Why shouldn't you put bathing suits in the dryer?

Author: Elton Trantow  |  Last update: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Bathing Suits The heat from the dryer can damage the material, causing it to break down and fade. Hang your bathing suit up to dry instead. This is especially true for swimsuits with built-in cups or padding. The heat can cause the cups to warp or the padding to break down.

What happens if you put a swimsuit in the dryer?

Don't put a wet swimsuit in the dryer. This can shrink and damage the fabric. Drying a swimsuit in direct sunlight can fade the colors.

What is the best way to dry bathing suits?

Lay a towel out, lay the swimsuit out on top of it, and then roll the towel up with the swimsuit inside it. Then wring out the towel. Then you could use a hand dryer, or hang dry it the rest of the way.

Do bathing suits shrink in the dryer?

Polyester swimsuits can shrink slightly in the dryer, especially with high-heat settings. As a synthetic fabric, polyester is more resistant to shrinkage than natural fibers. To maintain the shape of your bathing suit, it's best to air dry it flat or use the lowest setting if machine drying is necessary.

Can I tumble dry my swimsuit?

The short answer is no. Tumble drying swimwear can be detrimental due to the high heat and friction, which can weaken the fabric and cause your favourite colours to fade. To keep your swimwear in pristine condition, it's best to avoid the dryer altogether.

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Can I put my wet suit in the dryer?

Don't machine wash, iron or tumble dry your wetsuit. Avoid chlorine and store your wetsuit on a suitable wide-shouldered hanger, or folded over the waist while drying.

Why is my bathing suit disintegrating?

Effects of Heat. Heat is another cause of damage to your swimwear. Heated pools and spas can cause your swimmers to disintegrate, especially when combined with chlorine and other chemicals. Not only can heated pool water cause damage to your bathers, but also the heat from washing machines and dryers.

Is it okay to put a suit in the dryer?

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.

Can bathing suit bottoms go in the dryer?

You should avoid putting your swimwear in the dryer.

Do bathing suits get tighter or looser when wet?

Note: All swimsuits stretch a bit when wet and no one wants to lose theirs coming up for air. A slightly firm, almost compressive fit on dry land is a good start. If it's barely holding on when it's dry, it will easily let go when it's wet, so a snug fit is best.

How do I keep my bathing suit from dry rotting?

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.

How to shrink a swimsuit fast?

The boiling water method is an aggressive yet effective way to shrink your stretched-out bathing suit. Heat causes the fibers to contract and tighten. This method works well for swimsuits made from synthetic fibers, such as nylon or spandex.

What is the fastest drying swimsuit material?

Quick dry swimsuits are often made with fabrics such as polyamide or lycra which offer the advantage of drying very quickly.

How often should I wash my bathing suit?

Mulholland suggests washing swimsuits roughly every three to five wears.

Why is sitting in a wet bathing suit bad?

Wearing a wet bathing suit for too long can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. “Bathing suits are the perfect breeding ground for yeast,” says Tia Guster, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist at Piedmont.

Is it okay to put a swimsuit in the dryer?

Make sure that your swimsuit dries fully before putting it away, as any lingering moisture can cause odors and prematurely age fabrics. Unless your machine has a no-heat option (sometimes called “air fluff”), steer clear of the dryer—heat is damaging to the stretchy synthetics favored in swimwear.

How do you wash and dry a swimsuit?

5 Tips for How to Wash Swimsuits & Make Them Last
  1. #1 Skip the Washing Machine: Hand Wash Bathing Suits. ...
  2. #2 Avoid the Dryer: Air Dry Your Bikini or Swim Trunks. ...
  3. #3 Take Care Where You Sit Poolside to Protect your Bathing Suit. ...
  4. #4 Rinse Your Swimsuit in the Shower. ...
  5. #5 Store Your Bathing Suits in a Cool, Dry Area.

Do bathing suits shrink when wet?

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.

Will a suit shrink in the dryer?

The primary concern with using a dryer for your suit is the heat. High temperatures can cause the suit to shrink, leading to an ill-fitting and uncomfortable garment.

Should you button shirts before washing?

How To Wash A Dress Shirt: Take time to ensure the shirt is entirely unbuttoned. Any buttons remaining clasped will lead to excessive pulling when in wash and will damage the shirt. Turn the dress shirt inside out as this will help with removing deodorant and perspiration stains from the underarm.

Why can't you machine wash a suit?

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.

When to throw out a swimsuit?

Your suit is stretched or saggy. As synthetic fabrics wear, they often become stretched out. While spandex and nylon are great for retaining their shape for a while, it doesn't last forever. Bathing suit bottoms are especially prone to becoming saggy.

What is a dry rot bathing suit?

Moist environments can lead to dry rot and mold growth, which breaks down and deteriorates the fabric. How Long Should Swimwear Last? With proper care, high-quality swimwear like Jantzen's should last several seasons, retaining its shape and color, depending on the frequency of use.

How do you fix a loose bottom of a bathing suit?

If your swimsuit bottoms are a little too big, adding an elastic band can improve the fit. Sew the band into the waistline to tighten the fit and give you a comfortable, snug feel. For a quick, simple solution, fold the waistband inward and re-sew it.

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