Shop By Category
Navigate
How to prolong the life of your swimwear.
How to prolong the life of your swimwear.
All Ark Swimwear pieces feature our signature luxe fabrics, designed to give you that second-skin look and feel. Made from Nylon and Spandex, our swimwear is treated with colour-fastness, anti-yellowing and UV protection. Please follow our care guide to help prolong your Ark Swimwear's life.
The most important step to preserving your swimwear is to rinse it immediately after use. Rinse in fresh, cold water to wash away lingering chemicals from chlorine or saltwater. Chlorine chemicals eat into the fibers of the swimwear, breaking down the elasticity making the fabric loose and look worn out. Although Nylon swimwear is one of the best chlorine-resistant fabrics for swimwear, over time it can still degrade when exposed to chlorine chemicals multiple times.
Handwash your swimwear in cold water with a gentle detergent or soap. Avoid using typical laundry detergent or harsh chemicals as their pH levels are unsuitable for swimwear and can weaken the fabric and cause colours to fade. Gently rubbing the fabric together helps to remove any dirt or oils without causing abrasion. We strongly advise that you do not use a washing machine. The harsh tumbling and hot temperatures of machine washing can easily loosen and breakdown the swimwear's fibers, which then leads to fabric pilling, colour fading, and the fabric and rubber may stretch. A usual 40 degree wash will damage your swimwear due to the hot temperature of the water.
Air drying your swimwear on a flat, shaded surface is crucial for preserving its shape and fabric quality. When swimwear is left crumpled or creased while wet, it can lose its form, becoming saggy and misshapen, which diminishes its longevity. Also ensure that your swimwear is left to dry in a shaded area. Drying in direct sunlight can cause the colours to fade and even shrink your swimsuit. We strongly advise not to use a tumble dryer, as machines can be aggressive, further breaking down the swimsuit's delicate fibres leading to loss of elasticity and fit.
Store your swimwear in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in a damp towel or bag for extended periods, as this can lead to mildew and fabric deterioration. Some of our customers store their swimwear in the white fabric bags - it'll keep them protected and they stay organised in your swimsuit drawer!
Wearing swimwear in the hot tub can have detrimental effects, as the combination of chlorine and hot water accelerates fabric corrosion. If you decide to wear your swimwear in a hot tub, we recommend rinsing in freshwater before entering (refer to 'Rinse In Freshwater Before You Swim' section for more details) and ensure you follow the correct aftercare to preserve its life. Please be aware that the combination of heat and chemicals used in hot tubs is likely to cause colour fading and bleaching.
Be mindful of where you sit or lean while wearing your swimwear. Rough surfaces like pool edges, rocks, or concrete can cause pilling and damage to your swimwear.
Sunscreen oils and lotions can damage and stain your swimwear. Avoid products with mineral oil, petroleum-based ingredients, oxybenzone, and avobenzone, as they can break down the fabric and cause discoloration. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are gentler on the fabric. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before wearing your swimwear and rinse it with cold water immediately after swimming to remove any residue. This will help maintain your swimwear's colour and elasticity.
We recommend rinsing under freshwater before getting into the pool or ocean. This is because the freshwater will swell the fibers, which then limits the amount of chlorine and salt that the fibers can absorb. Please note, this does not add a protective coat to your swimwear, it simply prevents as much chlorine or salt from being absorbed into the fabric.
Alternate your swimwear daily to let them rest and recover their shape. Having at least two 'go-to' pairs gives each one 24 hours to maintain elasticity. Constant exposure to chlorine, salt, and sun wears swimwear quickly.
Login and Registration Form