How to Care for Swimwear: Extend the Life of Your Bikini

Quick Answer

To extend the life of your swimwear, always rinse it in cold water immediately after swimming, hand wash with a gentle detergent, and dry it flat away from direct sunlight. Avoid wringing, machine washing, and hot water to prevent fabric damage and loss of shape.

Your favorite swimsuit works hard all summer—whether you're swimming laps, lounging poolside, or soaking up the sun. But without proper care, the fabric can stretch, fade, and lose its support faster than you'd like. The good news? A few simple habits can make a big difference in how long your bikini or one-piece stays vibrant and well-fitting.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential swimwear care steps, from rinsing after every wear to storing it correctly. You'll also learn what to avoid, like chlorine damage and fabric pilling, so you can enjoy your swimwear for many seasons to come.

Why Swimwear Needs Special Care

Swimwear fabrics are designed to be lightweight and quick-drying, but they're also more delicate than everyday clothing. Chlorine, salt, sand, and sunscreen can break down elastane fibers, causing sagging and loss of shape. Even the most well-made swimsuit, like the Curvy Kate Holiday Check Non Wired Swimsuit, will last longer with a little TLC.

Understanding the materials helps: most swimwear contains a blend of nylon and elastane (or spandex). These synthetic fibers are resilient but can be damaged by heat, harsh chemicals, and rough handling. That's why the care routine you follow matters just as much as the quality of the swimsuit itself.

• Chlorine and saltwater are the biggest enemies of swimwear fabric.
• Sunscreen and oils can cause discoloration and break down fibers.
• Heat from washing machines and dryers can permanently damage elastane.

The Do's and Don'ts of Washing Swimwear

When it comes to how to wash swimwear, the golden rule is hand washing. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of gentle detergent—one that's free of bleach and fabric softeners. Submerge your swimsuit and gently swish it for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting, as this can misshape the cups or lining.

If you're in a hurry, you might be tempted to toss it in the washing machine. While some swimwear is labeled machine washable, it's safer to skip it. The agitation and spin cycle can stretch straps and thin out the fabric. If you must use a machine, place the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water. But remember: hand washing is always the best way to extend bikini life.

• Use a gentle detergent specifically for delicates or swimwear.
• Never use hot water—it can damage the elastic fibers.
• Skip the dryer; air drying is essential.

Drying and Storing Your Swimsuit

After washing, gently press the excess water out of your swimsuit—don't wring it. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to absorb more moisture. Then, reshape the swimsuit and lay it flat to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken the fabric, so avoid hanging it outside on a sunny day.

Once dry, store your swimwear flat in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid folding it in a way that creases the cups, and never hang it by the straps, as that can stretch them over time. If you're packing for a trip, place your swimsuit in a separate compartment or a mesh pouch to protect it from snagging on other items.

• Dry flat, never on a hanger.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Store flat to maintain shape.

Protecting Your Swimwear from Chlorine and Sunscreen

Chlorine is notorious for causing damage to swimwear. It can turn bright colors dull and weaken the fabric's elasticity. To minimize chlorine damage, rinse your swimsuit thoroughly in fresh water immediately after swimming. If you're spending the day at a chlorinated pool, consider alternating between two swimsuits to give each one a rest.

Sunscreen and tanning oils can also leave stains and cause fabric breakdown. To prevent this, apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before putting on your swimsuit, allowing it to absorb into your skin. When you're ready to change, rinse your swimsuit before the products have a chance to set in. This simple step goes a long way in maintaining the look and longevity of your swimwear.

• Rinse in fresh water after every swim.
• Apply sunscreen before dressing to avoid direct contact with fabric.
• Rotate swimsuits to reduce wear.

Step-by-Step Swimwear Care Routine

1. Rinse immediately after swimming: After leaving the pool or ocean, rinse your swimsuit in cold fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, sand, and sunscreen. This is the single most important step to prevent damage. Checkpoint: Do this before your swimsuit dries to avoid setting in chemicals.
2. Hand wash with a gentle detergent: Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge your swimsuit and gently swish it for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the fabric. Checkpoint: If you see suds, you've used too much detergent—rinse thoroughly.
3. Rinse thoroughly and press out excess water: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean cold water to rinse. Gently press the water out of the swimsuit—do not wring or twist. Roll it in a towel to absorb remaining moisture. Checkpoint: The towel should be damp, not soaking, indicating most water is removed.
4. Dry flat in the shade: Lay the swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, which can fade colors and damage elastic fibers. Never use a dryer. Checkpoint: Ensure the swimsuit is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.
5. Store properly to maintain shape: Once dry, fold the swimsuit flat and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid hanging by straps or folding in a way that creases the cups. Checkpoint: For embellished pieces like the Boost Diamante Tanga, store them separately to avoid snagging.

Curvy Kate Swimwear Care: A Closer Look

• Curvy Kate Holiday Check Non Wired Swimsuit Black: This one-piece swimsuit offers a stylish, comfortable fit with a flattering non-wired structure, adjustable tie sides at the hips, and a drawstring tie at the neckline to control shape and coverage. Because it has adjustable ties and a non-wired design, proper care is essential to keep the ties from stretching and the fabric from losing its shape. Hand washing and flat drying will help maintain the swimsuit's structure and fit.
• Curvy Kate Boost Diamante Tanga Black: This tanga features a stunning diamante design, made with 87% Nylon and 13% Elastane, with a cotton gusset liner. The delicate diamante embellishments require gentle handling to avoid snagging or losing stones. Hand washing in cold water and avoiding harsh detergents will protect both the fabric and the sparkle.

Caring for your swimwear doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple steps—rinse, hand wash, dry flat, and store properly—you can keep your favorite bikini or one-piece looking and fitting great for many summers. Remember, a little extra attention goes a long way in preserving the colors, shape, and support of your swimwear.