[#tootired]

Total fluff, but all 3 kids need new rash vests. In the past we have just grabbed them at Kmart, Target or Bess and Less.

We are lucky to get a term out of them, even with thorough rinsing after swimming!

Do the Billabong, Rip Curl, Peak ones last any longer?
I wondered if the EB commuity would have the answer.

[mitty82]

We buy our swimmers for swimming lessons from the pool. We don't use rashes for constant lessons though. But the good quality swimmers last way longer than the big w etc ones. We paid $40 for funky trunks pants n have lasted awhile n still look like new

[Lynken]

If your kids are swimming in indoor pools a lot, you need chlorine resistant ones if you want them to last. They will cost more (under $50 on sale) but they last and last. It's a different type of fabric and seems to "give" more as they grow. I buy a size up and seem to get 2+ years from a suit. Even then, they are still in good condition. Bought an all-in-one for DD when she was 1.5 and she wore it for 2 years. DS would be in it now if it wasn't bright pink!

Check the labels of the brand names, but I found that the Billabongs etc.. weren't chlorine resistant. Check out this site, just search for "chlorine resistant" and then you can narrow down by size etc. It will say chlorine resistant in the item description.

[unicycle]

yes, the quality ones can last longer. i am thinking specifically of a fred bare we picked up at the salvos. it got worn for years and years and then regifted to a charity shop.
but... with lycra, once it has been in a chlorine pool, do not allow it to be put in hot water, eg the shower, a spa as there is a chemical reaction which occurs with the chlorine and lycra causing it to break down.

[Monket]

I buy DD Seafolly rashies as they last a couple of seasons. I have bought target ones before and they didn't last long at all. You can feel the difference in the fabric between brand name v cheapies...much thicker.

[podg]

Stingray are great, soft, chlorine resistant and last ages.

[Luckyseven]

I havent found the more expensive ones to last longer than the Kmart/Target ones. We havent bought the Chlorine resistant ones though as I didnt know they existed lol but we have bought expensive surf brand ones and to me they last around the same.

My kids dont do swimming lessons though its just use in our pool at home and we tend to go through a couple of pairs a season but I dont rinse them I just put them on the line tro dry after use so I could prob make them last longer.

[KnightsofNi]

I have heard the Cancer Council ones are very good.

[SeaPrincess]

The best ones we've had were Speedo chlorine-resistant. DS1's looks as if it will last long enough to hand down to DS2 who has already outgrown his without wearing it out. DD has Zoggs bathers that she has outgrown before wearing out as well.

We've had other more expensive brands that didn't last at all.

R

[gasgirl]

another vote for speedo which lasts longer than the size of the child if you follow the care instructions. One pair of cossies in the "endurance " fabric has now been worn by four girls as constant handmedown and still going strong.
Target is a lot cheaper but they stretch and rarely last more than a season if they have any contact with chlorine