How to Care for Your Swimwear to Keep It Looking New

Quick Answer: How to Keep Your Swimwear Looking New

The best way to care for your swimwear is to rinse it in cold water immediately after each wear, hand wash with a gentle detergent, and lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Always avoid wringing, machine washing, and using hot water to preserve the fabric's elasticity and color.

Your favorite bikini or rash guard works hard—whether you're swimming laps, surfing, or lounging by the shore. But the combination of chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and the sun's UV rays can take a toll on the fabric and elastic over time. With the right care routine, you can keep your swimwear looking vibrant and fitting well for many seasons to come.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps for swimwear care, from rinsing and washing to drying and storing. These simple habits will help you get the most out of your investment, whether you're wearing a recycled padded bikini top or a men's rash guard.

1. Rinse Immediately After Wearing

The most important step in swimwear maintenance is to rinse your suit in cold, fresh water as soon as you're done swimming. This helps remove chlorine, salt, sand, and sunscreen that can break down the fabric and fade colors. If you can't rinse right away, at least keep your suit in a wet bag until you can.

Common mistake: Leaving your swimsuit balled up in a towel or bag for hours. This traps moisture and chemicals, accelerating fabric damage and causing odors. Always rinse and gently squeeze out excess water—never wring or twist.

• Use lukewarm or cold water for rinsing.
• Gently massage the fabric to release salt and chlorine.
• Avoid using hot water, which can damage elastic and shrink fabrics.

2. Hand Wash with a Gentle Detergent

Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean your swimwear. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of a mild detergent, preferably one that's free of harsh chemicals and dyes. Submerge your suit and gently swirl it for a few minutes, paying extra attention to areas that touch your body the most.

Avoid regular laundry detergents that contain bleach or fabric softeners, as these can strip the fabric's protective coatings and cause pilling. If your suit has heavy sunscreen residue, you can pre-treat with a gentle soap before washing.

Common mistake: Using a washing machine or dryer. The agitation and heat can stretch out the fabric, damage the padding, and break down the elastic. Always hand wash and skip the dryer.

• Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
• Gently press out water—do not wring or twist.
• Lay a clean towel flat and place the suit on top to absorb excess moisture.

3. Dry Flat in the Shade

After washing, lay your swimwear flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel gently to press out extra water, then reshape the suit to its original form. Place it on a drying rack or clean surface in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken the fabric fibers.

Common mistake: Hanging your swimsuit by the straps. The weight of the water can stretch the straps and distort the fit. Always dry flat and never use a clothesline or hanger for wet swimwear.

• Reshape the suit while it's damp to maintain its fit.
• Turn darker colors inside out to reduce fading.
• If you must dry indoors, place it near a fan but away from heat sources.

4. Rotate Your Swimwear

Giving your swimwear a break between wears is essential for swimsuit longevity. The constant stretching and exposure to water and sun can weaken the elastic, even with proper care. Rotating between at least two or three suits allows each one to recover its shape and dry completely.

Common mistake: Wearing the same suit every day. This accelerates wear and tear, making the fabric lose its snap and the colors fade faster. Having a few options also means you'll always have a dry, ready-to-wear suit.

• Invest in multiple styles or colors to extend the life of each.
• Store your suits separately to avoid snagging on hooks or zippers.
• If you notice the elastic feeling loose, it's time to retire the suit.

5. Store Properly

When you're not wearing your swimwear, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding it in a way that creases the fabric or puts pressure on the padding. For padded tops, like a recycled padded bikini top, you can stuff the cups with tissue paper to help them keep their shape.

Common mistake: Leaving your swimsuit in a hot car or a damp bathroom. Heat and humidity can cause mildew and degrade the fabric over time. Instead, keep your suits in a drawer or a breathable fabric bag.

• Separate different fabrics to prevent color transfer.
• If storing for a long time, place a silica gel packet in the bag to absorb moisture.
• Check your suits periodically for signs of wear like fading or loose threads.

Quick Swimwear Care Checklist

1. Rinse immediately: After swimming, rinse your swimsuit in cold water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Prevents fabric damage and color fading.
2. Hand wash gently: Use a mild detergent and cold water. Gently swirl, then rinse thoroughly. Preserves elasticity and prevents pilling.
3. Dry flat in shade: Lay the suit on a towel, roll to remove excess water, then reshape and air dry away from direct sun. Avoids stretching and fading.
4. Rotate and store properly: Alternate between suits and store in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity. Extends the life of each suit.

Products That Make Swimwear Care Easier

• Gray Camo Recycled padded bikini top: This bikini top is made from 88% recycled polyester and 12% elastane, with removable pads. The recycled fabric is durable, but the elastane needs gentle care to maintain its stretch. Always hand wash and avoid wringing to keep the padding in place and the fabric looking new.
• Breakout Men's Rash Guard: This rash guard is made from 82% polyester and 18% spandex, offering four-way stretch and sun protection. Spandex loses its elasticity with heat and harsh detergents. Hand washing in cold water and air drying flat will help the rash guard keep its fit and protective properties longer.

Caring for your swimwear doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple steps—rinsing, hand washing, drying flat, rotating, and storing properly—you can keep your favorite suits looking vibrant and fitting well for many seasons. With a little attention, your swimwear will continue to support you in and out of the water.