Chlorine Resistance

You wouldn't wear a ballgown to the office, would you? It's the same as wearing your beach bathing suit in the pool. It's just not done!

In such a sunny, sports oriented environment as Australia and the US, we still expect our lycra swimsuit to last in chemically treated pools and spas. And why not! We are so technologically advanced to develop computer chips and send robots into space, we should be able to wear our swimsuit in the pool one day and the beach the next. Right?

Wrong! The sad fact is that despite all the technological advances that the inventors of lycra, Du Pont, have made, the swimsuit still ends up looking like a thin, shapeless sack often after only a few exposures to chlorinated water in swimming pools. The effects are even more dramatic when the heat factor of the spa or heated public pool is added to the cocktail.

Back in the 1930's, Dunlop chemists developed "Lastex" to replace heavy boning and lacing in corsetry. It found it's way into swimsuits but zips and shirring were still used to retain the corset-like appearance. The invention of elastomeric fibres such as lycra revolutionised lingerie and swimwear eliminating the need for zips due to it's superior shape retention. The fibre was knitted into nylon, polyester or cotton in a unique way to gain maximum stretch and shape retention. Yet to this day, chlorine still defeats it, perishes it, destroys it.

Nevertheless, looks like chlorine is here to stay. The greenish-yellow gas, named in 1810 after the Greek word for green; khloros, quickly became one of the world's most effective disinfectants. According to the Chlorine Chemistry Council, "it bonds with and destroys the outer surfaces of bacteria and viruses".

Today it plays a role in over 10,000 products from surfboards and tennis rackets to deoderants and perfumes. It forms the basis of 85% of the world's pharmaceuticals and it "purifies" much of the world's drinking water. Is it any wonder it is used as the principle disinfectant in swimming pools worldwide?!

It's also cheap to make. North America alone produces 12 million tons of chlorine per year. There's no doubt that it seems to produce a number of benefits. We don't suffer from typhoid and cholera any more. But what is the ubiquitous chlorine really doing to us?

Remember the green plastic hair we had as kids after a summer of swimming. And those burning eyes! If the swimsuit is perishing, what is it doing to the health of the person wearing the bathing suit? Recent research suggests that exposure to chlorine in pools may cause breathing trouble.

And what about our drinking water.... According to the National Cancer Institute in the US: "drinking chlorinated water may as much as double the risk of bladder cancer". Obviously drinking swimming pool water is definitely not a good idea.

Much of the problem in pools and the strong "chlorine smell" we associate with public swimming pools is caused by "chloromines", substances which form when chlorine reacts with sweat, urine and other contaminants. YUK! The remedy....add a megadose of chlorine to burn away the chloramines. More bad news for swimsuits.

So now we know we need 2 swimsuits. Natural salt water at the beach does not have the destuctive power of chlorine.

Keep your best lycra bathing suit as that... it's best. Don't take it to the pool!

But are we to resign ourselves to replacing our dedicated pool swimsuit every few months? No way! Luckily at last, recent technology has come out of denial, thought laterally, and taken the lycra out of the fabric. Knit technology has been used to invent a fabric with stretch and retention almost as good as lycra to make a truly chlorine resistant fabric.

Now you can be confident that your swimsuit will last if you're a swimming teacher, a spa freak, a lap lady, into aquaerobics, teaching baby to swim, or just plain lazy about rinsing your lycra swimsuit. Get into the new chlorine resistant swimwear You'll need one to add to your swimwear wardrobe if you're a Beach Babe and a Pool Princess.

About the Author Sue Rice has been a designer and retailer of beautiful womens bathing suits and swimsuits for over 20 years.

We are having a massive sale! 50% - 70% off over 20 of our best one pieces, tankinis, bikinis, coverups and accessories. Sign up as a VIP and then visit the VIP Sale Shop to grab a bargain!

The Swimdress

The Swimdress enjoys a proud place in the history of the evolution of swimwear. It is claimed that the style was first spotted in the Orthodox Jewish community, who created it in order to achieve the twin desires of modesty and looking fabulous.

Over the course of the long history of the swimdress, the style has become shorter and sassier. The style is very popular amongst plus size women and is also often sported by ladies who want that adorable retro swimsuit look.

A very comfortable and stylish alternative to board-shorts, the swimdress is a cute and girly way to cover up the top of the thigh. Waxing is a non-issue with this style (a huge plus for many of us!) Unlike many styles of board-shorts, the skirted nature of the swimdress doesn't cling to the widest point of the leg, making it more flattering and easier to wear.

Our swimdress is called Sarina. Made from our robust Chlorine Resistant fabric, this little number has great bust support, is fully lined and incredibly flattering. Check it out here.

Penny + Sam

Meet our newest bikini. Penny + Sam is our newest bikini featuring adorable pleating over the bust and pant. Includes excellent powernet bust support for uplift and shaping and a clip back. Penny Sam is fully lined. Penny + Sam is made in our new shiny lycra, with just the slightest hint of shimmer and sparkle.

Suitable for Busts: A, B, C

Sizes: 10, 12, 14 & 16

Price: AUD$199 (US Price approx $155 for all other prices see here)

Rebecca + Superpants

Rebecca is the newest creation from the Sue Rice design studio. Our long awaited bandeau tankini is based on our previous one piece Renee but more versatile in a tankini style. Rebecca features wide elasticised edge for a firm hold, powernet bust support for uplift and shaping, side boning in bra, optional detachable halter spaghetti straps, Front lined. Red bow detail on Black/Gingham only. Paired with our best selling Superpants which feature no elastic on the waist for a smooth look. They won't grab at soft flesh!Sizes: 10, 12, 14, & 16Busts: Suitable for B, C & D Cup SizesPrice for Set: AUD$210 USD$163.80 (US price is approximate)Not sure of your size? Take out the guess work with our Size Calculator. We ship all over the world, visit our Currency Selector to work out what Rebecca/Superpants costs where YOU live. Remember that if its not right, you can send it back for a refund (minus postage) or exchange. See our Online Returns Policy for more details.
Rebecca in Black/Painted Tulips

In Painted Tulips/Black Rebecca will transform you into one striking, classy & sassy lady. This pattern features gold foil.
Rebecca in Black/Gingham

In Black/Gingham with a sweet little Red Bow, Rebecca will ensure you are the most adorable gal at the beach.
Patterns

Paris

Soft Flowing Georgette Caftan. Features soft, draped hood, gentle V-neckline with french seams inside,side splits. After something fabulous to slip on and off at the pool or beach? Well then Paris is the perfect cover-up for you. So comfortable and beautiful Paris will roll to fit neatly into your handbag.

Click here or on any of the pictures for more information or to buy now.

Wear Paris at the beach or slip it over a camisole for day wear!

Sizes: One size fits sizes 10-24

Price: AUD$89 USD$69.42(US Price is approximate)

Colours:

Calls for health warnings on digitally enhanced photos!

"Retouched photograph aimed at changing a person's physical appearance".

This is the health warning campaigning MP Valerie Boyer would like to see displayed on all airbrushed photos.

Mrs Boyer wants to "combat the stereotypical image that all women are young and slim."

She believes the law should be expanded to include "Billboard photos and those on product packaging, as well as photos used in political campaigns or artistic photos"

The fine for enhancing a photo without displaying a warning would be 30.000 Euros or 50% of the cost of the advertising campaign.

Mrs Boyer wanted to make it clear, that this was "...not an attempt to damage creativity of photographers or publicity campaigns, but to advise the public on whether what they are seeing is real or not."

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk