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Swimming is truly one of my favorite activities. It combines leisure with exercise and relaxation. Even if I am “power lap swimming” I opt to look cute and classy. However, I want the bathing suit to be comfortable, not fade, and dry quickly when I leave the water. After years of trying swimsuits, I have found comfortable bathing suits for women that won’t fade. In this article, I discuss, things to look for in a bathing suit, and then show you two of my favorite pretty swimsuit styles.
This is the Magic Suit Chloe Tankini I have had for years. I also own the red and black print I describe below.
Things to look for in a bathing suit
- Comfort
- Quick drying after a swim
- Structure and Durability
- No fading after exposure to chlorine and sun
What makes a bathing suit comfortable?
I believe that what makes any garment, especially a swimsuit, comfortable is the high-quality fabric. Nylon is very comfortable since it is lightweight and soft. It is especially comfy when blended with another fabric such as Lycra (also known as Spandex) or Elastane, giving it the ability to stretch. Whatever swimsuit or even clothing I wear, I prefer to have it blended with a stretch fabric, because my body seems to be a little different every day due to water retention, the temperature, whether I worked out that week, what I ate, etc. You surely know this feeling! However, you don’t want the bathing suit to be entirely made of stretch fabric, because it would be too tight. So the blending of stretchy fabric with a soft fabric is the winning combo.
What makes a bathing suit quickly dry?
Another factor that adds to comfort is how quickly the fabric dries. You don’t want to feel like you are wearing a towel when you swim. Nylon being lightweight, tends to dry quickly.
What gives a bathing suit structure and durability?
However, you also want the bathing suit to have some structure and durability. You don’t want it to get overly loose after a few swims. You also want it to accentuate your body and be flattering. It should hold you in, in the right places. Yet it should stretch in other ones like your mid section. It should also retain the style that it was designed for. Wow, a swimsuit designer certainly has their work cut out for them! Polyester can be a very durable material. Also, elastane and lycra can also provide fit and stretch. They both, after they are stretched, stretch back to retain the shape.
What makes a bathing suit not fade when exposed to chlorine and sun?
You don’t want your bathing suit to fade when exposed to chlorine or the sun over time. I get tired of having to replace a swimsuit that I love, only because now it looks faded and shabby. One of the best fabrics resistant to fading is polyester. Honestly, I have tried different brands to see if the suit fades over time and have stuck with the brands that have not had this problem.
How to extend the life of a bathing suit – proper maintenance
f you can handwash your suits and either lay them flat or hang them to dry that will extend the life. I try not to use the machines at the health club that ring them dry, even though they are convenient. I also avoid the dryer. Rinsing them after every use will help also, but I honestly can’t say I do that every time. However, I have found that over time, and if you swim frequently, they will loosen and stretch a bit.
Two Comfortable Bathing Suits for Women
Here are two of my favorite comfy bathing suits, the Magic Suit Chloe and the Omichic Tankini 2 piece. They are both tankini-style suits that are figure-flattering. I have had them for several years in different colors and styles. They are durable, and don’t fade. They can also both be purchased on Amazon.
Pros
-High Quality luxe look and feel
Tankini Style
-Comfortable Nylon Polyester Elastane Blend that gives it comfort, durability, and fit
-Flattering V – Neck line
-Assortment of vibrant colors and patterns
-The way the fabric is cut along the midsection in diagonals is really flattering (hides tummy)
-I have worn them for over 5 years and the suit has still retained shape
-Haven’t observed any fading
-Magicsuit has kept this design for many years. I just order the same suit in a different color/pattern and don’t have to go back to the store to try it on.
-Have built-in undergarments
– Shop on Amazon
Cons
After 2 years will stretch a bit, but not enough to lose its full structure
After excessive wear, sometimes the built in inner garments start to degrade
Small tears at the bottom after several years of swimming, and travel.
Doesn’t include bottoms.
Omichic 2 piece tankini with bow and boyshort
Pros
-They are a Nylon spandex blend making them comfortable lightweight but stretchy
-The V Neck tankini style is super cute.
-It includes the boyshort bottoms which are flattering and also lightweight.
-I have not had any fading problems
-Some of the Tops have different prints then the bottoms. Or some having matching tops and bottoms.
-There are a bunch of different patterns and colors. There a super cute prints, florals, polka dots, solids, etc. During the 4th of July, I posted a pin on the American Flag style. It was popular then and during some other all American holiday as well as during the Olympics.
-Can be purchased on Amazon. Click here to look at the different colors
Cons
-Loosened a bit after wearing for over 1 year
=Not as luxe and high quality as the Magicsuit (but still a super cute option)
This is the one I own. The color in Bling Grey.
Comfortable Swimwear Accessories
Swim Mask
- Comfortable Swim Mask – Aqua Sphere Swim googles I always had a hard time with regular swim goggles, mostly being too tight and hurting my face. I was even prone to getting headaches from them. Or they are too loose and let water in. Years ago I started using this mask, and it has been a really comfortable option. I’ve actually had fellow swimmers ask me where I got them from. Even though they have more eye coverage than goggles, I find they look just fine.
It is important to take part in the simple joys in life. Swimming is certainly one of them. Here we recommended two comfortable bathing suits for women. These will make your swim, active yet joyful. So grab your suit and enjoy a day of comfort, leisure and joy. What could be better!