Summer's over, the pool days are winding down, and the swim vest is about to go into the cupboard for a few months. How you pack it away makes a big difference to how it looks and feels when you take it out again.
Neoprene is a tough, flexible material, and like any swim fabric, it lasts longest when it's cleaned, dried and stored properly. Chlorine, salt, sand, heat and sunlight are what wear neoprene down over time, especially when a vest sits damp or squashed for months. The good news: getting it right takes about ten minutes.
Step 1: Give It a Proper Rinse
Even if you've rinsed it after every swim, give the vest one thorough clean before it goes away.
✓ Soak it in cool, fresh water for 10 to 15 minutes to lift out any chlorine, salt and sand.
✓ Rinse inside and out. Pay attention to the seams, straps and the inside lining, where chlorine and salt like to hide.
✓ Clean the zip and buckles. Run fresh water through the zip teeth and buckles, then work them open and closed a few times so no sand or salt is left inside.
✓ If it needs a wash, use a small amount of mild, gentle soap in cool water, then rinse well. Skip bleach, strong detergents and fabric softener.
✓ Never machine wash or tumble dry. Hand washing only.
Step 2: Dry It Completely
This is the step that matters most. A vest packed away even slightly damp can develop mildew, odours and marks over the winter.
✓ Gently press out excess water. Don't wring or twist it.
✓ Dry it inside out first, then turn it the right way round so both sides dry fully.
✓ Air dry in the shade, somewhere with good airflow. Direct sunlight and heat fade colours and dry out neoprene.
✓ Keep it away from heaters, radiators, dryers and hairdryers.
✓ Give it longer than you think. Leave it for a full day, and check the thickest parts and seams are dry before you pack it away.
Classic Swim Vest owners: take the removable floats out before drying so the vest and the floats both dry properly. Pop them back in once everything is completely dry, so none go missing over the winter.
Step 3: Store It Flat or Hanging, Never Squashed
Neoprene holds its shape best when it isn't folded or crushed for long periods.
✓ Lay it flat on a shelf or in a drawer, or hang it on a wide, padded hanger. Thin wire hangers can leave marks on the shoulders.
✓ Don't fold it tightly or roll it up for months at a time. Sharp folds can leave creases in the neoprene.
✓ Don't pile heavy things on top. Keep it at the top of a storage box, not squashed at the bottom.
✓ Leave the zip open or loosely closed, and unclip the buckles, so nothing is under tension while it's stored.
Step 4: Choose the Right Spot
✓ Cool, dry and dark is ideal. A wardrobe or cupboard inside the house works well.
✓ Avoid lofts, garages, sheds and car boots. They get hot in summer, damp in winter, and swing between the two, which is hard on neoprene.
✓ Skip sealed plastic bags. They trap moisture. If you're using a bag, make sure the vest is completely dry and choose something breathable.
✓ Store it with the rest of the swim kit so everything's in one place when you need it.
Step 5: Before Next Season
When the swim bag comes back out, take two minutes before the first swim.
✓ Try it on. Children grow a lot in a year. The vest should feel snug, not tight, with room for two fingers at the shoulders and the zip closing fully. If your child has grown, it's time to size up.
✓ Check the zip and buckles open and close smoothly.
✓ Give it a quick rinse in fresh water to freshen it up after storage.
The Everyday Habits That Help Most
The best storage starts during the swim season. A few quick habits after every swim keep a vest in great condition for longer:
✓ Rinse in fresh water straight after swimming, especially after the pool or the sea.
✓ Dry it in the shade, not on a hot sun lounger or car seat.
✓ Don't leave it scrunched up wet in the swim bag overnight.
✓ Keep sunscreen and after-sun off the vest where you can, and rinse it off if it gets on.
Ready for Next Season?
A well-cared-for Limmys swim vest is ready to go season after season. And if your little one has grown over the summer, find their next size in the Limmys swim vest range and use our size guide to get the right fit.
Always swim with an adult close by.
