Swimwear Care 101: How to Keep Your Swimsuit Looking New

Quick answer

Rinse your swimsuit in cool water immediately after every wear, wash it gently with a mild detergent, and dry it flat in the shade. Avoid hot water, harsh chemicals, and the tumble dryer. These habits protect the fabric's stretch and water-repellent finish, so your swimwear stays comfortable and supportive for many seasons.

A swimsuit takes a beating: chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and hot tub chemicals all attack the fibers that give it stretch and shape. The good news is that a few simple habits can add months or even years to its life. Whether you wear a period swim brief or a standard bikini, the care routine is nearly the same.

This guide walks you through seven practical steps, from the moment you step out of the water to how you store your suit for winter. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid, so you can protect your investment and feel confident every time you swim.

Why swimwear needs special care

Swimwear fabrics are engineered for stretch and recovery, often with elastane or spandex. Chlorine and salt break down these elastic fibers over time, causing sagging and loss of shape. Sunscreen and body oils can also leave residues that attract dirt and weaken the fabric. Even the water-repellent treatment on some suits can be compromised by the wrong detergent.

Period swimwear adds another layer of technology: absorbent layers and waterproof barriers. These need gentle handling to keep working. Harsh washing can damage the sealed seams or reduce the absorbency of the inner layers. So the care you give your regular swimsuit matters even more for specialized pieces.

• Always check the care label first—it's the best guide for your specific suit.
• When in doubt, hand wash cold and air dry.

Step 1: Rinse immediately after wearing

As soon as you leave the pool or beach, rinse your swimsuit in cool, fresh water. This removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they can set into the fibers. If you can't rinse right away, at least wrap the suit in a towel and rinse as soon as possible.

A common mistake is leaving a wet swimsuit in a plastic bag or rolled up in a towel for hours. That traps chemicals against the fabric and encourages odor and mildew. Instead, rinse and then lay flat to dry.

• Use cool water—hot water can damage stretch fibers.
• Don't wring or twist the suit; gently squeeze out excess water.

Step 2: Pre-treat stains and sunscreen marks

Sunscreen and body oils can leave dark or greasy marks. Before washing, apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Then gently rub the fabric together and rinse. For period swimwear, follow the brand's specific stain guidance, as some absorbent layers shouldn't be scrubbed.

Avoid using bleach or harsh stain removers, which can break down the fabric and irritate sensitive skin. If a stain persists, repeat the gentle treatment rather than scrubbing harder.

• Test any stain remover on a hidden area first.
• For period swimwear, check the label for approved cleaning methods.

Step 3: Hand wash with mild detergent

Fill a basin with cool water and add a teaspoon of mild liquid detergent (like a gentle dish soap or specialty swimwear wash). Submerge the swimsuit and gently knead it for a minute or two. Pay attention to areas with high sunscreen contact, like straps and edges. Rinse thoroughly until no suds remain.

If you must use a washing machine, place the suit in a mesh lingerie bag, use the delicate cycle with cold water, and skip the spin cycle. Never wash swimwear with heavy items like jeans or towels, which can cause abrasion.

• Never use fabric softener—it coats fibers and reduces stretch.
• Avoid enzyme-based detergents if your suit has a water-repellent finish.

Step 4: Remove excess water gently

After rinsing, gently squeeze the suit to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist it, as this can stretch the fabric and damage seams. You can also lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel up to absorb more water. This speeds drying without stressing the fibers.

A common mistake is ringing out the suit like a dishrag. That's a fast track to misshapen swimwear. Treat it like delicate lingerie.

• Press, don't twist.
• Roll in a towel to blot—never rub.

Step 5: Dry flat in the shade

Lay your swimsuit flat on a clean towel or drying rack, away from direct sunlight. UV rays can fade colors and weaken elastic over time. If you're outdoors, choose a shaded spot. Hang drying can also work, but use a thick hanger and avoid clipping the straps, which can leave marks and stretch them out.

Never put swimwear in a tumble dryer. The heat is damaging to stretch fibers and can shrink or warp the suit. It can also ruin the water-repellent treatment on specialized swimwear.

• Dry inside out to protect the outer color.
• Make sure the suit is completely dry before storing.

Step 6: Store properly for the off-season

Once dry, store your swimsuit flat in a drawer or folded in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew. If you have multiple suits, keep them separate to prevent color transfer. For period swimwear, ensure it's fully dry and consider storing it with a moisture absorber if you live in a humid climate.

A common mistake is hanging a wet suit in a closet or leaving it in a gym bag. That leads to musty odors and fabric degradation. Always store clean and dry.

• Rotate your swimsuits to give each one a rest.
• Check for wear before storing—repair or replace as needed.

Step 7: Handle period swimwear with extra care

Period swimwear has absorbent layers and a waterproof barrier that require gentle handling. Always rinse in cold water immediately after use to prevent staining and odor. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can reduce absorbency. If the suit has a water-repellent finish, check the label for specific washing instructions.

For Love Luna period swimwear, the brand recommends rinsing thoroughly and washing according to the care label. The 4-layer protection is designed to last, but harsh chemicals and high heat can shorten its life. Treat it like any technical garment: gentle wash, air dry, and store dry.

• Never bleach or use harsh stain removers on period swimwear.
• If in doubt, hand wash to preserve the absorbent layers.

Your 7-step swimwear care routine

1. Rinse immediately after every swim: Use cool water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set into the fabric. Checkpoint: If you can't rinse right away, at least soak the suit in cool water as soon as possible.
2. Pre-treat stains and sunscreen marks: Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to stains and let sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. Mistake to avoid: Scrubbing harshly or using bleach, which can damage fibers.
3. Hand wash with mild detergent: Use cool water and a teaspoon of gentle soap; knead gently for a minute, then rinse thoroughly. Checkpoint: If machine washing, use a mesh bag on delicate cycle—never with heavy items.
4. Remove excess water gently: Squeeze gently or roll in a towel to blot; never wring or twist. Mistake to avoid: Wringing out the suit like a rag, which stretches it out of shape.
5. Dry flat in the shade: Lay the suit flat on a towel or drying rack away from direct sunlight and heat. Checkpoint: Never use a tumble dryer—heat destroys stretch and water-repellent finishes.
6. Store properly for the off-season: Once completely dry, store flat in a breathable bag or drawer; avoid plastic bags. Mistake to avoid: Storing a damp suit in a closed container, which causes mildew.
7. Handle period swimwear with extra care: Rinse in cold water immediately, wash gently, and avoid fabric softeners to protect absorbent layers. Checkpoint: Follow the care label for specific instructions on water-repellent finishes.

Product care notes

• Swim Textured Period Hi Cut Brief - Electric Blue: Features 4 clever layers of perfect protection, designed to keep your period safely locked away both in and out of the water. The absorbent layers need gentle washing to maintain their effectiveness; avoid fabric softener and high heat.
• Adult Swim Bikini Top: Made from buttery-soft fabric with a water-repellent treatment designed to last the lifetime of the fabric. To preserve the water-repellent finish, use mild detergent and avoid washing with harsh chemicals or abrasive items.
• Adult Period Swim Hikini - Black: Features signature 4-layer period protection and buttery-soft, fully lined swim fabric. Rinsing immediately after wear prevents stains and keeps the absorbent layers working well.

With these simple steps, you can keep your swimwear looking and feeling new for many seasons. A little care after each swim goes a long way toward extending the life of your favorite suits—whether you're lounging by the pool or swimming on your period.