Do your swimsuits fall apart after a month? If you're wearing your swimsuit in chlorinated water on a regular basis, there are a few things you can do to make your swimsuits last a lot longer.

If your problem is color-fading, you should be looking for swimsuits that have a high polyester content. Swimsuits made of 100% polyester should retain their color for at least a year of regular use, and as much as 2 years depending on frequency of wear. 100% polyester suits are called chlorine proof for this reason. Chlorine proof swimsuits also tend to keep their shape because polyester isn't destroyed by chlorine like nylon or Spandex, which is the most common swimsuit material. These fabrics include AquaTech Krinkle® and Chloroban®.

The only drawback to chlorine proof swimwear is that it has less stretch and thus provides a tighter fit that some women find constricting. To get a looser, more comfortable fit, you may want to order a size larger than normal. This will give you a few inches of extra space.

If your suits tend to stretch out and lose their shape quickly, look for suits that have a high polyester content, usually between 90% and 100%, as well as a small amount of Lycra or Spandex. A Lycra or Spandex content of 10% allows the suit to stretch, providing a fit that most women find comparable to fashion swimwear. These suits are called chlorine resistant because the polyester content protects the suit from fading and allows it to retain its shape. Chlorine will deteriorate the Spandex or Lycra but since there is less of it the suit will last longer than conventional swimwear. These fabrics include Xtra Life Lycra®.

The way you care for your swimsuit can also make it last longer. Gently rinse out your swimsuit in cold water after wearing to wash out the chlorine. You should never use soap or detergent, or put your suits in a washing or drying machine. Suit Saver® has been shown to reduce the amount of chlorine residue and can extend the life of your suit.