Swimwear
Even if you follow all of the care instructions, swimwear has a limited life span. If you wear it in chlorinated pools or in hot tubs the life span is much shorter.
The amount of chlorine in any public pool or hot tub is difficult to assess. Chemicals are constantly being added as they are depleted by use. One day they may be very low and be of little threat to your swimsuit. The next day they may be very strong and able to do damage to your suit in just one visit.
Before purchasing a swimsuit, consider what your main uses of it will be. Will you be swimming laps three times a week, mainly lying in the sun working on your tan, or playing beach volleyball? Different suits are designed for different uses.
Endurance Suits:
You want an endurance suit if you are swimming regularly in chlorinated pools or spending time in a hot tub. Lap swimmers, those doing water aerobics, or anyone who spends most of their swimsuit time in chlorinated water should look for this type of suit.
Endurance suits are more chlorine resistant than regular suits and will last much longer than conventional swimwear. To do this they usually have a much lower amount of Lycra Spandex. It is the Lycra the breaks down the fastest in chlorine. A suit without Lycra is less stretchy and harder to get on and off, which is why they tend to be less popular.
Activewear suits:
If you will be running and playing in or out of the water you need a suit designed for these activities. Playing beach volleyball requires jumping and running. This creates bounce. You will need good support and strong straps to hold you. Don't try to take a bandeau top or a strapless suit and expect it to give you the support a tank suit would.
This is also the style suit you will want if you are doing water aerobics, swimming laps or other water activities. A tank suit or tankini with good straps that will stay on your shoulders and hold up to vigorous activity is your best choice.
Sunning suits:
If you will be primarily lying in the sun, working on your tan, you can choose a suit with skinnier straps, or no straps. These suits may be cut low on top and high on the bottom. Sometimes they are made with metallic fabrics or metal grommets, buckles, or other fashion extras. A suit of this type is designed for sunning only, not for swimming.
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