How to look after your swimsuit so it lasts for years

A swimsuit rarely tears. What it does is fade: it loses colour, it loses elasticity, and it loses the shape it had on day one. And almost always for the same three reasons.

The first is chlorine. It attacks the elastic fibre and shows no mercy. Rinse the piece in cold water as soon as you're out of the pool, even if it's just under the changing-room shower, and you'll have washed off most of the damage.

The second is sun cream. Mineral filters stain light-coloured fabrics, and some oils leave a yellow halo that never comes out. Let the cream absorb before you put the piece on, and wash it the same day.

The third is heat. Tumble dryers and radiators destroy elastane, and hours of direct sun fade colour. Dry it in the shade, laid flat and without wringing it out.

Add to that hand washing with a neutral soap in cold water, and not leaving it balled up inside a bag, and a good piece will last you seasons. Crochet and macramé pieces need a little extra care when drying, because the yarn holds onto water. We say this from experience: ours have worn out from being used, not from being washed badly.