Investing in eco-friendly swimwear is a beautiful way to protect the planet — but did you know that how you care for your suit matters just as much as how it was made?
At 'Ikewai Swimwear, our pieces are made from regenerated ocean waste — like abandoned fishing nets and plastic bottles — transformed into high-performance, long-lasting fabric. But like all premium swimwear, a little care goes a long way.
Here’s how to keep your sustainable swimwear in perfect shape, season after season.
👙 1. Rinse It Right After You Swim
Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen can break down even the most durable fabric over time.
As soon as possible after swimming, rinse your swimsuit with cool, fresh water.
If you can’t do it right away, store it in a breathable pouch (not plastic!) and rinse it later.
Why it matters:
Eco swimwear like ours is designed to resist wear — but rinsing helps preserve elasticity, color, and softness.
🧴 2. Use Gentle, Natural Soap
Skip the strong detergents or fabric softeners — they can damage the delicate fibers of regenerated nylon.
Instead, hand-wash your swimwear in cool or lukewarm water with:
- A mild, eco-friendly detergent
- Or a bit of white vinegar + baking soda (great for odor too!)
Pro tip:
Avoid washing machines, even on “delicate” mode. Hand-washing is best for both your suit and the ocean.
☀️ 3. Air Dry In the Shade (Never in Direct Sun)
Drying your bikini in the sun might feel natural on the island — but it’s a no-go for long-term fabric health.
Why?
Sun exposure fades colors and weakens stretch. Lay your suit flat in a shaded, well-ventilated space.
🚫 Avoid:
- Wringing it out
- Hanging it from thin straps (it can stretch out)
- Using a dryer — ever.
🚿 4. Rotate Your Suits
We get it — you love your Ikewai. But give it a rest between wears.
Rotating your swimwear gives the fibers time to “bounce back” and retain their shape and support.
Pro tip:
This is also a great reason to treat yourself to a second suit 😉 (We won't tell.)
🧳 5. Store It Smart
After your suit is fully dry, store it in a drawer or cloth bag — never in a damp or airtight container.
This prevents mold, mildew, and the breakdown of the fabric.
Extra eco tip: Use a natural lavender pouch or dried tiare flower for a touch of scent and moisture control.
🌊 Why This Matters
Sustainable swimwear is only as sustainable as how you care for it.
With just a few mindful habits, you can keep your Ikewai piece looking and feeling brand-new for years — saving money, reducing waste, and keeping more suits out of landfills.
Because at the end of the day, the ocean deserves better. And so do you.
🔁 Quick Recap: How to Care for Your Eco Swimwear
✔ Rinse after every use
✔ Hand-wash with gentle soap
✔ Lay flat to dry in the shade
✔ Rotate between suits
✔ Store clean + dry in a breathable space
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