Unlike most garments in your wardrobe, swimwear is heavily exposed to chlorine, saltwater and sunscreen—all of which can shorten its lifespan without proper care. Because most bathing suits are constructed from a blend of fabrics (including less durable textiles like elastane), constant friction and outdoor elements can break down the materials faster without proper care. “Swimsuits can also be made with intricate details like crochet, special crinkled fabrics or novelty trims that are delicate in nature,” says Shannon Savage, co-founder and head of product design at Left On Friday. “You should treat them with the same care you give to a special gown or expensive sweater.”
As with intimates like bras and underwear, it’s a good rule of thumb to hand-wash your swimwear, rotate which pieces you wear and be careful when sitting or lying on harsh, bumpy surfaces that could snag the fabric. Below, we break down more advice on how to wash, dry and care for your swimwear to maximize its longevity. And if you’re shopping for a new suit this season, see our top recommendations on the one-piece swimsuits, tummy-control swimsuits and bathing suit brands.
Why Does Swimwear Require Special Care?
To understand why swimsuits require special attention, first consider what it’s made of. “Most swimwear is made from a blend of materials, including synthetics like nylon and polyester, which are really hardy and durable,” says Preeti Gopinath, director of MFA Textiles and associate professor at Parsons School of Fashion. “However, the spandex or Lycra in it is a more delicate fiber. It can break quite easily. So you’re really caring for the more fragile materials in swimwear.”
Swimsuits are also exposed to constant friction (especially if you surf or play beach sports)—and sun, sand, salt, chlorine, and sunscreen can be hard on fabrics. All of these elements can break down the fibers and dyes, especially without proper care.
How Often Should You Wash Swimwear?
“As swimwear is essentially an intimate product, I always advise customers to wash it frequently for hygienic reasons,” says Savage. “If a suit has been worn in chlorinated water, it should be washed after each use because the chemicals will start to deteriorate your suit, specifically the Lycra or spandex content.” She notes that saltwater is not as chemically aggressive as chlorine, but salt can crystallize and degrade your suit at a microscopic level, which will eventually affect the stretch and recovery of your garment. For this reason, it’s also best to wash your swimwear after a day at the beach.
Savage also notes that it’s best to hand wash with a gentle detergent, but if you’re not able to wash your swimwear right away, do a thorough rinse in cold water to remove debris such as sand and salt. It’s important to use cold water because synthetics, like nylon and polyester, can melt at high temperatures.
How To Wash Swimwear Properly
After you’ve hand-washed with soap or rinsed with cold water, remove the excess water gently. “Don’t wring it out as this puts excessive pressure on the fibers,” she says. Instead, press out water with a clean towel before laying it flat to dry. “Don’t let your suit sit wet in a plastic bag, especially if it’s full of chlorine or salt.” This can trap moisture, leading to mildew and odors.
Gopinath advises washing your swimwear in cold water because synthetics (like nylon and polyester) are thermoplastic. “Thermoplastic just means that under high temperatures these materials melt,” she says. “Lukewarm water won’t be a problem, but you don’t want to intentionally put them in under extreme heat. For this reason, you also don’t want to put your suits in the dryer.”
Hand-washing is recommended for swimwear, but if you’re using the washing machine, place your suit in a mesh laundry bag and select the delicate or hand-wash cycle on your washer. This helps prevent stretching or snagging on zippers from other garments.
It’s also a good idea to use a detergent designed for swimwear or activewear, as it will lift stains without coating synthetic fibers and affecting quick-dry performance. “Swimwear or sports detergents aren’t just marketing; they prolong the life of your swimwear,” says Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy and author of Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore. If you don’t want to buy a separate product, use any mild detergent that you have on hand. Just check the garment tag beforehand and follow any specific care instructions.
How To Dry Swimwear
All of our experts recommend air-drying your swimwear, as a conventional dryer will break down the fibers. Gopinath adds that in the dryer, there’s a drum with metal spokes that’s essentially beating your fabric. “There’s a higher likelihood that your elastic fibers will break,” she says. “You want to lay it flat on a clean, dry towel to make it last.” Avoid hanging swimsuits while they’re still wet, as the weight of the water can stretch the fabric and cause the suit to lose its shape over time. And whether you’re drying inside or outside, make sure to pick a shady spot, since UV rays can be just as damaging as hot dryers and cause fading over time.
How To Store Swimwear Between Seasons
Before you store your swimsuits, make sure they’re clean and dry to prevent mold or mildew. “When it’s completely dry, you can store it like any other clothing, stacked flat,” says Savage. She also notes that if your swim tops have underwires or padding, you’ll want to ensure they aren’t creased or squashed during storage, or that may become permanent. To avoid creases, don’t fold or compress your suit, and avoid placing heavy objects on top that may bend the cups.
When Is It Time To Replace A Swimsuit?
According to our experts, the lifespan of your swimsuit comes down to construction, care and how often it’s used. A high-quality suit worn casually can last for several years. However, rigorous training or athletic activities accelerate wear, and you may need to replace it sooner. “You will notice that your elastic fibers are probably degrading before anything else,” says Savage. “This looks like a bubbling or rippling effect in the highest-stretch areas, like the center back of a bottom or one-piece, where it is pulled tightly against the body when worn.”
High-stretch areas are also where you might see fading or pilling, especially if chlorine has deteriorated the fibers. This might show up as a faded stripe on the center front or back of your garment. Also, if your swimsuit isn’t snug anymore and it’s started to sag, it’s a good indication that it should be replaced. To increase the longevity of your swimwear, rotate your suits often so you’re not wearing the same piece every time.
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The Forbes Vetted fashion team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on various items of clothing.
- Relatedly, we’ve covered the best one-piece swimsuits, best tummy-control swimsuits and best bathing suit brands.
- Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor who has covered fashion and lifestyle topics for over seven years. She regularly tracks trends and brand releases to provide readers with the most up-to-date recommendations possible.
- This article was reviewed and edited by fashion editor Hana Hong and deputy editor Jane Sung. They both have extensive experience covering accessories, clothing, shoes and more.
Our Experts
- Shannon Savage, co-founder and head of product design at Left On Friday
- Preeti Gopinath, director of MFA Textiles and associate professor at Parsons School of Fashion
- Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy and author of Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore
