How to Wash Swimsuits: an Experts' Guide to Swimwear Care
SWIMSUITS
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
When washing your favourite swimsuit, there are a few things you can do to make sure it always stays beautiful. We have gathered our experts’ tips on how to care for it right, so that you can dive in with complete peace of mind.
Application of
greasy substances
Exposure to
UVA and UVB rays
Sweat
The use of pool and spa maintenance products
Water temperature:
the higher it is, the more it damages fibers
Saltwater
Application of greasy substances
Exposure to
UVA and UVB rays
Sweat
The use of pool and spa maintenance products
Water temperature:
the higher it is, the more it damages fibers
Saltwater
WHY PROPER CARE IS ESSENTIAL
Often made of elastane, swimsuits are very sensitive to heat, regular wash cycles, and harsh detergents. Improper care can not only cause them to lose colour and elasticity but also degrade their fibers.
Plus, harmful residues like chlorine, sea salt, and sunscreen are known to compromise their lifespan. To ensure your swimsuit holds up through many pool and beach days, you must give it the attention it deserves.
WASHING A SWIMSUIT BY HAND (RECOMMENDED)
Want your swimsuit to stay in perfect condition? Hand-washing is the way to go! All you need to do is follow these 5 easy steps to preserve its flawless appeal, season after season.
This will help wash away the damaging residues listed above before they can set into your swimsuit.
Fill your sink or bathtub with lukewarm water (important!) and let your swimsuit soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Colours might fade slightly.
Add 1 teaspoon of mild detergent and gently massage to create a lather, making sure to work it into the fabric.
The Splash detergent is perfectly suited because it washes gently.
For tough stains, apply a small amount of dish soap or a stain remover for delicate fabrics, and let it sit if needed. Find it in store
To prevent skin irritation, run your swimsuit under water until no soap or detergent is left.
Here’s a tip: roll up your swimsuit in a clean, dry towel and gently press to squeeze out excess water.
CAN WE MACHINE-WASH A SWIMSUIT?
Between work, family, and routine, finding time to hand-wash can be tough. While not the most recommended method, it is possible to machine-wash your swimsuit if you take a few precautions.
- Before putting a swimsuit in the machine, place it in a mesh wash bag.
- Use only a small amount of mild soap (no bleach or fabric softener).
- Choose the most delicate cycle and wash in cold water.
- At the end of the cycle, take out your swimsuit right away.
- Don’t put it in the drying machine; it is a swimsuit’s worst enemy!
IS IT OKAY TO MACHINE-DRY A SWIMSUIT?
When you reach the drying step, never, ever put your swimsuit in the machine! As previously mentioned, heat can damage the elastic fibers in the fabric, causing it to lose its stretch and shape.
Instead, lay it flat to dry to prevent any stretching and keep it out of direct sunlight, which will avoid colours from fading. Once it’s completely dry, then you can store it away.
OTHER GENERAL TIPS
1
Do not leave your wet or damp swimsuit lying around
As soon as you’re back home, remove your swimsuit or take it out of your bag to rinse it. This will prevent any damage or unpleasant smell.
2
Apply your sunscreen before putting on your swimsuit
If possible, apply sunscreen or other cosmetics before putting on your swimsuit. This way, you will avoid staining it. If you need to reapply sunscreen, try not to touch your swimsuit.
3
Put down a towel before sitting down somewhere
Sitting by the pool, on sand, or on rough surfaces can damage your swimsuit’s fibers. It is best to put down a towel before sitting.
4
Beware of heat sources
Relaxing in a hot tub is fun, but heat can damage your swimsuit. Ideally, avoid wearing your favourite one to the spa (we know it isn’t easy with all our gorgeous options!).
Also, never use an iron on your swimwear.
SEARCHING FOR THAT DREAM SWIMSUIT?
Thanks to our wide selection of elegant, figure-flattering designs, you’ll surely find one that makes you shine with confidence. Don’t forget to follow our care tips to keep it looking like new for a long time!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It truly depends on your usage. If your swimsuit is often extensively exposed to chlorine, sea salt, and/or sunscreen, washing it after each swim is essential. If that’s not the case, a simple rinse will do. However, you should give it a complete wash every 2 or 3 times for the best upkeep.
Like every new garment, your swimsuit might contain residues from manufacturing and have been handled by many others before you. For hygiene and comfort purposes, washing a new swimsuit before wearing it is indeed preferable. Doing so will help remove any potential impurities while making the fabric supple and more enjoyable to wear.
To prevent rougher fabrics or zippers from damaging your swimsuit, washing it alone or with other swimsuits would be a safer bet. But considering that swimsuits have similar washing needs to underwear and fine lingerie, you could wash them with your la Vie en Rose’s intimates and other delicate items.
If you often swim in chlorinated pools or the sea and regularly use sunscreen, we recommend a complete wash after every bathing session. For less frequent swims, you could wash your swimsuit every 2 or 3 times without any issues.