A quality one-piece swimsuit represents a significant investment, both financially and in the time spent finding the perfect fit. Yet many swimmers unknowingly shorten their swimwear's lifespan through improper care. With the right maintenance routine, you can keep your favourite swimsuit looking vibrant and performing well for multiple seasons.
Swimwear fabrics face extraordinary challenges. They must withstand chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, body oils, and intense UV exposure while maintaining their stretch, shape, and colour. Understanding what damages these fabrics and how to protect them is the foundation of proper swimwear care.
The Immediate Post-Swim Rinse
The single most important thing you can do for your swimwear happens immediately after leaving the water. Whether you've been swimming in a chlorinated pool or the ocean, rinsing your swimsuit in cool, fresh water right away prevents damaging chemicals and salt from setting into the fabric.
Chlorine and salt continue to break down fabric fibres even after you leave the water. The longer these substances remain in contact with your swimsuit, the more damage occurs. A quick rinse within 30 minutes of swimming can significantly extend your swimwear's lifespan.
Many pools and beaches have outdoor showers specifically for this purpose. Simply hold your swimsuit under the running water for a minute or two, gently squeezing the fabric to flush out trapped chemicals. If no shower is available, a water bottle in your beach bag works as an emergency solution.
Proper Washing Techniques
While the immediate rinse removes surface chemicals, a proper wash is necessary to fully clean your swimsuit and remove body oils, sunscreen residue, and any remaining pool or ocean contaminants.
Hand Washing: The Gold Standard
Hand washing remains the gentlest and most effective method for cleaning swimwear. Fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid regular laundry detergents, which often contain harsh chemicals and optical brighteners that can damage swimwear fabrics.
- Use cool or lukewarm water, never hot
- Add a tablespoon of gentle, swimwear-specific or mild detergent
- Submerge the swimsuit and gently agitate for a few minutes
- Let it soak for 15-30 minutes for heavily chlorinated suits
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap is removed
Machine Washing: When Necessary
If hand washing isn't practical, machine washing can work with proper precautions. Always place your swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging and stretching. Use the delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
Never use bleach, fabric softener, or stain removers on swimwear. These products break down the elastic fibres that give your swimsuit its stretch and recovery. Also avoid washing swimwear with items that have zippers, hooks, or rough textures that could snag delicate fabrics.
Drying Your Swimwear
How you dry your swimsuit matters almost as much as how you wash it. Heat is the enemy of swimwear elasticity, and improper drying can cause permanent damage to both the fabric and the suit's shape.
The Correct Method
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water by pressing the swimsuit between your hands or rolling it in a clean, dry towel. Never wring or twist the fabric, as this stretches the fibres and can distort the suit's shape.
Lay your swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Alternatively, you can hang it to dry using a clip hanger attached to the suit's side seams rather than the straps, which can stretch under the weight of a wet garment.
- Never use a tumble dryer; the heat destroys elastic fibres
- Avoid hanging in direct sunlight, which fades colours
- Don't lay wet swimwear on hot surfaces like sun-heated tiles
- Allow to dry completely before storing to prevent mildew
Sunscreen and Swimwear
Sunscreen is essential for skin protection, but it's one of the most damaging substances for swimwear fabrics. The oils and chemicals in sunscreen can cause permanent staining, particularly on lighter-coloured suits, and can break down fabric fibres over time.
Apply sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before putting on your swimsuit, allowing it to fully absorb into your skin. This reduces transfer to the fabric. After swimming, rinse your suit thoroughly to remove any sunscreen that did transfer.
If you notice sunscreen stains, treat them promptly. A paste of baking soda and water applied to the stain before washing can help lift oil-based residues. For stubborn stains, a small amount of dish soap (which is designed to cut grease) can be effective when applied directly to the affected area.
Storage Best Practices
Proper storage between swims and during the off-season protects your investment and keeps your swimsuit ready for its next outing.
Between Swims
Ensure your swimsuit is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew growth and unpleasant odours. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A dedicated drawer or shelf works well; avoid cramming swimwear into tight spaces where it can become misshapen.
Off-Season Storage
Before storing swimwear for an extended period, give it a thorough wash to remove any residual chemicals or body oils. Store flat in a breathable container or garment bag. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause yellowing. Adding a silica gel packet helps absorb any residual moisture.
- Rinse swimwear in cool, fresh water immediately after every swim
- Hand wash with mild detergent; avoid harsh chemicals and hot water
- Never tumble dry; lay flat or hang away from direct sunlight
- Apply sunscreen before putting on your swimsuit to minimise fabric contact
- Store completely dry in a cool, dark place
Extending Swimwear Life
Beyond proper care, a few additional practices can significantly extend how long your swimwear stays in top condition. Rotating between multiple swimsuits allows each one time to recover its elasticity between wears. The fibres in swimwear need approximately 24 hours to fully return to their original shape after being stretched.
Be mindful of rough surfaces. Sitting on unfinished pool edges, concrete, or rough wooden surfaces can snag and abrade fabric. When lounging, use a towel as a barrier between your swimsuit and potentially damaging surfaces.
By following these care guidelines, a quality one-piece swimsuit can maintain its colour, shape, and elasticity for two to three seasons of regular use. This not only saves money but also reduces environmental impact by keeping functional garments out of landfills.