How to Care for Your Swimwear to Keep It Looking New

Quick Answer

To keep your swimwear looking new, rinse it in cold water immediately after swimming, hand wash with a gentle detergent, and dry it flat in the shade. Avoid wringing, machine washing, and direct sunlight to prevent chlorine damage and fading.

Whether you're a lap swimmer or a beach lounger, your swimsuit takes a beating from chlorine, salt water, and sun. Without proper care, even the highest-quality swimwear can stretch, fade, or lose its shape within a season. The good news? A few simple habits can dramatically extend the life of your favorite suits.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps for swimwear maintenance, from rinsing to drying. We'll also share tips on how to handle chlorine damage and salt water exposure, so you can enjoy your swimwear for many summers to come.

Rinse Immediately After Swimming

The most important step in swimwear care is rinsing your suit in cold, fresh water as soon as you get out of the pool or ocean. Chlorine and salt water are harsh on the elastic fibers in swimwear, causing them to break down over time. A quick rinse removes these chemicals before they have a chance to set in.

Don't wait until you get home. If you're at the beach, use the outdoor shower or a water bottle to rinse off. The longer chemicals sit on the fabric, the more damage they do. Make this a non-negotiable habit to prevent chlorine damage and salt water wear.

• Use cold water only—hot water can set in chemicals and damage fibers.
• Gently squeeze the suit, don't wring it, to remove excess water.

Hand Wash with a Gentle Detergent

While it might be tempting to toss your swimsuit in the washing machine, hand washing is the safest method. Machine washing can snag the fabric and stretch the elastic. Instead, fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent—preferably one designed for delicates or swimwear.

Submerge the suit and gently swish it around for a few minutes. Pay extra attention to areas that have been in contact with sunscreen or body oils. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains. Avoid using regular laundry detergents that contain bleach or fabric softeners, as these can break down the fabric's elasticity.

• Never use bleach or fabric softener on swimwear.
• If you must machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag and a delicate cycle.

Dry Flat in the Shade

How you dry your swimsuit is just as important as how you wash it. Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken the fabric, so always dry your suit in the shade. Lay it flat on a clean towel, reshaping it to its original form. Avoid hanging it by the straps, as the weight of the water can stretch them out.

Never put your swimsuit in the dryer. The heat can melt the elastic fibers, causing the suit to lose its shape permanently. Air drying is the only safe method. If you're in a hurry, gently press the suit between two towels to absorb excess moisture before laying it flat.

• Reshape the suit while it's damp to maintain its fit.
• Rotate your swimwear to allow each suit to fully dry between uses.

5-Step Swimwear Care Routine

1. Rinse in cold water: Immediately after swimming, rinse your swimsuit in cold fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and sand. Checkpoint: Do this within 15 minutes of leaving the water.
2. Hand wash gently: Use a mild detergent and cold water. Swish the suit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Checkpoint: Never wring or twist the fabric.
3. Dry flat in shade: Lay the suit flat on a towel in a shaded area. Reshape it while damp to maintain its form. Checkpoint: Avoid direct sunlight and never use a dryer.
4. Rotate your swimwear: Alternate between multiple suits to give each one time to recover its shape and elasticity. Checkpoint: Having at least two suits can extend their lifespan significantly.
5. Store properly: Once dry, store your swimsuit flat in a drawer or fold it loosely. Avoid folding over straps or keeping it in a tight ball. Checkpoint: Proper storage prevents creases and stretching.

Related Products That Care for Your Swimwear

• Simply Smooth No Show Hiphugger 5 Pack: Daily comfort, now in an easy five pack. You choose your colors. While not swimwear, these seamless undies are perfect for wearing under your swimsuit cover-up. The five-pack lets you rotate, reducing wear and tear on your favorite pieces.
• Simply Smooth No Show Hiphugger 5 Pack Buff: This bundle contains 5 Simply Smooth No Show Hiphuggers, each one of them in Buff. Designed to put a stop to panty lines, these ultra-light, seamless undies lay flat for all-day comfort. The neutral Buff color matches any swimsuit, and the seamless design means no visible lines under your cover-up. Plus, having multiple pairs ensures you always have a fresh one ready.

Caring for your swimwear doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple steps—rinse, hand wash, dry flat, rotate, and store properly—you can prevent chlorine damage, salt water wear, and fading. With a little attention, your favorite suits will stay looking new season after season.