How to Care for Your Swimwear: Tips to Make It Last Longer

Quick answer

To make your swimwear last longer, rinse it in cold fresh water immediately after swimming, hand wash with a gentle detergent, and dry it flat in the shade. Avoid wringing, machine washing, and direct sun to protect elasticity and color.

You invest in a beautiful swimsuit for its fit, color, and style—so it’s frustrating when it fades, stretches, or loses shape after a few wears. The good news: most swimwear damage is preventable with a few simple habits. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or swimming in the sea, proper care can double the life of your favorite pieces.

This guide walks you through a step-by-step routine for washing, drying, and storing swimwear. You’ll also learn how to handle chlorine and saltwater exposure, and what to do when your suit needs a deeper clean.

Why Swimwear Needs Special Care

Swimwear fabrics—typically a blend of nylon, spandex, or polyester—are designed to stretch and recover. But chlorine, salt, and sun can break down these fibers over time. Chlorine is particularly harsh, causing colors to fade and elastic to lose its snap. Saltwater can leave crystals that abrade fabric if not rinsed out, and UV rays can weaken fibers and bleach colors.

Even the highest-quality swimwear, like Aubade’s pieces crafted with attention to detail, will last longer with proper care. The key is to minimize exposure to these elements and to clean your suit gently after each wear.

• Rinse your swimsuit in cold water before and after swimming to reduce chemical absorption.
• Avoid sitting on rough surfaces like concrete or pool edges, which can cause snags and pilling.

Step-by-Step Swimwear Care Routine

Follow this straightforward routine after every swim to keep your swimwear looking new. The process takes only a few minutes and can prevent most common damage.

Start by rinsing your suit in cold, fresh water as soon as you’re done swimming. This removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set into the fabric. Then, hand wash with a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Avoid regular laundry detergents, which can be too harsh and strip colors.

• Use your fingertips to gently work the detergent into the fabric, paying attention to areas that touch sunscreen or body oils.
• Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, then press the suit gently to remove excess water—never wring or twist.

Drying and Storing Your Swimwear

How you dry and store your swimwear is just as important as washing. The wrong method can stretch out elastic or leave mildew odors. Always dry your swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel or a mesh rack. Avoid hanging it by the straps, as the weight of water can stretch them. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade colors and degrade fibers.

Once dry, store your swimwear folded flat in a drawer or a breathable fabric bag. Avoid folding it in a way that creases the fabric sharply, as this can cause permanent lines. If you’re packing for a trip, roll your suit instead of folding to minimize wrinkles and save space.

• Never put your swimsuit in the dryer—heat destroys elasticity.
• Store swimwear away from direct light and heat to prevent fading.

Handling Chlorine and Saltwater Exposure

If you swim regularly in a chlorinated pool, consider pre-rinsing your suit with fresh water before you get in. This saturates the fibers with clean water, reducing the amount of chlorine they absorb. After swimming, rinse immediately and wash as soon as possible. For saltwater, the same rinse applies—salt crystals can be abrasive if left to dry.

For occasional deep cleaning, you can use a gentle swimwear shampoo or a few drops of mild baby shampoo. Always check the care label first, but most swimwear can be hand washed in cold water with these products. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can coat fibers and reduce elasticity.

• If you can’t wash right away, at least rinse and let your suit dry flat in the shade.
• Rotate between two or three swimsuits to give each one time to recover its shape.

5-Step Swimwear Care Checklist

1. Rinse immediately: After swimming, rinse your swimsuit in cold fresh water for a few minutes to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Checkpoint: If you can’t wash right away, at least rinse and let it dry flat.
2. Hand wash gently: Use a mild detergent and gently work it into the fabric with your fingers. Avoid wringing or twisting. Checkpoint: Never machine wash—even on delicate—as it can stretch and damage fibers.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Keep rinsing until the water runs clear to ensure no soap residue remains, which can irritate skin and attract dirt. Checkpoint: Soap residue can cause fabric yellowing over time.
4. Dry flat in shade: Lay your swimsuit flat on a towel or mesh rack away from direct sunlight. Never use a dryer or hang by straps. Checkpoint: Direct sun can fade colors and weaken elastic.
5. Store properly: Once completely dry, fold or roll your swimsuit and store in a cool, dry place away from light and heat. Checkpoint: Avoid folding with heavy items that can leave creases.

Product Spotlight: Swimwear That Lasts

• Evening Sand Playsuit: With a very low V-neckline and wide halter-neck straps, the Evening Sand playsuit boasts a decidedly sexy bare back in a design that is unusual, comfortable and modern. A detachable belt with gold-coloured tips gives the piece a touch of sophisticated elegance. This playsuit’s intricate design and delicate details require gentle hand washing and careful drying to maintain the belt’s finish and the fabric’s shape.
• Sun Pop Brazilian brief Corail: The Sun Pop Brazilian bikini briefs in Coral enhance the curves with sensuality. The high-cut shape elongates the leg and highlights the hips. The vibrant coral shade and ribbed texture create a bold, ultra-feminine look. The ribbed texture and vibrant color are best preserved with cold water rinses and shade drying to prevent fading and distortion.

Caring for your swimwear doesn’t have to be time-consuming. By rinsing, washing gently, and drying properly, you can keep your favorite suits looking vibrant and fitting well for many seasons. Remember, a little effort after each swim goes a long way in preserving both the beauty and the life of your swimwear.