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2020 got you down? Let's be honest, it is a very tough year and there's nothing wrong with acknowledging that. Everyone is feeling a little more worn than usual, and everyone needs a good laugh or a break occasionally.

Luckily, we've given some thought to how to create a fun and memorable experience for you whether you are going to the beach, the lake at the cabin, or your backyard pool.

We've collected some things you can do to give yourself a little summer getaway experience for yourself or for your family during the season to capture the spirit of beachside or lakeside adventures and fun. Not only can you create new memories with a little assistance from a few of these must-have swim accessories, but you can give yourself a much-needed break from the everyday. Pair these with our exceptionally comfortable, cute, and modest swimwear and you'll never want to get out of the water!

Must-Haves for Swimming Fun Goggles

Whether swimming laps or simply cooling off during a hot day, goggles are a great swim accessory for the kids who love to dive and see underwater or for the adults that do, too! Not only are they fun, but they are an excellent eye protectant as well. Goggles keep eyes safe against irritants such as water, dirt, debris, chlorine, and any other cleaning chemicals and potentially harmful bacteria (like pink eye) found in some pools.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

Waterproof technology has come a wonderful, long way. If you love listening to your favorite music whenever you're in the pool or around it—or want to set the mood for any event, a floating Bluetooth speaker might be exactly what you are looking for! Many of these speakers come with delightful extra features such as subwoofers for surprisingly deep bass, crystal clear sound, and even gorgeous LED lights for night-time fun. Hot tub or pool, you could take your favorite music with you on your swim.

Poolside Tray

If you ever wanted to capture the sensation of a Tropical getaway where drinks and dinner were served right to the edge of the water, then you need a poolside tray! Whether you have an above-ground or even an inflatable pool, there are several varieties to choose from—from small and detachable to large and floating! Floating or removable trays come in many resort-like luxurious textures and forms, or modern and easy to care for designs. Several models have been built to be floating coolers where ice can be placed, and drinks can be kept ice-cold all day or all evening.

Whenever you feel like you need a sip of cool refreshing water or indulge in your favorite wine in your best glass while nibbling on a grape, these trays are an excellent addition to your swim season accessories.

Lounge Away on the Water

Take a moment to stretch out and bob gently on the water with a gorgeous pool lounging chair. When it comes to relaxing and reading a book, scrolling your phone, listening to your favorite tunes, soaking up the sun, or just wanting to float away, there are nearly endless choices for pool floats and loungers to choose from.

For the ultimate in comfort, consider a lounger or float that is coated with a soft sun-resistant fabric to ease into. Of course, there is always the inflatable lounge without fabric in fun patterns, colors, and kid-friendly shapes to entertain and even pool hammocks to lay about in, letting the stress melt away. If too much sun is a concern for you, several sturdy models now provide a cooling sun canopy to keep the light and glare out of you or your little one's eyes, keeping them out of harmful direct sunlight. Ride on a mystical unicorn spread out on a soft silky lounger, or float away on an adorable inflatable slice of pizza. Whichever you decide, a lounger for the pool is essential for those perfect, peaceful moments.

Pool Fountain

These days, having your very own beautiful fountain is no longer a hugely expensive ordeal. You can own your very own pool fountain without having to craft it yourself or hire a slew of professionals to do it for you. Many small pool fountains at affordable and attainable prices can now be placed in not only below-ground pools but above ground and even inflatable pools. Fountains aerate your pool water, cooling it down, meaning your afternoon swim may be even more refreshing than usual. Pool fountains also help keep the water circulating, which is essential to distributing the chemicals needed to keep the pool clean and prevents anything from growing in stagnant water.

Last, but never least, the sound of gently trickling water has often been contributed to relieving stress. The sound of water has often been a sound many of us listen too for a stress-reducing effect. Adding a fountain to your pool means you can have the real sound at any time!

Games and Sports

Get everyone moving more and having a great time when you add swim accessories that allow kids and kids at heart to play.

• Pool volleyball with floating net
• Pool Basketball
• Classic dive rings
• Mermaid tails for the mermaid lovers
• Joust! Float toward your opponent and fight off a rival with soft inflatable dueling boppers.
• Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl with an inflatable bull to ride in your swimming pool, getting friends and family to rock it and see who can hold on the longest.
• Turn your backyard pool into an underwater obstacle course with swim through rings.

With these must-have pool or beach accessories, transform the way you enjoy, have fun, and relax in the water no matter where you swim! When you need a tropical resort-like getaway or something to unwind and destress from the day, you're sure to be entertained or soothed with these perfect accessories to get you to dive back in!

Your swimwear is a versatile piece of clothing that can say so much about you, about how you are feeling and can even be a reflection of an event, celebration or lifestyle all while being a durable fashion choice that can withstand the sea, the sand or the pool. Swimwear can be so much more when it comes to style.

Whatever swimsuit you've chosen to wear, a touch of accessories will guarantee to make your summer (or year-round) waterside look is one to remember! Whether it is a sparkling piece of delightful jewelry, a pair of delightful earrings, a romantic new hat—we can help you take your pool, lake, backyard, or beachside outfit from cute to head-turning.

All Day and All Night Style

Swimwear can take you far beyond the beach or the pool lounge chair. Regardless if it's a stay-at-home celebration or you're ready to stroll the boardwalk, a swimsuit is a look that can be interchangeable for an all day and all evening style with the right flair.

Jewelry – A sparkle of gold brings warmth and a touch of glam. Stackable gold rings make your fingers look and feel delicate, while a few gold bangles along your arm to match not only sound pleasant but look great too. This year one of the hottest trends is in the shell, a pair of beachy shell earrings or anklets paired with your new gold bangles and earrings might give you a pop of bohemian with a touch of sophistication. For a truly day or night glam jewelry look, try a chunky necklace or two or three.

Sunglasses – Don't forget your best-oversized sunglasses to give yourself that boost of haute couture. Pairing the sunglasses with chunky jewelry is a great way to feel like you've just walked off the runway to the pool.

For a refined and simplistic old Hollywood glam feel with your swimsuit and jewelry, consider a zipper dress cover-up. This lovely dress can be both daytime wear, then easily removed for a nighttime swim, or worn for a brunch and then an afternoon or rest of the day at the pool with your favorite pair of heels or classy slides.

Boho

If you're a fan of the carefree, unconventional and a little nomadic, you may already know about the Boho style—but did you know you can incorporate your favorite style with your swimsuits? A gorgeous retro flower, fruit, or tropical print or gorgeous gingham with a flowy coverup for that carefree look can be enhanced further.

Jewelry – If your favorite is silver, turquoise and silver is the perfect choice for boho-chic, whether anklet chains, necklace, bracelet or chunky rings. Stacking rings are also great, as they are a versatile fashion style that can be used in a myriad of personal looks and ensembles of virtually any fashion swimsuit ensemble. Of course, beautiful gold wire wrapped pendants and multiple layers of pendants and necklaces can be paired with this style too. Feather, fringe, crystals, and shells for earrings can wrap the entire boho jewelry theme together.

Hat and Purse – Something natural and down to earth in material, with Southwestern patterns or a fun weave, is a cute and free-spirit addition to your boho swim outfit. Paper straw hats and raffia poms, or a straw woven fedora, or big-brimmed floppy hat that keeps the glare out of your eyes and yet makes you feel whimsical and free.

What to wear with your jewelry, hat, and purse? Why a matching coverup of course. A stunning tie-shoulder dress or navy stripe midi cover-up with a neckline that can be off the shoulder and smocked midsection with flowy skirts.

Saltwater sandals in gold, white, tan, navy will no doubt be the finishing touch on this classic boho-chic style.

Style Tips & Tricks Hair

Sweep back those salt-soaked locks or chlorine scented bangs with the hottest hair accessories this year—shell themed or mermaid themed clips and headbands. Or use headbands with a touch of sparkle for additional glamour. If you're a retro girl, a simple padded headband or a pretty pastel adds a nostalgic touch while keeping stray hairs out of your eyes.

Belt

Belted swimsuits are all the rage this year, and belts have always been a fashion classic, whether it is a softly tied belt that is already part of your wrap, one you make yourself using a scarf or even a standard leather belt. The great thing about belted swimsuits are built-in accessories without having to add jewelry if you wish! If you aren't feeling either of these, you could even consider a lovely metallic chain belt.

Go Sheer

If you'll be spending the day in your swimsuit or want to go from beach to bar or beachside restaurant, you could go sheer. Wear your favorite modest statement swimsuit from us with something mesh, chiffon, or macramé to highlight it and still feel covered.

Get Active

Take your comfortable athleisure to the water with sporty fabrics and activewear. Mix and match our Move collection pieces that are your favorite such as our pocket leggings and a striped cross-back crop top, or our Namaste Leggings with matching Namaste Tankini.

When it comes to this season's style trends, you don't have to be left out or left behind with these tips and tricks. Whether you're planning to invest in this season's swimsuit or the upcoming season, or simply browsing, Lime Ricki can help you with the most popular swimwear stylings to narrow down the exact look just right for you.

With numerous designs, colors, patterns, and more, your choices for what to wear and being comfortable with our swimwear is nearly endless! Go ahead and let your hair down this summer as you hit the water looking, feeling, and wearing your best!

Every spring and summer you may notice being bombarded with a dizzying array of advertisements about your body, tossing terms about like beach body and the perfect summer body with guides that use confusing terms. Bottom hourglass, inverted triangle, diamond, triangle, neat hourglass, lollipop, and so on. What does it even mean and, why do people feel the need to categorize a woman's body so much?

Have you ever tried something on and thought: "I can't wear this because it's for a lollipop body and I'm an inverted triangle?" Of course not. You say things like, "I can't wear this because it's too tight here, too small there, too loose here," and so on.

Navigating how to choose the right swimwear for you can sometimes be a bit of a nightmare, as companies and manufacturers make swimsuits that feature almost cookie-cutter dimensions and sizes in a strange one-size-fits-all-women idea that could not be more further from the truth. Our bodies are not all the same. Our body shape is not as clear cut and as dry as a small, medium, and large.

Comfort

The number one feature that should influence what swimwear or swimsuit is right for you is comfort. We truly believe confidence is the most beautiful look for every woman. Choosing comfortable means, you can enjoy yourself rather than spend hours or even the entire day by the water worrying about what you are wearing. Wearing a swimsuit that makes you feel as if you always need to adjust it simply takes away from your enjoyment and may even keep you out of the water.

Choose a comfortable bathing suit and you know you will be dressed appropriately to your standards, whether swimming during a family vacation, a backyard staycation, or over at a friend's house, allowing you to fully embrace feeling confident and having fun!

Support

If you have a large chest, shopping for underclothing alone can often be beyond a hassle. Trying to find a swimsuit that will fit your top half and not be saggy or too big at the bottom is too often impossible for many women. When finding a swimsuit, some of the features of the suit you may want to look for are mix and match tops and bottoms like tankinis and tops with swim bottoms. Purchasing separates means that you can ensure the top you purchase fits and the bottoms will also fit without worrying if one part of the swimsuit is off in size.

The great thing about our tankinis, tops, and bottoms is that they are specifically designed to be mixed up and our collection pairs well with each other. Not only does that leave you to experiment with a swimsuit's look but allows you to keep your style fresh and new each time you wear one.

Additionally, you'll want reliable as well as comfortable support in the construction of the top. Many of our cute tankinis and tops come with these cozy comforts:

• Sewn-in shelf bra with foam cups
• Double-lined shelf bra with foam cups
• Adjustable straps
• Double or sewn-in shelf bra with removable foam cups
• Bralette and racerback tankinis

Our swimwear also features an exceptionally tailored structure, so you can run around without the worry of a wardrobe malfunction or fabric slip.

Style Your Personality

Being comfortable should never mean wearing a suit that you feel is underwhelming or worse, a little drab compared to who you are. You are one-of-a-kind and there is no one exactly like you in the entire world. Your tastes, your personality, and what makes you, well, you, should be easily captured in beautiful or fun and quirky swimsuit designs.

Solid color or delightful patterns or a bold statement—or all for however you feel that day!

Show that you've arrived and the fun in the sun is about to start with a standout, bold pattern. Some examples you might like if bold is you:

• Leopard Halter Tankini Top
• Lemonade Vintage Tankini Top
• Tropical Vintage Bralette
• Retro Daisy Knotted One-Piece
• Rainbow Stripe Bandeau One-Piece
• Abstract Floral Cinch-Neck Tankini Top

More of a solid color fan? Why not consider:

• Lavender Open-Back One-Piece
• Red Square-Neck Crop
• Midnight A-Back Peplum
• Plum Cinch-Neck Tankini Top, Racer Back Tankini Top, or Classic Peplum Tankini Top

Tops and bottoms can be mixed and matched in a two-piece suit, meaning the combinations to match your day, mood, or style for the moment is nearly endless.

If you love vintage, retro, or nostalgic fashion you can't go wrong with a beautiful peplum and seer-sucker design like the gorgeous designs featured in our Seaside collection. One shoulder or one-piece, delicate ruffles, and pastel-cute colors are sure to be perfect!

Do you burn easily whenever you are out in the sun? Sun-sensitive ladies may feel like they have a harder time choosing the right swimsuit, but if you still want to head out on a gloriously sunny day and don't want to burn, the right swimsuit can offer stylish protection without worry. A rash guard's long-sleeved tops are perfect for sensitive skin and come in a variety of bold patterns and colors that can be mixed or matched with bottoms for a unique look!

Overall, the most essential feature in how to choose the right swimsuit for you ultimately comes down to comfort. If you aren't comfortable, you aren't having fun.

So next time you're on the hunt for the flawless swimsuit that will allow you to avoid constantly worrying about slips, adjustments, or having to cover up and stay out of the water, Lime Ricki will have your back! Our modest yet cute swimsuits were created by women, specifically for women to have you feeling fantastic and looking great! It's time to get back into the water!

You may have noticed that with our swimsuits, there is an additional detail that makes our material stand out from most others. As well as using a perfect researched blend of Nylon and Spandex, our swimsuit material offers UV +50 protection.

But what does that mean? What exactly is UV protection material? How is it made? How does UV treated material protect your skin anyways?

Let us dive into the interesting science behind UV treated material, what UV rays are, and how it protects your skin!

What Are UV Rays or Ultraviolet Light?

Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation. The easiest means to visualize it is to think of how black-light objects glow. Ultraviolet light is what makes some skin tan and some burn in summer. However, too much exposure is damaging to the living tissue of our skin.

Coming from the sun and transmitted in waves or particles at different frequencies and wavelengths, this vast range of wavelengths is known as the EM spectrum divided into seven regions in order of decreasing wavelength and increasing energy and frequency.

There are some designations you may be quite familiar with in your life already, like radio waves, microwaves, infrared, X-rays, visible light, and gamma-rays. Ultraviolet falls in the range of EM between visible light and x-rays.

UV radiation has enough energy to begin to break chemical bonds. These higher energies cause ionization, where electrons break away from atoms and the resulting vacancy affects chemical properties of the atoms, causing them to form or break chemical bonds that otherwise would not.

An example would be placing a lawn chair with a brand-new cloth patterned cushion in the sun for the entirety of the day, all day, for months. Eventually, you might notice that what was once a bright and bold cushion has had its color faded and almost bleached from the fabric. That is part of the chemical makeup of that cushion breaking down in the sun. The technical term is called photodegradation, where UV rays break the chemical bonds.

Almost all the UV light we encounter comes directly from the sun. While 10% of the sunlight we get is UV, and 1/3rd of that penetrates the atmosphere, broad-spectrum ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) is one of the strongest and most damaging to living creatures.

Why is UV Protection Important for Skin?

When you are outside for long periods on a sunny day without sunscreen or sunscreen of a minimum recommendation of SPF 15, either a sunburn or a tan is often the result. A suntan is a reaction to exposure to harmful UVB rays. Your body's natural defense mechanism kicks in, which is a pigment called melanin, produced by the cells in the skin called melanocytes. Melanin absorbs UV light and dissipates it as heat. When the body senses sun damage, it will send melanin into the surrounding cells to try and protect your skin from further damage, causing the pigment in the skin to darken.

While melanin is the body's natural sunscreen, continued exposure to UV radiation can overwhelm your body's defenses and when this happens, the reaction becomes toxic, resulting in a sunburn. UV can also damage the DNA in the body's cells, and the body floods the damaged areas with blood to help with healing, resulting in the bright red-lobster look and the pain felt of a sunburn.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer, premature aging as well as wrinkling of the skin. UV plays a role in also causing basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequent), squamous cell carcinoma (the second most common form), and melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin).

UV protection for your skin is essential to fight the chance of damage or causation of skin cancers, wrinkling, and premature aging of your skin.

What is UV-Treated Material?

Sun-resistant fabric, such as the materials we work with when creating our swimsuits have been treated to withstand UV rays, which account for that 10% of the sun's light. UV resistance is perhaps one of the most important choices for swimwear specifically as swimwear is most often the one piece of clothing most exposed to sunlight for longer periods.

Our novel weave structure, denier, and a supreme selection of materials and fabrics allow our swimsuits to be UV-protectant swimwear, with modest yet fashionable cuts that promote fuller coverage for your skin that is the most susceptible to UV damage.

Why We Chose UV-Treated Material

It is not just about the swimsuit to us. Lime Ricki committed themselves to a dream. A dream of modest, fun, fashionable, and cute swimwear for every woman, every shape of woman, to give them the confidence to get back into the water again. We care for each of our customers and want to not only provide the best in swimwear but the best choices in modest and UV-protective materials for healthier, happier skin.

Blocking harmful UV radiation is one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and cancer. Ill-fitting swimwear, accidental slips, whether you have enough sunscreen on, wondering how you look, constantly fiddling and adjusting your suit…these are things you shouldn't have to worry about when you're ready to dive back into the beach, lake, or pool life. That is why we chose to give the ultimate in UV-protective fabrics in our suits with 50+ UV protection.

We are committed to creating high-quality swimwear with comfort as the core concept, and that includes not only how our suits fit and feel but the comfort and confidence that an amazing piece of swimwear brings.

With UV protection, we want you to get back to what truly matters—fun in the sun and water!

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.

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.

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!

Every suit we create is a suit made to help women love the body they are in. It is crucial for us then, to create our swimsuits with nothing less than the best. Quality in design, construction, and the material we use in our swimwear is as important to us as it is to our customers. This attention to the finest details as well as meticulous care in every choice we make for a swimsuit is one of the major reasons why our swimsuits stand out from many of the rest.

Without cutting-edge technology, expertise in tailoring, sewing, and superb materials, you cannot create the foundation for a bathing suit made to allow women to feel confident and comfortable no matter where they go.

When we began our mission to create swimsuits that are no longer frustrating, ill-fitting and uncomfortable, we made it part of that mission to use the right materials that would always be soft and durable, so we chose the ultimate in nylon-spandex blends.

What is Nylon?

Nylon is a broad term for a family of synthetic polymers. Nylon (which is also known as Polyamide) is a thermoplastic silky material that can be processed into fibers, films, or shapes. In the case of swimwear, nylon is formed into fibers to be turned into the fabric that is made to withstand both high-intensity athletics, but to withstand many environmental aspects as well.

Nylon is highly resistant to shrinkage, which is especially important when being used in material that will frequently be exposed to water, if not in contact with water all the time it is worn.

Nylon is also a material with very low moisture absorbency so that swimwear remains light and easy to move in when in the water and when drying out. Nylon has an even lower moisture absorbency rate than Polyester, which means it also dries faster.

What is Spandex?

Spandex, also known as Lycra or elastane is made of a Polyether-polyurea copolymer, a synthetic fabric that is near legendary for many features. Prized for its elasticity, spandex can stretch up to 5-8 times its normal size while keeping its shape.

Spandex is also highly heat-resistant, which means that when combined with nylon, heat-resistance is immediately improved. Spandex or Lycra always works best when it is paired with another natural or synthetic fiber, because of its elasticity this allows other materials to always retain their appearance and shape.

Why We Chose a Nylon-Spandex Blend

Nylon-spandex is classified as an elastomeric fiber, basically, a fiber or material that can expand over 500% without breaking! This technological super-fiber retains its original shape and size when not in use, a feature that many other swimsuit fabrics do not have.

We noticed that many fabrics did not have the same abrasion-resistant, or shape retaining abilities in comparison to nylon-spandex blends. We felt that having a swimsuit that would always keep its shape, thus always having you covered and feeling confident, was key to providing a supreme line of swimwear.

• Durable. Nylon by itself is an incredibly strong fiber in terms of tensile strength. This means where other swimsuits using other fabrics will easily be worn through or pulled encountering rough surfaces, nylon resists. Its anti-piling resistance is excellent for long days at the pool or sandy beaches.
• Look and feel. Nylon and spandex blended creates an amazingly soft feel and lays silky-smooth against the skin. Nylon spandex is often lustrous.
• Nylon spandex is also easy to clean by hand.
• Vibrant colors can be used in the design of nylon-spandex swimwear fabrics, which is a perfect fit for our bold, fun, prints, and to show off beautiful colors. Nylon-spandex holds vibrancy well, making it fade-resistant and run-resistant, even in saltwater or chlorinated swimming pools no matter how long you wear the suit in water or how long you wear the suit.

UV +50 protection

Not only did we choose nylon-spandex for its longevity, performance, high quality, and many resistant properties and how great it looked, but because our swimsuits provide 50+ UV protection wherever they cover your body.

Blocking harmful UV radiation is one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. UV protective fabrics along with sunscreen are one of the most important things you can do for your skin and your health.

Specially designed, our nylon-spandex blend has been produced with a novel weave structure and denier (thread count per stitch) that provides sun protective properties. Many of our swimwear, coverups, and accessories have all been designed and styled for as much coverage for your skin most susceptible to UV damage.

There are so many factors and features that go into every single swimsuit we create, and it all starts with the materials behind our swimwear. Our commitment to quality and comfort is and always has been a priority, starting from concept to the moment your beautiful new swimsuit arrives at your door.

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.

Did you know that few items have been as revolutionary as swimwear? From full-body coverage to two pieces, one-pieces, tankinis, or crops paired with bottoms, swimsuits have been an endless reflection of creativity as well as innovation in technology as well as society.

You can take a swim in any water looking as if you've stepped off a catwalk in the perfect swimwear that fits you right, and in some cases, can go from daytime beachwear to nighttime dinner out! But do you know where it all started? Have you ever wondered about the history of swimwear?

It all starts with ancient times.

Natural

In Ancient Rome, swimming for pleasure was not common. When a person did bathe or swim, they went without any covering. On occasion, women chose to wear a bandeau-style top and brief like bottoms. Either bathing or swimming was often conducted in private homes or bathhouses.

18th Century

With the advent of the railroad system and other transportation methods, the idea of travel and vacation became more mainstream. More people were able to visit lakes, oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water where swimming and going to the beach became recreational. Manners and modesty during those times meant however that most were bathing in cumbersome clothing. Ladies, for instance, had 'swimming costumes,' often worn with long socks and even shoes. Unfortunately, these long pieces of fabric were often weighty in the water and led to dangerous situations.

Fabrics used at the time were often wool, canvas, or flannel which retained water and made the garments so heavy that most often, those who wore it did not swim but mostly waded in the water. Some of the swimwear for women even boasted weights on the hem so that they would not float up when in the water.

19th Century

Near the mid to end of the 18th century, a daring new piece of swimwear was revealed. Known as Bloomer swimsuits, with full skirts and wide legs that cinched at the ankle. Still, they were made of wool like the original swim costumes and were still entirely too unwieldy to be safe in the water compared to today's standards. These Bloomer swimsuits were controversial at the time as they were technically a pair of pants with a top, which was considered quite forward at the time.

Olympic Influence

Most swimwear remained extremely bulky until swimming became an intercollegiate and Olympic sport. It was then that many people, designers included, realized that the current swimsuits were far too heavy and bulky to acquire speed. Swimwear became more streamlined.

At first, it was a short-sleeved one-piece that came to below the knee for women, which removed much of the bulky weight long skirts and pantaloon like bottoms held.

Eventually, a swimsuit was designed for an early 20th-century swimmer by the name of Annette Kellerman. She debuted the design that closely resembled that of a man's swimsuit at the time, featuring a sleek, form-fitting shape that conformed to her body for increased competitive speed. However, it was so controversial at the time, she was arrested in Boston for wearing it. But by that act alone, Annette set into motion the idea of the one-piece as we can see it today, as it was picked up by fashion designers and other swimmers around the world. Added to this one-piece as it became popular were items such as flourishes, frills, slimmer straps, ruffles, designed pockets, and fabric patterns and colors with a fun sense of the fashion of that era.

By 1910, swimwear began to become less restrictive and heavy. Arms were often fully exposed; hemlines could creep as far as mid-thigh and less fabric was used to conceal so as not to add any heaviness to the body as it swam.

The 1920s

It was the push of fashion magazines as well as Hollywood glam in the 1920s that the demand for swimsuits as something that could be glamorous, fashionable, pretty, and comfortable would become a trending part of the fashion world for all.

The 1930s

Differing necklines began to be explored, some plunging along the back. Sleeves had disappeared and sides were tightened. With the development of new materials such as latex and nylon, swimsuits eventually evolved to hug the body with shoulder straps.

The 1940s

Wartime production during World War II required large amounts of cotton, silk, wool, leather, and rubber. In 1942 the U.S. War Production Board issued a regulation that would cut down the use of natural fibers in clothing and mandating a 10% reduction in the amount of fabric that could be used in women's swimwear.

The daring two-piece, covering a woman's navel with the usual skirt panel, or shorts-like bottoms and baring a bit of midriff became common during fabric shortages.

The most risqué bathing suit was invented roughly in 1949 and is known today as the bikini. This design featured such a significant cut of fabric that the inventor, French-designed Luis Reard had much difficulty in hiring a model that would wear his creation.

The 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s

Despite the invention of the bikini, fashion trends from the 40s, 50s, and 60s mainly followed the silhouette of the two-piece or influences from the 1930s.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, swimsuits became more and more daring and risqué in design, or more about art than comfort, or speed for Olympic swimmers. Speedo in the 1970s broke swim speed records by using a blend of nylon and suits that tightly followed the body.

The 1990s

The 90s saw swimwear picking up inspiration from the 30s and 40s two-pieces but in innovative, new ways. The tankini appeared as well as the wonderful concept of having a mix and match bottoms or tops that allowed women to choose any number of fashion combinations. The tankini also encompassed the feminine freedom of a bikini, but in the more modest coverage of a one-piece, allowing more women to feel comfortable both in swimwear and in their bodies.

From that decade onward, new patterns, styles, and fashions both inspired from the golden era of Hollywood to new, comfortable designs are being created every day, allowing women all over the world to no longer hesitate about stepping out in a gorgeous swimsuit. We at Lime Ricki are proud to be one of the leading designers of fun, bold, as well as beautiful modest swimwear that women all over the country and the world are embracing to get back to doing what they love: diving into the water with pride!