Paracord bracelets are popular because they are useful and look cool. People wear them for outdoor activities, survival situations, or just as a fashion accessory. But you might wonder, can you wear your paracord bracelet in the shower? In this article, we will answer that question and explain what happens to your bracelet if it gets wet. Whether you’re thinking about wearing it all the time or just in certain situations, we’ll help you understand if it’s a good idea to shower with your paracord bracelet.
What is Paracord Made Of?
Paracord, also known as parachute cord, is made from nylon. Nylon is a type of plastic that is very strong and durable. This is why paracord is so useful—it can handle heavy loads and doesn’t break easily. Let’s break it down into more detail:
1. Nylon Fibers
- Strong and Flexible:The main material in paracord is nylon. Nylon fibers are very strong, which means the paracord can hold a lot of weight without breaking. At the same time, it’s flexible, so it can bend and stretch when needed.
- Water-Resistant:Nylon doesn’t get damaged by water. If your paracord gets wet, it won’t fall apart or lose its strength. This is one reason why paracord is often used outdoors, where it might get rained on or wet from other activities.
2. Inner Strands and Outer Sheath
- Multiple Inner Strands:Inside the paracord, there are usually seven to nine thin strands of nylon. These inner strands give the cord extra strength. In survival situations, these strands can even be pulled apart and used for smaller tasks, like fishing line or sewing thread.
- Outer Nylon Sheath:Around these inner strands is a tightly woven outer layer called a sheath. This outer layer protects the inner strands and helps the cord last longer, even with rough use. It’s also what gives the paracord its color and smooth texture.
3. Durability and Strength
- Designed for Tough Conditions:Paracord was originally made for use in parachutes during World War II because it needed to be extremely strong. Even today, it’s used in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and survival because it can handle tough conditions.
- Lightweight and Portable:Despite being so strong, paracord is lightweight. This is why people like to wear it as a bracelet—it’s easy to carry around, but can still be used in emergencies when needed.
Is It Safe to Wear a Paracord Bracelet in the Shower?
Wearing a paracord bracelet in the shower might seem like a good idea because it’s made from strong materials. But is it really a good choice? Let’s take a closer look at what happens when paracord gets wet and whether it’s safe to keep your bracelet on while you shower.
1. Water Won’t Damage the Paracord
- Nylon is Water-Resistant:Paracord is made from nylon, which is a material that resists water. This means that the paracord won’t break down or fall apart when it gets wet. So, if you wear it in the shower, the water won’t ruin the cord itself.
- No Rotting or Weakening:Unlike some materials, nylon doesn’t rot or get weak when exposed to water. Even if your bracelet gets wet frequently, it won’t lose its strength.
2. Changes in Shape and Feel
- Stretching Over Time:Even though nylon doesn’t get damaged by water, it can stretch a little when it gets wet. Over time, if you wear your bracelet in the shower every day, the paracord might become a bit looser. It might not fit as snugly as it did when you first put it on.
- Becomes Uncomfortable When Wet:When wet, paracord can feel heavy and uncomfortable on your wrist. It may take a while to dry after a shower, and it might feel damp against your skin, which could be uncomfortable throughout the day.
3. Drying After the Shower
- Takes Time to Dry:Paracord doesn’t dry instantly. After getting wet in the shower, it could take some time to completely dry out. If you don’t like the feeling of a wet bracelet on your wrist, this might be a reason to take it off before showering.
- Air-Drying is Best:If your paracord bracelet does get wet, the best way to dry it is by letting it air-dry. You can place it somewhere warm or gently pat it with a towel to help it dry faster.
4. Color Fading
- Soap and Hot Water Effects:If you shower with your paracord bracelet regularly, the colors might start to fade, especially if you use hot water and soap. The nylon material can handle water, but the dyes used to color the paracord might fade or become dull after repeated exposure.
- Maintaining Bright Colors:To keep the colors looking fresh and bright, it’s better to take your bracelet off when showering. This will help preserve its appearance over time.
How Water Affects Paracord Over Time
Paracord is known for being strong and useful, but regular exposure to water can still cause some changes. While it won’t be damaged easily, water can slowly affect how it looks and fits. Here’s what happens to paracord when it gets wet often, and why you might want to be careful about wearing your paracord bracelet in the shower every day.
1. Stretching and Loosening
- Nylon Stretching:Paracord is made from nylon, which is flexible and can stretch slightly when it’s wet. Over time, if your paracord bracelet gets wet frequently, it may start to stretch out and become looser. This means the bracelet might not fit as tightly around your wrist as it did before.
- Losing its Shape:When the paracord stretches, it may not go back to its original shape. So, after many showers or getting wet repeatedly, the bracelet might feel a little bigger and not as snug as it once was.
2. Color Fading
- Soap and Water Effects:Regular exposure to water, especially with soap or shampoo, can cause the colors of your paracord bracelet to fade. While nylon itself doesn’t break down, the dyes used to color the bracelet can fade over time, especially if you shower with it often.
- Sunlight and Water:If your bracelet is exposed to both water and sunlight regularly, the colors may fade even faster. The combination of UV rays and moisture can make bright colors look duller, making the bracelet less vibrant.
3. Longer Drying Time
- Slow Drying:Paracord doesn’t dry very quickly. After getting wet in the shower or during water activities, it may take several hours to dry completely. If you continue wearing it while it’s wet, it could become uncomfortable, and the damp material could also trap moisture against your skin.
- Possible Smell:If your paracord bracelet stays wet for too long, it might start to smell. This can happen if the bracelet doesn’t dry properly and stays damp for a while, especially if it’s exposed to soap or saltwater.
4. Possible Mold or Mildew
- Risk of Mold Growth:While nylon resists rotting, mold or mildew could grow on your paracord bracelet if it’s constantly exposed to moisture and not allowed to dry fully. This is more likely to happen in humid environments or if you shower with your bracelet often and don’t dry it properly afterward.
Maintaining Your Paracord Bracelet After Water Exposure
If you accidentally get your paracord bracelet wet, or you decide to wear it in the shower, it’s important to take care of it afterward to keep it in good condition. Proper maintenance will help prevent stretching, color fading, or any bad smells. Let’s break down how you can take care of your bracelet after it gets wet.
1. Drying Your Paracord Bracelet
- Air Drying:The best way to dry your paracord bracelet is by letting it air dry. Simply take off the bracelet after it gets wet and place it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Make sure it’s spread out so the air can reach all parts of the bracelet. It might take a few hours to dry completely, depending on how soaked it is.
- Avoid Heat:It’s important not to dry your paracord bracelet using heat. Don’t put it in the dryer or near a heater because the high temperatures can weaken the nylon fibers and make them less durable over time. Letting it dry naturally is the safest option.
2. Patting It Dry
- Using a Towel:If you want to help your bracelet dry faster, you can gently pat it with a clean towel to absorb the excess water. This helps remove some of the moisture and speeds up the drying process. Be gentle, though—rubbing it too hard might cause it to fray.
- Squeeze Gently:After patting it dry, you can give the bracelet a gentle squeeze to remove any extra water trapped inside the braided cord. This helps it dry quicker, but be careful not to pull or stretch the paracord when squeezing it.
3. Preventing Odor
- Proper Ventilation:One of the most important things to do after your paracord bracelet gets wet is to make sure it dries completely. If it stays damp for too long, it could start to smell. Always dry it in a well-ventilated area where the air can circulate.
- Avoid Storing While Wet:Never store your paracord bracelet while it’s still wet. If you toss it in a drawer or bag before it’s fully dry, it could trap moisture, leading to mildew or a musty smell. Make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away.
4. Washing Your Paracord Bracelet
- Occasional Cleaning:If your bracelet starts to look dirty or smells bad after getting wet, you can wash it gently with mild soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can weaken the nylon and cause the colors to fade.
- Rinse Well:After washing, make sure to rinse the bracelet thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Any leftover soap can make the bracelet feel sticky or cause it to look dull over time.
5. Long-Term Care Tips
- Limit Water Exposure:To help your paracord bracelet last longer, it’s best to limit how often it gets wet. While it can handle some water exposure, frequent soaking may cause it to stretch or lose its shape over time. Taking it off before showers, swimming, or water sports can help maintain its condition.
- Check for Fraying:After getting wet, inspect your bracelet for any signs of fraying or wear. While paracord is durable, constant exposure to water and rough use can cause it to start fraying at the edges. If you notice any damage, consider repairing or replacing the bracelet to keep it functional.
What About Saltwater or Pool Water?
Wearing your paracord bracelet in saltwater or pool water is different from just getting it wet in the shower. Saltwater from the ocean and pool water with chlorine can affect the paracord in more serious ways. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when your paracord bracelet is exposed to these types of water.
1. Effects of Saltwater
- Salt Can Build Up:When your paracord bracelet is exposed to saltwater, the salt can get trapped in the fibers of the nylon. Over time, this buildup of salt can make the bracelet feel stiff and uncomfortable. It can also cause the bracelet to look dirty or crusty if it’s not cleaned properly after being in the ocean.
- Metal Parts May Rust:If your paracord bracelet has metal parts, like a buckle or clasp, saltwater can cause these metal pieces to rust or corrode. Salt speeds up the rusting process, especially if the metal is not rust-proof. Rust can damage the metal parts and make the bracelet harder to use.
- Rinse After Exposure:After your paracord bracelet gets exposed to saltwater, it’s important to rinse it with fresh water. This helps remove the salt and prevents buildup, keeping the nylon fibers soft and the metal parts in good shape.
2. Effects of Pool Water
- Chlorine Weakens Nylon:Pool water contains chlorine, which is used to keep the water clean. However, chlorine is a chemical that can slowly weaken the nylon in your paracord bracelet. If you wear your bracelet in the pool regularly, the nylon fibers might start to break down, making the bracelet less strong over time.
- Fading Colors:Chlorine can also cause the colors of your paracord bracelet to fade much faster than normal. Brightly colored bracelets may start to look dull or washed out after being exposed to pool water. This is especially true if the bracelet gets wet in chlorinated water often.
- Rinse and Dry:Just like with saltwater, you should rinse your paracord bracelet with fresh water after swimming in a pool. This will help wash away the chlorine and prevent damage to the nylon fibers and color.
3. Long-Term Effects
- Faster Wear and Tear:While paracord is strong and durable, repeated exposure to saltwater or pool water can cause it to wear out faster. Over time, the nylon can become weaker, the colors can fade, and any metal parts can rust or corrode.
- Avoid Long Exposure: It’s best to avoid wearing your paracord bracelet in the ocean or pool for long periods. If you do take it into the water, make sure to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water and let it dry completely afterward to prevent long-term damage.
When Should You Take Off Your Paracord Bracelet?
Although paracord bracelets are durable and handy, there are times when it’s a good idea to take them off to keep them in the best shape. Even though they can handle a lot of wear and tear, certain situations might affect the strength, color, and comfort of the bracelet. Let’s break down when you should take off your paracord bracelet.
1. Before Long Exposure to Water
- Showering and Swimming:While your paracord bracelet can handle getting wet, it’s better to take it off before long showers, swimming, or water activities. Water exposure over time can cause the bracelet to stretch, fade, or feel uncomfortable. This is especially true if you’re swimming in the ocean or a pool, as saltwater and chlorine can damage the nylon and metal parts.
- Avoiding Constant Wetness:If the bracelet stays wet for too long, it might start to smell or take a long time to dry. Taking it off before water activities helps prevent the bracelet from getting too stretched out or from developing a musty smell.
2. During Sports or Heavy Physical Activity
- Comfort and Safety:If you’re doing heavy physical activities, like sports or workouts, it’s a good idea to take your paracord bracelet off. During intense movement, the bracelet might become uncomfortable, and there’s a chance it could get caught on something or scrape against your skin.
- Preventing Wear and Tear:Activities that involve a lot of friction or impact, like climbing or weightlifting, can wear down the paracord faster. Taking it off during these activities will help it last longer and prevent damage from hard surfaces or heavy use.
3. In Very Dirty or Messy Conditions
- Dirt and Mud Exposure:If you’re doing something where your bracelet could get really dirty, like gardening, hiking in muddy areas, or working with tools, it’s best to take it off. Dirt can get trapped in the braided cord, and cleaning it out later can be tricky.
- Sticky or Messy Materials:If you’re working with sticky or greasy materials, your paracord bracelet can get dirty or stained. The nylon might absorb the grease or sticky substance, and it can be hard to clean afterward. Taking it off beforehand will keep it looking clean and fresh.
4. To Preserve Its Appearance
- Keeping Colors Bright:Over time, wearing your paracord bracelet in the sun, water, and during rough activities can make its colors fade or the cord look worn out. If you want to keep it looking as good as new, consider taking it off before activities that might cause wear and tear.
- Preventing Fraying:Constant rubbing against rough surfaces can cause the paracord to fray. If you notice the bracelet starting to look worn, taking it off during activities where it might rub against hard objects can help extend its lifespan.
5. To Prevent Metal Damage
- Rusting or Corrosion:If your paracord bracelet has metal parts, like a clasp or built-in tools, you should remove it when exposed to water, salt, or chemicals. Metal can rust or corrode over time, especially when exposed to saltwater or pool chlorine. By removing your bracelet in these situations, you can protect the metal and keep it in good condition.
FAQ
Q1:Can I wear my paracord bracelet in the shower?
A:Yes, you can wear it in the shower, but it’s better to take it off. Water won’t damage the paracord, but frequent exposure can cause it to stretch or fade over time.
Q2:Will my paracord bracelet shrink if it gets wet?
A:No, paracord doesn’t shrink when it gets wet. However, it can stretch slightly, especially if it’s wet often, which may cause the bracelet to feel looser.
Q3:Does water ruin paracord?
A:Water doesn’t ruin paracord, but long exposure to water can cause the bracelet to lose its shape or fade in color. It’s best to dry it properly after it gets wet.
Q4:How do I dry my paracord bracelet after getting it wet?
A:You can air-dry your paracord bracelet by laying it flat in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using heat or a dryer, as it may damage the nylon fibers.
Q5:Can I swim with my paracord bracelet?
A:You can swim with it, but saltwater or chlorine can weaken the nylon or fade the colors. Rinsing it with fresh water after swimming and letting it dry can help prevent damage.
Q6:Will my paracord bracelet smell if it stays wet?
A:If your bracelet stays wet for too long, it might develop a musty smell. Make sure to let it dry completely to avoid this issue.
Conclusion
While it’s safe to shower with your paracord bracelet, it’s not always the best idea if you want to keep it in top shape. Water won’t damage the paracord, but over time, regular exposure can cause it to stretch, fade, or become uncomfortable. To keep your bracelet looking good and lasting longer, it’s better to take it off before showering or swimming and allow it to dry properly if it gets wet. Taking these small steps can help your paracord bracelet stay strong, colorful, and comfortable for years to come.
