Category: Choosing Swimwear

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Why Does Chlorine Ruin Swimsuits? (And How to Make Yours Last 10x Longer

Two happy swimmers wearing OceanRoad chlorine-treated swimsuits in a pool, giving a thumbs up to show fabric durability.
Our swimmers love the comfortable stretch of Lycra without the worry of chlorine damage. OceanRoad suits are built to stay bright and ‘snappy’ swim after swim.

The Confidence of a Suit That Won’t Let You Down

If you’ve ever noticed your favorite swimsuit becoming thin, saggy, or losing its vibrant color after just a few trips to the pool, you aren’t alone. Chlorine is a powerful chemical designed to kill bacteria, but it is also a “silent killer” for standard swimwear fabrics.

The Quick Answer: Why is your suit getting ruined?

Chlorine is an oxidizer that attacks the molecular bonds of Lycra and Spandex. It strips the elastic of its “memory,” causing it to stretch out and never snap back. It also acts as a mild bleach, eating away at fabric dyes and thinning the material until it becomes see-through.

The Science: What Chlorine Actually Does to Fabric

Most high-end swimwear is prized for its stretch, which comes from elastane (Lycra). However, pool chemicals cause a reaction called “fiber rot.”

  1. Elastic Brittleness: Chlorine dries out the fibers, making them brittle. Once the fiber “snaps,” the suit lose its shape, this is why suits get “baggy” in the seat.
  2. Residual Crystallization: When chlorinated water evaporates from a dry suit, it leaves behind microscopic crystals. These sharp crystals shred the fabric from the inside out as you move.
  3. Color Stripping: Chlorine neutralizes the bond between the dye and the fabric, leading to premature fading.

5 Expert Tips to Stop Chlorine Damage Immediately

To keep your swimwear in “new” condition, follow this professional maintenance routine:

1. The “Fresh Water” Pre-Soak

Never put a dry swimsuit into a chlorinated pool. Your suit is like a sponge; if you soak it in fresh water first (in the shower), it cannot absorb as much of the pool’s chemicals. This is the #1 way to prevent damage.

2. The Instant Rinse

Even if you aren’t going to wash your suit immediately, rinse it in cold, fresh water the moment you step out of the pool. This removes the surface chlorine before it has a chance to settle and dry into crystals.

3. Neutralize with Vinegar

Once a week, soak your swimwear in a basin with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar per liter of water. The acetic acid neutralizes the alkaline chlorine and helps “lock” the colors into the fabric.

4. Avoid the “Wring and Hang”

Wringing your suit snaps the already-weakened elastic fibers. Instead, lay the suit flat on a towel, roll it up, and press down. Always air-dry in the shade—UV rays from the sun are just as damaging as the chlorine.

5. Choose the Right Fabric Technology

If you swim regularly, standard “fashion” swimwear won’t survive. You need a fabric designed for the environment.

The OceanRoad Difference: Comfort Meets Durability

At OceanRoad Swimwear, we realized that most “durable” swimwear felt stiff and uncomfortable. That’s why we developed our Signature Chlorine-Treated Fabric.

Unlike standard Lycra, our fibers are treated with a protective polymer shield during the weaving process.

  • Retains Lycra Stretch: You get the buttery-soft, body-contouring fit you love.
  • Resists Fiber Rot: Our treatment prevents chlorine from penetrating the core of the elastic.
  • Double the Lifespan: Our suits are engineered to stay “snappy” and bright, even for daily lap swimmers.

[Shop our Chlorine-Resistant Collection – Built to Last, Designed to Move]

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Meet Sandy

Meet Sandy, a Passionate Cook, Photographer and Fun-Loving Woman

beauty and confidence come from self-acceptance, embraced my body and its changes over time. Banner

“Confidence is putting a swimsuit on and embracing yourself.”

My relationship with my body has changed over the years. When I was younger, it was effortless to stay thin and fit but menopause and time have brought changes. My knees do not always cooperate and waistlines expand yet I remain grateful for the strength and resilience my body offers. Dating in my 50s helped me see that you do not have to be perfect to feel sexy. Being part of this OceanRoad Swimwear photoshoot was more comfortable than I expected. It was just fun and liberating. The zip-up rashies made me feel confident and I hope my photos show women of all shapes and sizes that practical swimwear can look beautiful. This experience reminded me that I can do almost anything if I put my heart into it.

mature women in swimwear real womens bodies Banner

“I trained as a clown and did it for 10 years.”

People are often surprised to learn I trained as a clown and performed for a decade. I have always loved bringing joy to others and in some ways that spirit still carries through in how I connect with people today. My perfect day starts with a coffee and some journaling outside somewhere relaxing followed by a swim and a beach walk. I would then enjoy a leisurely breakfast with some reading and music in the background. Simple things like this help me recharge and find balance.

Menopause Journey for women over 40 feel good stories

“Kings Beach is my sanctuary and creative spark.”

I feel alive through writing. Journaling, poetry and letters allow me to express myself. Photography lets me capture the world as I see it. Nature also inspires me and Kings Beach, just walking distance from my front door, is my place of freedom. I love connecting with friends and community through cooking, listening and sharing experiences together. Surrounding myself with positive energy and creativity is essential to who I am.

Beach Life Australia king beach sunshine coast women BANNER

“My mum taught me dignity and resilience in every challenge.”

I find inspiration in strong and compassionate women. My mum was an incredible influence. She had a big heart and amazing mind and faced so much yet always carried herself with dignity. Life has thrown plenty of challenges my way as well from living most of my life without parents to going through two marriages and losing a partner to terminal illness. What I have learned is that life goes on regardless and how you handle it is what really matters. If I could give my younger self advice, I would simply say you are so beautiful.

Confidence At Every Age women over 50 wearing swimwear banner

“Accepting where you are in life is true confidence and freedom with celebration.”

For me, beauty and confidence come from self-acceptance, acknowledging life as it is with joy. Over time I have embraced my body and its changes over time. When I was younger, it was effortless to stay thin and fit but menopause and time have brought changes but I remain grateful for the strength and resilience my body offers. Nature also inspires me and Kings Beach, just walking distance from my front door, is my place of freedom.

real women of australia women over 50 body confidence

“Little celebrations make life feel full and joyful.”

I have also learned to celebrate achievements in meaningful ways. Usually this means sharing a meal at home with friends, opening a bottle of Prosecco, enjoying good food and playing some great music. It is these little celebrations that make life feel full and joyful.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Meet Christine

Meet Christine, Dancer, Diver, Dreamer & Advocate for Self love

“Loving your whole self physically and emotionally.”

For me, confidence comes from accepting and loving every part of yourself. My body has changed a lot over the years, kids, jobs, injuries, life’s ups and downs, but I’ve learned to embrace every stage. I celebrate achievements, big or small, with little treats, like a special meal or some shopping. Body confidence today is about doing my best to stay healthy, accepting life’s stages, and still chasing the lifestyle goals I set for myself.

colourful fun chic sun safe swimwear for mature women banner

“My dance teachers inspire me most.”

I’ve been inspired by so many people, especially my dance teachers from Sunshine Coast Physie and Dance. I even helped start a non-profit organisation to provide affordable dance classes for young girls, helping them grow confidence. Moving overseas to America for nearly ten years to be a stay-at-home mum was a big challenge, but it taught me I could achieve big things even without a university degree. My advice to my younger self? Look after yourself first, stay active, and prioritise your health.

scuba diving mature women enjoying life over 50 banner

“I have a Diploma in Hypnotherapy and NLP.”

Something people might not know about me is that I have a Diploma in Hypnotherapy and NLP. When I’m not working or helping others, I love gardening on my two-acre Sunshine Coast property. My perfect day? Scuba diving in Indonesia, feeling completely weightless, as if I’m in my own huge aquarium. Those are the moments that make me feel most alive.

women empowerment women over 50 on beach wearing ocean road swimwear an australian brand for mature women - banner

“Doing your best to be healthy and accepting life’s stages.”

Completing my hypnotherapy course really changed the way I think about my body and habits. Being part of the OceanRoad Swimwear photoshoot was so empowering, I felt youthful and confident, like a kid again, and celebrated for who I am, no matter my age or size. The experience reminded me that confidence is about embracing yourself and enjoying life.

mature women on beach wearing modest swimwear banner

“Take the plunge!!”

My message to other women is simple: take the plunge! I felt amazing in the OceanRoad tankini, and honestly, every piece made me feel confident. Through this experience, I’ve learned to be myself and not pretend to be someone I’m not. I hope other women see these photos and feel inspired to embrace themselves, whatever their age or size, and feel proud of who they are.

sunshine coast physiedance - link

Interested in joining ‘Physie & Dance’ or becoming a sponsor?

Find out more here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Meet Mandy

Meet Mandy, a Dancer, Adventurer and Free Spirit

Meet Mandy, a Dancer, Adventurer and Free Spirit

“One of the best decisions I ever made was moving to Australia.”

I emigrated here in 2001 and I’ve never looked back. It was truly one of the best choices of my life. Now that I’m recently retired, I sometimes wonder how I ever managed to fit work into my days with everything else I love to do.

womens swimwear confidence women's stories BANNER

“I keep busy with the things that bring me joy.”

I enjoy Latin dancing, horse riding and aqua aerobics, but the best moments are the ones spent with my beautiful friends and family. Staying active and connected is really important to me, and it makes life feel full.

womens confidence empowerment women riding horse

“Life is for living happily.”

That’s my mantra. If something doesn’t bring you joy, stop doing it. It’s simple but it’s how I try to live every day. At this stage of life, I want to focus on what makes me feel happy, confident and strong.

womens empowerment and strength real womens bodies BANNER

“There’s no one-size-fits-all.”

That’s what drew me to OceanRoad Swimwear. I loved the idea that swimwear should fit real women, in all our shapes, ages and stages of life. Saying yes to being part of this photoshoot felt like adding another achievement to my list. The shoot itself was so relaxed and fun, thanks to the wonderful team.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Water Aerobics: What to Wear

What Should You Wear for Water Aerobics? Finding swimwear for water exercise can be a daunting task, but fear not, it’s time to dive right in and find out which is the best swimsuit for aqua aerobics.

womens tankini and shorts set swimwear brisbane

Are you ready to splash into the refreshing world of water exercise, where the benefits speak for their selves. Water aerobics is a fun and exciting approach to health and wellness, particularly beneficial for joint health. If you’ve been seeking a low-impact yet highly effective workout regimen, aqua aerobics might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.

women wearing swim leggings and crop swim top cami on beach brisbane australia BANNER_1003aB

Swim Leggings

These swim pants come in various lengths from full leg to a half quad length. Made from full stretch, quick dry fabrics, they ensure both comfort and flexibility. For your water exercise wardrobe consider opting for materials with UV sun protection or chlorine-resistant treatments and fabrics for added durability and protection.

women wearing water aerobics swimwear swim leggings and sports tankini Banner

Swim Tops & Tankini’s

It’s essential to prioritize support and comfort when looking for swimtop options. A good supportive under-bust elastic for enhanced lift and stability is a must. Tankini tops with inner shelf bras can provide excellent support while allowing for ease of movement and extra tummy cover. Cropped or sports style bikini tops with a racer back make a perfect choice for your water aerobics sessions.

womens plus size swimsuits with zip front BANNER_1046

One-Piece Swimsuits

For those seeking full coverage and support, the one piece swimsuit is an ideal solution. These bathers prevent the ride-up that you can sometimes get when wearing a 2 piece swim set. Many one piece swimsuit offer coverage for both the arms and legs, providing a sense of security and modesty while you focus on your water workout.

womens plus size swimwear baggy rashies and swim leggings full cover blog

Swim Shirts/Rashies

Let’s not forget about rash guards, especially if you’re exercising in an outdoor pool or the ocean. These garments feature sleeves that offer great protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. So you can ensure your skin remains safe and healthy during your any aquatic activity.

swim shoes for aqua aerobics

Water Shoes

Utilizing appropriate footwear, such as non-slip water shoes, is crucial for preventing injuries during water aerobics. Water shoes offer stability in the water. Look for options like water shoes featuring rubber soles or water socks with a soft grip on the underside for optimal performance and safety.

When it comes to finding suitable swimwear for water workouts, prioritize comfort, functionality, and protection. Whether you opt for swim leggings, tankini tops, swimsuits, or rash guards, ensure that your choice meets your needs and allows you to move with ease and confidence in the water. But never forget to look super stylish with an ample serving of sass!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Discover the Perfect Swimwear for Your Body Type: A Comprehensive Guide

Warm weather is just around the corner and that means it’s time to start planning your beach getaways and poolside hangouts. One of the most important aspects of your summer wardrobe is, of course, your swimwear. With so many different styles, colors, and designs available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect swimsuit that not only looks great but also feels comfortable and suits your body type.

Discover the Perfect Swimwear for Your Body Type

Understanding Your Body Type

Before we discuss the best swimwear for different body types, it’s important to first understand your own body shape. There are five main body types: hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Knowing your body type will make it easier to choose the most flattering swimwear.

  • Hourglass: If you have a well-defined waist, with your bust and hips being almost the same width, you have an hourglass figure.
  • Pear: If your hips are wider than your bust and shoulders, you have a pear-shaped body.
  • Apple: If you have a fuller bust and waist, with narrower hips, you have an apple-shaped body.
  • Rectangle: If your bust, waist, and hips are nearly the same width, you have a rectangle-shaped body.
  • Inverted Triangle: If your shoulders and bust are wider than your hips, you have an inverted triangle-shaped body.

Now that you know your body type, let’s explore the best swimwear options for each:

Hourglass Figure

As an hourglass figure, you have a well-defined waist and balanced proportions, which means you can pull off most swimwear styles. However, to accentuate your curves and maintain balance, consider these styles:

1. Halter tops: A halter top with a plunging neckline will accentuate your bust and shoulders, while providing ample support.

2. High-waisted bottoms: These bottoms will draw attention to your slim waist and add a touch of vintage glamour to your beach look.

3. Fitted swim shirts with zip front: These will enhance your bust and emphasis your hourglass-like figure.

BANNER_Fitted swim shirts These will enhance your bust and create a more hourglass-like figure.2130

Pear Shape

For pear-shaped bodies, the focus should be on drawing attention to the upper body while providing coverage and support for the hips and thighs. Some great swimwear options include:

1. Ruffled or bold patterned tops: These tops will draw attention to your bust and shoulders, balancing out your proportions.

2. Skirted bottoms: These provide extra coverage for your hips and thighs while adding a feminine touch to your swimwear.

3. A-line tankini: This style flatters your waist and provides coverage for your lower half, creating a balanced silhouette.

Skirted bottoms These provide extra coverage for your hips and thighs while adding a feminine touch to your swimwear.

Apple Shape

If you have an apple-shaped body, you’ll want to focus on creating a more defined waistline and accentuating your legs. Look for these swimwear styles:

1. V-neck one-pieces: A deep V-neck will elongate your torso and draw attention to your bust, creating a more defined waistline.

2. High-cut bottoms: These bottoms will elongate your legs, making them appear slimmer.

3. Peplum or A-line tankini tops: A peplum style will create the illusion of a smaller waist while providing coverage for your midsection.

Peplum tankini tops A peplum style will create the illusion of a smaller waist while providing coverage for your midsection.

Rectangle Shape

As a rectangle-shaped body, your goal is to create the illusion of curves. To achieve this, opt for these swimwear styles:

1. Ruffles and embellishments: These add volume to your bust and hips, creating a more curvaceous silhouette.

2. Belted or cinched waist one-pieces: These swimsuits will accentuate your waist and create curves.

3. Fitted swim shirts: These will enhance your bust and create a more hourglass-like figure.

Ruffles and embellishments These add volume to your bust and hips, creating a more curvaceous silhouette.

Inverted Triangle

To balance out an inverted triangle body shape, you’ll want to focus on minimizing your bust and shoulders while accentuating your hips. Consider these swimwear options:

1. Bandeau tops: A strapless bandeau top will minimize your bust and shoulders, creating a more balanced look.

2. Hipster or tie-side bottoms: These bottoms will add volume to your hips, balancing out your upper body.

3.Colourful Swim Pants: Colourful or patterned swim shorts or pants will draw attention downwards and create a more balanced silhouette.

Colourful Swim Pants Colourful or patterned swim shorts or pants will draw attention downwards and create a more balanced silhouette.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for swimwear can be a daunting task, but by understanding your body type and choosing styles that flatter your unique shape, you can feel confident and stylish all summer long. So, whether you’re lounging by the pool or hitting the beach, embrace your body and enjoy the sun in your perfect swimwear!

A huge “Thank You” to ‘Vivid Orb’ for taking the time to write this blog for us 🙂

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Why Choose Chlorine Resistant Swimwear?

[siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Image”][/siteorigin_widget]

Why Choose ‘Chlorine Resistant Treated Swimwear’

It is very difficult to find swimwear that fits and looks great. So once you have the perfect suit no one wants it to sag and fall out of shape.

Q: Why does my swimsuit only last a short time before it starts to sag?

A: Chlorine!

Chlorine is used to kill bacteria in pools and spas making it safe to swim. Unfortunately chlorine just loves to destroy our swimwear causing the fabric to breakdown and sag. Most swimsuit fabrics are made with Elastane (also known as Spandex or Lycra) Elastane is far more sensitive to chlorine than other fibres. But it’s the Elastane that gives swimwear its important stretch making movement comfortable and easy. This is why many chlorine resistant swimsuits have little, to no stretch. They are mostly made from fabric’s such as Polyester, with no Elastane content.

Q: Are we being forced to make a choice between the comfort and longevity of our swimwear.

A: Not Anymore!

Scientists and fabric manufacturers have come up with an ingenious way to prolong the life of elastane. Using chemicals to seal and protect these delicate fibres they can extend their life up to 10  times longer. Ocean Road Swimwear’s ‘Chlorine Resistant Treated’ swimsuits have been treated in this way. Helping us create swimwear that has both comfort and longevity.

Q: Why should I pay more for chlorine resistant treated swimwear?

A: Two swimsuits cost more than one?

All swimwear fabrics will eventually breakdown when exposed to chlorinated water. However, we can prolong this process by choosing a ‘chlorine resistant treated swimsuit’ although normally priced a little higher they could end up being much better value in the long run. Having to replace your swimsuit a number of times during a season can end up quite costly. Not to mention the impact on the environment.

Q: How long will my chlorine resistant swimwear last?

A: A little effort goes a long way!

When choosing where to swim remember the lower the level of chlorine exposure the longer the swimsuit will last. Salt water pools and private residential pools normally have lower levels of chlorine while public pools and water parks will have much higher levels. Although the fabric has been treated to have a higher resistance to chlorine it is still very important that the correct care instructions are followed. Please refer to the ‘Care Instructions’ listed on this website.

Chlorine Resistant

Chlorine Resistant

Chlorine Resistant Treated Swimwear – Last’s up to x10 Longer Than Regular Swimwear Fabrics!

Shop now
Posted on by — Leave a comment

What Does UPF Stand For?

Woman Standing on beach in UPF Sun Safe Swimwear
Woman Standing on beach in UPF Sun Safe Swimwear

“So, What Does UPF Stand For?“

The UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a rating used for clothing and other fabrics that protect you from the sun. The higher the rating the more protection you will have from UV radiation.

There are two types of harmful rays that can penetrate through a fabric and reach our skin. Long wave ultraviolet A & short wave ultraviolet B.  The UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and can course premature skin aging and skin cancer while the UVB rays affect the skin’s top layer and cause sunburn & sometimes blistering.

There are approximately x500 more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays.

Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UV Sun Protection Range: has been created not only to look great but also to protect you from the harmful Ultra Violet sun rays. The fabric has been specially manufactured from UV resistant fabrics which have been ‘tightly woven’ to help block the radiation. A special chemical is then embedded into the fabric that can reflect, scatter or absorb ultraviolet rays even when the fabric is wet. This process means that the fabric is ideal for swimwear and sportswear.

Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UPF label means that this item is rated at the highest level of sun protection. Classed ‘excellent protection’ with 98% of UV radiation blocked.

 

+50 UV Protection

+50 UV Protection

Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UPF label means that this garment is rated at the highest level of sun protection. Classed ‘excellent protection’ with 98% of UV radiation blocked.

Shop now
Posted on by — Leave a comment

How To Choose The Perfect Swimsuit

womens swimwear rash guards swim shorts skirt banner

Do you want to know what you should be looking for when choosing swimwear? Then look no further as I’m attempting to help make sense of the endless swimwear options narrowing them down to styles that fit and flatter your body type. So whether your curvaceous or athletic, big or small, pear or apple shaped if you want to look and feel fabulous in swimwear read on.

 

Big Booty/Pear Shape

If you have a generous backside? Look for a suit with enough fabric in that area. Look for a bottom that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg. Swim skirts or shorts are a good way to achieve this. Also an adjustable rash guard or tankini can be worn at this length. A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimizing the bottom.

Tummy Pouch/ Apple Shape

If you carry your weight mostly in your tummy and you’re looking to cover up or slim your middle, ruching is a popular way to do this. The gathered fabric hides bulges and can also help to conceal your stomach. A power mesh lining assists with support and helps to create a smoother shape. Choosing an A-line design or a style with loose fitting fabric around your middle will help to hide the pouch. Plunging necklines with ties or zippers and high cut bottoms draw the attention away from your middle. If love handles are your problem a high-waisted bottom that extends above your belly button works wonders.

Small Bust/ Athletic

If you’re more straight up-and-down and have fewer curves. Choosing a fitted design especially in a rash guard will stop the flattening of your chest and extenuate your shape. Bold prints or embellishments with ruffles create the illusion of curves.  Certain halter tops can create cleavage. The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier your tush will appear.

Large bust

If you’re well-endowed on top with ample cleavage.  Avoid ruffles or embellishments up top if you’re hoping to minimize the focus on your chest. Bra-style tops with underwire and moulded cups and adjustable straps provide extra bust support. The thicker the strap, the more support.

Curvy

If you’re curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt. Using a power mesh lining will help to smooth and hide any unwanted lumps and bumps. Wearing rash guards, tankinis and one piece swimsuits with rushing, gathering or a crossover design will flatter your waist and shape. If you suffer with back fat reach for designs with thicker straps and high backs.

Cellulite

No matter what your shape or size cellulite doesn’t discriminate. When attempting to keep those unsightly dimples under wraps. Choose swim skirts, shorts, tankinis  and rashies with longer hemlines for more coverage. Look for garments that still pack plenty of sass.

Sun Sensitive

You don’t have to give up looking stylish just because they need to stay covered in the sun. Your swimsuit can also provide a bit of stylish protection. Rash guards with long-sleeves are can be made from Ultra Violet Protected fabrics and are available in a variety of flattering styles. These suits can be worn with a full legged swim pant/legging for full sun coverage.

Pregnant

Shielding yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is more important than ever during pregnancy. Your body’s pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) make your skin more susceptible to UV-induced discoloration. So sun protection and extra belly room are very important. It’s best to look for rash guards & tankini’s with ample room around your midsection. This will help to make you more comfortable and give your tum extra sun protection. Low rise bottoms are best as they will sit just under your tum.

I hope this was helpful and look forward to hearing any comments or suggestions you may have.