How to Care for Your Swimwear: Tips for Longevity

Quick Answer

Rinse your swimwear in cold water immediately after use, hand wash with a mild detergent, and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid wringing, machine washing, and chlorine exposure to keep fabrics like nylon and elastane resilient.

Swimwear is an investment in comfort and style, and proper care can make it last for many seasons. Whether you're lounging by the pool or swimming laps, your bikini and one-pieces endure chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and sand—each can break down fibers over time.

The good news? A few simple habits can dramatically extend swimwear life. From rinsing techniques to drying methods, here’s how to keep your favorite pieces looking and fitting like new.

Why Swimwear Needs Special Care

Most swimwear fabrics are blends of nylon and elastane (spandex), which provide stretch and recovery. Chlorine and saltwater can weaken elastane, causing sagging and loss of shape. Sunscreen and oils can discolor fabrics and break down fibers, while machine washing and tumble drying can cause pilling and distortion.

Understanding these vulnerabilities helps you adopt a care routine that protects your investment. For instance, the Invisible Rib One Size Bikini from Commando uses a luxury microfiber blend of 60% nylon and 40% elastane—fabrics that respond well to gentle handling. Knowing what your suit is made of is the first step to proper maintenance.

• Always check the care label for specific instructions; some suits may have additional recommendations.

Step-by-Step Swimwear Care Routine

Caring for swimwear doesn't have to be time-consuming. Incorporate these steps into your post-swim routine to keep your suits in top condition. The key is to act quickly and be gentle at every stage.

Start by rinsing your swimwear in cold water as soon as you leave the water. This removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set. Then, hand wash with a mild detergent specifically designed for delicates. Avoid regular laundry detergents that contain brighteners or enzymes, which can be harsh on elastic fibers.

After washing, gently press out excess water—never wring or twist, as this can distort the fabric. Lay the suit flat on a towel, roll it up to absorb moisture, then reshape and dry flat in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can fade colors and degrade elastane, so choose a well-ventilated spot indoors or under shade.

• Use a dedicated swimwear detergent or a gentle baby shampoo as a substitute.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people unknowingly shorten their swimwear's lifespan by making a few common errors. Machine washing and drying are top culprits—the agitation and heat can break down elastane fibers, leading to a baggy fit and reduced support. Even on a delicate cycle, the tumbling action is too rough for most swimsuits.

Another mistake is soaking swimwear for extended periods. While a quick rinse is beneficial, prolonged soaking can cause colors to bleed and fabric to weaken. Also, avoid using fabric softeners, which coat fibers and reduce their ability to stretch and recover.

When you're not wearing your suit, store it flat or rolled, not folded tightly, to prevent creases and stress on the fabric. Keep it away from Velcro, zippers, or rough surfaces that can snag delicate knits.

• If you must use a washing machine, place the suit in a mesh laundry bag and use a cold, gentle cycle—but hand washing is always safer.

5-Step Swimwear Care Checklist

1. Rinse immediately: After swimming, rinse your suit in cold water for a few minutes to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. This prevents chemical damage and color fading. Checkpoint: Water runs clear—no residue or discoloration.
2. Hand wash gently: Fill a basin with cold water and add a mild detergent. Submerge the suit and gently swish it for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing or stretching the fabric. Checkpoint: No visible suds or dirt in the water after rinsing.
3. Press, don't wring: Lift the suit out and press it against the basin to remove excess water. Roll it in a clean towel to absorb more moisture. Never wring or twist, as this can break elastane fibers. Checkpoint: Suit is damp, not dripping wet.
4. Dry flat in shade: Lay the suit flat on a dry towel or mesh rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause fading and degrade elasticity. Checkpoint: Suit is completely dry before storing.
5. Store properly: Once dry, fold the suit loosely or roll it up. Store it in a drawer or bag away from rough surfaces and heavy items that could crush or snag it. Checkpoint: Suit maintains its shape and color for next wear.

Products That Care for Your Swimwear

• Invisible Rib One Size Bikini: Feels lighter than air and impossibly soft, the Invisible Rib One Size Bikini is designed to disappear under clothes—and feels even better than wearing nothing at all. With a sleek, second-skin fit, low-profile rib, and a four-way stretch that moves with you, it’s the kind of underwear you’ll forget you’re wearing. Luxury microfiber blend (60% nylon, 40% elastane). This bikini's high elastane content means it’s especially susceptible to damage from chlorine and heat. Following gentle care routines will help maintain its four-way stretch and second-skin feel.
• Two-Faced Tech Control Full Slip: With sleek microfiber on the outside and comfy cotton on the inside, commando's revolutionary two-faced tech fabric has light-to-moderate compression to leave you smoothed, not stuffed in your full slip. Luxury Austrian fabric blend (47% nylon, 40% cotton, 13% elastane). While not swimwear, this slip shares similar nylon and elastane content, demonstrating the importance of proper care for stretch garments. Avoid high heat and harsh detergents to preserve its smoothing properties.

With a little attention, your swimwear can stay beautiful and functional for many summers. Remember to rinse, hand wash, and dry gently—your future self will thank you. For more care tips and premium garments designed to last, explore Commando's collection.