Summer is the time when swimsuits become an essential part of our wardrobe. We spend hours in them by the pool, on the beach, in the sea, or at the lake. Yet, after the season ends, many notice their favourite bikinis or one-piece swimsuits have faded, lost their vibrant colour, or even changed shape. How can you prevent this? How do you care for your swimsuits to keep their colour and excellent appearance season after season? In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find all the essential tips on swimsuit care — from washing and drying to storing, along with practical advice to keep your swimwear bright and beautiful all year round.
Why Do Swimsuits Lose Their Colour? Understanding Your Swimsuit’s Enemy
Before diving into care tips, it’s important to understand what causes fading and damage to swimsuits. Knowing this helps you avoid mistakes and take better care of your swimwear.
👉 UV Rays — The Biggest Colour Enemy
The sun emits ultraviolet radiation, which breaks down dyes in fabrics. Prolonged and intense exposure to UV rays causes the swimsuit’s colour to fade, and the fabric fibers become stiff and brittle over time.
👉 Chlorine — Necessary but Harmful
Chlorine is essential for disinfecting swimming pool water, but it is a strong bleaching agent. It breaks down fabric fibers, making swimsuits lose colour and elasticity faster.
👉 Sea Salt — A Natural Abrasive
Saltwater deposits salt crystals on the fabric, which act like tiny abrasives. These cause micro-damage on the surface, speeding up fading and fabric wear.
👉 Cosmetics — A Silent Threat
Sunscreens, oils, lotions, and perfumes contain chemicals that can react with swimwear fabrics, breaking down dyes and weakening fibers.
👉 Incorrect Washing and Drying
High washing temperatures, harsh detergents, aggressive machine washing, and drying in direct sunlight or tumble dryers all negatively affect swimsuit colours and elasticity.
How to Wash Swimsuits Without Losing Colour
Proper washing is key to preserving your swimsuit’s vibrant colours and good condition for many seasons. Here are the rules you should follow.
🔹 Rinse Immediately After Swimming
This is the most important rule. After every swim in the pool, sea, or lake, rinse your swimsuit thoroughly in clean, cool water. This removes residual chlorine, salt, and cosmetics that would otherwise damage the fabric.
🔹 Prefer Hand Washing
Hand washing is the safest method. Even delicate machine cycles can harm swimsuit fibers. Gently soaking and softly squeezing your swimsuit helps keep its shape and colour intact.
🔹 Use Mild Detergents
Choose detergents designed for delicate fabrics or special swimsuit washing liquids. Avoid powders with bleach or harsh chemicals that strip dyes and damage fibers.
🔹 Wash in Cold or Lukewarm Water
Keep the water temperature below 30°C (86°F). Hot water causes quick colour fading and fabric stretching.
🔹 Avoid Bleach and Harsh Chemicals
Though tempting, never use bleach on swimsuits — it instantly ruins the colour and fabric structure.
The Right Way to Dry Your Swimsuit
After washing, drying properly helps maintain the shape and colour of your swimsuit.
🔸 Dry in the Shade
Avoid direct sunlight drying. UV rays break down dyes, causing fading and weakening the material. Dry your swimsuit in a shaded, airy place.
🔸 Lay Flat to Dry
Spread your swimsuit on a towel or flat surface to prevent stretching or deformation. Hanging swimsuits on hangers can stretch fabric where it’s hung.
🔸 Do Not Wring
Gently squeeze out excess water but don’t twist or wring. Twisting damages fibers and alters the swimsuit’s shape.
🔸 Avoid Tumble Dryers and Radiators
High heat destroys elastane and polyester, leading to lost elasticity and colour.
Storing Your Swimsuits Off-Season
Proper storage after the summer season is crucial for preserving your swimsuit’s quality.
✅ Dry Completely Before Storage
Never store damp swimsuits. Moisture leads to mildew and unpleasant smells.
✅ Store in a Cool, Dry, and Well-Ventilated Place
Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers. Instead, use cotton bags or wrap them in soft fabric.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd or Compress
Avoid tight folding or compressing, which causes permanent creases and loss of shape.
How to Care for Your Swimsuit During Active Use
Besides washing and drying, some daily care habits help protect your swimsuit during use.
👉 Avoid Wearing Wet Swimsuits for Long
Wet fabric is more prone to stretching and fading. Change into a dry swimsuit after swimming.
👉 Protect from Sharp Surfaces
Don’t sit on rocks, concrete benches, or sharp edges that can snag or wear the fabric.
👉 Limit Contact with Cosmetics
Apply sunscreen or tanning lotions to your skin and wait for it to absorb before putting on your swimsuit.
Natural Ways to Refresh Your Swimsuit Colours
If your swimsuit looks a bit faded, you can try these home remedies to brighten its colours.
🔹 Soak in Vinegar Water
A mix of 1 tablespoon of vinegar per litre of water helps remove residues and gently refreshes colours. Soak for 15-20 minutes, then rinse well.
🔹 Baking Soda Bath
Baking soda eliminates odors and refreshes fabric. Add 1 tablespoon to a litre of water, soak for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
🔹 Gentle Washing with Sea Salt
Adding a small amount of sea salt during washing can help fix colours but be cautious not to overdo it.
Common Mistakes That Shorten Your Swimsuit’s Life and Colour
Knowing which errors to avoid will help you care better for your swimsuits.
✅ Machine washing your swimsuit — excessive mechanical action damages fibers.
✅ Using harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners — these break down fabric and wash out dyes.
✅ Drying in direct sun or tumble dryers — weakens colours and elasticity.
✅ Not rinsing after swimming in chlorinated or salt water — residues cause fading.
✅ Storing wet swimsuits in airtight packaging — encourages mildew and bad odors.
Swimsuits and Fashion — Caring for the Latest Trends and Colours
Modern swimsuits come in stunning patterns and vibrant colours. To keep them looking their best:
🔸 Rinse after every swim, especially for bright or metallic finishes.
🔸 Handle embellishments, fringes, or beads gently to avoid damage.
🔸 Store each swimsuit separately to prevent colour transfer.
Storing and Caring for Swimsuits During Winter
After summer, it’s important to prepare your swimwear for the off-season.
🔹 Wash and dry each swimsuit thoroughly before storing.
🔹 Store in a cool, dry, and ventilated area away from light and moisture.
🔹 Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers that trap humidity.
🔹 If possible, store swimsuits flat or loosely folded to avoid creases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swimsuit Care
👉 How often should I wash my swimsuit?
Rinse after every swim. Do a full hand wash every few uses or after swimming in chlorinated water.
👉 Can I machine wash my swimsuit?
Not recommended. Machine washing can damage delicate fibers and speed up fading. If necessary, use a gentle cycle with a lingerie bag, but hand washing is best.
👉 Are sports fabric detergents safe for swimsuits?
Yes, many detergents designed for sportswear are gentle and suitable for swimwear.
👉 How do I remove sunscreen stains from my swimsuit?
Soak in cool water with mild detergent. Avoid rubbing or using hot water, which sets stains.
Conclusion
Taking care of your swimsuit requires attention and awareness, but it’s worth it for long-lasting beauty and functionality. The key points to remember are:
✅ Rinse immediately after swimming,
✅ Hand wash in lukewarm water with gentle detergent,
✅ Dry in the shade, flat and without wringing,
✅ Store in a dry, ventilated place,
✅ Avoid contact with sharp surfaces and harsh chemicals.
By following these tips, your swimsuit will maintain its vibrant colours and elasticity for many seasons to come. That way, every summer swim is not only a pleasure but also a chance to show off a beautiful, well-cared-for swimsuit.
Discover Our Most Popular Swimwear Styles at Zalletta.co.uk
👉 Two-Piece Swimwear
👉 One-Piece Swimwear
👉 Beach Dresses & Cover-Ups