How to Care for Your Swimwear: Tips to Make It Last
Quality swimwear is an investment that deserves proper care. With the right maintenance routine, your favorite bikinis and one-pieces can last for many seasons, saving you money and keeping you looking great year after year.
Without proper care, even the most expensive swimsuits can fade, stretch, and lose their shape after just a few wears. Follow these expert care tips to keep your swimwear looking new for as long as possible.
The Enemies of Swimwear
Understanding what damages swimwear helps you protect your investment:
- Chlorine: The biggest culprit – it breaks down elastic fibers and causes colors to fade dramatically over time.
- Salt water: While more natural than chlorine, salt can be abrasive and drying to delicate swimwear fabrics.
- Sunscreen and tanning oils: Leave residue that degrades fabric fibers and can cause permanent discoloration.
- Heat: Damages elastic components and can cause shrinking or warping of synthetic materials.
- Rough surfaces: Pool edges, concrete decks, and rough sand cause pilling, snags, and premature wear.
Rinse Immediately After Every Wear
This is the single most important care step you can take. As soon as possible after swimming, rinse your swimsuit thoroughly in cool, fresh water. This removes chlorine, salt, sand, and sunscreen before they have time to cause lasting damage.
Even if you cannot wash your suit properly right away, a quick rinse makes a tremendous difference in longevity. Consider keeping a water bottle in your beach bag specifically for on-the-go rinsing when a shower is not available.
How to Wash Swimwear Properly
Hand Washing – The Best Method
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water – never hot
- Add a small amount of mild detergent designed for delicates, or use gentle baby shampoo
- Gently swish the swimsuit through the water, paying attention to areas that contact sunscreen
- Let it soak for 15-30 minutes to release oils and chemicals
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed
- Gently squeeze out excess water – never wring, twist, or stretch the fabric
Machine Washing – When Necessary
Sometimes hand washing is not practical. If you must use a washing machine, follow these guidelines to minimize damage:
- Always place your swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag designed for delicates
- Use cold water only and select the gentlest cycle available
- Choose a mild detergent without bleach or fabric softeners
- Wash with similar colors to prevent any dye transfer
- Never wash swimwear with items that have hooks, zippers, or velcro that could snag
Drying Your Swimwear Correctly
What to Do
- Gently press excess water out by rolling your suit in a clean, dry towel
- Lay the swimsuit flat to dry on a fresh towel, away from direct sunlight
- Reshape the swimsuit while it is still damp to maintain its original form
- Flip the suit halfway through drying for even air circulation
- Ensure the suit is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew
What NOT to Do
- Never use a dryer – heat destroys elastic fibers and can permanently damage your suit
- Do not hang by the straps – this causes stretching and deformation over time
- Avoid drying in direct sunlight – UV rays cause fading and fabric degradation
- Never leave wet swimwear in a bag – this promotes mold growth, mildew, and unpleasant odors
Rotation is Key to Longevity
Elastic fibers need adequate time to recover their shape between wears. Ideally, wait at least 24-48 hours before wearing the same swimsuit again. This is why having multiple swimsuits is not just about style – it actually extends the life of each individual piece significantly.
Build a practical rotation with a few bikini sets, a versatile one-piece, and perhaps a high waisted option to give each suit proper rest between wears.
Storage Tips for Maximum Lifespan
End of Season Storage
- Wash all swimwear thoroughly and ensure pieces are completely dry before storing
- Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity
- Lay flat or fold loosely – never compress or tightly roll swimwear
- Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, which trap moisture
- Keep stored swimwear away from direct light, which can cause fading even indoors
During Active Swimming Season
- Always allow suits to dry completely before putting them away
- Do not leave swimwear sitting in beach bags or hot car trunks
- Keep padded cups in their original shape – stuff with tissue paper if needed
Special Care Considerations
White Swimwear
White suits require extra attention to stay bright. Rinse immediately after each wear and consider using a gentle whitening soak occasionally. Avoid sunscreens containing avobenzone, which can cause yellowing on white fabric.
Swimwear with Embellishments
Suits featuring beading, sequins, or metal hardware should always be hand washed and laid flat to dry. Turn inside out to protect decorative elements from damage.
Padded and Underwire Styles
Never twist or wring padded suits, as this damages the cup shape. Remove padding before washing when possible, and carefully reshape cups while damp. Always hand wash underwire styles to protect the wire casing from damage.
When to Replace Your Swimwear
Even with perfect care, swimwear does not last forever. Watch for these signs that it is time for a replacement:
- Stretched out elastic that no longer recovers its shape
- Significant color fading that looks worn
- Visible pilling or fabric degradation
- Loss of shape, support, or structure
- Thinning fabric that has become see-through
With proper care following these guidelines, quality swimwear should last 1-3 years of regular summer use before showing signs of wear.
Time to refresh your swimwear rotation? Browse our collection and invest in quality pieces worth caring for.
