Finding the perfect bikini feels like striking gold. Whether it’s that supportive underwire style or a classic triangle cut, once you find "the one," you want it to last more than just one summer.
However, the elements we love most about summer—sun, salt water, and chlorine—are actually the biggest enemies of swimwear fabric. If you’ve ever noticed your favorite swimsuit losing its elasticity or fading after just a few weeks, it usually comes down to how it's being maintained.
Proper bikini care doesn't have to be a chore. By following a few simple steps on how to properly wash your bikini top, you can keep your swimwear looking fresh, vibrant, and supportive season after season.
Here is your essential guide to extending the life of your swimwear.
1. The Golden Rule: Rinse Immediately
The most important step happens before you even leave the beach or pool.
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The Science: Chlorine is harsh and can eat away at spandex, while salt water can make fibers brittle. Even if you didn't swim, sweat and body oils can break down the elastic over time.
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The Fix: As soon as you take it off, rinse your bikini in fresh, cool water. This removes the bulk of the damaging chemicals and salt before they have time to set in.
2. How to Wash Your Bikini Top (The Right Way)
While it is tempting to throw your swimwear in the washing machine with your towels, this is the quickest way to ruin the fit. Machine agitators can snag delicate fabrics and ruin the shape of molded cups.
Follow these steps to hand wash your bikini top:
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Fill a sink with cool water. Never use hot water, as heat can cook the fibers and ruin the elasticity.
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Add a mild detergent. Skip standard laundry detergent, which is often too harsh. Use a specialty swimwear cleaner or a gentle baby shampoo.
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Soak and Swish. Submerge your bikini and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Gently massage the fabric to work out any sunscreen or sand, paying attention to the straps and underarms.
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Rinse. Run cool water over the item until all soap suds are gone.
3. Drying Techniques: The "Burrito" Method
One of the biggest mistakes in bikini care is wringing out the water. Twisting your bikini top snaps the fibers and causes sagging.
Instead, try this:
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Lay a clean, dry towel flat.
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Place your washed bikini top on the towel.
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Roll the towel up tight like a burrito and gently squeeze. The towel will absorb the excess moisture without stressing the fabric.
Where to dry: Always lay your swimwear flat in the shade. Never hang a wet bikini by the straps (gravity will stretch them out), and avoid direct sunlight. While the sun is great for tanning, UV rays will fade your bright prints and yellow your white fabrics.
4. Dealing with Sunscreen Stains
Sunscreen is a must for your skin, but a nightmare for your swimwear. The oils can leave yellow stains that are hard to remove during a standard wash.
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Long-tail tip: If you get sunscreen on your top, spot-clean it immediately with a drop of dish soap (which is designed to break down grease) before doing your full wash.
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Prevention: Apply your sunscreen and let it fully dry for 20 minutes before putting on your bikini top.
5. Rotate Your Swimwear
Spandex is a "memory fabric," meaning it needs time to snap back to its original shape after being stretched on your body.
If you wear the same bikini every single day, it will eventually lose its bounce. The best practice is to wait 24 hours before wearing the same suit again.
This is the perfect excuse to expand your summer wardrobe! By rotating your suits, you ensure each one lasts longer. If you are looking to add some durable and stylish options to your rotation, browse our collection of bikini tops to find your next beach essential.
Summary
Taking care of your swimwear is an investment in your summer style. By taking a few extra minutes to hand wash your bikini top and drying it correctly, you ensure that the fit remains perfect and the colors stay true.
Ready to refresh your swim drawer? Shop our latest collection of bikini tops and find the perfect fit that—with the right care—will last you for summers to come.
