Swimwear Care 101: How to Keep Your One Piece and Bikinis Looking New

Quick answer

Rinse your swimwear in cool fresh water immediately after every wear, hand wash with a gentle detergent when needed, and always dry it flat in the shade. This simple routine removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they break down the fabric, and it is the most effective way to extend swimwear life.

Swimwear is built for water, but it is not indestructible. Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and even the oils from your skin can gradually weaken stretch fibres, fade colours, and dull the finish of your favourite pieces. The good news is that a few minutes of care after each wear makes a noticeable difference over a whole season.

This guide walks you through a complete swimwear care routine, from the moment you take off your suit to how you store it at the end of summer. Whether you wear a high-cut one piece or a mix-and-match bikini, the same principles apply. We will also flag the common mistakes that quietly shorten the life of your swimwear.

Why swimwear needs a different routine

Everyday laundry detergents and hot water are designed to clean cotton and synthetics aggressively. Swimwear fabrics, especially those with elastane for stretch, are far more delicate. Hot water and harsh chemicals break down the elastic fibres, which leads to sagging, bagging, and a loss of shape. Even if the label says machine washable, the agitation of a washing machine can stretch seams and cause pilling.

Pool chlorine and ocean salt are the two biggest threats. Chlorine is an oxidising agent that attacks colour and elasticity, while salt crystals can abrade the fabric if left to dry. Sunscreen and body oils are not water-soluble, so a plain rinse may not remove them completely. That is why a gentle hand wash with a proper swimwear detergent is worth the extra few minutes.

• Avoid fabric softener. It coats the fibres and reduces stretch recovery.
• Never leave a wet swimsuit crumpled in a bag or towel for hours.

Step-by-step swimwear washing guide

Start by filling a clean sink or basin with cool water. Add a small amount of gentle, pH-neutral detergent or a dedicated swimwear wash. Submerge your swimwear and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Let it soak for up to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under cool running water until no suds remain. Do not wring or twist the garment; instead, press it between your palms to remove excess water.

If your swimwear has a built-in bra or removable padding, take extra care around those areas. Remove pads if possible and rinse them separately. For one piece swimsuits with adjustable hooks or straps, fasten them before washing to prevent snagging. After rinsing, lay the suit flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up gently to absorb more water, then unroll and reshape the suit.

• Check the care label first. If it says hand wash only, follow that.
• For stubborn sunscreen stains, spot-treat with a tiny amount of gentle detergent before soaking.

How to dry swimwear without damage

Direct sunlight and high heat are the enemies of stretch fabrics. UV rays fade colours and degrade elastane, while a hot dryer can shrink or warp the fit. Always dry your swimwear in the shade, ideally laid flat on a clean towel or a drying rack. Hanging a heavy wet one piece by its straps can stretch them out, so flat drying is safer.

If you are in a hurry, you can roll the suit in a dry towel and press down to remove more moisture, then lay it flat. Never use a hair dryer or radiator. A well-ventilated room with a gentle breeze is ideal. Make sure the suit is completely dry before storing it; even slight dampness can lead to mildew and a musty smell.

• Avoid drying on rough surfaces that can snag the fabric.
• Flip bikini tops and briefs inside out to dry the lining faster.

Storing swimwear for the off-season

Once swim season winds down, proper storage keeps your suits ready for next year. Clean and dry them thoroughly, then store them flat in a breathable cotton bag or a drawer lined with tissue paper. Avoid airtight plastic containers, which trap moisture and can cause yellowing. If you stack multiple suits, place a piece of acid-free tissue between them to prevent colour transfer.

Keep swimwear away from rough surfaces, velcro, and zippers that can cause pulls. If you have a one piece with a plunging neckline or delicate ruching, fold it loosely rather than creasing it sharply. For bikinis, you can store tops and briefs together or separately, but always ensure they are completely dry. A cool, dark place is best; avoid hot attics or damp basements.

• Do not hang swimwear by its straps for long-term storage.
• Add a silica gel packet to the storage area if humidity is high.

Your 5-step swimwear care routine

1. Rinse immediately after wear: As soon as you leave the pool or beach, rinse your swimwear in cool fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. If you cannot rinse right away, at least soak it in a sink or take it into the shower with you. Checkpoint: Do not leave wet swimwear in a bag for more than an hour.
2. Hand wash with gentle detergent: Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle, pH-neutral detergent. Submerge the swimwear, gently squeeze the water through the fabric, and let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly until no suds remain. Mistake to avoid: Never use regular laundry detergent or fabric softener.
3. Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the swimwear from the water and gently press it between your palms to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring, as this can stretch the fabric and damage seams. For one piece swimsuits, support the weight with both hands. Checkpoint: The suit should feel damp, not dripping wet.
4. Dry flat in the shade: Lay the swimwear flat on a clean towel or drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. If needed, roll it in a towel first to absorb more moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, and tumble dryers. Mistake to avoid: Never hang a wet one piece by its straps; this can stretch them out.
5. Store clean and dry: Once completely dry, store your swimwear flat in a breathable bag or drawer. Keep it away from rough surfaces and direct heat. For long-term storage, use acid-free tissue between layers and avoid airtight containers. Checkpoint: Ensure no dampness remains before storing to prevent mildew.

Product care notes

• Sienna One Piece - Black: Sienna has an adjustable back hook and a ruching feature across the front panel. Fasten the hook before washing to prevent it catching on other items, and reshape the ruching gently after rinsing so it dries without creases.
• Murphy Bikini Brief - Black: Murphy's textured fabric is beautifully stretchy and won't leave you feeling compressed. Textured fabrics can trap more water, so rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry to maintain the stretch and texture.
• Emelie Bikini Top: Emelie has a knot-front and an adjustable band. Loosen the adjustable band before washing to avoid strain on the hardware, and reshape the knot gently while damp.

A consistent swimwear care routine takes only a few minutes but pays off across many seasons. Rinse, hand wash, dry flat in the shade, and store with care, and your favourite one piece or bikini will keep its shape, colour, and support for longer.