Quality swimwear is an investment. A well-cared-for bikini or one-piece can last 2–3 seasons. Poorly cared-for swimwear fades, stretches and loses its shape after just a few wears. These tips will help your swimwear stay vibrant and supportive for as long as possible.
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The Number One Rule: Rinse After Every Wear
The biggest threat to swimwear is not wear — it's what it soaks in. Salt water, chlorine, sunscreen, fake tan and body oils all degrade elastane (lycra) fibres. After every single swim, rinse your swimwear in cool, clean fresh water as soon as possible. Don't wait until you get home — rinse at the beach shower or pool tap immediately.
How to Wash Swimwear
Hand Washing (Recommended)
- Fill a basin or sink with cool water (never hot — heat destroys elastane)
- Add a small amount of gentle liquid detergent or specialist swimwear wash
- Gently squeeze the swimwear through the soapy water for 1–2 minutes
- Do not rub, scrub or wring
- Rinse thoroughly in cool clean water until no soap remains
- Gently press (don't wring) out excess water
Machine Washing (If Necessary)
- Use a lingerie bag to protect the fabric
- Set to delicate/hand wash cycle, cool water only
- Use a gentle detergent
- Never use fabric softener — it coats elastane fibres and reduces elasticity
- Never wash with jeans, towels or anything with velcro or zips that can snag the fabric
How to Dry Swimwear
- Never tumble dry — the heat destroys elastane permanently
- Never wring — wringing distorts the shape and stresses the fibres
- Lay flat to dry in the shade, not in direct sunlight (UV fades colours)
- Drape over a towel or drying rack — avoid hanging by the straps which can stretch them out
- Allow to dry completely before storing — storing damp swimwear causes mildew
What Ruins Swimwear Fastest
- Sunscreen and fake tan: Can permanently stain and break down fabric. Apply sunscreen and let it fully absorb before putting on swimwear.
- Sitting on rough surfaces: Pool edges, concrete and sandstone fray fabric fibres. Sit on a towel.
- Hot tubs and spa pools: High-temperature chlorinated water degrades elastane very quickly. Rinse immediately after.
- Machine washing regularly: Even on gentle cycles, machine washing is harsher than hand washing.
- Rotating your swimwear: Elastane needs 24 hours to recover between wears. Rotating between two or more pieces extends the life of each.
Storage Tips
- Store folded flat in a drawer, not crumpled in a bag
- Keep out of direct light (UV fades even stored fabric)
- Store with padding or tissue paper in structured cups to keep their shape
- At end of season, rinse once more and ensure completely dry before long-term storage
When to Replace Your Swimwear
Time to replace when: the fabric feels thin or see-through when stretched, the elastic doesn't spring back, the colour has significantly faded, or underwire has bent or broken. With good care, most quality swimwear lasts 1–3 seasons of regular use.
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