How To Wash Swimwear So It Lasts

Noticing color fade or a looser fit? It’s often a sign your bikini isn’t being washed or cared for correctly (yes it’s you, not me). 

Being able to re-wear your swimwear and rotate between colors is the true Color experience. It’s why we exist and what we set out to do

We’ve heard from so many of you that you’ve worn your sets to absolute death, and we love that. But swimwear fabrics are unique and very different to your everyday basics. This care guide is here to help you get the most out of your swimwear (because if you’re wearing it every week for three years… you can do the cost-per-wear maths).

What actually damages your gorgeous bikinis?

• Salt, chlorine, sunscreen, other lotions (yes, I’m looking at that Carroten you love) and heat… so… everything at the beach and by the pool essentially
• Stretching your swim when it’s wet
• The time it enjoys being unwashed after swimming (don’t act like you don’t do this)

So washing your bikinis properly isn’t just to maintain their gorgeousness, it’s also for damage control. Ok, let’s get into it shall we.

Here is our guide to washing your swimwear

Hand washing your bikinis (safest option)

Hand washing your bikinis is the safest option, and what we would recommend (not that we don’t have full faith in you). Yes, you can machine wash swimwear, but it often goes terribly wrong. Treat your swimwear like your delicates, because it is.

Throwing bikinis in the wash breaks down the elasticity that gives them stretch and recovery. That’s what causes them to feel baggy and saggy over time.

Even on a gentle cycle, machines spin, twist, pull and stretch swimwear in ways your hands won’t. Over time you might notice seams loosen, straps stretch, threads pull, pilling form and fabric thin, essentially, your shape starts to go. Spin drying adds to all of this.

It doesn’t ruin your swimwear instantly. It just accelerates wear and tear. The damage is subtle at first, but it builds with every wash.

Use cold water only

When you do hand wash your swim, use cold water only. Heat can break down your elastane and recycled fibres, which is exactly what a lot of your Color Swimwear is made from.

Use a gentle detergent 

Use a gentle liquid detergent made for delicates, something mild and pH-neutral. You can pick one up at your local supermarket like Woolworths, or from brands like Bondi Wash or Leif (we love theirs, not sponsored).

The point is this, delicates wash is easy to find, usually affordable, and worth it if you want more wear and longevity out of your swimwear. And no, this is not the same as fabric softener, please avoid softener at all costs. It weakens the fibres and kills stretch.

Common mistakes (not to call anyone out…)

• Letting your swimwear sit wet in your bag for longer than you could have
• Wringing and twisting your swim to get the water out
• Hanging your swimwear by its straps to dry in your bathroom
• Washing your swimwear mixed in with towels, denim and other stuff

Remember, the fifth step is acceptance.

How to dry wet swimwear 

So at this point you might be asking, well how on earth do I dry wet swimwear without hanging it… Simple, lay it flat to dry in the shade. No dryers, no pegs, no nothing.

Gravity matters when fabric is wet. When you’re hanging your swimwear, it’s heavy and it can stretch under its own weight. This leads to straps and ties lengthening, which is why over time you start to feel like your swimwear tops aren’t as supportive as they once were.

It also means it’ll hang and dry unevenly, so certain areas stay wetter for longer. Which is why you might notice texture changes once it’s dry.

Storing your swimwear

Fast forward to your swimwear now being dry. Store it flat, avoid hanging it, and store it separate from other rough fabrics or hardware.

A quick note on our fabrics

Our swimwear is made from a blend of recycled nylon and elastane, which gives it good stretch and recovery, a soft feel, and a smooth finish. Most of our styles are also double lined, which helps with opacity, especially in lighter colours like white or baby pink, so they’re less likely to be see-through when wet.

Double lining also improves durability because the stress of wear is shared between two layers. That means these pieces tend to hold up better to misuse than single-layer styles… but that doesn’t excuse you from the care we’ve just talked about!

Even good fabric is sensitive to heat and over-washing. Double lined swimwear can trap warmth, chlorine and salt between the layers if you don’t rinse it properly, and that speeds up wear. It also stays wet for longer, and wet elastane is weaker elastane, especially if you hang it to dry or leave it bunched up in a towel.

So to recap

1. Rinse in cold water straight after wear
2. Hand wash only with a gentle delicates detergent
3. No machine wash, no dryer, no fabric softener
4. Do not wring, twist or pull
5. Lay flat to dry in shade (never hang when wet)
6. Store flat, away from rough fabrics or hardware

Swimwear should last more than one summer and we’re confident you’ll experience that with Color Swimwear. Getting the most out of it comes down to building good care habits, and making sure your cost per wear stays low.

FAQs

Can I wash swimwear in the washing machine?

We would strongly recommend against washing your swimwear in the washing machine. Stick to hand washing with cold water.

Can I use shampoo or body wash to wash a bikini?

No. Use a gentle liquid detergent made for delicates or activewear. Something mild, pH-neutral.

Why does swimwear go baggy/loose?

Swimwear goes baggy when elastane fibres are weakened by heat, chlorine, salt and rough washing, causing the fabric to lose its ability to stretch and snap back into shape.

Should you wash your swimwear after every wear?

Yes if it’s been in salt or chlorine and remember, rinsing is not washing. And wearing it just to lie in the sun still counts.