How to Wash Swimwear: Make Your Suit Last All Season

Quick answer

Rinse your swimwear in cool water immediately after every swim, then hand wash with a mild detergent and lay flat to dry away from direct sun. Skip the washing machine, dryer, and hot water—those are the fastest ways to fade color, stretch elastic, and shorten a suit's life.

Why the first 10 minutes after a swim matter most

Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen break down swim fabric from the moment you get out of the water. The longer they sit, the more they attack the fibers and elastic. A quick cool-water rinse before you leave the pool or beach removes most of the residue and costs almost nothing in time. If you can't rinse right away, at least wrap the suit in a towel and rinse as soon as you get home—don't leave it balled up in a wet bag overnight.

The right way to hand wash (and why it beats the machine)

Fill a sink or basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent—baby shampoo or a dedicated swimwear wash works well. Submerge the suit and gently squeeze the water through the fabric with your hands. Never scrub, wring, or twist; that's how seams stretch and linings bunch. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse until the water runs clear. If you must use a machine, put the suit in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle with cold water, but hand washing is still the safer default for anything with a cutout, lining, or elastic waistband.

Drying rules that prevent stretching and fading

Lay the suit flat on a clean towel or drying rack, reshaping it to its original form. Hang drying by the straps can stretch them out, and direct sunlight fades color over time. Keep it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Never put swimwear in a dryer—heat damages elastic and can cause pilling or shrinkage. If the suit is still damp when you pack it, let it air out completely before storing to avoid mildew.

What to avoid if you want the suit to last

Hot tubs and heavily chlorinated pools are hard on any swim fabric, so rinse extra thoroughly after those. Avoid fabric softener and bleach, which break down elasticity and can leave a residue that traps odors. Don't leave a wet suit in a plastic bag or a hot car. Rotate between two suits if you swim often—giving each one a full day to dry and recover extends its life noticeably.

How TomboyX swim pieces fit into this routine

TomboyX swimwear is built with recycled fabrics and features like UPF 50 and chlorine/saltwater resistance, but that doesn't mean it's invincible. The same rinse-and-hand-wash routine applies. For pull-on styles like the board shorts or the Solarmesh top, pay extra attention to the elastic waistband and any cutout edges—those are the spots most likely to lose shape if they sit in chlorinated water. A little care keeps the fit and color intact season after season.

Your 5-step swimwear care routine

1. Rinse immediately after swimming: Use cool water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set into the fabric. Checkpoint: if you can't rinse right away, at least don't leave the suit in a sealed bag.
2. Hand wash with a gentle detergent: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild soap. Gently squeeze the water through the suit—never scrub or wring. Common mistake: using hot water or regular laundry detergent, which can strip colors and damage elastic.
3. Rinse until water runs clear: Remove all soap residue to prevent buildup that can irritate skin or dull the fabric. Checkpoint: no slippery feel left on the fabric.
4. Lay flat to dry in the shade: Reshape the suit and place it on a towel or drying rack away from direct sun and heat. Common mistake: hanging by straps or using a dryer—both cause stretching and fading.
5. Store only when completely dry: Once dry, fold and store in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage. Next step: if you swim daily, rotate two suits to give each one time to recover.

Product care notes

• Swim 7" Pull-On Board Shorts Light Weight - Marine Mosaic: Unlined pull-on board shorts with a fully elastic waistband, no closures, zippers, or hardware. Made from 90% recycled polyester and 10% spandex, with UPF 50 and chlorine/saltwater resistance. The elastic waistband is the most vulnerable part—rinse it well and avoid high heat to keep it from losing stretch. No hardware means no metal to corrode, but the fabric still needs a fresh-water rinse after every swim.
• Swim Solarmesh Peekaboo Top: Fully-lined pull-on swim top with a front cutout, light support, and internal pockets. Made with recycled materials and designed for a secure fit. The cutout edges and lining can trap chlorine and sunscreen, so rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry to prevent the lining from twisting or the edges from curling.