Content Menu
● How to Wash and Care for Swimwear Properly: A Complete Guide
● Why Does Swimwear Need Special Care?
>> The most important rule
● How to Wash Swimwear by Hand
>> Step-by-step hand-washing method
>>> 1. Read the care label first
>>> 2. Rinse with cool water
>>> 3. Prepare a mild cleaning solution
>>> 4. Soak briefly
>>> 5. Clean gently
>>> 6. Rinse thoroughly
>>> 7. Remove excess water carefully
>>> 8. Air dry in the shade
● Can You Wash Swimwear in a Washing Machine?
>> Recommended machine-washing settings
>> When machine washing is less suitable
● How to Remove Chlorine, Salt, and Sunscreen Residue
>> Chlorine
>> Salt and sand
>> Sunscreen and body oil
● How to Dry Swimwear Without Damaging the Elastic
>> Best drying practices
>> What to avoid
● How to Store Swimwear Correctly
● How Often Should Swimwear Be Washed?
● How to Extend Swimwear Life Through Rotation and Fit
>> Rotate several swimsuits
>> Choose the correct size
>> Reduce contact with rough surfaces
● Care Recommendations for Swimwear Brands
>> A useful care label may include
>> OEM development checklist
● Common Swimwear-Care Mistakes
>> Mistake 1: Leaving a swimsuit in a wet bag
>> Mistake 2: Using hot water
>> Mistake 3: Wringing the swimsuit
>> Mistake 4: Using fabric softener
>> Mistake 5: Drying in direct sun
>> Mistake 6: Washing with rough items
>> Mistake 7: Ignoring the care label
● Frequently Asked Questions
>> 1. Should swimwear be washed after every use?
>> 2. Is hand washing better for bikinis?
>> 3. Can I put a swimsuit in the dryer?
>> 4. How do I wash a chlorine-resistant swimsuit?
>> 5. Can vinegar remove chlorine from swimwear?
>> 6. Why does my swimsuit smell after washing?
>> 7. How can I prevent bikini straps from stretching?
● Conclusion
● References
How to Wash and Care for Swimwear Properly: A Complete Guide
Learning how to wash and care for swimwear properly can help protect its color, elasticity, shape, and comfort. Whether you own a bikini, one-piece swimsuit, swim shorts, or thong, the most important habits are simple: rinse the garment after every swim, wash it gently, avoid heat, and never store it while wet.
Swimwear fabrics are designed to stretch and move with the body, but they are also exposed to chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, sweat, ultraviolet rays, sand, and friction. From our experience at Dongguan Abely Fashion Co., Ltd., a Chinese swimwear OEM manufacturer serving overseas brands, wholesalers, and apparel producers, proper care begins with understanding the fabric and the environment in which the garment is used.
This guide explains how to wash swimwear by hand or machine, how to remove chlorine and sunscreen residue, how to dry and store swimwear, and how brands can provide better care instructions to customers.
Why Does Swimwear Need Special Care?
Most swimwear is made from nylon, polyester, elastane, or spandex blends. Elastane gives a swimsuit its stretch and shape recovery, while nylon or polyester contributes strength, softness, color, and drying performance.
These fibers can gradually weaken when exposed to:
- Chlorinated pool water
- Salt water
- Sunscreen and body oils
- Sweat and cosmetics
- Direct sunlight
- High washing and drying temperatures
- Rough surfaces and abrasive fabrics
- Repeated stretching
The damage is usually cumulative. One swimming session will not normally ruin a quality swimsuit, but repeated exposure without rinsing or suitable washing can lead to fading, loose waistbands, stretched leg openings, pilling, and reduced support.
The most important rule
Rinse swimwear with cool, fresh water as soon as possible after swimming.
Rinsing removes chlorine, salt, sand, sweat, and some sunscreen residue before these substances remain on the fibers while the garment dries.
How to Wash Swimwear by Hand
Hand washing is generally the gentlest method, particularly for delicate bikinis, garments with thin straps, decorative hardware, removable cups, or bonded seams.
Step-by-step hand-washing method
1. Read the care label first
The manufacturer's care label should be the primary reference. Different fabrics, prints, coatings, and accessories may require different instructions.
2. Rinse with cool water
Hold the swimsuit under cool running water or place it in a basin of clean water. Rinse until the water no longer feels salty or contains visible pool residue.
3. Prepare a mild cleaning solution
Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid strong bleach, harsh stain removers, and products containing aggressive chemicals.
4. Soak briefly
Gently move the swimsuit through the water. A short soak is usually sufficient. Avoid leaving the garment submerged for an unnecessarily long period, especially if it contains metal trims or glued decorations.
5. Clean gently
Use your hands to press and release the fabric. Pay particular attention to:
- Underbust areas
- Waistbands
- Leg openings
- Lining
- Areas exposed to sunscreen
- Places where sand may be trapped
Do not scrub aggressively. Rubbing can damage the surface, create pilling, and distort delicate fabric.
6. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with cool water until all detergent has been removed. Detergent residue may affect the hand feel and attract dirt.
7. Remove excess water carefully
Do not twist, wring, or stretch the garment. Instead, place it between clean towels and press gently.
8. Air dry in the shade
Lay the swimsuit flat or hang it carefully in a shaded, well-ventilated location.
Never use a tumble dryer unless the care label specifically permits it.
Can You Wash Swimwear in a Washing Machine?
Some swimwear can be machine washed, but hand washing remains the safer choice. If machine washing is permitted, use the most protective settings available.
Recommended machine-washing settings
| Setting | Recommended choice |
| Water temperature | Cold or cool |
| Cycle | Delicate or gentle |
| Detergent | Mild liquid detergent |
| Laundry bag | Recommended |
| Spin speed | Low |
| Bleach | Never, unless specifically instructed |
| Fabric softener | Avoid |
| Drying | Air dry in shade |
Place the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction from zippers, hooks, denim, towels, and other rough garments. Wash similar lightweight items together, but avoid overcrowding the drum.
When machine washing is less suitable
Hand wash instead if the garment has:
- Thin adjustable straps
- Metal rings or decorative chains
- Hand-applied embellishments
- Bonded seams
- Removable padding
- A delicate lace or mesh overlay
- A very light or open construction
A machine cycle may pull straps, distort cups, or catch decorative components.
How to Remove Chlorine, Salt, and Sunscreen Residue
Chlorine
Chlorine should be rinsed out as soon as possible. Do not allow a wet swimsuit to remain inside a sealed plastic bag or sports bag for hours.
For regular pool users:
1. Rinse immediately after leaving the pool.
2. Wash with mild detergent when needed.
3. Dry completely in the shade.
4. Rotate between multiple swimsuits.
5. Follow any special care instructions supplied by the fabric manufacturer.
Chlorine-resistant swimwear still needs care. "Chlorine resistant" means the fabric is designed to slow damage, not eliminate chemical aging.
Salt and sand
Salt crystals and sand can create stiffness and abrasion.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
- Do not rub sand aggressively into the fabric.
- Allow sand to fall away naturally after drying.
- Turn the garment inside out when rinsing the lining.
- Avoid brushing delicate surfaces with a rough towel.
Sunscreen and body oil
Sunscreen can leave oily marks and may affect elastic fibers over time.
A better routine is:
1. Apply sunscreen to the skin before dressing.
2. Allow it to absorb fully.
3. Avoid applying oily products directly onto straps and waistbands.
4. Rinse the swimsuit promptly after use.
5. Treat visible stains according to the care label.
Do not use household solvents or strong stain removers without testing them first. They may cause color loss or damage coatings.
How to Dry Swimwear Without Damaging the Elastic
Drying mistakes are a common cause of premature swimsuit damage.
Best drying practices
- Press water out gently with a towel.
- Lay the garment flat when possible.
- Dry in the shade.
- Keep it away from radiators and heaters.
- Provide good airflow.
- Make sure it is completely dry before storage.
What to avoid
- Tumble drying
- Ironing
- Direct high heat
- Leaving swimwear on a hot car seat
- Hanging a heavy, dripping swimsuit by one thin strap
- Drying for long periods under intense sunlight
High heat can reduce the recovery of elastane. Direct sunlight may also accelerate color fading and fiber aging. Hanging a wet swimsuit from a narrow strap can place unnecessary tension on that strap and gradually distort its shape.
How to Store Swimwear Correctly
Storage is just as important as washing.
Before storing a swimsuit:
1. Wash or rinse it thoroughly.
2. Check that no sand remains in the lining.
3. Dry it completely.
4. Fasten hooks and adjusters where possible.
5. Fold it loosely without crushing cups.
6. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Avoid storing swimwear in:
- Sealed plastic bags
- Damp bathroom cabinets
- Direct sunlight
- Hot vehicles
- Overfilled drawers
- Contact with rough Velcro or sharp objects
For padded bikini tops, avoid folding the cups sharply. Reshaping the cups before storage helps preserve the garment's appearance.
How Often Should Swimwear Be Washed?
The answer depends on how the swimsuit is used.
| Usage pattern | Recommended care |
| Chlorinated pool | Rinse after every use; wash gently as needed |
| Salt-water beach use | Rinse after every use; wash when sunscreen or salt remains |
| Heavy sunscreen or sweating | Rinse immediately and wash after use |
| Occasional use | Wash before storage and after each outing |
| Daily training | Rotate garments and wash carefully after repeated use |
A swimsuit does not necessarily need strong detergent after every brief swim, but it should be rinsed after every use. The more chlorine, sunscreen, sweat, and sand involved, the more important a complete gentle wash becomes.
How to Extend Swimwear Life Through Rotation and Fit
Rotate several swimsuits
Wearing the same swimsuit every day exposes the same fabric to chemicals, stretching, drying, and friction. Rotating two or more garments gives each piece more time to dry and recover.
Choose the correct size
A swimsuit that is too small remains under continuous tension. This can accelerate wear at:
- Shoulder straps
- Bust seams
- Waistbands
- Leg openings
- Side seams
- Thong and cheeky-back connections
A swimsuit that is too large may shift during movement and require repeated pulling, which can also create mechanical stress.
The best fit should feel secure without forcing the fabric to remain fully stretched.
Reduce contact with rough surfaces
Sit on a towel rather than directly on concrete, rough pool edges, rocks, or unfinished wood. Friction can cause pilling, pulled yarns, and localized thinning.
Care Recommendations for Swimwear Brands
For brands, care instructions are part of the product experience. A clear label can reduce complaints and help customers preserve the garment.
A useful care label may include
- Rinse in cold fresh water after use
- Hand wash or machine wash on a delicate cycle
- Use mild detergent
- Do not bleach
- Do not tumble dry
- Dry in shade
- Do not iron
- Keep away from rough surfaces
- Do not store while wet
Care content should match the actual fabric and construction. A delicate bikini with metal accessories may require stricter instructions than a polyester/PBT training swimsuit.
OEM development checklist
Before bulk production, brands should confirm:
1. Fiber composition and fabric weight
2. Stretch and recovery performance
3. Colorfastness
4. Chlorine and salt-water suitability
5. Seam strength
6. Elastic quality
7. Care-label wording
8. Wear-test feedback
9. Packaging and storage requirements
10. Final inspection standards
A strong care program begins during product development, not after customer complaints appear.
Common Swimwear-Care Mistakes
Mistake 1: Leaving a swimsuit in a wet bag
This traps chemicals, moisture, sweat, and odor against the fabric.
Mistake 2: Using hot water
Heat can reduce elastane recovery and distort the garment.
Mistake 3: Wringing the swimsuit
Twisting creates uneven tension in the fabric, seams, cups, and straps.
Mistake 4: Using fabric softener
Fabric softener can leave a coating on synthetic fibers and may affect performance.
Mistake 5: Drying in direct sun
Strong sunlight can fade dyes and accelerate fiber aging.
Mistake 6: Washing with rough items
Zippers, towels, denim, and hook-and-loop fasteners can cause abrasion.
Mistake 7: Ignoring the care label
The garment label reflects the specific fabric, trim, and construction selected by the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should swimwear be washed after every use?
Rinse it after every use. A complete detergent wash depends on exposure to chlorine, salt, sunscreen, sweat, and sand.
2. Is hand washing better for bikinis?
Usually, yes. Hand washing reduces friction and protects thin straps, padding, decorative details, and delicate seams.
3. Can I put a swimsuit in the dryer?
Generally, avoid the dryer unless the care label specifically allows it. Air drying in the shade is safer for elastane and color.
4. How do I wash a chlorine-resistant swimsuit?
Rinse it with cool water after every swim, use mild detergent when necessary, avoid bleach and high heat, and dry it in the shade.
5. Can vinegar remove chlorine from swimwear?
Do not use vinegar or other household treatments unless the garment or detergent manufacturer recommends them. Unverified treatments may affect dyes, coatings, elastic, or metal components.
6. Why does my swimsuit smell after washing?
Odor may result from chlorine, sweat, sunscreen, or incomplete drying. Rinse promptly, wash gently, and ensure adequate airflow during drying.
7. How can I prevent bikini straps from stretching?
Avoid pulling them excessively, do not hang a wet garment from one narrow strap, use the correct size, and store the bikini without sharp folds or heavy pressure.
Conclusion
Proper swimwear care is simple but consistent: rinse immediately, wash gently, avoid heat, dry in the shade, and store only when fully dry. These steps help protect the stretch, color, fit, and appearance of bikinis, swimsuits, swim shorts, and thongs.
For brands, clear care labels should be supported by appropriate fabric selection, fit testing, construction control, and quality inspection. If you are developing a new swimwear collection, contact Dongguan Abely Fashion Co., Ltd. with your design, target market, quantity, and performance requirements. Our OEM team can assist with fabric selection, sampling, production, and packaging.
---
References
1. [Speedo — Swimwear Care and Product Guidance]
2. [Arena — Swimwear Care Guide]
3. [Swim England — Swimming Equipment and Swimwear Guidance]
4. [OEKO-TEX — Textile Safety and Product Information]
5. Internal industry perspective: Dongguan Abely Fashion Co., Ltd., based on practical experience in bikini, swimwear, swim shorts, and thong OEM development, sampling, construction, and quality control.
Editorial note: Exact washing instructions must always follow the garment's sewn-in care label. Claims about fabric durability, chlorine resistance, or expected lifespan should be supported by supplier documentation or testing of the finished product.
