Lycra is an extremely strong fabric that is known to hold its shape under extreme conditions. Secondly lycra is extremely durable which lends itself well to the typical conditions that a thong is exposed to including chlorine, salt, sand etc. Finally, lycra is the fabric that gives a swimsuit the ability to cling securely to the body and offers freedom of movement.
Nylon is the second fabric used in the thong bikini. It was first developed during the second world war to manufacture parachutes. As the war progressed shortages of hemp and cotton-based fabrics forced the military to find alternatives for the main fabric in parachutes and nylon came to be. After the war, shortages of the same fabrics forced people to make clothing out of the old parachutes and nylon earned its place in the fashion industry. The nylon fiber by itself is a very strong agent, however when weaved into cloths for example stockings, it is susceptible to runs.
Now when nylon is used as the base fabric then combined with lycra, a very tough stretchable fabric is created that does not absorb water and is extremely resistant to wear and tear. This fabric blend is the ultimate fabric for swimwear.
The nylon/lycra blended fabric can be of a thicker weave consistency for your regular swimsuit or it can be a looser weave for the more sheer or see through styles. In any case lyrca /nylon blended fabric is by far the best option for any type of swimsuit.
Now that we understand the basics behind swimwear fabric. Let’s look at how to take care of your swimsuit for years of service.
Caring for Your New Thong Bikini
Taking care of your new thong bikini is like anything else, it takes a little extra time, but the benefits are substantial.
When you purchase you new swimsuit, purchase two. The reason for this that you can alternate the swimsuits. It is important each swimsuit fully dries and goes back into its original shape before you put it back on again or it will lose its shape quickly.
If you think you have purchased a cheap swimsuit, putting a teaspoon of white vinegar in a quart of water then soaking your new swimsuit in this solution for 30 minutes will help lock in the dye and avoid leaching. Many swimsuits manufactured in Asian countries have this issue.
No matter what you are doing, swimming, sitting in a hot tub or tanning on the beach, your thong bikini needs to be rinsed. Sunscreens, tanning oils, chlorine and salt will all take their toll on your two piece over time.
Washing consists of a hand wash in warm water in a sink with mild hand soap. Do not wring out the suit, instead lay it on a flat towel and roll it up patting the towel to wick out excess water then lay it out to dry. Do not hang it up.
Allowing your thong bikini to sit on the floor in a wet pile is certain death to the fibers, not to mention it is a perfect haven for unwanted bacteria that can form within hours if the conditions are right.
Thong Bikini Care Do’s
- Rinse your thong under fresh water after each usage.
- Roll it in a towel to wick out excess water.
- Hang to dry in the shade, not in the sun.
- Do not use harsh detergents.
- Hand wash only.
- Always sit in a towel not sand, benches concrete etc.
Thong Bikini Care Don’ts .
- Don’t machine wash.
- Don’t no use a dryer.
- Don’t soak you suit overnight.
- Don’t leave in a ball wet.
- Avoid contact with chlorine if possible.
- Don’t sit on rough surfaces.
- Don’t hang you suit on a steel rail.
- Don’t store your suit in a plastic bag.
- Don’t wear your bikini if you have fake tanning lotion on.
Questions and Answers
Can an iron be used on a wrinkled swimsuit?
No definitely not, even on its lowest setting an iron may melt the fabric or leave tightened patches. Simply rinse the swimsuit in cold water and follow the drying instructions above.
Why does my swimsuit smell musty after it has been dried?
This is telling you that your swimsuit is screaming for a hand wash with mild soap. That musty smell is a sure sign that bacteria has had a chance to develop on your swimsuit. The good news is that nylon / lycra does not provide a great home for bacteria if it is laid out to dry. Simply hand wash with mild hand soap, rinse and lay out to dry. Everything will be fine.
Do I need to wash my new thong bikini before I wear it?
We recommend a hand wash in cold water with mild hand soap- Follow the washing instructions above.
Is soaking a swimsuit in a vinegar and water mixture a real thing?
Yes if the swimsuit is cheap, typically manufactured overseas then there is a risk that the dye will leach. Soaking the swimsuit in a mixture of one teaspoon of white vinegar per quart of cold water will help lock the dye into the fiber. Most North American manufactured products will not have this problem.
Why can’t I use my washing machine to wash my thong bikini?
As much as swimwear fabric has resilient qualities, a washing machine has a high risk of permanently stretching the fabric and causing unwanted wear and tear on the outside of the suit. No you can’t turn your bikini inside out because 9 times out of 10 it will just flip back during the wash cycle.
Can corn starch be used to remove stains in a swimsuit?
Yes, if you have a new stain on your swimsuit, soak the area with water and cover with cornstarch and let sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Cornstarch will attempt to pull the stain out of the fabric.
Final Thoughts – Enjoy your Vacation Get Away, Weekend at the Cottage, or Backyard Hot-Tub – Follow these simple bikini swimwear tips and your new swimsuit will look great for years.