You've invested in beautiful swimwear, spent time finding the perfect fit, and now you want those pieces to last as long as possible. The challenge? Swimwear faces some of the harshest conditions in your wardrobe: chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and intense Australian UV rays all conspire to break down fabrics faster than regular clothing.
The good news is that with proper care, you can significantly extend the life of your bikinis and swimsuits. A quality piece of swimwear can last three to five seasons with the right maintenance—or just a few months if neglected. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your swimwear looking and performing its best.
The single most important thing you can do for your swimwear is rinse it in cool, fresh water immediately after each use. This simple step removes most damaging residue before it can break down the fabric.
Understanding Swimwear Fabrics
Most swimwear is made from nylon or polyester blended with elastane (also known as Lycra or spandex). The elastane provides stretch and recovery, but it's also the most vulnerable component. Chlorine, salt, oils, and heat all attack elastane fibres, causing them to break down and lose their stretch.
This is why swimwear eventually becomes saggy and shapeless—the elastane has degraded. By understanding what harms these fibres, you can take steps to protect them and keep your swimwear fitting beautifully for longer.
The Rinse Rule: Your Most Important Habit
Before we discuss washing techniques, let's emphasise the most critical care step: rinsing. Every time you wear your swimwear—whether in a chlorinated pool, the ocean, or a freshwater lake—you should rinse it in cool, fresh water as soon as possible.
Why Rinsing Matters
- Chlorine: Continues to break down fibres even after you leave the pool
- Salt: Crystallises as it dries, creating abrasion that damages fabric
- Sunscreen: Contains oils that stain and degrade elastane
- Body oils and perspiration: Create bacteria breeding grounds and cause odours
A quick rinse under a tap or outdoor shower removes the majority of these harmful substances. Make it a habit immediately after swimming, and you'll notice a significant difference in how long your swimwear lasts.
Proper Washing Techniques
While rinsing handles immediate residue, your swimwear also needs periodic thorough cleaning. Here's how to do it properly:
Hand Washing (Recommended)
Hand washing is the gentlest option and is recommended for all swimwear, especially delicate pieces with embellishments or underwire.
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot)
- Add a small amount of mild detergent designed for delicates or specially formulated swimwear wash
- Gently agitate the swimwear in the water for a few minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed
- Gently press out excess water—never wring or twist
Detergent Tips
Avoid regular laundry detergents, which can be too harsh for swimwear fabrics. Look for pH-neutral, gentle formulas. Baby shampoo or a dedicated swimwear wash works well. Never use bleach or fabric softeners, as these damage elastane.
Machine Washing (When Necessary)
If hand washing isn't practical, machine washing can work with precautions:
- Place swimwear in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging
- Use the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water
- Choose a mild, liquid detergent (not powder)
- Wash with similar colours to prevent bleeding
- Never put swimwear in the dryer
Drying Your Swimwear Properly
How you dry your swimwear is just as important as how you wash it. Heat is the enemy of elastane, so tumble dryers are absolutely off-limits.
The Right Way to Dry
- Lay flat: The best method is laying swimwear flat on a clean, dry towel
- Roll in a towel: Gently roll the towel to absorb excess water first
- Dry in shade: Never dry in direct sunlight, which fades colours and degrades fabric
- Avoid hanging: Hanging wet swimwear can stretch out the fabric and distort the shape
- Ensure air circulation: Good ventilation speeds drying and prevents mildew
Never Do This
Never put swimwear in the tumble dryer, wring it out, or dry it on hot surfaces like radiators or hot car surfaces. The heat destroys elastane fibres, causing permanent loss of stretch and shape.
Storage Solutions
Proper storage between uses helps maintain your swimwear's shape and extends its lifespan. Here are the key principles:
Between Wears During Vacation
- Always rinse and dry thoroughly before storing
- Never store damp swimwear in plastic bags (promotes mildew)
- If still slightly damp, use a breathable mesh bag
- Keep away from rough surfaces that could snag fabric
Long-Term Storage
- Ensure swimwear is completely clean and dry
- Store flat rather than folded to prevent creasing
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid storing with rough items that could cause pilling
- Don't store in plastic containers for extended periods—use breathable fabric bags
Special Care Considerations
Chlorine-Resistant Swimwear
If you swim in pools frequently, consider investing in chlorine-resistant swimwear. These pieces use special fabric blends designed to withstand chlorine exposure better than standard swimwear. However, they still require proper care—chlorine resistance doesn't mean chlorine-proof.
Swimwear with Embellishments
Bikinis with beading, sequins, or metal details require extra-gentle handling. Always hand wash these pieces, turn them inside out, and be especially careful during drying to avoid pulling or snagging decorations.
Underwire Bikini Tops
Underwire styles should always be hand washed and reshaped while damp. Store them with cups facing up to maintain their form, and check regularly for underwire poking through fabric.
Rotate your swimwear! Having multiple pieces and alternating between them gives each one time to fully recover its shape between wears. Elastane needs 24-48 hours to fully spring back after being stretched.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sitting on rough surfaces: Concrete pool edges and rough rocks abrade fabric
- Applying sunscreen while wearing swimwear: Apply sunscreen and let it absorb before putting on your bikini
- Hot tubs: The combination of high heat and chemicals is particularly damaging
- Leaving wet swimwear in bags: Even for short periods, this promotes bacterial growth and odours
- Using too much detergent: Residue builds up in fabric and causes irritation
When to Replace Your Swimwear
Even with perfect care, swimwear doesn't last forever. Signs it's time for replacement include:
- Loss of elasticity—fabric no longer snaps back after stretching
- Visible fading or discolouration
- Pilling or rough texture
- Stretched-out or saggy fit
- Damaged seams or loose threads
- Persistent odours despite washing
By following the care guidelines in this guide, you'll maximise the lifespan of your swimwear and ensure each piece looks and fits its best for as long as possible. Your investment in quality swimwear deserves quality care.