Does your most loved swimsuit seem to stretch or lose shape after just a few wears? You are not the only one. Try to imagine how swimwear will look in 2025—more technical, stylish, and expensive—and tell me washing it correctly isn’t important.Availing this practice will become a necessity, not just good practice.
In this guide, we will teach you swimsuit care specifics for 2025. We aim to help you maintain stunning, smooth, and supportive swimsuits and bikinis all summer long. Together we will highlight the best figure washing routines and brand new ways to maintain your one or two-piece swimsuit fresh for the entire season.
Why Washing Your Swimsuit Properly Really Matters in 2025
It’s pretty obvious swimsuits have changed quite a bit over the last decade. By 2025, most swimwear manufacturers use highly elastic and eco-friendly fabrics like Lycra Xtra Life, regenerated nylon (like ECONYL), and chlorine-resistant polyamide in their production. While offering improved performance, these fabrics are much more delicate.
When paired with saltwater, chlorine, UV rays, sunscreen, and even the skin’s oils, these fabrics get damaged over time. Tossing a damp swimsuit into a beach bag and subjecting it to spin cycles also speeds up the damage. Not to mention, washing these garments in machines with hot water and fabric softeners notoriously weakens elastic fibers.
So, how does lack of proper maintenance impact swimsuits? For starters, it permanently stretches out, changes color, and gets thinned out in the wrong areas. That designer one-piece bathing suit is as good as disposable unless she views and treats it differently.
The Worst Mistakes People Make When Washing Swimwear
Despite our best intentions, most people still ruin their swimsuits with everyday habits. Recognize any of these?
Top 5 mistakes that damage your swimsuit:
-
Throwing it in the washing machine
Even on a gentle cycle, washing machines are too rough. Agitation can twist, stretch, and snag the fabric. -
Using hot water
Elastic materials hate heat. Warm or hot water causes fibers to shrink, warp, or lose tension. -
Adding fabric softeners or bleach
These break down elasticity and leave residue that attracts dirt and sunscreen. -
Wringing or twisting
This process stretches the suit out and damages the seams and padding. -
Drying in the sun or using a dryer
Heat and direct sunlight cause fading, weakening the fabric over time.
Have you ever made one of these mistakes? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. But now you’ll know better.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Swimsuit So It Lasts
Cleaning a swimsuit doesn’t need to be overly difficult; however, it does take a certain degree of effort and precision.
Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Swimming
After removing your swimsuit from water bodies, give it a gentle rinse in fresh, cold water. This removes the majority of the salt, as well as the chlorine, while also cleaning out the sunscreen before these substances have a chance to settle in.
If there isn’t a nearby shower, you can still improve the swimsuit with a bottle of water.
Step 2: Use Gentle Soap or Swimwear Cleanser
Gently wash swimwear’s mud stains with distilled water and very small amounts of mild soap, such as mild baby shampoos—some people prefer swimwear cleansers. Antibacterial, scented, or even stain-removal cleansers are ill-suited for this task as they tend to be too harsh.
No scrubbing is required for unrolling the gunk for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Gently Press Out the Water (Don’t Wring)
After this treatment, press the sides of the swimsuit with towels so that the water is removed. The wearer should not squeeze or turn the garment–twisting may damage the stitches and stretch the fabric.
Step 4: Lay Flat to Dry in the Shade
Place your swimsuit inside a towel and place it under a ventilated area to dry. Make sure not to hang it by the straps as this may stretch the straps. Avoid using machine dryers or putting the swimsuit in direct sunlight.
✅ Quick Wash Checklist
| Step | What to Do | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse immediately | Cold fresh water | Waiting hours before rinsing |
| Soak with mild soap | Baby shampoo or special wash | Detergents, bleach, softeners |
| Press, don’t wring | Lay between towels | Twisting or wringing |
| Dry flat in shade | On a clean towel | Dryer, heater, direct sunlight |
Expert Tips to Make Your Swimsuits Last All Summer
You’ve mastered the fundamentals—now let’s advance.
-
Rotate your swimsuits
Don’t wear the same one every day. Swimsuits need at least 24 hours to return to their original shape. -
Have a backup (or two)
If you swim often, invest in multiple swimsuits to extend their lifespan. -
Avoid hot tubs
The intense heat and chemicals can destroy delicate fabrics quickly. If you must, wear an older suit. -
Watch where you sit
Pool edges and rough surfaces can snag fabric. Always place a towel underneath. -
Storage matters
Don’t keep your suit in a damp bag or sealed container. Let it breathe to prevent mildew.
Do you rotate your swimwear—or stick to one favorite? Share your routine in the comments!
Common Questions About Washing Swimwear in 2025
If I’m short on time, can I throw my swimsuit in the washing machine?
We don’t recommend that. In an emergency, put it in a lingerie bag and wash it on the gentlest cycle in cold water. No detergent, but a mild cleanser will do.
Is it safe to use vinegar for rinsing out chlorine? Of course, it is safe to use vinegar for rinsing out chlorine, but it is important to stick to small amounts. Using a tablespoon of white vinegar in cool water can help lessen chlorine’s stink, but too much vinegar will lead to fiber deterioration.
How can I get rid of the chlorine odor from my swimsuit?
Let it soak in cold water with some baking soda, or a cleaner designed specifically for swimwear can also do the trick.
Is ironing the best way to fix a wrinkled swimsuit?
Please don’t do that! It will cause the synthetic fibers to melt. Instead, lay it flat, and as it dries, wrinkles will magically disappear.
If my swimsuit has removable pads or cups, what do I do? Carefully handwash those and reshape them while they dry. Always remove any pads before washing.
What’s New in Swimsuit Fabric Technology in 2025?
In case you’re wondering why care matters more than ever—swimwear in 2025 uses advanced tech fabrics.
-
Lycra Xtra Life®: Resistant to chlorine, sunscreen, and oils—but only if properly washed.
-
ECONYL®: Made from recycled materials, but delicate.
-
Nano-coatings: Water-repellent finishes that degrade fast in hot water or under harsh detergents.
Knowing how to care for these fabrics protects both your investment and the environment. Win-win.
Final Recap: How to Wash Swimwear the Right Way in 2025
Let’s sum it all up:
-
Rinse your swimsuit immediately after every use
-
Wash by hand with cold water and gentle cleanser
-
Avoid wringing or machine drying
-
Dry flat in the shade
-
Rotate suits to extend their shape and life
-
Store them properly, dry and flat
By following these simple rules, your favorite swimsuit won’t just survive the summer—it’ll thrive.
So, What’s Your Swimwear Care Routine?
Have a favorite swimsuit hack? Do you have a preferred detergent? Or maybe you learned the hard way how not to wash your new bikini?
👉 Share your tips or horror stories in the comments. Let’s swap advice!
And don’t forget to hit that Share button on Facebook, X, or Pinterest to help your friends save their swimsuits too!
