Chlorine, sea salt, sand, sunscreen and high temperatures can weaken swimwear fabric over time. What often damages a swimsuit most, however, is leaving it damp in a bag, wringing it out forcefully or drying it on a radiator or in harsh direct sun.
Looking after swimwear does not require complicated steps. After use, rinse it in cool water, wash it according to the care label and leave it to dry in an airy place. A few simple habits can help keep the colour, elasticity and shape in better condition for longer.
Key points
- After every use, rinse your swimsuit in cool water.
- Before washing, check the care label.
- Do not wring the fabric, especially around cups, elastics and ties.
- Do not use a tumble dryer or radiator.
- Swimwear with ruffles, shine or structured cups should be washed especially gently.
- Before storing, make sure the swimsuit is clean and completely dry.
How to wash swimwear
Wondering how to wash a swimsuit after the beach or pool? Start with the care label. Its instructions come before general advice, because swimwear styles differ in fabric, finishing and construction.
In many cases, the safest option is gentle hand washing in cool or lukewarm water. Do not scrub the fabric and do not squash structured cups.
- Rinse the swimsuit under cool running water.
- Fill a bowl with cool or lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Move the swimsuit gently through the water.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly.
- Press out excess water using a towel.
- Leave the swimsuit to dry in the shade.
Do not use bleach or strong stain removers unless the manufacturer recommends them on the care label. They can change the colour of the fabric or weaken elastic fibres.
What to do after the pool or sea
After getting out of the water, you do not need to do a full wash immediately. The most important step is to rinse the swimsuit quickly. This helps stop chlorine, salt and small grains of sand from sitting in the fabric for several hours.
After the pool
After the pool, rinse your swimsuit under the shower, even if you plan to wear it again later the same day. Do not leave it closed inside a gym bag and do not place it on a hot radiator.
Dark and strongly coloured fabrics can gradually lose intensity if they stay damp for a long time after contact with chlorinated water. Rinsing reduces the time chlorine stays in contact with the fabric.
After swimming in the sea
Salt and sand get trapped especially easily in ruching, ties, elastics and textured areas of the fabric. Rinse these parts carefully first. Do not rub sandy fabric when it is dry, as this can damage the surface.
The minimum after the beach
Rinse the swimsuit in clean water, press out excess moisture with a towel and do not seal it tightly in a plastic bag.
Sunscreen and swimwear fabric
Sunscreen can leave marks on fabric, especially on light colours and along the edges of a swimsuit. Before putting the swimsuit on, give the product a moment to absorb. This does not mean you should use less sun protection.
If sunscreen marks the fabric, do not rub the stain while it is dry. Rinse the swimsuit and wash it according to the care label. Do not leave a light-coloured swimsuit for several days, as dried-on marks are usually harder to remove gently.
With sunscreen, it helps to:
- apply the product before putting on the swimsuit,
- wait until the sunscreen has partly absorbed,
- rinse the swimsuit after returning from the beach,
- avoid heavy rubbing on stained fabric.
Can you wash swimwear in the washing machine?
Machine washing a swimsuit is only an option if the care label allows it. The drum, spin cycle and contact with other clothes can deform cups, stretch straps or damage decorative details.
If the manufacturer allows machine washing, place the swimsuit in a protective laundry bag. Choose a delicate programme, cool water and the lowest spin setting available. Do not wash swimwear with towels, clothes with zips or items with hook-and-loop fastenings.
Use the washing machine only with caution
- check the care label first,
- use a laundry bag,
- choose a delicate programme,
- use cool water,
- keep the spin low,
- do not add bleach,
- do not wash with heavy clothing.
How to dry swimwear
A wet swimsuit should not be wrung out like a towel. This can stretch elastics, ties and straps, as well as deform cups.
A better method
- Lay the swimsuit on a clean towel.
- Cover it with another part of the towel or roll it gently.
- Press lightly so the towel absorbs excess water.
- Lay the swimsuit out without pulling the fabric.
- Dry it in the shade, in a well-ventilated place.
Do not use a tumble dryer and do not place the swimsuit on a radiator. Also avoid drying it for many hours in strong direct sun, especially if it is dark, neon or shiny.
How to care for a bikini
Bikinis have several areas that are vulnerable to stretching. This mainly applies to straps, ties, fastenings and elastics around the hips. During washing, do not pull these parts. Submerge the whole swimsuit in water and rinse it gently.
Strapless bikini
A strapless two-piece swimsuit needs careful handling around the top. Do not crush the cups and do not fold a wet top in half. After washing, reshape it gently with your hands and leave it to dry freely.
High-waist bikini
A strappy high-waist bikini has more fabric in the lower part, so it can take longer to dry than a classic bikini. After rinsing, smooth out the waistband and leg edges. Do not hang the wet bottom in a way that pulls on the elastic.
Bikini set with a tie skirt
A bikini set with a tie skirt is made of several pieces, which may have different care needs. Check the labels on the swimsuit and the skirt. When washing, separate the parts so the skirt does not get tangled in straps or fastenings.
How to care for a one-piece swimsuit
One-piece swimsuits hold more water than small bikinis. After rinsing, do not hang a heavy, wet swimsuit only by thin straps. Absorb water with a towel and lay it out without stretching the fabric.
Pay attention to the areas under the arms, around the neckline and along the leg openings. These are the places where cosmetics, sweat and small grains of sand often remain.
Ribbed swimsuit
Cream and sand can sit in the texture of a ribbed one-piece swimsuit. Rinse the fabric carefully, but do not use a brush and do not scrub the ribbed surface.
Swimsuit with ruffles
A ruffle one-piece swimsuit should be washed according to the care label, without crushing the decorative details. After rinsing, arrange the ruffles with your fingers before the fabric dries. This helps stop them from staying twisted or stuck to the surface of the swimsuit.
How to protect the colour and finish of swimwear
Not all fabrics react in the same way to sun, chlorine and friction. The most important care instructions are always on the label. There are, however, a few situations where extra care is needed.
Shiny and metallic fabrics
A shimmer two-piece swimsuit should be protected from rough surfaces, zips, hook-and-loop fastenings and jewellery that could snag the fabric. Do not rub the shiny surface and do not leave the swimsuit in water for a long time if the care label does not allow it.
Dark colours
On black and dark swimwear, light marks from salt and sunscreen are easy to see. Careful rinsing reduces streaks. Drying in the shade also helps reduce the risk of colour fading.
Light and neon swimwear
Light fabrics show marks from cosmetics and fake tan more quickly. Wash them as soon as possible after use, but do not use bleach unless the manufacturer clearly recommends it. Neon colours can also lose intensity if they are frequently dried in strong direct sun.
When choosing your next style, the guide to swimwear colours that flatter a tan may help.
Fit also affects how long swimwear lasts
A swimsuit that is too small stays under constant tension, while one that is too loose can move around and rub more often against the skin and surfaces. The right size does not replace proper care, but it reduces unnecessary strain on the fabric.
If you are choosing a two-piece style, read the guide to choosing a women’s bikini for your figure. A separate article also explains how to choose a plus-size swimsuit.
How to store swimwear
The right storage method depends on whether the swimsuit will stay in your bag for an hour or go into a drawer for several months. In both cases, it should not be wet, sealed tightly or heavily crushed.
Storing swimwear on holiday
After swimming away from home
- rinse the swimsuit under a shower if possible,
- press out water with a towel,
- keep the wet swimsuit away from dry clothes,
- do not seal it tightly for the whole day,
- lay it out to dry when you get back.
Two swimsuits worn in rotation have more time to dry fully. Avoid putting on a damp swimsuit again if you can wait until the fabric is dry.
Storing swimwear after the season
Before putting it away, wash the swimsuit according to the care label, rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely. Arrange straps and cups, then store the swimsuit without folding it tightly.
- Wash and rinse the swimsuit.
- Leave it to dry completely.
- Arrange the cups and decorative details.
- Store the swimsuit loosely in a dry drawer or box.
- Do not place heavy items on a structured top.
Avoid a sealed plastic bag. A fabric pouch or separate compartment is better, as the fabric and cups are less likely to be crushed.
What not to do with swimwear
Do not wring it out like a towel
You may stretch elastics, straps and elastic fibres.
Do not dry it on a radiator
High heat can weaken the fabric and deform the cups.
Do not leave wet swimwear in a bag
Moisture, salt or chlorine then stay in the fabric for many hours.
Do not wash it with towels
Heavy fabrics increase friction and can damage delicate details.
Do not use bleach without checking the label
It can change the colour and weaken elastic fibres.
Do not iron it
High heat can permanently damage swimwear fabric.
How often should you wash swimwear?
Rinse your swimsuit after every use. Do a full wash after the pool, after swimming in the sea or after heavy contact with cosmetics. If the swimsuit was worn briefly and did not come into contact with water, a careful rinse is often enough. Always follow the care label.
Common problems with shape and colour
The table below brings together common causes of fading, stretching and deformation. It does not replace the manufacturer’s instructions, but it can help you quickly identify a likely cause.
| Problem | What may cause it? | What to do? |
|---|---|---|
| Faded colour | Chlorine, salt and frequent drying in strong sun | Rinse after use and dry in the shade |
| Stretched straps | Wringing and hanging a heavy, wet swimsuit | Press out water with a towel and dry without pulling |
| Deformed cups | Crushing in a bag or incorrect washing | Reshape the cups after washing and store loosely |
| Cosmetic marks | Sunscreen, oils and delayed washing | Rinse the fabric quickly and follow the care label |
| Snags | Jewellery, hook-and-loop fastenings, zips and rough surfaces | Wash separately and be careful with beach accessories |
FAQ
Can you wash swimwear in the washing machine?
Only if the care label allows it. Use a protective laundry bag, a delicate programme, cool water and a low spin. Do not add towels or clothes with zips.
How do you remove sand from swimwear?
Rinse the swimsuit in clean water and move the fabric gently. Do not rub dry, sandy fabric. Pay particular attention to ribbed textures, ruching and ruffles.
What should you do with wet swimwear when travelling?
Rinse it, press out water with a towel and keep it separate from dry clothes. Do not seal damp swimwear tightly for many hours. Lay it out as soon as you arrive.
How should you store swimwear with structured cups?
Arrange the cups in their natural shape and do not fold them in half. Store the swimsuit loosely, without placing heavy items on top.
Can sunscreen stain swimwear?
Yes, especially on light fabrics and near the edges. Let sunscreen absorb before putting on the swimsuit, then rinse the fabric after use and wash according to the care label.
Swimwear at Pelie.co.uk
When choosing swimwear, do not look only at colour and cut. Check the care instructions, the construction of the cups, the number of ties and any decorative details. A simple style is usually easier to rinse and dry, but every swimsuit still needs to be cared for according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do you look after swimwear so it lasts for future trips? Rinse it after use, wash it gently, do not wring it out and store it only when it is completely dry.
Bibliography
- GINETEX, Care symbols.
- The LYCRA Company, LYCRA® XTRA LIFE™ Fiber Creates Durable Swimwear.
- The LYCRA Company, LYCRA® lastingFIT Technology.
