New Uses For a Worn-Out Bikini
Posted on August 25, 2009 by
September is only days away, and despite the high temperatures we’ve been experiencing here on the east coast, my guess is that I’m very close to packing away my bathing suits until next summer. Given the deteriorating state of a few of my bathing suits, I’ve been wondering how I might be able to recycle them rather than toss them out.
As someone hoping to limit my environmental impact, I had considered purchasing a more eco-friendly bathing suit this spring; however, after unpacking my summer clothes last May, I realized that my two bikinis were in good enough condition to survive a few more trips to the beach. Despite my desire for a new suit, I decided to put off the eco-friendly swim-wear research for next year and make due with the two suits I already had.
I do my best to buy swim suits that are interchangeable: meaning that I buy two-pieces that are all black (or almost all black) so that when one piece wears out, I have another top or bottom I can throw on to replace to worn-out piece without having to go out and buy a full 2-piece set. While this method has been working for me for a number of summers, I’m not so certain what to do with the worn-out bikini bottoms I no longer need. It doesn’t seem likely that anyone is going to buy a bikini bottom from GoodWill when the matching top is not provided.
Most bathing suits are made of synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon and Lycra (a.k.a. spandex). While these materials are comfortable to wear, maintain their shape despite their elasticity, and are quick-drying, they also have short life-spans: Chlorine and other pool chemicals are harsh on Lycra; rough surfaces, like cement decks, can break the fabric fibers, creating a “piled” look and leaving swim suits looking older than they are; and washing machines and suntan lotions can cause damage to the fabric over time. Unfortunately, the texture and look of most of these materials make them a bit more difficult to recycle into something new. While I’m sure there is someone out there sewing a quilt out of bathing suit scraps, I’d like to think there are some simpler ways to recycle these materials without too much hassle.
A quick search online lead me to a few interesting uses for old swimsuits:
The Green Life recommends layering old suits when training for competitive swimming: the double-layers create extra drag you might not feel when swimming with only one suit when competing.
Recycle This suggests making bean bag toys or stress balls out of old bathing suit material, or wrapping soap with old suits for slippery little hands that tend to drop things in the tub. For a one-piece bathing suit, sew up the leg holes on one end of the suit and hang the straps over the outdoor clothesline: a summer clothespin bag.
Finally, if you’re a collector of vintage swimwear, or if you think your old trunks might be worth framing, considering displaying them for others to enjoy.
What ideas do you have for recycling old swimming suits?
This is great, Rach! I have a bunch of old suits I know I won’t wear anymore.
As a competitive swimmer, you’ll almost never find me only wearing one suit! I finally had to get rid of the one that tore up the side and was being held together by knots.
But underneath that suit, I’ve been wearing a Speedo endurance suit, which is made of polyester, and doesn’t degrade in sun or chlorine. It costs a little more than the cheapie suits I was buying, but they last for a really long time. I highly recommend, although only in one-piece form.
You know I am always on the hunt for ways to recycle more and textile recycling is one of the toughest ones.
Every fall and spring we clear out our closets of clothes that we no longer want to wear. Our kids keep growing so they always have clothes to pass on. But we all know there are lots of pieces there that you know will not be sold and must go somewhere.
The closest I’ve found to a true textile recycling company/organization is with Wearable Collections: Clothing Recycling in the NYC area(on the web: http://www.wearablecollections.com/. They actually collect and send textiles to be recycled. Most others are either very particular as to the kind of fabrics they will accept or they send used clothes overseas or to Good Will.
I will continue to be on the hunt for true textile recycling facilities.
Thanks for the challenge.
Robert
+1 for the Speedo endurance ones for regular swimmers – they’re more expensive but they do last longer.
As for reuses, something else that’s just sprung to mind, I bet they could be made into tug toys for dogs too. Better go add that to the ‘Recycle This’ list…
-louisa
As a regular swimmer, suits last about 3 months or so (can’t wear polyester kind – they give me a mean rash). I’ve been sewing my own suits for years to save money and to fit my unique body (built like a pear due to a bilateral mastectomy and being overweight).
My design is a one piece so when the bottom wears before the top (often), I whack it apart at the waist and sew another bottom on, extending the life. When suits become too stretched out and transparent for pool decency they are cut into strips to use to stake plants in my garden or hold up melons.
I’ve been experimenting with making braided rag rugs with good success. All that synthetic fabric should stand up for years as a door mat. You know what my friends will be receiving for birthday gifts!
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