The Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Your Tech Suit The Right Way
You’ve just splurged on a tech suit, and you can’t wait to hit the pool and start showing it off. But hang on–has it ever occurred to you that a tech suit needs just as much TLC as any of your other swimwear products?
It’s true–with proper care and maintenance, your tech suit will last longer, perform better, and look better during each swim. That’s why we compiled this comprehensive guide to caring for your tech suits the right way. Here, we’ll teach you all you need to know about keeping your tech suit in tip-top shape so you can make the most out of every swim.
What Is A Tech Suit and Why Do I Need One?
If you’re a competitive swimmer, you know that the right tech suit can be both your best friend and biggest enemy–it’s critical for success, yet just as essential to maintain properly in order to increase its longevity. So what is a tech suit and why do you need one?
A tech suit is a special type of compression swimsuit designed by a team of engineers and materials scientists to reduce drag and increase speed for elite swimmers. This cutting-edge design provides swimmers with the power and performance they need during competition, with features like bonded seams, leg grippers, and custom fabrics that give extra firmness or specific “zones” to help guide water flow.
That said, because these suits are fairly expensive, it’s important to properly care for them in order to help them last longer. Ready to learn how? Read on!
What Steps Should I Take When Caring for My Tech Suit?
Tech suits have revolutionized competitive swimming, but they’re not indestructible. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your suit stands the test of time and performs its best in the water.
Luckily, caring for a tech suit is simple:
- Wash with cold water after each use and line dry out of direct sunlight–hot water and tumble drying can damage the performance-enhancing features of your tech suit.
- Always hang it up in a cool place between uses to allow any accumulated moisture to dry completely–this prevents odors from forming and staining from chlorine.
- Avoid sitting on any type of surface that could cause tears or snags in the fabric, such as concrete or metal bleachers.
- When you’re done using it for a season, always store it in a cool, dark place to protect against sunlight fading or damage from pests like moths or silverfish.
Following these tips will help extend the life of your tech suit so that you can maximize your performance when competing in the pool.
What Do I Need to Care for My Tech Suit?
Now that you know the basics of tech suit care, it’s time to dig into some of the necessary products and methods you’ll need to make sure your tech suit looks as good as new for every race.
Detergent
The detergent you choose is an important part of cleaning, and there are a few rules for which kind to use. First, it’s important to choose a gentle detergent that is specifically designed for swimwear. Also, stay away from detergents marked for “whites” or “colors”, as these can damage the fabric weave, leaving your tech suit looking dull and faded.
Soft Brush
A soft brush will help scrub away any dirt or oils that have built up on your tech suit over time, while also helping to rinse off any leftover salt or chlorine residue. It’s important to use a brush with soft bristles so you don’t damage or snag the delicate material.
Clean, Cold Water
After washing your tech suit, it’s essential to make sure it gets rinsed off thoroughly in cold water until all bubbles are removed and all soap is gone. Make sure you rinse out any special pockets or compartments so there aren’t soap suds trapped in them that can cause damage when they mix with chlorine in the pool.
How Often Should I Wash My Tech Suit?
Washing your tech suit is an important part of maintaining it, and you should do it regularly to ensure that you get the most out of your investment. So how often should you wash your tech suit?
Well, that depends on how much you use it. It goes without saying that the more often you swim in it, the more often you’ll need to wash it. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re swimming multiple times a week, then washing your tech suit after each use is recommended.
If you only swim a few times a month, then washing every two or three uses is good enough. You should also perform regular spot-cleaning in between washes to keep the suit clean and reduce pool chemicals from accumulating on the fabric.
When washing your tech suit, use mild detergents and cold water setting–hot water can damage some fabric components and cause them to break down over time. Don’t forget to use a gentle cycle or hand washing setting–too much agitating can also damage delicate components like zippers, fasteners, and seams.
Finally, air-dry your tech suits rather than machine drying them as this can break down delicate fabrics over time.
By following these simple steps for proper care and maintenance of your tech suits, they’ll last longer and stay in tip-top shape for many seasons to come!
Summary: Final Tips & Takeaways
Now that you know the basics for caring for your tech suit, let’s sum it up and go over a few final tips and takeaways.
Rinse & wash in cold water
Don’t forget to always wash your tech suit in cold water! Rinse it immediately after taking it off, and wash it with detergent specifically made for swimwear. This removes harmful chlorine that can break down the materials. Additionally, you can use a delicates wash bag for added protection during the cycle.
Let it air dry
After washing, lay your tech suit flat on a towel or hang from a clothesline so it can air dry. Do not put it in the dryer! Heat from the dryer will damage any delicate elastics or fabrics on the suit and reduce its lifespan.
Store properly and take breaks between races/sets
Make sure you’re storing your tech suit properly when you’re not using it–hang it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight so that it won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity levels. Also, remember to take breaks between sets or races while wearing your tech suit to allow the fibers time to “relax” back into shape before being worn again–this helps keep them elasticized and makes them last longer.
Now You're Ready
Taking proper care of your tech suit is essential to ensure its longevity–and your performance. Washing your tech suit with the right products, wearing it properly, and properly storing it all make a huge difference in how well your suit works for you.
Remember, a high quality tech suit is an investment, and it needs to be looked after, just like regular swimwear. With the right maintenance, you’ll be able to get the most out of your tech suit for years to come. So, pull on that high-tech swimsuit and start swimming with confidence!
