Swimsuit Care: Washing and Storage Tips to Preserve Color & Elasticity

Swimsuit Care: Washing and Storage Tips to Preserve Color & Elasticity

Why proper swimsuit care matters

Swimsuits are made from delicate fabrics—Lycra, elastane, nylon, polyester blends—that lose shape, color, and elasticity when treated like regular clothes. With the right washing, drying, and storage routine you can extend their life, keep colors vivid, and maintain the stretch that makes them comfortable and supportive.

Before you wash: quick checks

• Read the care label. Manufacturers often provide the best guidance for that specific fabric blend.
• Rinse immediately after use. Saltwater, chlorine, sweat, sunscreen, and oils all damage fibers if left to sit.
• Spot treat stains gently. Use a mild soap or a tiny amount of gentle detergent to treat sunscreen or oil marks before full wash.

Hand-washing: the gold standard (step-by-step)

1. Fill a clean sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water (no hot water — heat breaks down elastic fibers).
2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicates or swimsuits. Baby shampoo or a mild liquid detergent works in a pinch.
3. Submerge the swimsuit and gently agitate the water with your hands for 30–60 seconds. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the fabric vigorously.
4. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes. For heavily chlorinated suits, a short 5-minute soak in a mixture of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar can neutralize chlorine and help preserve color.
5. Rinse thoroughly in cool, running water until the soap is gone.
6. Do not wring. Gently press the water out by pressing the swimsuit between your hands, or lay it flat on a clean towel, roll the towel with the suit inside, and press to absorb excess moisture.

Machine washing: if you must

Machine washing increases wear, but you can reduce damage by following these rules:

• Turn the swimsuit inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use the gentlest cycle, cold water, and the smallest amount of mild detergent.
• Never use bleach or fabric softeners; both ruin elasticity and finish.
• Do not wash with heavy items (jeans, towels) that will cause abrasion.

Drying correctly

Heat is the enemy of swimsuit elasticity. Follow these drying tips:

• Air dry flat away from direct sunlight. Sunlight fades dyes and weakens elastane over time.
• Avoid tumble drying and heated drying racks. High heat will cause irreversible damage and shrinkage.
• Hang carefully if necessary — use a padded hanger or drape over a wide bar to avoid stretching straps. Never hang by a single strap for long periods.
• Make sure the suit is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.

Storage to preserve shape and color

1. Store swimsuits flat in a drawer if possible. Lay them in a single layer or gently fold without creating sharp creases.
2. Use breathable containers. Avoid vacuum-sealed plastic or non-breathable bags that trap moisture and may yellow fabrics.
3. Place a sachet of silica gel or a small lavender bag to absorb residual moisture and keep them fresh.
4. Rotate suits. Let any one suit rest between uses to allow elastic fibers to recover their shape.
5. For long-term storage, avoid storing with heavy items on top that could flatten padding or deform cups. Tissue paper can help maintain shape in padded or structured swimsuits.

Tips for common swimsuit problems

• Faded color: minimize sun exposure, rinse immediately after each use, and wash with color-safe, mild detergents.
• Loss of elasticity: avoid hot water and heat drying, and alternate suits so fibers aren’t constantly stretched.
• Sunscreen/oil stains: pre-treat with a gentle stain remover or dish soap designed to cut oils, then hand-wash promptly.
• Chlorine damage: rinse immediately and consider a swimmer-specific detergent that neutralizes chlorine.

Extra care for specialty swimsuits

Swimsuits with beading, metal hardware, or delicate trims require extra care. Brush off sand, rinse gently, and avoid tumbling or wringing. Store padded or structured swimsuits flat with cups supported to keep the shape intact.

Quick checklist before you go

• Rinse right after use.
• Hand-wash in cool water with a gentle detergent when possible.
• Press out water with a towel; do not wring.
• Dry flat, out of direct sunlight.
• Store dry, flat, and breathable.

With small changes to how you wash, dry, and store your swimsuits, you can keep them looking new longer, preserve vibrant colors, and maintain the elastic support you rely on. Treat them gently, and they’ll repay you with extended wear season after season.