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Before and after
The swimsuit on the left is brand new. The swimsuit on the right is exactly the same style and fabric, but it has been marinated in a weak bleach solution (aka pool water) for approximately 50-60 hours. (I'm guessing that's how much I swam since I got this suit a few months ago.) Makes me wonder what's it doing to my skin, hair and teeth.
You'll just have to take my word for it that the color difference seems much more dramatic in person. The new suit is brilliant red while the old one is dull, dark pink. And of course the old one is stretched out, saggy, and slightly transparent in some places.
If you think my swimsuit choice is ugly, well, honestly, so do I. But you try picking a Speedo from the slim selection of discounted suits at Sports Basement. Paying full price is not an option, as these things retail for $70-$80 each.
If I were a real swimmer, I'd just double up my suits when they got to be see-through and full of holes. But I'm not a real swimmer. And I prefer to have just one suit at a time hanging on the towel bar filling the bathroom with chlorine fumes. And I don't mind buying myself a new suit every now and then.
Especially when they're on sale. If you don't mind the crazy prints, there's a great sale going on at speedousa.com, and shipping is free. This suit was $29, marked down from $72. I stocked up for next season. Three suits should get me through most of the year. I hope.
December 6, 2007 12:30 PM
it's frightening what chlorine does. my 'bay' swimsuit has lasted 2 years with no fading or holes, it's as bright and elastic as the day I bought it. my 'pool' swimsuits only last a few months. then again, who knows what's worse - dunking in frigid bay waters and reaching the fringes of hypothermia, or subjecting oneself to the chlorine.... thx for the speedo tip, time for some shopping!