How to Care for Swimwear After Swimming: 7 Steps That Work

Quick answer

Rinse your swimsuit in cool water within 30 minutes of leaving the pool or sea, then wash it gently with a mild detergent and dry it flat in the shade. Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils break down stretch fibers and fade color the longer they sit, so the rinse is the step that matters most. Never leave a damp swimsuit in a bag, and never put lace-trimmed swimwear in a hot dryer.

A swimsuit takes more punishment in one afternoon than most garments do in a month. Chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and body oils all cling to the fabric, and the longer they stay there, the faster the elastic weakens and the color dulls. The good news is that swimwear care after swimming takes about five minutes if you build the right habits.

This guide walks through seven steps, from the rinse you do poolside to how you store the suit once it is fully dry. Each step includes one common mistake to avoid, because most swimwear damage comes from small shortcuts rather than hard wear. If your suit has lace trim or delicate bows, a few of these steps matter even more.

Why the first 30 minutes matter most

Chlorine and salt water start working on stretch fibers and dye the moment you get out of the water. A quick rinse does not just clean the suit; it stops an ongoing chemical reaction. If you can rinse at the pool shower before you change, do it. If not, rinse as soon as you get home, and never let a wet suit sit in a plastic bag or a hot car.

Sunscreen and body oils are the quieter problem. They coat the fabric and trap grit, which then rubs against the fibers during washing. A thorough cool rinse before any detergent touches the suit lifts most of that film away, so your wash step does less work and your swimwear keeps its shape and color longer.

• Keep a small bottle of cool water in your swim bag for a quick post-swim rinse if showers are not available.
• Never wring or twist a wet swimsuit; press it gently between your palms or roll it in a clean towel.

Washing without wrecking the fabric

For a routine wash, fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the suit and gently squeeze the water through the fabric for about a minute, then let it soak for five to ten minutes. Rinse until the water runs clear. If the suit has lace trim or decorative bows, keep the agitation minimal and avoid rubbing the trim against itself.

Skip the washing machine for anything with lace, ties, or delicate hardware. Even a mesh bag cannot fully protect adjustable tie sides or lace-trimmed bows from the drum's motion. For a plain swimsuit with no trim, a gentle cycle in cold water is a reasonable fallback, but hand washing is always the safer choice for pieces you want to keep for multiple seasons.

• Use cool water only; heat sets stains and weakens elastane.
• Never use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh stain removers on swimwear.

Drying so colors and shape hold up

Lay the suit flat on a clean towel or a drying rack in the shade. Direct sun fades dye and makes stretch fibers brittle over time, so a shaded spot with good airflow is ideal. If you need to speed things up, roll the suit in a dry towel and press gently to absorb excess water, then lay it flat again.

Hanging a wet swimsuit by its straps stretches them out and distorts the fit. Hanging by the middle of the band is slightly better, but flat drying is still the best option. Make sure the suit is completely dry before it goes back in a drawer or bag; even slight dampness can lead to mildew and a musty smell.

• Never put swimwear in a tumble dryer, even on low heat.
• If you must hang, use a padded hanger and support the weight at the band, not the straps.

Handling lace, ties, and delicate trim

Lace-trimmed swimwear needs a gentler touch than a plain lycra suit. The lace itself is usually fine in cool water, but the trim can snag on zippers, hooks, or rough surfaces. Before washing, close any hooks and check that no part of the lace is caught on itself. Wash lace-trimmed pieces separately from suits with velcro or exposed hardware.

Adjustable tie sides and bows should be rinsed and dried in their open position so moisture does not get trapped in the folds. If your suit has a ruffle or sculpting detail at the back, pay extra attention to that area during the rinse; it is often where sunscreen and sand collect. A soft-bristled baby toothbrush can help lift grit from lace without pulling threads.

• Use a mesh laundry bag only if you must machine wash, and even then choose the gentlest cycle.
• Check lace trim for snags before and after every wash.

Your 7-step swimwear care routine after swimming

1. Rinse immediately: As soon as you leave the water, rinse the suit in cool water. If you are at a pool, use the shower; if not, rinse at home within 30 minutes. This removes most chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set. Checkpoint: the water should run clear, not cloudy, before you stop rinsing.
2. Pre-treat stains and sunscreen marks: For visible sunscreen or oil marks, apply a tiny drop of mild detergent directly to the spot and work it in gently with your fingertips. Let it sit for two to three minutes, then rinse. Mistake to avoid: scrubbing hard, which can pill the fabric and pull lace threads.
3. Wash gently by hand: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the suit, squeeze the water through the fabric for about a minute, and let it soak for five to ten minutes. Rinse until no suds remain. Checkpoint: if the water feels slippery after rinsing, keep rinsing; leftover detergent dulls color.
4. Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the suit from the basin and press it gently between your palms. For faster drying, lay it on a clean dry towel, roll the towel up, and press down to absorb water. Never twist or wring the suit. Mistake to avoid: wringing, which stretches elastic and distorts the fit.
5. Dry flat in the shade: Lay the suit flat on a drying rack or a clean towel in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger and support the weight at the band, not the straps. Checkpoint: direct sun fades dye and weakens fibers, so shade is not optional.
6. Check for lingering odors or dampness: Before storing, smell the suit and feel the thickest parts, like the band and any lined areas. If there is any musty smell, rewash with a little white vinegar in the rinse water. If it feels cool or damp, let it dry longer. Mistake to avoid: storing a suit that is even slightly damp, which leads to mildew.
7. Store clean and dry: Once fully dry, store the suit flat or folded loosely in a drawer or breathable bag. Do not leave it in a plastic bag or a hot car. Rotate your swimsuits so each one gets a full rest between wears. Next step: if you swim often, keep two suits in rotation so each one fully dries and recovers between uses.

Product details that affect how you care for your swimwear

• Swim Tie Side Bottom - Liquorice Therapy: Crafted in Portugal from double-layered, butter-soft Italian fabric with adjustable tie sides and delicate lace-trimmed bows. The lace-trimmed bows and double-layer construction mean this piece should be hand washed in cool water and dried flat; the ties should be rinsed in their open position so moisture does not sit in the folds.
• Laundry Bag - Coconut White: An elegant laundry bag made of 80% polyamide and 20% elastane, designed for washing lace lingerie. If you ever need to machine wash a plain swimsuit on a gentle cycle, this bag adds a layer of protection, though hand washing is still the safest option for lace-trimmed swimwear.

Swimwear care after swimming comes down to one habit: rinse early, wash gently, and dry flat in the shade. Those three moves protect the stretch, the color, and any lace trim or delicate bows. Build them into your post-swim routine and your suit will look and feel better for far longer.