How to Wash and Care for Your Swimwear

Quick Answer

To keep your swimwear looking great, rinse it in cold water immediately after swimming, hand wash with a mild detergent, and lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid wringing, machine washing, and harsh chemicals to prevent damage and extend the life of your bikini.

Your favorite bikini or one-piece takes a beating from sun, sand, chlorine, and salt water. Without proper care, colors fade, elastic stretches, and fabric breaks down. But with a few simple habits, you can keep your swimwear looking and fitting like new for many seasons.

Whether you're lounging by the pool or swimming in the ocean, understanding how to wash swimwear is key to preserving its shape and color. Follow these swimwear care tips to protect your investment and ensure your suit is always ready for your next adventure.

Immediate Care After Swimming

The moment you step out of the pool or ocean, take a few seconds to rinse your swimsuit in clean, cool water. This simple step removes chlorine, salt, sand, and sunscreen residues that can cause discoloration and weaken the fabric over time. If you can't rinse immediately, at least keep your suit in a separate bag until you can.

Chlorine is particularly harsh on swimwear, breaking down elastic and causing colors to fade. Salt water can also dry out the fabric and leave crystals that irritate skin. A quick rinse neutralizes these elements before they set in, making your swimwear care routine much easier.

Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing

Hand washing is always the safest method for swimwear. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent—one that's free of bleach and softeners. Gently agitate the suit for a few minutes, paying attention to areas with sunscreen or deodorant marks. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.

Machine washing is risky but possible if you use a delicate cycle and place the suit in a mesh laundry bag. Always use cold water and a gentle detergent, and never use fabric softeners or bleach. However, even with these precautions, the agitation can stretch and damage the fabric, so reserve machine washing for suits you don't mind replacing soon.

Drying and Storage

After washing, gently press the suit between two clean towels to absorb excess water. Never wring or twist the fabric, as this can distort its shape and break the elastic. Lay the suit flat on a dry towel or a drying rack in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can fade colors, and heat from dryers can melt fibers.

Once dry, store your swimwear flat in a drawer or hang it by the middle of the straps to avoid stretching. Avoid folding it in tight spaces where creases can form. Proper storage not only keeps your suit looking neat but also maintains its fit and support for longer.

Handling Chlorine and Salt Water Exposure

If you swim frequently in chlorinated pools, consider rotating between two or three suits to give each one time to recover. Chlorine is a strong chemical that can cause significant damage over time, so pre-rinsing your suit before entering the pool can help reduce absorption. After swimming, follow the immediate rinse step to minimize chlorine damage swimsuit.

Salt water swimsuit care is similar: rinse immediately and wash with a gentle detergent. Salt crystals can be abrasive and may cause fading if left to dry in the sun. If you notice any discoloration, treat it early with a specialized swimwear cleaner or a mild vinegar solution (one part vinegar to three parts water) before washing.

Step-by-Step Swimwear Care Routine

1. Rinse Immediately: After swimming, rinse your suit in cold running water for 2-3 minutes to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Gently rub the fabric with your hands to help release trapped particles. Checkpoint: Water should run clear before you move on.
2. Hand Wash with Mild Detergent: Fill a basin with cold water and add a teaspoon of mild detergent. Submerge the suit and gently squeeze it for 2-5 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or stretching the fabric. Checkpoint: Never use hot water or bleach, as they can fade colors and weaken elastic.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cold water. Rinse the suit until no suds remain. Repeat if necessary to ensure all detergent is removed. Checkpoint: Leftover detergent can irritate skin and attract dirt.
4. Press Out Excess Water: Lay the suit on a clean, dry towel and roll it up gently to absorb water. Press with your hands to squeeze out moisture without twisting or wringing. Checkpoint: The suit should be damp, not dripping.
5. Dry Flat in Shade: Place the suit flat on a dry towel or mesh rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Flip it occasionally to ensure even drying. Checkpoint: Avoid clothespins or hangers that can stretch the fabric.
6. Store Properly: Once fully dry, fold the suit and store it in a drawer or a breathable fabric bag. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture and cause mildew. Checkpoint: Keep your swimwear away from rough surfaces to prevent snags.

Products That Support Your Swimwear Routine

• Pure Classic Seamless Bikini Bottom - Terracotta: Designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, this classic bikini bottom offers a flattering fit for all body types. Its smooth, seamless construction feels light against the skin, making it an easy essential for everyday swimwear. The seamless design means fewer places for sand and sunscreen to accumulate, making rinsing and cleaning easier. A classic cut that flatters all body shapes ensures you'll want to care for it properly to enjoy it for years.
• Wave Full Bust Sports Bra - Nautical Blue: Introducing Wave, our new, wire-free, sports bra with a sporty zipper front and internal hooks for ease of fit and wearing. The moisture wicking, cooling, and antibacterial fabric offers the ultimate comfort while exercising. If you wear this under a swimsuit for active water sports, its moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties help reduce odor and bacterial growth, but you still need to rinse it after each use to keep the fabric performing at its best.

Caring for your swimwear doesn't have to be time-consuming. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you can protect your suits from chlorine and salt water damage, maintain their vibrant colors, and extend the life of your bikini for many more beach days.