The 7 Things You Need To Know To Make Your Swimsuit Last

swimsuits

Swimming is one of those activities that requires special equipment even if you only do it once a year. Itโ€™s like skiing in that way. Even if you only go skiing once, youโ€™ll still need to find some snow gear, skis, and poles to use! But swimming is a bit more forgiving than skiing in that you really only need one thing to do it: a swimsuit.

And I don’t know about you, but when I find a swimsuit I actually like (no easy feat to be sure!) I want to hold on to it for as long as I can! Unfortunately, swimsuits are one of the most tricky pieces of clothing to take care of. So tricky, in fact, that many of us end up replacing our swimsuits annually (or even more frequently) because of damage or wear. But no more, I say! :-) This year is going to be different, because Iโ€™m determined to make my brand new swimsuit last as long as it possibly can.

Related: These 20 Brilliant Hacks Will Help You Get The Most Out Of Summer

I recently did some research and came up with 7 easy tips for taking care of swimwear, and Iโ€™ll be sharing those tips with you in todayโ€™s post! With the help of these tips, you can enjoy as much pool or beach time as possible this summer, and know that your favorite suit is going to keep looking great for months and months to come!

7 Easy Ways To Make Your Swimsuit Last Longer

swimsuits

1. Have More Than One

Rather than wearing one swimsuit all summer long, it helps to own at least two. The benefit to having more than one swimsuit is that you can alternate wearing them. If both suits are only being worn half the time, theyโ€™ll both last longer because of it!

swimsuits

2. Rinse Off Before Swimming

After you put your swimsuit on (but before you hop in the pool or ocean), rinse off in the shower and make sure to soak your suit. If you soak your swimsuit with clean water first, it will absorb less of the chlorinated water or salt water while youโ€™re swimming.

swimsuits

3. Rinse Off After Swimming

Then when youโ€™re done swimming for the day, hop back in the shower with your swimsuit. While youโ€™re washing the chlorine or salt off your skin, use the same soap or your own natural body wash to give your swimsuit a quick scrub. Rinse it well and let it air dry.

swimsuits

4. Wash It Like A Bra

Just like a delicate bra wonโ€™t fare well in a typical washing machine cycle, neither with a swimsuit. Taking the time to hand-wash your swimsuit will lengthen its lifespan considerably, and itโ€™s actually pretty quick and easy to do!

For step-by-step instructions on hand-washing your swimsuit, simply follow the same instructions I provided for hand-washing bras at the link below! :-)

Related: How To Wash Your Bras If You Want Them To Last

swimsuits

5. Dry Carefully

The safest way to dry a swimsuit is to lay it out flat, either indoors or in the shade, and allow it to air dry completely.

Here are a few โ€œdonโ€™tsโ€ to keep in mind when it comes to drying a swimsuit:

  • Donโ€™t hang it up to dry, or the weight of the water could stretch it out of shape.
  • Donโ€™t dry it in a dryer, or small tears could develop in the fabric
  • And donโ€™t dry it in the sun, or the sun could bleach the material and damage the elastic.
swimsuits

6. Beware Of Hot Tubs

Hot water and chlorine can both be hard on swimwear. But put them both together, and itโ€™s no wonder that a few hot tub soaks can be enough to ruin a nice swimsuit! Just make sure to wear your least favorite suit when you have hot tub plans.

swimsuits

7. Use Special Cleansers

If youโ€™re spending a lot of time in chlorinated pools, you may want to consider investing in a chlorine neutralizer like Summer Solutions. This special cleanser helps neutralize and remove chlorine from your swimsuits, which will help minimize damage and keep your suit looking nicer, longer!

Are you planning to do any swimming this summer?

Read This Next


Jill Nystul Photo

Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

MORE IDEAS FROM

Homekeeping Tips

Leave a Comment

7 Comments

  1. No 2, showering before entering a pool also protects your hair in the same way, soaking with fresh water means less chlorine absorption. I hand wash swimsuits in lukewarm water with non bio wash liquid, never have chlorine smell lingering. Would avoid washing with same products as I wash my skin with, manufacturers donโ€™t recommend using these on swimsuit fabric.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  2. Any helpful hints for removing chlorine smell? I’ve soaked my suit in diluted vinegar/water solution overnight then set it out to dry. Might be my mind playing tricks, but I don’t detect such an overwhelming chlorine smell this way.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  3. Also, avoid using the water extractor machine at the gym. It stretches out the elastic quite rapidly.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  4. Great tips Jill, thank you!! Swimsuits cost a fortune so this really helps

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  5. I live in Florida, so I swim in the Gulf or pool usually daily even 2x a day.. I like this part of living in Florida.
    After swimming I wear my suit in to the shower and wash my hair and suit at the same time. I usually strip it off and hang the wrung out suit on the shower handle. I’ll try hanging it to dry , hence forth. I usually have 3-5 suits thst I exchange daily. Thanks for the info. I enjoy getting OGT every day/

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  6. Great tips! Thank you!
    Any tips on making your beach/pool towels last longer?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.

Leave a Comment

7 Comments

  1. No 2, showering before entering a pool also protects your hair in the same way, soaking with fresh water means less chlorine absorption. I hand wash swimsuits in lukewarm water with non bio wash liquid, never have chlorine smell lingering. Would avoid washing with same products as I wash my skin with, manufacturers donโ€™t recommend using these on swimsuit fabric.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  2. Any helpful hints for removing chlorine smell? I’ve soaked my suit in diluted vinegar/water solution overnight then set it out to dry. Might be my mind playing tricks, but I don’t detect such an overwhelming chlorine smell this way.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  3. Also, avoid using the water extractor machine at the gym. It stretches out the elastic quite rapidly.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  4. Great tips Jill, thank you!! Swimsuits cost a fortune so this really helps

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  5. I live in Florida, so I swim in the Gulf or pool usually daily even 2x a day.. I like this part of living in Florida.
    After swimming I wear my suit in to the shower and wash my hair and suit at the same time. I usually strip it off and hang the wrung out suit on the shower handle. I’ll try hanging it to dry , hence forth. I usually have 3-5 suits thst I exchange daily. Thanks for the info. I enjoy getting OGT every day/

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  6. Great tips! Thank you!
    Any tips on making your beach/pool towels last longer?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.