Recycled polyamide is a better fabric than virgin nylon in almost every respect: it holds its shape longer, takes dye more evenly, and uses significantly less water to produce. But it has the same vulnerabilities as any stretch fabric. Chlorine, heat, and mechanical stress will degrade it over time. The question is how quickly, and what you can do about it.
What chlorine actually does ¶
Chlorine attacks the elastane fibres woven through the polyamide. It is the elastane that gives the fabric its stretch and recovery, not the polyamide itself. Prolonged exposure breaks down the elastane polymer chains, which is why a swimsuit worn daily in a chlorinated pool loses its shape faster than one worn in the sea. The effect is cumulative and irreversible. Rinsing immediately after swimming does not undo the damage already done, but it stops the process from continuing while the suit dries.
Salt water and sunscreen ¶
Salt water is gentler than chlorine but still abrasive over time, particularly at the seams. The bigger issue in sea swimming is sunscreen: most chemical sunscreens contain avobenzone or oxybenzone, which react with polyamide fibres and cause discolouration. Usually a yellow or orange tint that does not wash out. If you use sunscreen, apply it at least 20 minutes before putting on your swimsuit and let it absorb fully. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) do not cause this reaction.
How to wash ¶
Hand wash in cold water after every wear. Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent. We recommend Eucalan or a similar no-rinse wool wash, which is mild enough for the elastane and does not require a second rinse cycle that could stretch the fabric. Do not use fabric softener: it coats the fibres and reduces the fabric's ability to recover its shape after stretching. Do not wring. Press the water out gently against the side of the basin.
Drying and storage ¶
Lay flat to dry in the shade. Direct sunlight degrades both the elastane and the dye. The colour will fade faster than the fabric wears out, which is a waste. Do not tumble dry, ever. Store flat or loosely rolled, not folded on a sharp crease. If you are storing for the off-season, make sure the piece is completely dry before putting it away. Damp fabric in a closed drawer will develop a mildew smell that is very difficult to remove.
When to bring it back to us ¶
If the waistband or leg elastic has lost its recovery. Meaning it does not spring back after stretching. That is the first sign the elastane is degrading. At that point, continued wear will accelerate the process. Bring the piece to the boutique and we will assess whether the elastic can be replaced. Under our three-year repair guarantee, this is done at no charge. After three years, we charge a flat repair fee of ¥3,500 per piece.
A swimsuit that is cared for properly will last three to five seasons of regular wear. One that is not will last one. The difference is mostly in the first ten minutes after you get out of the water.