Proper Care of Gear

[Torchwatch]

The Elastane in Lycra will deteriorate if it is subjected to chlorinated water, saline water, heat, sunlight, prolonged damp, abrasive surfaces, sand and excessive stretching.
Basically if you use it you'll lose it, if you use it and power dry it or leave it damp you'll lose it faster.
Keeping your Lycra in a ventilated, dry, cool, dark place and never wearing it will prolong it's life but spoil the fun.
Don't wear you Olympic souvenir speedos 3 times a week every week and expect them to last, store them properly for special events and your collection.
If you are going to swim 3 times every week buy speedos that you like but know will wear out each season allowing you to find a new cut and colour next time.
The first sign that your speedos are wearing out is that the seat will start to sag and eventually drop to your knees. Saggy swimwear is not a fashion statement, neither is a car with it's rear exhaust box dragging on the road.