Quick answer
Rinse your swimwear in cool water immediately after every swim, wash it gently with mild soap, and lay it flat to dry away from direct sun. Avoid wringing, hot water, and machine drying to prevent stretching and chlorine damage. This routine takes two minutes and keeps elastic and fabric shape intact.
Why swimwear loses its shape (and what actually causes damage)
Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils break down spandex fibers over time. Heat and agitation speed up that breakdown. The biggest mistake is leaving a wet swimsuit crumpled in a bag or towel for hours—that traps chemicals against the fabric and weakens elasticity. Even premium stretch fabrics need a quick rinse to stay resilient.
The two-minute post-swim routine
As soon as you leave the water, rinse your swimsuit in cool tap water. If you can't rinse immediately, at least soak it in a sink or bucket of cool water for a few minutes before storing. This removes most chlorine and salt before they set in. Never use hot water—it damages elastic fibers and can cause colors to bleed.
How to hand-wash swimwear without stretching it
Fill a sink with cool water and add a tiny drop of mild liquid soap (baby shampoo or dedicated swimwear wash works well). Submerge the suit and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Do not scrub, twist, or wring. For stubborn sunscreen residue, let it soak for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. If you must use a machine, place the suit in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle with cold water—but hand-washing is safer for lace or embellished pieces.
Drying: the step most people get wrong
After rinsing, gently press the swimsuit between two towels to remove excess water—never twist or wring. Lay it flat to dry on a clean towel or drying rack, reshaping it to its original form. Avoid hanging by the straps, which can stretch them out. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or hot car interiors. If you're in a hurry, a hair dryer on the cool setting can help, but air-drying is best.
Storing swimwear to prevent long-term damage
Make sure the suit is completely dry before storing. Fold it loosely and keep it in a cool, dry place—not a damp gym bag. For bikinis and bustiers with lace or delicate trims, store them flat or hang them separately to avoid snags. Rotating between two swimsuits gives each one time to recover its shape between wears.
Your 5-step swimwear care routine
- Rinse immediately after swimming: Use cool water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set into the fibers. Checkpoint: If you can't rinse right away, soak in cool water as soon as possible.
- Hand-wash with mild soap: Fill a sink with cool water, add a drop of gentle soap, and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Never wring or scrub. Mistake to avoid: Using regular laundry detergent or hot water—both damage elasticity.
- Press out excess water: Lay the suit flat on a towel, roll it up, and press gently to absorb water. Do not twist. Checkpoint: The suit should feel damp, not dripping.
- Lay flat to dry: Reshape the swimsuit and lay it flat on a drying rack or clean towel. Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat sources. Mistake to avoid: Hanging by straps or using a machine dryer—both cause stretching.
- Store only when completely dry: Fold loosely and store in a cool, dry place. For lace or embellished pieces, store flat or hang separately. Next step: Rotate between two swimsuits to extend the life of each.
Product care notes
- RETRO TOP: Made with stretch eyelet swim fabric, double layered, with adjustable straps and a clasp closure at back. Double-layered stretch fabric benefits from gentle hand-washing to keep its shape; adjustable straps should be fastened before washing to avoid snags.
- KILO BRAVA LACE COLLECTION- BLACK- BIKINI: High-waisted bikini with stretch eyelash lace front and sheer stretch mesh back, cheeky cut. Lace and mesh are delicate—hand-wash separately or use a mesh bag to prevent tearing and stretching.
- KILO BRAVA LACE COLLECTION- BLACK- BUSTIER: Bustier with stretch eyelash lace, stretch mesh, underwire cups, and strategic boning. Underwire and boning can bend if machine-washed; hand-washing preserves structure and fit.
