Whether you’re heading to the beach, taking a dip in the pool, or wearing your swimsuit as daywear, the best way to extend the life of your bathing suit is to wash it after you wear it. But how do you properly wash your swimwear? 

While it’s easy to throw it in the washer and dryer, we don’t recommend that. Instead, hand washing your swimsuit with cold water and letting it air dry will help extend the life of your artisanal apparel and keep the colors vibrant. 

Follow these simple instructions to keep your swimwear looking its best, so you can enjoy wearing it all summer long and beyond. 

|| Rinse the chlorine + saltwater ||

Traveling to your dream destination? Planning an escape to the beach? A flattering one-piece or bikini is the perfect travel essential. Bromelia swimsuits are made from fabric with built-in 50+ UV protection, making them the ideal travel accessory. 

The sun, sea, and chlorine can take a toll on your bathing suits. After sunbathing on your favorite beach or swimming in the resort pool, try to get in the habit of immediately rinsing your swimwear in cold water as soon as you’re done wearing it. 

|| Hand wash cold & air dry in the shade ||

Whether you’re in a hotel room or at home, here’s how to gently wash your swimwear. 

• Fill the sink or a small tub with cold water. 
• Rinse your bathing suit to remove any sand, chlorine, or sunscreen. 
• Use mild soap without any fragrance to prevent fading. Regular detergents may be too harsh for your kinis. 
• Let your swimwear soak for a few minutes. 
• Once you’re ready to rinse, avoid wringing out your suits. Gently squeeze out any excess water or use a towel to soak it up. 
• Lay your swimsuits flat to air dry in the shade. 

If you’re on the go and don’t have time to clean your swimwear properly, rinse it with fresh water as soon as you can. Use an outdoor shower at the beach to give your suit a good rinse, and lay it on a towel to dry. 

Whatever you do, don’t stuff a wet unwashed bikini at the bottom of your beach bag or your laundry. 

|| Avoid lotion, oil & sunscreen ||

While we’re all about being smart about sun protection, there is nothing more annoying than getting a stain on your new swimsuit. Avoid wearing lotion, oils, and sunscreen too close to your swimsuit. While sunscreen sprays may be convenient, you won’t be able to see exactly where those droplets are landing. 

If you happen to get a stain on your swimmers, add a dash of baking soda to a basin filled with cool water and let your bathing suit soak for a few minutes before rinsing it out. 

|| Do not machine wash or tumble dry ||

For optimal care and longevity for your Bromelia swimwear, hand wash your suit and air dry after every use. In general, using a washing machine can cause your swimwear to stretch and fade over time. Nobody wants that! The heat from a dryer is also too harsh and unnecessary. 

If you’re worried about your swimsuits not drying in time, invest in a few quality, ethical one-pieces, and bikinis that you can style in different ways. Swimwear won’t take up a lot of space in your bag, so you don’t have to feel guilty about bringing 1 or 2 with you wherever you go. Pair your favorite pieces with cute cutoff shorts, linen pants, or a maxi dress to elevate the look of any outfit. 

About the author || Alejandra Cerball is an award-winning journalist, writer, and editor of alexcerball.com, a Travel + Lifestyle online destination filled with compelling and honest travel tips + resources. On her blog, Alex shares inspiration for your bucket list, travel + adventure itineraries, and style guides to help you pack for your next trip. Photos by: Marianna Massey