Resources

Here at Lime Ricki, we are committed to creating high-quality swimwear in fashionable designs with comfort at their core. We want you to feel confident and comfortable so you can focus on what really matters – fun in the sun! While you may be familiar with our brand, there are few interesting things you may not know about how our swimwear is made. Let's take a closer look for an inside scoop!

Goals of Our Brand

Before we look at the nitty-gritty of how our swimwear is made, it is important to understand the principles behind every design we create. When we founded Lime Ricki in 2007, our goal was to create swimwear women actually wanted to wear. Created for women by women, Lime Ricki focuses on comfortable, fashionable swimsuits with the right fit for women of all body types. Our swimwear runs from XXS to 4X for size inclusivity so every woman can feel confident and stylish. We believe in fun colors, bold graphics, and attention to every detail. These brand goals are the starting point in the design process.

R&D: Smart Design and Quality Materials

We start with smart designs made with a few focuses. Our swimwear is made with a focus on mixing and matching--we create several different styles such as boy shorts, skirts, bottoms, that you can mix or match with our tops. We use both solid colos and fun prints so you have more freedom when shopping to create a look you love. The designs also focus on fit and support. From foam pad shelf bras to fully lined bottoms, we take pride in our designs in every sense of the word. Once we have our designs in terms of cut, fit, and type, we then move on to the fabric. The materials used in our designs also have to meet certain standards to be a part of the Lime Ricki brand. We use nylon-spandex blend for our fabric. This material blend provides a comfortable feel that is never scratchy on the skin while also offering breathable and quick drying properties making it perfect for swimsuits. And as a bonus, our fabric also provides UV 50+ protection to the areas of the body it covers for added peace of mind.

Manufacturing: Proudly Sewn in America

All of our swimsuits are proudly sewn in the U.S.A. as part of our commitment to quality. Our swimwear is created in a responsible factory in Los Angeles, which is important to us because it allows for a high standard of quality that our customers have come to expect while also helping to support the American economy. A team of dedicated employees manufacture our suits with close attention to detail throughout the cutting, sewing, and packaging phases of production.

The fabric is rolled out on long tables which allows it to flatten and rest before being cut into the designated pattern pieces. After a few days of resting, the material is layered several inches high to allow for multiple pieces to be cut at the same time. Once the fabric is layered, the design pattern is placed over it and an employee uses a special saw to hand-cut the piece. This process continues until the required pieces in the desired colors are met. From there, additional pieces of material are cut such as lining, trim, elastics, and any other elements needed for the design. The suits are then assembled in an assembly line process with each machinist sewing one part of the suit. This ensures careful attention to detail and overall quality.

Once the suit is sewn, it is then individually inspected to ensure quality overall. If a finished suit doesn't meet our high standards of quality, it does not go out to our customers. Once a suit is inspected and approved, it is ready to be carefully folded and packaged by hand. Everything is then sent to our warehouse in Salt Lake City to be shipped out to you. Our swimwear is made with care and intention from the design to the packaging to shipping out an order. When you shop Lime Ricki, you are getting a stylish & comfortable suit made just for you from a company that cares!

Everyone loves the warmer summer air and getting out into the water whether it's a pool, lake, ocean, water park, or even just a small kiddie pool in your backyard to keep you cool while working on your tan. However, what we all don't love is dealing with our adorable swimsuits that start out perfectly colored, but over time, start to get a yellow tinge to them, especially if they are white or have white in the pattern. It makes it look older, even if the swimsuit is still new and in great condition. So you may wonder, why do swimsuits turn yellow? There could be a few reasons for a suit to become yellow and in no way is relative to the quality of the suit.

Why Swimsuits Turn Yellow

1. The sun. Unfortunately, even materials that are UV-resistant, like the ones we use in our swimwear, don't prevent all potential sun damage, though it's better than materials that were not made for the sun. However, with the sun shining on you and your suit, you may find that after a few summers, depending how often you go out, that your suit begins to take on a more faded, even yellow look. This is most commonly seen in white swimsuits as the sun fades away the color. Sadly, this is an unavoidable part of owning a swimsuit, as it happens to a variety of things. From our clothes to even our houses, you may find that sun coming through windows can affect the color of things over time. The sun is a powerful source of light and can definitely make a difference in the coloring over time and exposure.
2. Oil and sweat. That's right, your own body can be the reason your suit is starting to get a yellow tinge to it. When you sweat, and even when you don't, your body is producing oils. These oils, especially when you get sweaty, can run down into your suit and could cause a yellowing. Unfortunately, we sometimes see the same issue with a white t-shirt or tank top in the area near the armpits. Even with wearing deodorant, there's still a chance of sweating that can cause some discoloration, and the same goes for those wearing swimsuits out in hot weather.
3. Sunscreen. Yes, the thing you need on your skin to protect your beautiful self from the rays can ultimately do your swimsuit damage. Unfortunately, when we go swimming, or just laying out, we either sweat the sunscreen off or it washes off in the water and ultimately can wind up on our swimsuits. Over time, with build-up, it can cause some discoloration of your suit, including the dreaded yellowing.
4. Pool chemicals. Just like they can mess with your hair, they can mess with a suit if not properly washed off. Over time, the exposure to the different chemicals could cause some discoloration or fading of the suit.

So now, you know why swimsuits turn yellow and you may be wondering if there's a way to prevent this from happening to your suits or ways to keep them clean. Luckily, the answer is yes! We have our care instructions, which are to handwash your suit in cold water with a mild detergent, immediately after use and then line dry. However, there's even more that you can do to help.

First things first, always rinse off your suit after getting out of the water. That's right, just find some cool water, a pool shower works or at the beach if they have one, rinse your suit and yourself off to remove any potential chemicals or sunscreen that ran onto the suit. If you can't get to a shower right away or plan on changing, take your suit off and rinse it in a kitchen or bathroom sink until it can be taken home to be handwashed properly. This is still better than nothing and can help remove some of the chemicals or oils that may be building up on the material.

If you still find that you're dealing with some yellowing, washing it in a gentle dish soap can really make a difference. This is how we recommend you take care of your Lime Ricki suits to begin with, but if you've been slacking or let your suits sit for a while, definitely take the time to mix up some water and dish soap to remove the grease stain. You may need to wash it once or twice to really get the stain, but this should help remove any yellowing.

With the summer heat warming everything up, you'll be ready to jump into a pool or ocean or lake in no time. With the right swimsuit, you can feel confident and ready to take on the long summer days that this season brings. However, when looking at various swimwear, including ours, you may be wondering why do swimsuits have lining?

If you've been shopping around and keep seeing some suits that say fully lined, you may be wondering what that means and why it's important to your shopping needs. When you shop for a new suit, you are likely focused on a couple different aspects, mainly the print and what it looks like, and then the fit style, so high-waisted, crop, classic, etc. All of those aspects are extremely important in ultimately deciding on the perfect suit for you this summer, but the lining is also important. The term fully lined, when discussing swimwear, means that the entire piece, whether it's a top, bottom or one piece, has a layer of fabric that is behind the visible print or color that you see. This lining is usually a neutral color, either a nude or a white. The main purpose behind it is to ensure that your swimsuit doesn't become see-through when wet. Obviously, this is a very important part to swimwear, as no one wants a swimsuit that is so thin and not lined that when you add water you'll be needing a cover up immediately.

Not only does it help to ensure that the fabric isn't showing anything it shouldn't when wet, it can also help to make the swimsuit a bit thicker, so the outline of the suit on you doesn't show anything it shouldn't. Swimsuit material is generally a nylon and spandex blend, which makes it great for water, as well as contouring to various shapes, and while that's important, it's also important that the suits don't show too much of anything, wet or dry.

Finally, lining can help to add support to the overall structure of the suit. This can help it to retain its shape without stretching out, as well as help the suit to last longer and offer you better support. After all, you are choosing these suits because you want to have fun in the sun knowing that you are properly covered, supported, and as cute as possible. Especially for women who have larger busts, having that extra support is a necessity to keeping you comfortable for your day on the water. In some cases, our swimsuit tops will be double lined in the bra area featuring foam cups, so you have all the coverage and support you could need. The double lining offers even more support than just full lining, so you can rest assured you are getting the support you need while out and about. This will help you to avoid any discomfort while spending time with friends or family and feeling confident in your suit.

What If a Suit Says Unlined?

Before you panic, that doesn't mean that the material this suit is made of will show anything that it shouldn't if it gets wet or if you just wear it out. Some suits are made of different material that can be thicker than others, which would make the use of a liner unnecessary. However, most suits, especially those on our site, are fully lined, so you don't have to worry about anything other than how adorable that suit looks.

Keep in mind though, that certain sizes may need fully lined tops or even double lined tops for added support and comfort. There are a variety of suits in our selection that meet those needs as our suits were designed for every body type that is looking for a cute and modest swim top to wear this summer.

No matter how carefully you plan, accidents sometimes happen. Whether you have everything you could ever need for your next beach getaway or a small family backyard BBQ beside the pool, accidental pulls, elastic issues, and other problems could crop up with your swimwear. Do you know how to do emergency swimsuit repairs?

For those moments when you don't have time to reorder your favorite Lime Ricki swimwear replacement, or you need emergency swimsuit repairs now, we can help you with these easy tips to repairing your suit!

Supplies to carry with you for emergency swimsuit repairs:

• Travel sewing kit that includes at least 2 safety pins, thread, and needle.
• Swimsuit patch kit if available
• Hot glue gun (Yes, really!)
• Large rectangular scarf

Alterations

If you find that your swimsuit has a sunscreen stain or an area where the fabric seems worn, in an emergency when a secondary suit is not available, some quick on-the-go embellishments or a stylish cover-up may easily cover these places as well as adding a fresh new look.

If you forgot your favorite suit coverup, you could easily make a no-sew coverup quickly!

Scarf Sarong

Have a lightweight, extra-long rectangle scarf? Easily knot the scarf around your waist or crossed over your front, and then tied behind the neck for a gorgeously simple coverup that looks on-trend and comfortable. An easy and quick fix to hide any swimsuit flaws when you need to without needle, thread, or any sort of extras.

Recycle

Have a favorite bow, tie, or even costume jewelry piece that is floating around in a drawer or an extra hair accessory in your luggage? With your travel sewing kit, a few stitches, or even hot glue in a pinch (but try and add a stitch or two so you don't lose it in the water) can cover a spot, stain or accidental tear quickly.

Unexpected Saggy Top

If you suddenly experience the straps sagging or snagged one and stretched it, you can alter your swimsuit straps with a no-sew quick fix.

1. Determine excess strap length, trial and error are perfectly fine here as no sewing is involved.
2. Turn your swimsuit or swimsuit top inside out.
3. Lay the garment flat as possible, the back facing toward you, and grab a safety pin.
4. Gather fabric on the sharp end of your safety pin, making what looks like three 'waves,' of fabric.
5. Close your pin and arrange the fabric to lay flat.
6. Try on top. If it is too tight or too loose, repeat steps 4 by adding more fabric to shorten, or less to loosen.

Patch Kits

Did you know there are handy, portable, easy to use swimsuit repair patch kits? When you don't have a sewing kit with you or if you don't know how to sew, these patch kits are available at any sporting goods store or online.

Mending a Hole in Spandex or Stretch Fabric

If you notice too late that your packed swimwear has a small hole, don't panic.

What you'll need:

1. Needle
2. Thread
3. Fabric adhesive
4. Scissors
5. Flip the swimwear which you will be repairing inside out and lay it flat. Take your fabric adhesive glue and place it around the hole to be repaired. Slowly and gently, pull the suit together so the adhesive sticks to the sides and flip inside out to ensure it's not a noticeable pull. The benefit of stretchy swimsuit material is that it can easily stretch without being noticed, especially if the hole is small and in a discreet spot like under an armpit.
6. Finish the repair by darning around the edges for added support in case the adhesive comes loose.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing Swimsuit Fabric

• If you have a sewing machine handy for your repairs, consider having stretch needles, specifically creating for stretchy fabrics like swimwear on hand. Additionally, if you're the crafty type and want to repair hems, having double needles will give your repaired swimsuits that original professional looking finish.
• Use polyester thread in your repairs so it will be durable and stand up to chlorine or saltwater.
• If you need to use pins for sewing repairs, consider always trying to pin inside the seam, as pins may leave more tiny holes!

The best way to combat accidental tears, stitch unraveling, or everyday accidents that might tear your swimsuits is to be prepared, so next time you're getting ready for that well-deserved vacation, whether it is on the tropical island of your dreams or in your backyard—keep these essentials:

• Travel sewing kit (Needle and thread)
• Waterproof fabric adhesive or swimsuit patch kit
• Spare fabric
• Coverup or a large scarf

You'll be ready to tackle any of life's accidental occurrences no matter what.

Buying a new swimsuit can be very exciting. Seeing all the cute new styles available to purchase, knowing that you'll find the one that just fits perfectly and fills you with confidence to get out there and enjoy your summer. However, if you have some older swimsuits that you no longer want to wear or keep, you may be wondering, can swimwear be recycled? There are a few different ways to recycle your swimwear, that way you're keeping it out of the garbage bin and helping some others in the process.

Can Swimwear Be Recycled?

As far as putting in the recycling bin and making them into something else, no, swimwear can't be recycled in that sense. However, that doesn't mean that you have to throw out your old swimsuits or items you don't want anymore. There are other ways to recycle those suits to give them a new life after your time with them.

• Organizations. There are several organizations out there that will take old swimsuits and even rash guards or wetsuits. The wetsuits are turned into yoga mats to have a second life helping bring peace and awareness to individuals. The swimwear can be donated to an organization called Bras For a Cause, they'll accept all swimwear and donate it to breast cancer survivors, homeless shelters, and other women's organizations around the world. If the swimwear is a bit too worn to give away, it will be incorporated into artwork that is sold with the proceeds going back to organizations looking for a cure for breast cancer. This is a great way to clean out your old swimwear while giving it a new life and allowing yourself to do a little bit of good with your cleaning out.
• Donate to a friend. Do you have a friend who's a similar size to you? One way to recycle swimwear, and even other clothing, is by doing a clothing swap with friends. You can fill up a bag or box with items that you no longer want or need and can let your friends go through it and choose what they want. Anything that's left can be donated to an organization who will give it to those less fortunate. It's a great way to have a "shopping day" if your friends are trying not to spend too much, and you all will get to wear new styles with your "new to you" clothes.
• Redesign it. If you're rather crafty, you can take older swimwear pieces and redesign it into a whole new outfit or something new entirely. Perhaps you can take your old suit and make it into colorful hair ties for those hot summer days. Or you can take several suits from when you were growing up and make a cute memory blanket for yourself or a loved one to have. Make a tote bag that you can take from one place to another and eliminate using plastic bags.
• Give them a new life. If you have a suit that you love, bring a new life to it by adding new elastic to a worn suit or even cutting a one piece into a cute two piece top to match with those new high-waisted bottoms you found. This way, you still get to keep the majority of your suit, and you have what will look like a brand new swim top.

While they aren't the traditional options for recycling, there are many ways to recycle swimwear and give your suits a new role in your life or in someone else's. Not only that, but you are clearing out your closet or dresser for you to put a new suit in that will last you for several years and give you new memories to think back on and remember.

Choosing the right swimsuit for the summer season is extremely important. With so many factors going into it as far as color, style, print or no print, matching coverups and more, it can be a tough decision to find the right swimsuit for your needs. Even something like what kind of tan lines need to be taken into account. Luckily, there are so many different swimsuits out there that you're sure to find one that fits your taste and style well. In fact, it can almost be overwhelming, and we want to ensure you get the right suit for your needs. A competitive swimmer would need a different swimsuit than someone who is just going to the beach with friends. With that said, you may be wondering what the difference between competitive and regular swimsuits is.

Competitive swimsuits were designed specifically for swimming competitions to help the swimmers reduce the friction and drag in the water. These suits are specifically designed to assist the athlete during a swimming competition by offering a tight fit to reduce muscle vibration, and drag, as well as reduce any chance of losing a piece of the swimwear while trying to swim as fast as possible. Even the material of these suits varies drastically from the everyday swimsuit that you may be shopping for.

There are several different styles of competitive swimsuits, just like you'd find different styles of suits for your everyday purposes. However, these styles are all designed to help increase speed or provide arm flexibility and freedom to not interfere with the swimmer trying to get the best speed in the pool.

Now, regular swimsuits have several different options, but you'll find the material is generally the same for all, it's pretty common to find a nylon and spandex blend for the suit material. The percentage of each material may differ, and you'll find that some are fully or double lined while others are only partially lined, but that is more about the different support and coverage offered. The material isn't designed in a specific way other than to be able to get wet without losing any of its shape.

As for the different styles, designers are able to get more and more creative on the different types of styles offered. From tankinis to bikinis to one pieces, you have your choice of how much skin to show, and even from there, then you can choose one shoulder, a halter style, a crop, a knot twist, and so much more. From strappy back styles to ruffled shoulders, there is a style for every woman available. For those who prefer to be a bit more modest, there are styles for that too! It really just depends on the designer, and what you personally are looking for in a swimsuit. Some designs even have cute peplum tops!

Once you've decided on the style, you'll have to choose the different colors available. Some prefer a plain color to match perfectly, while others prefer to mix and match colors and different prints and patterns. Maybe you love florals, in which case a floral suit is the way to go. Or if you're more of a country girl at heart, a plaid suit is the perfect choice.

Ultimately, the main differences in competitive and regular swimsuits are that regular swimsuits have a lot more diversity and style opportunities within them. Competitive swimmers have to stick to a certain style of swimsuit to meet regulations and not impede their performance, whereas anyone else can wear any kind of swimsuit without having to worry about if their shoulders can move enough or if the material will create drag while they are swimming.