How to Care for Swimwear So It Lasts More Than One Season

Quick answer

Rinse your swimwear in cool water immediately after every swim, wash it gently by hand with a mild soap, and lay it flat to dry away from direct sun. Skip the washing machine, dryer, and hot water. Those three habits alone are what make a swimsuit last more than one season.

Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils all break down stretch fibers, so the real trick to swimwear maintenance is acting fast after you take it off. A two-minute rinse does more for longevity than any special product.

This guide walks through an ordered routine, from post-swim rinse to off-season storage. It also covers the one mistake that quietly shortens a swimsuit's life: leaving it bundled wet in a bag.

Why swimwear wears out so fast

Swim fabric relies on elastane for stretch and recovery. Chlorine, salt, heat, and sunscreen residue gradually degrade those fibers, which is why a suit that looked perfect in June can feel loose and thin by August. The damage usually starts within hours of wearing, not months.

That means timing matters more than technique. A quick cool rinse right after swimming removes most of the residue before it sets in. If you only remember one swimsuit care tip, make it this one.

• Residue sits on the fabric and works its way in, so rinse before the suit dries.
• Heat is the second biggest enemy after chlorine.

Step 1: Rinse immediately after every swim

As soon as you're out of the water, rinse your suit in cool tap water. Work the water through the fabric with your hands rather than wringing or twisting it. You're flushing out chlorine, salt, and sunscreen, not scrubbing stains.

If you're at a pool or beach without a shower, rinse in a sink or even a water bottle. Then lay the suit flat on a clean towel instead of balling it up in your bag. That single change prevents most of the odor and discoloration people blame on 'cheap fabric.'

• Never wring or twist the suit; it stretches the fibers.
• Roll it in a towel to blot water instead of squeezing.

Step 2: Wash gently, by hand, with the right soap

Every few wears, wash your swimwear by hand in cool water with a mild soap or a dedicated swimwear wash. A pea-sized amount is plenty. Swish the suit gently for about a minute, then rinse until the water runs clear.

If you must use a machine, put the suit in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle with cold water and no spin. But hand washing is the safer default, especially for lace-trimmed or textured styles where a machine can snag the surface.

• Skip regular laundry detergent, fabric softener, and bleach.
• Wash light and dark suits separately to avoid dye transfer.

Step 3: Dry flat, out of direct sun

Lay the suit flat on a clean towel or drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. If you hang it, hang by the straps or the center of the band, not by one shoulder strap, which can stretch it out of shape.

Direct sun fades color and weakens stretch, so a shaded balcony or bathroom works better than a sunny line. Never put swimwear in a dryer. Even a low-heat cycle can shrink the lining and break down elastane.

• Flip the suit inside out to dry the lining fully.
• Make sure it's completely dry before storing.

Step 4: Store it so it keeps its shape

Once dry, store swimwear flat in a drawer or folded loosely in a breathable bag. Avoid compressing it under heavy items or leaving it stretched on a hanger for months, both of which can leave permanent creases or stretched straps.

For the off-season, keep suits in a cool, dry place away from direct light. If you store a wet suit 'just for now,' that's how mildew and fading start. A dry suit in a drawer will be ready next summer.

• Don't store swimwear in a plastic bag long-term; trapped moisture causes mildew.
• Keep suits away from rough zippers or hooks that can snag lace or mesh.

Your 5-step swimwear care routine

1. Rinse immediately after every swim: Use cool water to flush out chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before residue sets. Do this even if you only wore the suit for 20 minutes. Checkpoint: if the suit still smells like chlorine after rinsing, repeat once.
2. Wash by hand with mild soap every few wears: Swish gently in cool water for about a minute, then rinse until clear. Avoid regular detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. Common mistake: using hot water, which speeds up fiber breakdown.
3. Remove excess water without wringing: Press the suit between your palms or roll it in a towel to blot water. Never twist or wring, which stretches the fabric. Checkpoint: the suit should feel damp, not dripping, before drying.
4. Dry flat in the shade: Lay the suit flat on a towel or rack away from direct sun. If hanging, use the straps or center band, not a single strap. Common mistake: leaving it in direct sun, which fades color and weakens stretch.
5. Store dry and flat, not compressed: Once fully dry, fold loosely in a drawer or breathable bag. Keep it out of plastic bags and away from heavy items. Checkpoint: if it still feels cool or damp, give it more drying time before storing.

What to look for in swimwear that holds up

• HIGH LEG BIKINI: Made with retro-inspired stretch textured stripe swim fabric in a high-leg silhouette with moderate coverage and a slightly cheeky cut. Textured stretch fabric tends to hide minor wear better than smooth, thin fabrics, so it can look newer for longer with the same care routine.
• BATTENBURG LACE MESH HIGH WAIST BIKINI: Features a Battenburg lace print on ultra-soft super stretch mesh with a classic high-waist design for flattering support. Lace-print mesh is delicate, so it benefits most from hand washing and flat drying to protect the print and stretch.

Swimwear maintenance isn't complicated: rinse right away, wash gently, dry flat, and store dry. Do those four things and your bikinis and one-pieces will keep their fit and color well past one summer.