The swimsuit is an Australian icon… so much so, that we call our swimwear a wide variety of names.  Depending on where you're from, they're known as bathers, cossies (or cozzies), swimmers, togs, swimming or bathing costumes.  New terms like maillot, swimdress, tankini, skirtini and shortini have replaced the traditional names of one piece and two piece.

You've spent ages to find the perfect swimsuit for your shape... and you want to keep it looking fabulous for as long as you can.  This guide is written for all swimwear – for women, men and children, regardless of style or price.

My eBay store, Rubenesque's, stocks a wide range of high quality women's swimwear (sorry fellas) for plus size and shapely, rubenesque figures :-)

Most swimwear is made of synthetic material such as nylon, spandex, Lycra spandex and polyester blends. These fabrics are comfortable, keep their shape, and are elastic and quick drying. Yet, the positive properties are offset by the delicate nature of the fabrics.

Pool chemicals, sun, sand, heat and detergents will affect ALL swimwear.  To get the most out your swimsuits, it pays to know how to care for them.  I recommend observing the care instructions on the label and the following Do's and Don'ts to maximise the life of your swimwear.

*  Rinse in cold water - if possible, wear your swimsuit in the shower to open and saturate the fibres with cold water as soon as you can after swimming

*  Rinse again - by hand in cold water as soon as possible after removing your swimsuit

*  Hang dry ASAP in the shade or inside - to prevent loss of colour from the sun

*  Be careful where you sit, lay & lean - pool edges are rough to prevent slipping (so are rough on swimsuit fabric too!)

*  Remove sand from your swimsuit - when it's dry, gently stretch and flick the garment and the sand will easily fall away

*  Be extra careful with spas and heated pools - hot water + the extra chemicals used to combat bacteria will threaten the life of your swimsuit (best to use an old swimsuit for spas)

*  Be careful with sunscreen and oils - they can discolour your swimwear

*  Alternate your swimwear - having two swimsuits is ideal (or, if you only have one, ensure that your swimsuit is completely dry before wearing again)

*  Don't leave your swimsuit wet in your towel/gym bag - moisture and darkness are the most common way to breed damaging bacteria (do ensure your swimsuit is completely dry before you put it away)

*  Don't wash in the washing machine - washing machines and detergents are too harsh on swimwear

*  Don't tightly wring out the water from your swimsuit - over-wringing will stretch and twist the fibres

*  Don't use a dryer or iron - excessive heat from dryers or ironing destroys swimsuit fabric

*  Don't chlorine bleach - never, ever use chlorine bleach on any swimwear (even styles advertised as chlorine-resistant aren't chlorine-proof)

While no swimwear will last forever, the proper care will keep the shape and colour for much longer.

If you're looking for plus size, curvy and maternity swimwear - visit my eBay store.  You'll usually find styles in sizes 10 to 40 with a definite emphasis on Goddess sizes!  All swimwear is high end quality and available in a variety of colours and styles - swimdresses, tankini, skirtini and shortini sets, swim/jogsuits, separates and the traditional maillot.

All swimwear purchased includes a card with tips on caring for your new swimsuit (and always follow the manufacturer's recommendation on the label).