Just like your clothes, you need to take care of your swimsuit if you want it to last a long time. This is especially true since a swimsuit—even if worn only a few months a year—is put through a lot. Between pool chlorine, beach sand, sea salt, and the sun, there’s a higher risk that it will wear out quickly and have a shorter lifespan. Rest assured, if you follow the right steps, you should be able to keep your precious bikini for several seasons. Discover all our tips and advice for properly caring for and washing a swimsuit.
Hand-Washing a Swimsuit
Let’s be clear: hand-washing is the best way to wash your swimsuit. It’s already been put through the wringer by seawater and/or chlorinated water, as well as the sun, pool edges, and even sunscreen. It therefore needs to be washed gently. Hand-washing is the best solution.
Wash your swimsuit in lukewarm water using mild detergents, such as laundry detergent for delicates or Marseille soap, for example, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. If you don’t have time to wash it right away, rinse your swimsuit with clean water to prevent any stains from setting in.
Washing a Swimsuit in the Washing Machine
While it is possible to wash your swimsuit in the washing machine, it is not recommended. Since the fabric is delicate, the drum of your machine and the force of the agitation could damage it. If you do decide to machine-wash it, here are a few precautions you must follow:
- Select the delicate cycle with a cold wash (30°). Avoid the spin cycle, or at most, use a low-speed spin cycle.
- Wash your swimsuit inside out to preserve the color.
- Just like with your lingerie, use a laundry bag. This will help prevent the fibers of your swimsuit from being damaged.
Do you have a stain on your swimsuit? Read our article, “How to Remove Stains from Swimsuits,” to discover all our tips.
How to Dry Your Swimsuit Properly?
No matter how you wash your swimsuit, never put it in the dryer. Gently squeeze out the excess water—twisting it could damage the fabric. You can also use a towel to press it, always very gently. Then let it dry flat, preferably in the shade. Direct exposure to the sun could cause the colors to fade.
Similarly, do not iron your swimsuit. Contact with a hot iron could also severely damage the fabric fibers.
Our Tips for Washing Your Swimsuit Safely
There are many different types of swimsuits, and some of them have specific features you need to take into account when washing them.
Some swimsuits have beads and sequins sewn onto their prints. Gentle hand washing is therefore essential. If you wash them in the washing machine, you run the risk of losing them. If your swimsuit has removable jewelry, take it off before washing to avoid losing it. You may need to take extra precautions depending on the material of your swimsuit. Some are made of crochet, others of lurex, or feature gold lamé prints. These require even more delicate care.
Be sure to untie your swimsuit before washing it—whether by hand or in the washing machine—to avoid creating weak spots.
In conclusion
A swimsuit is a delicate garment. Between the beach, the ocean, and chlorine, its lifespan can be significantly shortened if you don’t take good care of it. So, if you want it to last a long time, there are a few golden rules for washing your swimsuit without damaging it. Opt for hand-washing rather than machine washing, and be especially careful with swimsuits that have embellishments such as beads, sequins, or jewelry.
Looking for more care tips for your swimsuits? Feel free to browse our other articles.