FASHION Q & amp;A

Q: My three daughters, ages 11, 14 and 16, spend almost every day at the pool over the summer. They wear out three or four swimsuits in the process. The suits snag, fade and lose their "cling." It gets rather expensive replacing all that swimwear, even if we shop at discount stores. Can you suggest ways to make these swimsuits last longer?
A: Four swimsuits per summer -- times three? That's rough.
With care, most swimsuits should last at least a couple of months, even with daily wear. Here's how:
While at the pool, avoid sitting or lying on rough surfaces, such as pool decks, and keep sunscreen products off the suits.
And apres swim, wash the swimsuits in cool water and mild detergent, then rinse well and hang to dry in a shady place. Direct sunlight will fade the suits; the dryer will fade the color and break down the elastic fibers.
You may want to try the special products offered by swimwear stores such as Everything But Water. These solutions include a cleaner, which gets chlorine, salt and sun-care products out of swimwear, and a protector, which helps preserve elasticity.
And how about making a deal with the girls: Agree to purchase two swimsuits at the start of summer--but if they want more, they must save their pennies and buy their own.
Strike that kind of deal, and I expect those swimsuits won't wear out nearly as fast.
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