Cosplay Swim Wear Test Wash
Most washing labels and guides recommend to hand wash swimsuits to maintain the fibers and stretch. The agitation of a machine can wear down the fabric and can possibly discolor or damage the swimwear. However, chlorine saturated pools and ocean salt water will ruin a swimsuit if the chemicals and salt isn't washed away thoroughly, and handwashing may not be enough at times.
Please note, the safest way and the manufacturer's recommended method is to hand wash your swimsuit and air dry flat.
I have machine washed swimsuits in the past with success and decided to test how SixOn swimwear will hold up.
A few keys:
Always wash with cold water. Hot water can damage the fibers.
Do not use bleach. Bleach will ruin the spandex/elasticity.
Never put it into the dryer. The extreme heat will shrink and damage the swimsuit.
I test washed the following in one batch:
Zack Swim Shorts (Polyester)
Axel Swim Shorts (Polyester)
Namine Swimsuit (Nylon Spandex)
Gerudo Link Swimsuit (Nylon Spandex)
Aqua Bikini (Nylon Spandex)
Riku Swimshorts (Nylon Spandex)
FFVII Rebirth Swimsuits June 2024
I test washed the following in a second batch:
Cloud Swim Shorts (Polyester)
Zack Swim Shorts (Polyester)
Tifa Swimsuit (Nylon Spandex)
Aerith Swimsuit (Nylon Spandex)
Machine Washing + Air Dry:
- Machine: Top loading washer.
- Extra step: Turned Zack swim shorts inside out. I left the Axel one as is to test the printing.
- Temperature: Cold water.
- Cleanser: Regular Detergent (Tide).
- Drying: Air Dry Flat.
During the wash, a cup from the Gerudo top slipped off, but it was easy to reinsert it. The printing on the Axel shorts was the same, tho I would turn it inside out in future washes to maintain its vibrance. The cups of the Aqua bikini were fine; a bra laundry bag may be helpful to keep its shape for multiple washes (like for regular bras). Mild detergent can be used instead.
Final Fantasy Swimwear: The string from the Tifa swimsuit was tangled a bit; since it's very long it might be helpful to use a laundry bag. All the swimwear remained intact and the colors remained vibrant.
After washing I laid them all flat to dry. I would not recommend hanging them to dry as it can stretch as it dries.
Results: No shrinkage, the fabric felt the same, the color was fine, the elasticity was normal, and no warping.
Machine washing can be possible, but extensive washings may have an effect on the swimsuits. Hand washing is still recommended as the primary washing method to preserve the quality and to extend the life of your swimsuit.
Disclaimer:
Please note that washer machine brands, spin cycle times, and temperature can differ, results can vary. The safest way to wash your swimsuit would be to hand wash and air dry to prevent damage and to extend the life of your swimsuit. The above was a test wash and test dry and should not be considered a definitive outcome. Please wash and dry with your best judgment.
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