Sustainable fashion is booming, with shoppers who want to reduce their environmental impact – and save money – flocking to charity stores, vintage boutiques and sites like Depop and Vinted in search of secondhand bargains. Having cut ties with fast fashion brands, Love Island is partnering with eBay again for its summer season, bringing preloved going-out gear into the villa for the reality show’s contestants to wear in the evenings. The islanders always wear new bikinis, one-pieces or swim shorts, however, so does that mean it’s not hygienic to buy secondhand swimwear? We asked doctors to talk through the pros and cons of preloved swimming gear… Health risks “By the nature of what they are for, swimsuits are not very breathable and hence an easy trap for moisture,” says personal physician and private home visiting GP Dr Suhail Hussain. “The area it covers – your genital region – is particularly susceptible to reacting badly to prolonged contact with moisture.” This means the fabric could become a breeding ground for fungal or bacterial infections. “It may also contain traces of the previous owner’s skin cells and skin flora such as staph aureus – the nose and perineum being the most common sites for this bacterium,” Hussain continues. “Norovirus and MRSA are also other potential pathogens that could be found and transmitted.” However, the actual risk of becoming ill – as long as you wash your swimwear properly – is low. “It is unlikely that you will develop any serious infection from such pathogens, even if they do exist,” Hussain says. “And this phenomenon is not exclusive to used clothes – research has found that any/all of these bugs can exist on new clothes.” He also points out the idea that you could catch a sexually transmitted disease via swimsuits is a myth: “These can generally only be transmitted from person to person contact or via contaminated blood, needles etc, the same way you can’t contract an STD from a public toilet.” Wash before wearing To minimise the risk of illness, make sure to wash a secondhand bathing suit before you wear it. “I recommend the first wash should be at 60C or above,” says Dr Sarah Brewer, medical nutritionist and brand ambassador for Origins. “That’s because fungal spores – such as candida albicans, which causes thrush – aren’t killed at lower temperatures. This higher temperature will also kill scabies.” After that you can go back to 30C washes, which also save energy. Hussain agrees: “Putting swimwear in the washing machine before wearing is a good idea – used or new.” He recommends one further precaution when shopping: “Don’t forget to wash your hands after having tried on swimwear.” Personal preference Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if secondhand swimwear gives you the ick (to borrow a term often heard on Love Island). “While I’d personally draw the line at wearing someone else’s secondhand underwear, I’d happily buy a secondhand swim suit,” says Brewer. “Let’s face it, most people only use their swimsuits a few times a year – perhaps when on holiday – and if they’ve given it away and it’s in good shape, then go for it.” Love Island returns to ITV2 and ITVX on June 5. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 10 of the best affordable gifts for dads of all ages Top tips to avoid garden injuries Planning an LGBTQ+ wedding? Why inclusivity can be a driving factor for couples

Valorant Patch 5.08 will bring UI changes to the game.

Ryan Blaney began to doubt himself and his ability to compete at NASCAR’s top level as he was mired in a 59-race losing streak and all his buddies he’d grown up racing against were thriving in the Cup Series

It may only be the start of November, but John Lewis has already dropped their much anticipated Christmas ad for 2023. This year, the retailer switches out its famed tear-jerker style for something much more light-hearted and wholesome. It focuses on a young boy named Alfie, who spots a 'Grow Your Own Perfect Christmas Tree' kit and asks his grandma if he can have it. He opens the box to find a seed inside which he plants and nurtures as it grows into a giant Venus flytrap called Snapper. The family are wary of the plant, especially when it spots their pet pomeranian. They move Snapper outside and replace it with a generic Christmas tree, but when they see how much it means to Alfie, they all proceed to open Christmas gifts in the garden. The advert is soundtracked by an upbeat song called 'Festa', which means “celebration”. It is sung by the opera tenor legend Andrea Bocelli and written and produced by Le Feste Antonacci. Speaking about his involvement, Bocelli explained he was “delighted to take part in this wonderful and unique tradition of Christmas storytelling”. Since releasing the ad, reactions have been coming in thick and fast online: One person felt like it lacked Christmas spirit... November 09, 08:46 One person compared the ad to the musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' November 09, 08:45 How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Drug store chains for decades saturated US cities, suburbs and small towns with new stores.

It's true: Dunkin' is turning two of its most popular drinks into boozy beverages.

Logan Webb is tired of being part of a losing team with the SF Giants, and he desires to be with a perennial contender. However, the SF Giants have bound him to a 5-year, $90 million contract, making him committed to the team for the long-term future.

The European Union must reduce its dependence on China when it comes to vital equipment used in producing renewable energy, the head of the International...

MrBeast also met NFL legend Tom Brady and was a part of his video where he could be seen aiming at MrBeast’s drone

The speculation about Alix Earle & Braxton Berrios' relationship fuels internet drama amid Sophia Culpo's cheating accusations

Nate Diaz has challenged Jake Paul for a New Year’s Eve rematch before having their third fight under MMA rules

Europe must invest more quickly and massively in its energy transition if it wants to remain a global industrial power...