How To Take Care Of Your Swimwear

How To Take Care Of Your Swimwear

Swimwear may look resilient, but it has to endure more than any other garment you own. Chlorine, salt, heat, poolside knocks, and constantly going from dry to wet are all working against your swimwear, but there are simple ways you can keep your pieces pristine. Here are our top tips.

Rinse

Easier said than done, but we recommend rinsing within 30 minutes of getting out of the water to minimise chlorine damage. If you have time to allow the suit to soak in cool water before washing, this will remove most of the chemicals and sand.
One thing to note: as much as you may love a hot shower, your swimwear doesn't. The water pressure can be too much for delicate knits. We recommend filling the sink with lukewarm water and throwing your swimwear in before you jump in the shower.

Wash Correctly

To ensure your swimwear lasts, washing it correctly is key. If you do use the washing machine, wash at a low temperature (40°C/104°F max) with a reduced spin. The movement of the machine can damage delicate pieces, leaving things bunched, stretched, or otherwise ill-fitting so we recommend hand washing when you can. What's more, do not, we repeat do not, tumble dry, bleach or dry clean your bikini or swimsuit.

Turn Inside Out

Turn your swimsuit or bikini inside out to prevent any lint building up.

Untie Your Straps

Untie any bikinis or swimsuit straps before you wash them. By washing (and drying) in their original shape, your swimwear will revert back to it's proper size.

Keep Cool

Hot water is bad for swimwear. So never wash your swimsuit on a hot wash (we recommend a maximum of 40°C or 104°F) and avoid too many dips in the jacuzzi. Hot tub fan? Reserve one swimsuit for warmer water, as the high chlorine content can cause colour to fade and damage fibres.

No Wringing

After washing, gently squeeze. Don't wring the water out of the fabric as this can cause swimwear to loose shape.

It Takes Two

Alternate your swimwear every day, the more you swim the less quickly the elastane will recover. We recommend giving each piece at least 24 hours bounce back time before wearing it again. What better excuse to buy a few options?

Dry Off

Drying your swimwear correctly is just as important as washing it. The first rule, don't bunch up your wet costume into a towel, lay it flat to dry and if you're in a hot country, just lie it out on your balcony to dry naturally, nothing is better. Take care to avoid direct sunlight, UV rays can cause colour to fade.

Avoid Suncream

Not on your body may we add! Lather on that Factor 50, but to avoid getting any colour damaging cream on your swimwear, do so before putting on your swimwear, or as soon as you dry off from the shower. Added bonus, this is a great way to prevent unwanted burning.

Sit On A Towel

Whenever you're sitting on the ground next to the pool, on a wooden bench, or on any other rough surface, try to sit on a towel. Impromptu seats, the corners of the pool and rocks in the ocean can snag and tear material, so be careful around rough edges.

Sunbathe First, Then Swim

If you plan to sunbathe after swimming, change into dry swimwear. The combination of chlorine from the pool, body perspiration and suntanning lotions are guaranteed to cause damage to your swimwear.

Shop the Sweaty Betty Swimwear Collection here.