Taking Care of Swim Your Equipment

Swim gear is expensive. With proper care and buying the right items, suits and goggles can last a long time.

Swimsuits

If you are an adult and will be swimming regularly, I recommend purchasing a 100% polyester suit. Polyester suits have come a long way in the way of style and colors! They don't have as much give to them as other fabrics but they will last for years. You might pay a little more for a poly suit, but in the long run, you'll be saving a lot of money. Speedo (Endurance) and TYR sell great poly suits for men and women.
I recommend one piece suits for girls for swimming lessons. This way the suit doesn't shift and ride on them while swimming.

Do's:
Do rinse your suit when you get home for a few minutes in fresh water.
Gently wring out and let air dry, never put suit in dryer.
Did you know you can alter a suit yourself if it's too big? Using polyester thread, just cut and re seam to alter. It will last as long as your suit does! Try it with the straps as well.

Goggles

Goggles come in a lot of shapes, colors, styles and prices. A perfectly fitting goggle is a delight. An ill fitting pair will leak, causing lots of discomfort and frustration. Avoid the cute animal shaped goggles for kids, they are in the ill fitting category.
To prevent fogging once the anti fog film has worn off, place a little bit of baby shampoo on the (inside) lenses, let dry and then rinse and shake before putting on goggles.
My favorite pair of goggles for most people (non competitive) are:
Speedo Hydrospex

These silicone goggles fit most faces, children and adults. They are available in Jr and Adult. I like their flexible nose bridge as this is the area where most goggles leak. The adjustable head straps are simple to use, no mechanical engineering degree required to adjust them. Latex free.

Before purchasing, request that you'd like to try them on first. Their clam case opens.
Press goggles to your eyes to achieve a slight suction effect.
If the goggles sticks to your face momentarily, then this indicates a good fit.
I wear a Jr Hydrospex and I am an adult so it just depends on the shape of your eyes and facial structure.

Swim Caps

Three are 3 types of swim caps: latex, silicone and lycra. Wearing a cap keeps hair out of your face while swimming, increases streamlining but they don't necessarily keep your hair completely dry.

Latex caps are thinner, great for people who are sensitive to silicone and are less expensive. They also don't last as long as silicone caps.

Silicone caps are super flexible, seal really well, are more expensive than latex caps and generally last longer.

Lycra caps are fabric caps, these are just for keeping hair out of the face while swimming. The most comfortable of caps, but don't keep hair dry or protected from pool chemicals.

Suggestions for proper care of your swim cap: 

Dry inside and out immediately after use, then dust with corn starch or talcum powder.
Wet your hair before putting cap on. Air under cap may cause it to come off.