While a washing machine is convenient due to how quick and effortless the process is, it often fails to preserve the delicate fabrics of a quality swimsuit, even on the delicate setting. Handwashing may be more time-consuming, but it is the best approach for caring for these types of fabrics. Handwashing can make the difference between swimwear that lasts only a season and one that lasts for years to come.

While there are many detergent options available, most of them are not suitable for swimwear. We recommend using a mild detergent—the gentler, the better—preferably one without added fragrance. Please be cautious with detergents designed for white fabrics, as they are often harsh and can affect both the quality of the material and its color. We also do not recommend using fabric softener, as it can damage the structure of the stretchy fabrics used in swimwear.

To prepare a brand-new swimsuit for a beach or pool day, you can start with a gentle wash using mild soap or a delicate detergent. Use only a small amount of product diluted in a larger quantity of cold water to avoid damaging the fabric. Gently rinse the swimsuit without rubbing or wringing it, as this helps preserve its elasticity and shape.

Alternatively, you can soak your swimsuit in a mixture of white vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent colors from bleeding and acts as a natural fabric softener. Make sure to use cold water and follow the correct ratio: a couple of tablespoons of vinegar per 1 liter of water.

Here is a quick and easy-to-follow guide for washing your favorite swimwear pieces to preserve their quality and longevity.

1. Rinse your swimsuit – After you get out of the water, use the outdoor showers or water stations commonly found near pools or beaches to rinse your swimsuit with cool water. Chlorine from pools and salt from the ocean can gradually wear down the fabric and affect any metal accessories, so a quick rinse goes a long way in preserving it. It also helps prepare the swimsuit for washing once you get home.
2. At home – Fill a tub with clean, cold water and add either a few drops of gentle hand soap or mild laundry detergent or  white vinegar. If the swimsuit needs extra care or spot treatment, you can use both—start with the vinegar soak, then follow with the soapy water.
3. Soak – Allow the swimsuit to soak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes to remove any pool chemicals, salt, sunscreen, or tanning products. You can wash multiple swimsuits of the same color at once, but be careful with multi-colored pieces (such as color-block designs); it’s best to wash those individually to prevent color transfer. Make sure all items are fully submerged throughout the process.
4. Rinse again – Rinse the swimsuit thoroughly with clean, cold water until all residue is gone. Lay it flat on a dry towel and gently roll it up to remove excess water. Avoid wringing the fabric, as this can cause damage.
5. Dry properly – Lay your swimsuit flat in a shaded area to dry, preferably on a clean towel or a flat drying surface. This helps maintain its original shape and prevents the fabric from stretching. Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade and weaken the material over time. For best results, allow it to air dry naturally and keep it away from heat sources such as radiators or dryers, which can damage the elasticity of the fabric.

If you decide to use a washing machine, skip the second and third steps and place the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from tangling and snagging. This will also help prevent any embellishments from being damaged. Be sure to use a delicate cycle at a low temperature. Avoid using too much detergent, and do not use fabric softener.

Follow these steps after every wear to make sure your favorite swimsuit stays like new for as long as possible.Also, washing the swimsuit before you store them away for the season is very important , as it keeps it fresh and residue free so it doesn’t deteriorate while stored away.

Many common swim-day elements and summer essentials can, surprisingly, cause damage to your swimwear. Since these are so widespread, it’s nearly impossible to avoid them entirely. However, understanding what they are and how they affect your swimsuit can help you better appreciate the importance of proper care and its impact on the longevity of your swimwear.

Chlorine plays an essential role in keeping pools clean and safe, but it can also have a noticeable impact on the integrity of swimwear fabrics. In recent years—especially following the 2020 pandemic—many pools have adopted stricter sanitation regulations, often using higher concentrations of chlorine.

This increased exposure can lead to several issues, including yellowing of white swimsuits, weakening of fabric fibers, and a loss of color vibrancy over time. Even though quality swimwear is often tested in chlorinated water, these effects can still occur, as chlorine levels and chemical treatments vary from pool to pool and from country to country.

Tip: Always rinse your swimsuit after the pool.

While swimming in the ocean is often gentler on the skin than chlorinated pools, salt water can still have a damaging effect on swimwear over time. Salt crystals can settle into the fabric, gradually drying out the fibers and reducing their elasticity.

This can lead to stiffness, fading of colors, and a weakened fabric structure, especially if the swimsuit is not rinsed properly after use. Dark and vibrant colors may lose their intensity, while lighter fabrics can appear dull or worn more quickly.

In addition, salt can combine with sun exposure and sand to accelerate wear and tear. The friction from sand particles can be particularly harsh on delicate materials, causing pilling or thinning in high-contact areas.

Tip: Always rinse your swimsuit with clean water after swimming in the sea to remove salt and preserve the fabric. Avoid sitting or lying directly on rough surfaces like sand or wooden lounge chairs—use a plush towel instead to protect your swimsuit from friction and prevent damage.

Sunscreen, tanning oils, and body lotions are essential for protecting and nourishing your skin, but they can also affect the appearance and condition of your swimwear. These products often contain oils, chemicals, and pigments that can transfer onto fabric, leading to stains and discoloration.

Light-colored swimsuits are especially prone to visible staining, while darker fabrics may develop dull or greasy-looking patches over time. Some ingredients, such as avobenzone commonly found in sunscreen, can even react with minerals in water and cause orange or rust-colored stains.

In addition to discoloration, these products can build up within the fibers of the fabric, reducing its elasticity and breathability. This can cause the swimsuit to lose its shape more quickly and feel less comfortable over time.

Tip: Avoid sunscreens containing avobenzone, as they can cause yellowing on lighter-colored swimwear. Instead, opt for mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or choose modern formulas labeled “invisible” or “no white cast.” These are designed to minimize discoloration and help protect both your swimsuit and clothing.

While these are the biggest risk factors, swimwear can also be affected by other everyday elements. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, food and beverage spills, makeup, deodorants, perfumes, and environmental factors such as dirt and moisture can all impact the fabric over time. In some cases, improper storage can even lead to mold or lingering odors.

Although all swimwear is tested to ensure the highest possible quality, proper care is still essential for maintaining its appearance, structure, and longevity. Taking a few extra steps to protect your swimsuit will help preserve its fit, color, and overall condition for seasons to come.

It’s important to understand that damage is usually caused by prolonged exposure, failing to rinse your swimsuit immediately after swimming, or improper washing and care. Taking simple steps—such as rinsing with cold water right after use and following proper cleaning methods—can significantly reduce these effects.

Proper storage is just as important as washing when it comes to maintaining the quality and longevity of your swimwear. Before putting your swimsuit away, always make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Storing a damp swimsuit can lead to unpleasant odors, fabric deterioration, and even the development of mold over time.

While hanging may seem like the easiest and most common storage method, it is not always the best choice for delicate swimwear. Over time, gravity can stretch the fabric, causing it to lose its original shape and fit. Straps and elastic areas are particularly vulnerable to this type of stress.

If your swimsuit includes removable padding, it is best to take the pads out before storing. Keeping them inside the swimsuit can cause them to bend, crease, or lose their shape. Store the padding separately, ideally alongside your bras or in a designated space where they can maintain their form.

Instead, we recommend gently folding your swimwear and storing it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and sunlight—even while in storage—can cause fading and weaken the fibers, reducing the lifespan of the fabric.

Taking a few extra moments to store your swimwear properly will help preserve its structure, color, and comfort, ensuring it looks and feels as good as new for many seasons to come.

We know that once you find the perfect swimsuit, you want to enjoy it for as long as possible. Understanding how to properly care for and store it gives your favorite piece the best chance at a long life, keeping it looking and feeling just as good as the day you bought it.