One of the most common questions we get is: Can you put a swimsuit in the washer? Simply put, yes. Bathing suits can be washed in a machine as long as they are treated like delicate garments and extra precautions are taken. However, be sure to check the label first to follow any specific care instructions.
While hand washing inside-out is the most gentle method, most suits can be safely machine-washed on a delicate cycle. If you opt for the machine, take a cue from our bra washing experts and place suits that have bra cups or strappy designs in a mesh laundry bag to help maintain cup shape and keep straps from tangling.
Using mild or even no detergent at all is the best way to clean your suit. Corey Simpson, PR and communications coordinator at Patagonia told TODAY that washing in cold water without detergent is recommended, while Danehy recommends using mild detergents for machine-friendly swimsuits.
Avoid washing with regular clothes to prevent damage. Use a small amount of mild detergent or soap, and set the washing machine to the delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using bleach, scented laundry boosters, and liquid softeners as they can add layers of unnecessary chemicals to swimsuit fabric.
Generally, it's not advisable to wash suits in a washing machine, as it can shrink or damage the fabric. However, if the suit is labeled as machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold water. Tips: Always check the care label on your suit for specific cleaning instructions.
The quick answer is no: do not put suit jackets in the dryer. The heat of the dryer can cause irreversible damage to fabrics, such as shrinking and losing shape over time.
You should turn your suit jacket or even your sports coat inside out and put it in a mesh bag. Depending on your washing machine you should find the gentlest washing option and make sure that the temperature is set on cold. These are the steps that will make sure your suit doesn't get damaged.
Natural Fibers
Natural swimsuits may require slightly different care to avoid shrinkage - such as washing in cold water only, or use very mild detergent.
Some swimsuits will get bigger when they are wet, while others will get smaller. This all has to do with the material that the swimsuit is made out of. The answer to this question is quite simple: Swimsuits will generally get smaller when wet because the material will contract slightly.
Remember, just like with underwear, you should never wear your swimwear twice without washing it!
Roll the swimsuit in a terrycloth towel to absorb excess water or simply hang it to air-dry in a spot with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade. Add a circulating fan to speed drying. Skip the dryer because high temperatures can permanently damage the fabric.
Select the delicate cycle on your washing machine (usually the one with the shortest spin cycle and lowest speed) and ensure the water temperature is set to cold. Cold water protects the color of your suit and prevents shrinkage. Hot water can fade the color and cause your suit to lose its original size.
Store Swimsuits in a Cool, Dry Place
If you can dedicate an entire drawer to your suits, that's great. If not, make sure the space you choose to keep them is dark, dry, cool, and has good airflow. Allowing the suits to breathe will prevent mildew - especially important if they get put away slightly damp.
Be sure to use the “Gentle” or “Delicates” cycle, cold water, and a mild detergent such as ARM & HAMMER Sensitive Skin Free & Clear. Even if you decide to machine wash your suit, do not tumble dry unless you use the air fluff only cycle (no heat).
If you take good care of your suits and rotate them out each season, you can likely get 3-4 years. However, if you only wear your suit a few times per year or don't take proper care of them, they may only last 1-2 years.
Chlorine and salt in swim water are tough on your bathing suit, and a good rinse can help remove these as soon as possible. Even if you've just been sunbathing, sunblock and your own body's oils can also be tough on the suit, so rinse the suit when you remove it even if you stayed dry while wearing it.
Think about the level of coverage and style you prefer. If you like a snug, body-hugging fit, sizing down slightly may work for you. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and comfortable fit, staying true to your size or sizing up might be better. If possible, it's always a good idea to try bikinis on in-store.
Wet swimsuits create a damp environment that can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. This can increase your risk of developing skin infections, such as fungal rashes or bacterial infections. Additionally, the moisture can cause irritation and chafing, particularly in sensitive areas.
Drying Swimsuits
Regardless of how you wash your bathing suit, air drying is the best method to dry your swimwear.
One of the most common questions we get is: Can you put a swimsuit in the washer? Simply put, yes. Bathing suits can be washed in a machine as long as they are treated like delicate garments and extra precautions are taken. However, be sure to check the label first to follow any specific care instructions.
Small – a swimsuit is too small if:
It limits your circulatory system, blood flow and or breathing! It causes excessive “muffin topping” anywhere on the body. Your chest is spilling out of the suit.
Swimsuits will be less tight when they're wet and will lose elasticity over time, so that smaller size will stretch out. Essentially, as long as it's comfortable, size down when you're faced with this dilemma.
Sometimes, cleaning suits in the washing machine can ruin the fabric and lining of your suit. Furthermore, putting the delicate fabric in the washing machine can also cause damage. Besides, using regular detergent can also make your suit hard and rough. To avoid stains, you should wash the clothes with cold water.
Hand-wash is not advisable, but machine-wash is even worse. Actually: consider it forbidden! Even if you don't run the spin cycle, a machine-wash is still likely to alter the fabric's threads and compromise the shape of your suit.
Yes. Half a cup of baking soda added to a sink of cold water before soaking will brighten a swimsuit and remove odors.