Collection: Swimsuits

Polyamide (nylon, Lycra XTRA LIFE) is the standard fiber for professional and high-end swimsuits. Its molecular structure resists the chemical attacks of chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) and UV without losing its elasticity. A swimsuit made of 80% polyamide / 20% elastane retains its shape and color significantly longer than a swimsuit made of 80% polyester / 20% elastane. Polyester is cheaper to produce: hence its presence in entry-level swimsuits. Lycra XTRA LIFE (Invista brand) is an elastane formulation specifically designed for chlorine resistance: swimsuits using it often mention it on the label. For regular pool use: look for "polyamide" or "nylon" in the composition.

Chlorine fading: chlorine oxidizes textile pigments and degrades fibers: bright colors (red, electric blue) fade faster than dark colors (black) because they contain more soluble pigment. Pastel swimsuits (little pigment) also fade faster. To limit fading: rinse the swimsuit in cold water BEFORE entering the pool: the fabric saturated with clean water absorbs less chlorine. Rinse immediately after. Never leave a wet swimsuit folded in a pool bag: chlorine concentrates in the folds. UV fading: the sun degrades all pigments: dark swimsuits absorb more UV (heating more) but light swimsuits fade more visibly. UPF protection (Ultraviolet Protection Factor): some swimsuit fabrics are certified UPF 50+: they block 98% of UV and preserve color.

A swimsuit without underwire (no boning or preformed cups) holds by the elasticity of the fabric alone: suitable for small busts (cup A-B) with little weight to support. From cup C and beyond: swimsuits without underwire offer insufficient support for activities (swimming, water sports) and may lack comfort. Underwires in swimsuits are made of plastic (not metal) to resist water and chlorine. A swimsuit with pre-formed cups (padded or thermoformed foam) maintains shape independently of the fabric: ideal for small busts seeking a more structured look. An integrated swim bra (bralette or bustier with lining) is halfway between the two.

The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF or FPU) measures a fabric's resistance to UV. A UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98% of UV A and B: equivalent to SPF 50 sunscreen on covered skin. An ordinary swimsuit (standard polyester or polyamide) has a UPF of 15 to 25: filters 90 to 96% of UV depending on the color (dark fabrics and tightly woven fabrics filter better). UPF 50+ swimsuits have denser fabric (less breathable) but truly protect covered skin without additional sunscreen. For sensitive skin, children, or high-altitude vacations: UPF 50+ is a real advantage. For sea use where UV is reflected by water: relevant.

Before each pool use: rinse the swimsuit in cold water (saturates the fabric with clean water, reduces chlorine absorption). After each use: rinse immediately in cold running water, do not twist or wring (damages elastanes), lay flat to dry in the shade. Regular washing: by hand only, cold water, mild detergent (no machine detergent). The machine, even at 30°C, damages elastanes through friction. Dryer: prohibited (heat destroys elastanes). Storage: clean and dry, away from UV. A polyamide swimsuit with these precautions lasts 3-5 active seasons. A polyester swimsuit without these precautions: 1 season.

One-piece: continuous support from bust to hips in a single structure. Ideal for active swimming (racerback, no risk of slipping), partial tanning, and body types preferring abdominal coverage. A dense fabric (200+ g/m², 25-30% elastane) exerts real compression on the stomach. For the one-piece collection. Two-piece: independent top and bottom, adjustable separately. Allows adjustment of two different sizes (cup C with hip M, for example). Maximum tanning. Four top cuts with opposing effects: triangle (minimalist), bandeau (horizontal), wrap (structuring V), tankini (covering). For the two-piece collection. For high-waisted bikinis specifically: high-waisted bikinis. By color: black swimsuits, pastel swimsuits, blue swimsuits, green swimsuits, pink swimsuits. For all beachwear: beachwear.