How to Care for Your Swimwear: A Complete Guide to Making It Last
How do you keep your swimsuit looking new all summer? The secret is simple: rinse it in cold water immediately after every wear, hand wash with a gentle detergent, and always lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight. The right care routine can double the life of even the most delicate bikini or one-piece.
Most of us do not think twice about tossing a swimsuit in the washing machine or leaving it balled up in a beach bag. But chlorine, salt water, sunscreen oils, and heat are the fastest way to break down the spandex and elastane fibers that give swimwear its shape and support. Whether you invested in the Harriet High Waist Patchwork Bikini or the Velvet One Piece Swimsuit, a few small habits make a real difference in how long your favorite pieces stay vibrant and well fitted.
Your Complete Swimwear Care Guide: How to Wash, Dry, and Store Your Suits
Great swimwear deserves great care. This swimwear care guide covers everything you need to know, from the daily rinse that takes ten seconds to the storage habits that keep your suits ready for next season. Follow these steps and your Be Juliet bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups will keep their color, stretch, and structure through countless beach days.
Why Proper Swimwear Care Matters
Swimwear is made from delicate synthetic blends, typically nylon, spandex, polyester, and elastane, that are engineered for stretch and recovery. These fibers are surprisingly vulnerable to the elements you encounter most at the beach or pool. Chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that breaks down elastane bonds, causing your suit to lose its snap. Salt water crystallizes inside the fabric and dries out the fibers. Sunscreen, while essential for your skin, contains oils and chemical filters that can discolor and degrade swimwear fabric over time.
Even heat from the sun or a dryer damages the elastic fibers permanently. The Elle feature on luxury swimwear care highlights how delicate these fabrics can be, noting that some designer swimsuits come with dry-clean-only labels because the materials are so refined. The good news is that with the right at-home routine, you can keep your Be Juliet swimwear looking beautiful without any special treatment.
Every piece in our collection, from the Lilo Patchwork Bikini to the Snake Cutout Monokini, is made with quality fibers that reward consistent care. The steps below work for every style, whether you favor a classic one-piece or a trendy patchwork set.
Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Every Wear
This one habit does more for your swimsuit's longevity than anything else. The moment you take off your swimsuit, whether you have been in the ocean, a chlorinated pool, or just lounging in the sun, rinse it thoroughly with cold running water. Chlorine and salt water continue to damage the fabric as long as they stay in contact with it. A quick rinse in the shower or under a tap removes the majority of these harmful residues before they have a chance to set in.
Pay extra attention to the areas where sunscreen tends to build up, around the straps, neckline, and waistband. Gently rub the fabric between your hands under the water to help release any oils or lotions. For the Maisy Crochet Cover Up, which features open knit details, a gentle rinse followed by a soft squeeze is all it needs to stay fresh.
Step 2: Hand Wash With a Gentle Detergent
Machine washing is the fastest way to stretch out elastic fibers and fade colors. Always hand wash your swimwear in cool water with a mild detergent. Avoid regular laundry detergent, which often contains bleach, brighteners, and enzymes that can damage spandex. Look for a gentle soap specifically designed for delicates, or a small amount of baby shampoo works well too.
Fill a sink or basin with cool water, add a teaspoon of gentle detergent, and submerge your swimsuit. Swish it gently for two to three minutes. Do not scrub, wring, or twist the fabric. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes if the suit needs extra care, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is gone. This method works beautifully for every style in our collection, from the Shirah One Piece Retro Swimsuit to the Harriet High Waist Patchwork Bikini.
5 Essential Swimwear Care Tips
- Skip the dryer entirely. Heat destroys elasticity. After washing, lay your swimsuit flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up to press out excess water, then unroll and lay the suit flat to air dry. Never hang a wet swimsuit because the weight of the water stretches out the fabric.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight. UV rays fade colors and weaken fibers. Dry your swimsuit indoors or in the shade. If you must dry it outside, drape a light towel over it to block the sun.
- Rotate between suits. Wearing the same swimsuit two days in a row does not give the elastic fibers enough time to recover. Having at least two or three pieces in rotation, like alternating between the Harriet High Waist Patchwork Bikini and the Velvet One Piece Swimsuit, extends the life of each one.
- Avoid sitting on rough surfaces. Concrete pool edges, stone ledges, and wooden decking can snag or pill the delicate fabric. Always sit on a towel when possible.
- Store your swimsuit flat or loosely folded. Never ball it up in a drawer or beach bag. Fold it gently or lay it flat in a drawer away from humidity and heat.
What Our Customers Say
Our community tells us that proper care makes a visible difference. Be Juliet swimwear is designed to hold its shape and color season after season, and our customers confirm it. Read reviews from real customers who share their own care routines and styling tips. When you treat your swimwear with care, it rewards you with countless sunny days.
Plus, every Be Juliet order comes with free shipping and easy returns, so you can shop with confidence. If a style does not fit or feel right, contact our team and we will make it right.
Explore the Full Swim Collection
Ready to refresh your swimwear lineup? Browse our complete swimwear collection to find your next favorite bikini, one-piece, or cover-up. And do not forget to check our fit guide for sizing tips before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I machine wash my swimsuit?
We recommend hand washing only. Machine washing, even on a delicate cycle, creates too much agitation and can stretch out the elastic fibers. If you absolutely must use a machine, place your swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag and use the coldest, gentlest cycle with no spin.
How often should I wash my swimsuit?
Rinse your swimsuit after every wear, even if you did not get in the water, because sunscreen and sweat still affect the fabric. A full hand wash with soap is recommended after every two to three wears, or immediately if you have been in a heavily chlorinated pool.
Does salt water damage swimwear?
Yes. Salt water crystallizes as it dries, which can weaken the fibers and cause fading. Always rinse your swimsuit in fresh cold water immediately after a day at the beach.
Why does my swimsuit smell even after washing?
Bacteria can build up in the fabric if your suit is not dried properly after each wear. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to your rinse water to neutralize odors, and always make sure your swimsuit is completely dry before storing it.
How long should a swimsuit last?
With proper care, a quality swimsuit should last one to two seasons of regular wear. Rotating between multiple suits and following the care tips above will help you get the most out of every piece.