A good swimsuit lasts several seasons when cared for properly. Treated badly, it can lose its shape in a single holiday. What makes the difference isn't expensive products — it's a handful of simple habits.
What Damages Swimwear
Swim fabric has three enemies: chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. All three gradually break down elastane fibres. Add hot water, tumble dryers, and harsh detergents, and the fabric starts sagging after just a few wears.
A lesser-known detail: hot concrete and rough poolside surfaces also wear the fabric down. Sitting on a rough surface in a wet swimsuit causes pilling and thinning at the seat. Laying down a towel prevents this entirely.
After Every Wear
Rinse your swimsuit in cold water as soon as you take it off — even if you haven't been in the sea or pool, since sweat and sunscreen soak into the fabric too. This single step noticeably extends its life.
When rinsing, don't wring or twist. Press the water out gently between your palms. Twisting permanently breaks elastane fibres and causes the suit to go slack in that spot.
Washing
Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. If you must machine wash, use a mesh bag and the delicate cycle, and keep the temperature under 30°C.
Never use: bleach, fabric softener, or stain removers. Softener is especially deceptive — it makes the fabric feel soft while coating the elastane fibres and reducing their stretch.
Drying
This is where most mistakes happen. Never tumble dry and never hang in direct sunlight. Heat and UV are the fastest way to destroy elastane.
Instead: lay it flat on a towel and dry in the shade. Hanging isn't recommended either — the weight of wet fabric stretches the suit at the hanging point.
Storage
Store your swimsuit completely dry at the end of the season. Putting it away damp causes mildew and odour that can't be reversed. When folding, avoid sharp creases; on pieces with metallic thread or embellishment, fold marks can become permanent.
The Two-Swimsuit Rule
Don't get through a long holiday with just one swimsuit. A suit takes 8–12 hours to dry fully, and fabric worn again while damp wears out far faster. Alternating between two suits more than doubles the life of both.
Browse pieces built to last in our bikini sets and one-piece swimsuits. If you're unsure about sizing, see our size guide.