A good bikini should last for many summers, not just one holiday. But sun, sea, chlorine and sun cream can all take their toll on swimwear, causing it to fade, lose its stretch or lose its shape over time.
The good news is that caring for swimwear is simple. A few small habits, such as rinsing straight after swimming and drying your bikini in the shade, can make a big difference to how long it lasts.
This guide covers how to wash swimwear, how to dry it, how to protect it from chlorine and sun cream, and how to store it between holidays.
Why Does Swimwear Need Special Care?
Swimwear fabric is designed to stretch, hold its shape and recover after every wear. Most swimwear contains elastane, a stretch fibre that is sensitive to heat, chemicals and friction.
Chlorine, salt water, sun cream and heat can all break down these fibres over time. Treating your bikini like everyday clothing, such as putting it in the washing machine or drying it on a radiator, can cause it to lose its stretch, become baggy or fade.
Every Ashlea Baker Swimwear piece is handmade in small batches and fully lined with high-quality stretch swim fabric. A little care helps each piece keep its shape and colour for many summers to come.
How to Wash Swimwear
Rinse as soon as possible after wearing
Whether you have been in the pool, the sea or simply sunbathing, rinse your swimwear in cool, fresh water as soon as you can. This removes chlorine, salt, sand and sun cream before they have a chance to affect the fabric.
Hand wash in cool water
Swimwear should always be washed by hand. Follow these simple steps:
- Fill a sink or bowl with cool water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent, or none at all.
- Gently move your swimwear through the water. Do not scrub it or leave it to soak.
- Rinse thoroughly in clean, cool water until no detergent remains.
- Gently press out the excess water. Do not wring or twist the fabric.
Top tip: wash your swimwear in the shower
Hand washing swimwear does not need to be complicated. One of the easiest ways to do it is to take your swimwear into the shower with you after the beach or pool.
If your swimwear is not stained or dirty, simply rinse it thoroughly under cool, running water. If it does need a proper clean, gently wash it with a small amount of mild detergent, then rinse well.
Washing your swimwear in the shower means no extra mess or water splashes around the sink or bath. Once you have gently pressed out the excess water, lay it flat to dry on the shower floor or in the sink. Give the surface a quick rinse first so your swimwear is not sitting in any leftover shampoo or shower gel.
Can you put swimwear in the washing machine?
No. Swimwear should be hand washed only. The spinning, heat and friction of a washing machine can stretch the elastic, damage the seams and cause the fabric to lose its shape.
Swimwear should also never be bleached, dry cleaned or ironed.
How to Dry Swimwear
Once you have pressed out the excess water, lay your swimwear flat to dry in the shade.
Hanging a wet bikini can pull the fabric out of shape, while direct sunlight can cause colours to fade. Swimwear should never be tumble dried or placed on a radiator, as heat weakens stretch fabrics.
Tip: to speed up drying, lay your swimwear on a clean towel, roll the towel up and press gently. Then unroll it and lay your swimwear flat in a shaded, airy spot.
How to Protect Swimwear from Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the main causes of swimwear wearing out. Long-term exposure can cause swimwear fabrics to break down over time, leading to fading and a loss of stretch.
You do not need to avoid the pool, but rinsing your swimwear in cool water as soon as possible after swimming makes a real difference.
How to Prevent Sun Cream Stains on Swimwear
Sun creams, body oils and moisturisers can cause discolouration, particularly on lighter fabrics.
To reduce the risk of staining, apply your sun cream first and let it fully absorb before putting on your swimwear. Rinsing your swimwear after each wear also helps remove any residue before it can build up.
Of course, protecting your skin should always come first. Keep wearing sun protection and reapply it regularly, particularly after swimming.
Can You Wear Swimwear in a Hot Tub?
The combination of heat and chemicals in hot tubs can weaken stretch fabrics and cause colours to fade.
If you do wear your swimwear in a hot tub, rinse it in cool water straight afterwards. If you use hot tubs or saunas often, you may prefer to keep an older swimsuit for those occasions.
How to Store Swimwear
How you store your swimwear between holidays matters just as much as how you wash it.
- Make sure your swimwear is completely dry before putting it away.
- Store it flat or loosely folded in a cool, dry place.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid sealing it in plastic bags, as trapped moisture can affect the fabric.
When packing for a holiday, a breathable pouch or a loosely folded spot in your suitcase works well. Just make sure your bikini is dry before you pack it to come home.
Everyday Habits That Help Swimwear Last Longer
- Avoid rough surfaces. Pool edges, rocks and wooden sun loungers can snag or pull swim fabric. Laying a towel down first helps protect it.
- Watch out for accessories. Jewellery, bag zips and embellished cover-ups can catch on the fabric.
- Rotate your swimwear on holiday. Bringing more than one bikini gives each one time to dry fully between wears.
Swimwear Care FAQs
How often should you wash swimwear?
Rinse your swimwear in cool, fresh water after every wear. If it is stained or needs more than a rinse, hand wash it in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent.
Does chlorine ruin swimwear?
Over time, yes. Long-term exposure to chlorine can break down swimwear fabrics. Rinsing as soon as possible after swimming helps reduce the damage.
Can you iron swimwear?
No. Heat can damage stretch fabrics, so swimwear should never be ironed, tumble dried or dry cleaned.
Why has my bikini lost its shape?
The most common causes are machine washing, wringing, hanging it while wet and exposure to heat or chlorine. Hand washing, pressing out water gently and drying flat in the shade all help swimwear keep its shape.
Make Your Swimwear Last for Many Summers
Caring for your swimwear does not need to take much time. Rinse after wearing, hand wash in cool water, dry flat in the shade and store it somewhere cool and dry.
With a little care, your swimwear will keep its colour, stretch and shape for many summers to come.
For a quick reference, see the Garment Care page. If you are choosing your next bikini, explore the guides to triangle bikini tops and cheeky vs Brazilian bikini bottoms, or browse the full swimwear collection.