How To Wash Swimsuits & Other Swimwear So They Can Look Good For Longer

Finding the perfect swimwear is no easy task. Once you find your trusty summer companion(s), it is very hard to part with. We’ve all been there… Gladly, how you wash your swimwear can make a huge difference in how well your items hold their shape and retain their colour. Read on to learn how to wash swimsuits and other swimwear so you can keep them looking good season after season.

HOW TO HAND WASH SWIMWEAR

Washing your swimwear by hand is the best way to prevent fading and stretching. Here’s how:

STEP 1: RINSE IN COLD WATER

It is important to always rinse your swimwear in cold water as soon as possible after each use, even if it has not been fully submerged in water. Rinsing helps to preserve the fabric by removing chemicals, salt, chlorine and body oils that can damage it. Fill a sink or basin with cold water and allow the swimwear to soak for a few minutes. Then, drain and refill the sink for the next step.

STEP 2: HAND WASH WITH A GENTLE DETERGENT

Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add 10-20ml of a mild laundry detergent, such as our sports laundry detergent, which is completely natural, non-toxic, and blended with essential oils of ylang-ylang to instantly freshen your swimwear. Submerge the item in soapy water and gently squeeze the fabric for several minutes.

STEP 3: RINSE WELL

Empty the sink or basin and refill it with cool, clean water to thoroughly rinse the soap out of the item. Once the water runs clear, gently roll the swimsuit in a towel to remove excess water.

STEP 4: AIR-DRY

To avoid damaging your swimwear, it's best to dry it flat in the shade. Lay it out in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, as hanging it can cause the fabric to sag and sunlight can fade its colours. Make sure to fully air-dry the item before storing it to prevent any lingering moisture that can cause odours and prematurely age the fabric.

PRO TIP: USE A FABRIC SPRAY

After drying, give your swimwear a boost of freshness and protect its fibres with our sports fabric mist. Simply spray the mist over your swimwear for a refreshing fragrance and added protection.

HOW TO WASH SWIMWEAR IN THE WASHING MACHINE

Although hand washing is the best way to clean your swimwear, it can be machine washed if the item’s label indicates so. Follow these steps to ensure a gentle cycle.

STEP 1: RINSE IN CLEAN WATER

Rinse your swimwear thoroughly with cool water before washing it to remove any chemicals, sand, or salt.

STEP 2: USE THE DELICATE WASH CYCLE

Insert the items in a laundry bag for delicates and place it in the washing machine. Select the delicate wash cycle, which is equivalent to washing by hand, using cold water and low or no spin. Add 10-20ml of our specialist sports laundry detergent to the detergent drawer. Our formula is completely natural, non-toxic, and blended with essential oils of ylang-ylang, which can instantly freshen your swimwear.

STEP 3: AIR-DRY

Lay your swimwear flat to air-dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can cause non-white swimwear to fade. Avoid using a dryer, as high temperatures can permanently damage the fabric.
Once dry, use our sports fabric mist to protect your swimwear's fibres and give it a refreshing fragrance.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR SWIMWEAR?

It is common practice to take off your swimwear after getting out of the water and hang it to dry until you're ready to swim again. Doing this before washing them suggests that you can enjoy a whole summer of swimming without owning an excessive amount of swimwear (no judgment if you do) that needs to be washed all the time. Further supporting this idea is the logical thought that if you only wear swimwear in the water, then they must be clean when you take them off... but this is not the case!

CHLORINATED AND SALT WATER:

If you're swimming in chlorinated or salt water, it's beneficial to wash the garment after every use with a specialist detergent. Using a detergent that is formulated for fabrics used in sports and swimwear will ensure that your pieces stay protected and won't ruin them if you need to wash them often.

How often to wash: After every use.

WEARING DRY AND OUT OF WATER:

Swimwear has always been considered just as fashionable as other ready-to-wear and day-to-day clothing during the summer, so it's important that we consider that a large number of people like to wear their swimwear as fashion statement when walking around town without the intention of getting it wet. If you find yourself in this position, wondering if you still need to wash your swimwear after every use, the answer is yes, of course! Wearing swimwear like this is the same as wearing underwear. You wouldn't wear them twice without washing them.

How often to wash: After every use.

NON-CHLORINATED AND FRESH WATER:

Many people believe that if you're taking a dip in fresh or non-chlorinated water and change into other clothes right before and after you get in the water, then you're okay to re-wear your swimwear. However, this is not the case and should still be washed after every use. To prolong the life of your swimwear, we suggest using our sports laundry detergent and mist, both designed with sports and swimwear longevity in mind.

How often to wash: After every use.

Overall, it's important to wash your swimwear after every use to maintain its cleanliness and longevity. Using a specialist detergent and fabric mist can help protect your swimwear, no matter what type of water you swim in. Remember, just like with underwear, you should never wear your swimwear twice without washing it!