Good swimwear and underwear should last you more than a season. The fastest way to wreck them? Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, a hot dryer and a dose of fabric softener. Here's how to keep your nylon and spandex pieces fitting like new for longer.
Always check the care label on your garment first. The tips below are general guidance for nylon and spandex/elastane fabrics.
Swimwear: after every swim
Rinse straight away
Chlorine and salt water slowly break down elastane, the stretchy fibre that gives swimwear its snap. Rinse your swim briefs in cool, fresh water as soon as you can after swimming, even if it's just under the beach shower.
Don't leave them balled up in your bag
A wet pair sitting in a hot bag all afternoon is bad news for fabric and colour. Lay them out or hang them as soon as you get home.
Watch the sunscreen
Sunscreen and oils can mark light colours and wear down fabric over time. Let sunscreen soak in before you put your swimwear on.
Mind the rough surfaces
Pool edges, rocks and concrete are abrasive and can pill the fabric. Sit on a towel.
Washing swimwear and underwear
- Wash cold. Hot water weakens elastane and fades colour.
- Hand wash or use a gentle cycle, ideally in a mesh laundry bag so nothing snags.
- Use a mild detergent, and skip bleach.
- Skip the fabric softener. It coats the fibres and reduces stretch and breathability.
- Wash darks together. Wine, navy and black are best washed with similar colours, especially for the first few washes.
Drying
- Never tumble dry. Heat is the number one killer of stretch fabrics.
- Dry flat or hang in the shade. Strong direct sun can fade colours over time.
- Don't wring them out hard. Gently squeeze or roll them in a towel.
Rotate your pairs
Elastane needs time to recover between wears. Rotating several pairs instead of wearing the same one every day helps each one keep its shape for longer. That's also why multipacks make sense: the Speedo Summer 3-Pack means there's always a dry pair for the next swim, and the Compression Brief 5-Pack covers a full week.
FAQ
Can I put swimwear in the washing machine?
Usually yes, on a cold, gentle cycle in a mesh bag. Check the care label, and avoid hot water and the dryer.
Why has my swimwear gone baggy?
Usually chlorine, heat or not rinsing after a swim. All three break down elastane over time.
How often should I replace my underwear?
When the waistband loses its grip or the fabric stops springing back. Good care and a decent rotation will stretch that out considerably.
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