4 Easy Tips to Make Your Swimwear Last

So, you searched near and far for the perfect suit, and on one magical day, you finally found it. Woohoo! Pour yourself a Mai Tai and get ready to rule the beach.

When you find the swimsuit of your dreams… it's a forever kind of love. You want a quality suit that looks great, makes you feel comfortable and stands the test of time. So, how can you help keep your teeny-weenie yellow polka dot bikini vibrant for seasons to come? It's as easy as one, two, three… and four.

Lotion, sunscreen, oil, and deodorant are musts for the shore—but harsh on swim fabrics, causing discoloration, permanent staining, and ultimately deteriorating their elasticity. Not to worry! Simply apply these beach day essentials 15 to 30 minutes before you put on your suit so they're absorbed only by your skin.

Hitting the pool? Shower in fresh water with your suit before swimming. Sounds silly, we know—but hear us out. The suit's fibers will absorb less chlorine. If the chlorine content of your pool or hot tub is too high, both spandex and dyes can break down. It's also smart to dedicate a single suit to hot tub use, as high temps and chlorine age swim fabrics quickly.

And if you really want to seal the deal… soak a new suit for 30 minutes in a vinegar-and-water solution before the first wash to lock in dyes. Use one tablespoon of white vinegar for each quart of water.

Show your suit a little TLC by hand washing it after use. Even if you've only been sunbathing, it's important to hand wash your suit with an ultra-gentle detergent or swim cleaning product in cold water to remove salt, oils, and dirt. If no detergent is handy, a cold rinse is better than nothing!

And promise us… you won't put your swimwear in the washing machine. It's convenient and tempting; we get it. But the agitation will stretch, strain, and break down the delicate pads and linings, leaving it ill-fitting and no longer your trusty number one.

Additionally, wringing will also damage your suit's fibers, so lay it flat between two towels and roll it, pressing gently to squeeze out water. To dry, lay it flat (don't hang it from ties) away from direct sunlight. We promise this will make your suit oh, so happy!

Nearly all swimsuits are made with… you guessed it—Spandex! Spandex is a memory fabric and needs 24 hours to fully snap back. So, if you're swinging by the summer beach bash on Friday and going for a dip in your pool on Saturday, it's safe to say you'll need multiple swimwear options.

This is especially true for vacationing: bring a variety of swimsuits along so you can properly clean and dry them fully before wearing them again. Spandex bounce-back ensures a great, lasting fit. Plus, mixing & matching can be a fun way to tap into your personal style!

Time to put your suit away for another day… Your swimwear is ready for storage once it's been washed and completely dry. It's not recommended to keep swimsuits in airtight containers or dry cleaners' bags because mildew will develop if there's any moisture in the fibers.

So, what's a girl to do? Opt for cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your storage box or drawer for an effective alternative to safely store your swimwear while adding a subtle, natural scent.

We hope that you and your dream suit live happily ever after. In need of more swimwear essentials? Shop our latest and greatest swim styles.