What are the signs of a well-made, high-quality swimsuit that will last more than a single summer?
Answer
155
6-13-11
Mrs FF says:
< What the finders found >
A cheaply-made swimsuit or one that’s poorly designed is anything but flattering — and can make you look fatter or older than you really are.
ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, says that a well-made suit can last up to two years or longer if you rotate it with other suits. Rinse your swimsuits immediately after wearing, then hand wash, and your suits can last even longer.
Swimsuit selection tips
Here are some features to look for:
Smart fabrics: For swimwear, go for nylon and spandex (also known as elastane or Lycra) fabrics, and avoid polyester blends. (Every major brand swimsuit we checked — from Badgley Mischka to Calvin Klein to Lands’ End — used nylon/spandex blends, with polyester only used for swimsuit linings.)
Stitches: Look for zig-zag stitching, because you need your swimwear to stretch! Chain stitching will more easily unravel and is a sign of low quality.
Stretch test: Stretch the fabric in one direction and then the other. If you see a lot of white fibers, the fabric will probably deteriorate quickly and won’t withstand the damage that pool chemicals can cause.
Full-lining: The lining should be attached around the whole perimeter of the suit, not hanging loose in places.
Seemingly seamless structure: Good-quality suits are intricately constructed within while appearing seamless on the outside. Avoid loose threads, lining, and pads, and sloppy stitching.
Sturdy hardware: Plastic accents are more likely to break than metal ones — but watch out, because metal rings and buckles can get hot in the sun.
A few more tips
A well-made suit can last up to two years or longer if you rotate it with other suits, ShopSmart says. Rinse your swimsuits immediately after wearing, then hand wash, and your suits can last even longer.
< What the finders found >
ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, says that a well-made suit can last up to two years or longer if you rotate it with other suits. Rinse your swimsuits immediately after wearing, then hand wash, and your suits can last even longer.
Swimsuit selection tips
Here are some features to look for:
Smart fabrics: For swimwear, go for nylon and spandex (also known as elastane or Lycra) fabrics, and avoid polyester blends. (Every major brand swimsuit we checked — from Badgley Mischka to Calvin Klein to Lands’ End — used nylon/spandex blends, with polyester only used for swimsuit linings.)
Stitches: Look for zig-zag stitching, because you need your swimwear to stretch! Chain stitching will more easily unravel and is a sign of low quality.
Stretch test: Stretch the fabric in one direction and then the other. If you see a lot of white fibers, the fabric will probably deteriorate quickly and won’t withstand the damage that pool chemicals can cause.
Full-lining: The lining should be attached around the whole perimeter of the suit, not hanging loose in places.
Seemingly seamless structure: Good-quality suits are intricately constructed within while appearing seamless on the outside. Avoid loose threads, lining, and pads, and sloppy stitching.
Sturdy hardware: Plastic accents are more likely to break than metal ones — but watch out, because metal rings and buckles can get hot in the sun.
A few more tips
A well-made suit can last up to two years or longer if you rotate it with other suits, ShopSmart says. Rinse your swimsuits immediately after wearing, then hand wash, and your suits can last even longer.
More sites to see:
Photo: Island Escape Swimsuit from Macy’s
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