You’ve chosen the perfect summer swimsuit that’s sure to make a splash. But how do you keep it looking bright and fitting right, swim after swim — and even summer after summer? Follow our guide on how to wash a swimsuit to ensure your new swimwear still looks and fits great all season, and for many seasons to come.
Why Swimsuit Care Matters
Swimsuits are designed to be in water, but that’s not all they’re exposed to during the warm seasons. Tough elements like chlorine, salt water, sunscreen and sunlight can damage the colors and elasticity of a swimsuit, making it baggy or faded with each additional wear.
When you invest in high-quality men’s swim trunks or women’s swimsuits, you want them to last longer than a few swims. And when you choose Southern Tide swimwear, you’re choosing pieces that are designed to last much longer than that — even into the next few years! All you need to do is extend that investment into a few extra minutes of proper swimsuit care.
How to Wash a Swimsuit
It’s tempting to toss your swimsuit into your beach bag or washing machine when the swim day is over. But if you follow these simple swimsuit washing instructions, you’ll find that your bright, well-fitting swimwear feels like new with every new water adventure.
1. Rinse your suit in cold water before you wear it
Even before you step into the pool or catch a wave, a splash of cold water keeps your swimsuit resilient against other elements in the environment.
2. Hand Wash after you swim
After you swim, hand wash your swimsuit in cold water again to protect it from salt, chlorine or anything else you encountered. Use a mild detergent and keep the water as cold as possible, since warm water breaks down the swimsuit’s fibers.
If you have to wash your suit in the washer, place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric and use the delicate cycle with cold water. Skip the fabric softener, use a gentle detergent and lay the suit flat to dry to help it keep its shape.
3. Lay flat to dry
Crumpled-up swimsuits can grow mildew, which potentially discolors and deteriorates the fabric. Lay your suit on a dry towel in a dark, non-sunny area to ensure it dries as evenly as possible. Never place your suit in the dryer as it can deteriorate the fibers, discolor the fabric and warp the shape.
4. Wait until the suit is completely dry, then start the cycle over
Even if you’re planning to wear the suit again soon, it’s best to wait until it’s completely dry before you start the swimsuit care routine again. Wearing your suit while it’s still wet can lead to skin irritation (from chemicals like chlorine) or stretch the fabric.
More Tips to Make Your Swimsuit Last
Now you know how to wash a swimsuit, but how can you prevent some of the natural damage that might occur outside the wash cycle? Follow these additional tips to ensure your bright, beautiful swimsuit stays that way.
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Pretreat new swimsuits. This can be a cold water soak or a vinegar wash (a quart of water and two tablespoons of vinegar in a sink — and don’t worry, the smell disappears once your garment is dry!), but a pretreat protects your suit long before you get in the water.
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Sit on a towel or chair rather than the ground. Sitting directly on the sand or the concrete pool deck can cause fabric pilling.
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Keep your suit out of the sun when possible. Wear a T-shirt or swim cover-up when you’re out of the water to protect your suit (and your skin) from UV rays. When you’re drying your suit, choose a dark, dry place, as leaving it to dry in the sun can cause fabric fading.
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Don’t wring your suit dry. If you have access to a spinner (not a dryer), use it to remove excess water from the suit. You can also pat or gently squeeze the suit rather than wringing it.
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If you don’t have time for swimsuit care, take it into the shower. Save some time and keep your suit swim-ready with a quick rinse in the shower. (Just make sure the water is cold, not warm or hot!)
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Rotate your swimwear. Give your favorite trunks or swimsuit a break by rotating between different sets. This way, each suit has the chance to dry completely before getting exposed to destructive elements again, allowing all of them to last even longer.
How To Store Your Swimsuit Between Seasons
Once swimming season is over, you’ll want to store your swimsuit to ensure it’s ready for the next bout of warm weather. Consider these tips for your swimsuit’s off-season:
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Make sure your swimsuit is clean and dry.
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Lay it flat or fold it to prevent wrinkles.
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Store it in a cool, dry place, such as a swimsuit drawer or storage bin, as airtight storage bags could cause mildew or odors if your suit is still a little damp.
Mesh bags and storage boxes that circulate air are perfect for storing swimsuits. If you’d like to keep your swimwear organized, consider adding drawer dividers, labels and fabric storage bags to your swimsuit care collection. (This is especially helpful for kids’ swimsuits, as you may need to upgrade to a new size next year!)
Enjoy summer swimwear, wherever you go
There’s nothing better than a refreshing swim in a new, well-fitting swimsuit. With just a few extra steps in your swimsuit care routine, you can keep that feeling all summer long!If you’re reading to choose your next swimwear for the season, follow our guide to the best men’s swim trunks. You can coordinate them with your favorite beach towel, kids’ swimsuits or the rest of your summer clothing!
