Quick answer
Rinse your swimsuit in cool fresh water immediately after every wear, wash it gently with a mild detergent when needed, and dry it flat in the shade. Avoid hot water, harsh chemicals, machine drying and rough surfaces. These habits protect the stretch, colour and support that make a swimsuit feel good.
Why swimwear needs different care from everyday clothing
Swimwear fabrics are engineered to stretch, recover and hold their shape in water, but chlorine, salt, sunscreen and body oils break down those fibres over time. Heat and sunlight speed up fading, while rough surfaces cause pilling and snags. Caring for swimwear is really about protecting elasticity and colour so the fit stays supportive wear after wear.
What to do right after a swim
The single most effective habit is to rinse your swimsuit in cool, fresh water as soon as you can after swimming. This removes most chlorine, salt and sunscreen before they can settle into the fabric. If you cannot rinse immediately, at least soak it in a sink or bucket of cool water when you get home. Never leave a damp swimsuit rolled up in a bag or towel for hours.
How to wash swimwear without damaging it
Hand washing is safest. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild liquid detergent, then gently squeeze the suds through the suit. Avoid rubbing, wringing or twisting, which can stretch the elastane and distort the cups or straps. If you must use a machine, place the suit in a mesh laundry bag, choose a delicate cycle with cold water and skip the spin cycle. Never use bleach, fabric softener or harsh stain removers.
Drying swimwear the right way
After washing, press the suit gently between two towels to remove excess water, then lay it flat to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Direct sunlight can fade colours, and hanging by the straps can stretch them out. Avoid tumble dryers and radiators entirely, as heat damages elasticity and can warp padded cups or hardware.
Storing swimwear to keep its shape
Make sure the swimsuit is completely dry before putting it away. Store it flat or folded loosely in a drawer, away from heavy items that could crush cups or dig into the fabric. If you have multiple suits, keep them separate so colours do not transfer. For bikini tops with moulded cups, laying them flat helps them keep their shape until the next wear.
Your 5-step swimwear care routine
- Rinse immediately after every wear: As soon as you leave the pool or beach, rinse your swimsuit in cool fresh water. If you cannot rinse right away, soak it in cool water within a few hours. Common mistake: leaving it damp in a bag, which lets chlorine and bacteria damage the fibres. Checkpoint: the water should run clear, with no slippery feel left on the fabric.
- Hand wash with mild detergent: Fill a sink with cool water and a drop of gentle detergent. Submerge the suit and gently squeeze the suds through it for a minute. Rinse well. Common mistake: using regular laundry detergent, bleach or fabric softener, which can break down elasticity and cause fading. Checkpoint: no soapy residue remains when you squeeze the suit.
- Remove excess water without wringing: Lay the suit flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up, and press gently to blot out water. Never twist or wring the swimsuit. Common mistake: wringing it out like a cloth, which stretches the fabric and can misshape cups or straps. Checkpoint: the suit feels damp, not dripping.
- Dry flat in the shade: Reshape the swimsuit and lay it flat on a drying rack or clean towel in a shaded, airy spot. Turn it over once to help both sides dry. Common mistake: hanging it by the straps or leaving it in direct sun, which can stretch straps and fade colours. Checkpoint: the suit is completely dry before you store it.
- Store loosely and separately: Once fully dry, fold the swimsuit loosely and place it in a drawer or shelf away from heavy items. Keep bikini tops with moulded cups flat so they hold their shape. Common mistake: storing a damp suit in a plastic bag or cramming it under heavy clothing. Next step: rotate between two swimsuits so each one gets a full rest and dry between wears.
Curvy Kate swimwear built to last with proper care
- Curvy Kate Wrapsody Bandeau Strapless Multiway Swimsuit Black: Lightweight mesh wrap panels can be tied and worn in endless ways to create a week’s worth of chic looks. The multiway design means more handling and tying, so gentle washing and flat drying help the wrap panels keep their shape and colour.
- Curvy Kate Jet Set Padded Balcony Bikini Top Black: Foam lined, underwired cups for lift and shape, made with a premium textured fabric that contains recycled fibres and has quick-drying properties. Quick-drying fabric is a bonus, but the foam-lined cups still need to be dried flat and away from heat to avoid distortion.
