Swimsuit Care 101: Keep Your Swimwear Looking New

Swimsuits face constant exposure to chlorine, sun, and daily use. Without proper care, fabric loses stretch and color fades quickly. A few simple habits help your swimsuit maintain shape and durability through many practices and meets.

Rinse After Every Swim

Rinse your swimsuit with cold water as soon as you finish swimming. This step removes chlorine, salt, sweat, and pool chemicals. These substances break down fabric fibers when they remain in the suit.

A quick rinse after practice slows this damage and helps preserve the material.

Hand Wash With Mild Soap

Hand washing protects swimsuit fabric better than a washing machine. Use cool tap water and a small amount of mild soap.

Avoid laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. These products weaken elastic fibers and shorten the life of the suit.

After washing, press the fabric gently to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring the suit.

Dry the Suit Properly

Drying method affects how long a swimsuit holds its shape.

Lay the suit flat on a towel. Roll the towel and press lightly to remove extra moisture. Then place the suit flat in a shaded area to finish drying.

Avoid direct sunlight. Strong sun fades colors and weakens elastic fibers. Avoid hanging the suit, since hanging stretches the fabric over time.

Protect the Suit From Rough Surfaces

Pool decks often contain rough concrete designed to prevent slipping. Sitting directly on these surfaces wears down swimsuit fabric.

Place a towel on the deck before sitting down. This protects the material and reduces pilling or small tears.

Limit Contact With Sunscreen and Oils

Sunscreen protects your skin during outdoor swimming. Oils in lotions sometimes weaken swimsuit elasticity.

Apply sunscreen before putting on the suit when possible. This reduces direct contact between oils and the fabric.

Use Care in Hot Tubs

Hot tubs contain higher temperatures and stronger chemicals such as bromine. These conditions wear out swimsuits quickly.

Many swimmers keep an older suit for hot tub use. This protects the primary practice or competition suit.

Store the Suit Correctly

Avoid leaving a wet swimsuit rolled inside a towel or swim bag. Moisture and chemicals remain trapped in the fabric.

After rinsing and drying the suit, store it in a cool dry space. Proper storage helps preserve elasticity and color.

Simple Care Extends the Life of Your Suit

Consistent care helps a swimsuit maintain shape, color, and comfort through months of swimming. Rinse, wash gently, dry properly, and store the suit in a dry place. These small habits protect your swimwear through many practices and meets.