9 Genius Ways to Make Your Swimsuit Last Longer

Ever dreamed of making your favorite swimsuit last as long as those endless summer days? While a quality swimsuit might feel like a splurge, treating it right can transform it from a seasonal fling into a lasting relationship, saving both your wallet and our planet from unnecessary waste.

Every swimsuit that stays out of the landfill is a win for the environment, and every extra season you get from your favorite piece is money well saved. Ready to become a swimwear care expert? Let's dive into 9 genius tricks that will keep your suits looking fresh and fabulous for countless beach days ahead!

9 Ways to Make My Swimsuit Last Longer

1. Rinse Immediately After Every Use

The most crucial step in swimsuit care happens right after you leave the water. Immediately rinse your suit in cool, clean water to wash away three major threats: salt, chlorine, and sunscreen residue. These chemicals are silent destroyers that break down fabric fibers and destroy elasticity within hours of exposure.

Don't just throw it in your beach bag, take those extra two minutes to thoroughly squeeze (never wring!) the fabric under running water until it runs clear. Focus especially on the seams and areas with heavy sunscreen contact. Without this essential rinse, those harsh chemicals will continue their damage, leading to faded colors, stretched-out fabric, and irreversible deterioration that can cut your swimsuit's lifespan in half!

2. Hand Wash with Care

Your washing machine is a swimsuit's worst nightmare. The aggressive agitation and spinning can brutally stretch fibers, snap delicate straps, and destroy elastic in a single wash cycle. Instead, pamper your suit with a gentle hand wash that'll keep it in perfect shape.

Fill your sink with cool water and add a capful of mild detergent specifically made for delicates or swimwear, regular detergents are too harsh and can leave a residue that attracts bacteria. Gently swish your suit around for 3-5 minutes, paying special attention to heavily soiled areas. For a deeper clean, let it soak for 15-30 minutes.

The final steps are crucial, rinse thoroughly until the water runs completely clear (leftover soap can damage the fabric), then gently squeeze out excess water. Lay your suit flat between two clean towels, roll them up like a beach mat, and press gently to remove moisture. Finally, lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight, never hang by the straps as this can cause stretching!

3. Never Wring or Twist Your Swimsuit

The intense pressure from these aggressive motions permanently damages the fabric's structure, causing stretched-out spots and misshapen areas that will never bounce back to their original form.

The right technique? Gently press your suit between your hands to remove excess water. For the most effective and safe drying method, lay your suit flat on a clean, white towel, roll it up like a sleeping bag, and press gently to absorb water. Then, lay it flat on a fresh towel in a shaded spot to air dry naturally.

Alternative quick-dry methods include laying the suit flat on a mesh drying rack for better airflow, or placing it between two dry towels and pressing gently. Just remember, rushing the drying process with harsh wringing or (gasp!) The dryer will only lead to a stretched-out, saggy suit that's destined for the trash bin.

4. Rotate Between Multiple Suits

Wearing the same suit day after day forces these fibers to stay stretched, permanently weakening their recovery power and leading to a saggy, ill-fitting garment. Create a smart rotation system with at least 2-3 suits. 

While one suit is in action, the others get a full 24-hour recovery period, allowing the elastic fibers to fully retract and regain their strength. This rotation method means each suit springs back to its original shape, maintaining that perfect fit you loved on day one.

Sure, investing in multiple suits might seem expensive initially, but do the math: three suits rotated properly can last three times longer than a single overworked suit. Plus, you'll avoid that awkward moment of having to wear a still-damp suit from yesterday's swim.

5. Avoid Rough Surfaces

Concrete pool edges, rough wooden decks, and grainy sand might seem harmless, but they're actually brutal fabric shredders that can snag, tear, and pill your swimsuit in seconds. Even the seemingly smooth pool bottom can act like sandpaper against delicate swimwear fabric.

Always place a towel down before sitting on any rough surface – it's your swimsuit's protective barrier. When lounging poolside, avoid dragging or sliding across concrete edges, and be extra cautious with textured pool chairs that can catch and pull at the fabric. At the beach, quickly rinse off the sand that gets stuck to your suit, as these tiny particles can work like microscopic scissors against the fibers.

A quick visual check of where you're about to sit or lean can save your suit from unnecessary damage and embarrassing snags. When in doubt, always put something between your suit and any questionable surface!

6. Store Properly Between Uses

The right storage can make or break your swimsuit's lifespan. Between uses, store your completely dry swimsuit flat in a cool, dark drawer away from direct sunlight. Cramming it into a tight space or hanging it by its straps forces the fabric to stretch and can leave permanent creases or distortions.

Avoid damp environments like bathrooms or wet beach bags at all costs, these breeding grounds for mildew and bacteria can leave your suit with funky odors and weakened fabric. Never store a damp suit in a plastic bag, which traps moisture and can lead to gross mildew growth. Instead, use a breathable mesh bag if you need to transport it.

For off-season storage, clean your suits thoroughly with a gentle hand wash, ensure they're completely dry, and lay them flat in a breathable drawer or storage box. Add a sachet of lavender or cedar to keep bugs away naturally. Skip the vacuum-sealed bags, they can crush delicate padding and create permanent wrinkles that ruin your suit's shape for next season.

7. Apply Sunscreen Before Dressing

Sunscreen contains ingredients that can permanently discolor your suit, especially in areas where the sunscreen concentration is highest, like straps and waistbands.

Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before putting on your swimsuit, giving it enough time to fully absorb into your skin. This crucial waiting period ensures the product bonds with your skin rather than transferring to your suit. For touch-ups while wearing your suit, use your hands to carefully apply sunscreen around the edges of the fabric, avoiding direct contact with the material.

For extra protection without risking damage to your suit, consider wearing a UV-protective cover-up or rash guard in addition to sunscreen. These specialized garments shield both your skin and swimsuit from harmful rays while providing an extra layer of defense against sunscreen stains. When possible, seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize the need for excess sunscreen application.

8. Choose the Right Size

A too-tight swimsuit stretches fibers beyond their limits, causing permanent damage and misshapen areas after just a few wears. The constant strain breaks down elastic bands, creates unsightly bulges, and weakens seams that can lead to embarrassing tears or rips when you least expect them.

If you're constantly adjusting your suit or notice the color looking lighter in overstretched spots, these are clear signals you need to size up. Proper sizing dramatically extends your swimsuit's life by allowing fibers to maintain their natural tension. When your suit fits correctly, the fabric can do its job without being overstressed, the elastic maintains its bounce-back ability, and the overall structure stays intact longer. 

9. Use Specialized Products

Regular laundry detergents are packed with harsh chemicals that strip away swimsuit fibers and fade colors rapidly. Instead, invest in swimwear-specific detergents that are specially formulated to protect delicate fabrics while effectively removing chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residue.

Specific fabric conditioners designed for swimwear can help maintain elasticity and protect against chlorine damage. Look for products containing ingredients like vitamin E or lanolin, which help preserve the fabric's stretch. However, skip fabric softeners entirely,  these leave a coating that traps bacteria and actually speeds up fabric breakdown.

Stay away from these swimsuit killers, bleach, regular detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers with harsh chemicals. Also avoid any products containing alcohol, which can break down stretchy fibers. If you're dealing with a tough stain, always test any cleaning product on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won't cause damage or discoloration.

Conclusion

Taking proper care of your swimsuit isn't just about protecting your investment – it's about creating a lasting impact. By following these simple care techniques, from immediate rinsing to proper storage, you're not just extending your swimsuit's life but also reducing fashion waste in our landfills.

Remember, a well-maintained swimsuit can last longer for multiple seasons, saving you money while helping the environment. With these care tips in your arsenal, you're ready to keep your favorite suits looking fabulous for countless beach days ahead!

Our Oceanus swimwear combines luxury with longevity in every stitch. Built to outlast typical swimsuits while maintaining their flawless fit, our pieces are your perfect companions for endless beach days. From vibrant prints to sleek designs, each piece reflects our commitment to quality and sustainable style.