Swimwear Care: How to Keep Swim Sets Looking New

Quick answer

Rinse your swim set in cool water immediately after every wear, wash it gently with a mild detergent, and lay it flat to dry away from direct sun. This simple routine removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they break down stretch fibers, so your swimwear keeps its shape and color for many seasons.

You found a swim set you love—maybe the Phoebe Bottom in Blue with its cheeky cut and gold hardware—and you want it to stay looking new. The biggest threats to swimwear are chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and heat, which quietly weaken stretch fibers and fade colors. The good news: a few minutes of care after each wear can extend swimwear life far beyond one summer.

This guide walks you through a step-by-step swimwear care routine, from the moment you leave the pool to how you store your suit. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid, so you can protect your investment without overcomplicating things.

Why swimwear care matters (and what ruins it fastest)

Swimwear is made with elastic fibers like spandex or elastane that give it stretch and recovery. Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residue break down these fibers over time, causing sagging, stretching, and fading. Heat from hot tubs, dryers, or direct sunlight accelerates that damage. Even the oils from your skin and lotions can weaken fibers if left on the fabric.

A swim set like the Kendall Set Blue uses embroidery lace and mesh, which are more delicate than plain nylon. The same care that protects basic swimwear also protects decorative details, but you need to be gentler with hardware and lace to avoid snags.

• Chlorine and salt are the top causes of fiber breakdown.
• Sunscreen and body oils can stain and weaken fabric.
• Heat and harsh detergents strip elasticity and color.

Step-by-step swimwear care routine

Follow these steps each time you wear your swim set. The whole process takes less than five minutes and prevents the most common damage.

First, rinse immediately after wearing. As soon as you leave the pool or beach, rinse your swimsuit in cool, fresh water. This removes most chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set into the fibers. If you can't rinse right away, at least soak it in a sink or bucket of cool water as soon as possible.

Second, wash gently with a mild detergent. Fill a sink with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent (like a lingerie wash or baby shampoo). Submerge your swimsuit and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Never scrub, wring, or twist—this stretches fibers and can break hardware. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly until no suds remain.

Third, remove excess water without wringing. Gently press the swimsuit between your palms or roll it in a clean, dry towel to absorb water. Do not twist or wring, as this can distort the shape and damage delicate lace or mesh.

Fourth, dry flat in the shade. Lay your swimsuit flat on a clean towel or drying rack, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger and avoid clipping the straps, which can stretch them out. Never put swimwear in a dryer—heat destroys elasticity.

Fifth, store properly. Once completely dry, store your swim set flat or folded in a drawer. Avoid hanging by the straps for long periods, as this can cause stretching. Keep it away from rough surfaces that could snag lace or embroidery.

• Mistake to avoid: leaving a wet swimsuit in a plastic bag—this encourages mildew and odor.
• Mistake to avoid: using fabric softener—it coats fibers and reduces stretch.
• Mistake to avoid: drying in direct sun—UV rays fade colors and weaken fibers.

Special care for details like lace, mesh, and hardware

Swim sets with lace, mesh, or gold hardware need a little extra attention. The Aubrey Set Stars features glitter stars printed on mesh and gold hardware, while the Lyla Garter Set includes stretch satin and lace. These materials can snag or tarnish if handled roughly.

Turn the swimsuit inside out before washing to protect delicate outer details. For hardware, avoid contact with harsh chemicals; rinse thoroughly and dry immediately. If your swimsuit has removable pads, take them out before washing and rinse them separately to prevent distortion.

• Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection if hand washing isn't possible.
• Never bleach or use chlorine removers that contain harsh chemicals.
• Lay lace items flat to dry to prevent stretching.

How to extend swimwear life between wears

Rotating between two or more swimsuits gives each one time to recover its shape. If you wear the same suit every day, the elastic never gets a chance to bounce back, and it will wear out faster.

Apply sunscreen before putting on your swimsuit and let it dry completely. This reduces the amount of lotion that transfers to the fabric. If you're at the beach, bring a towel to sit on—this prevents sand and rough surfaces from abrading the fabric.

For swim sets with light colors, like the Kendall Set Blue, be extra careful with sunscreen and self-tanners, which can cause stubborn stains. Rinse immediately after wear to minimize staining.

• Have at least two swimsuits in rotation to extend each one's life.
• Avoid sitting on rough concrete or rocks directly in your swimsuit.
• Use a dedicated swimwear wash or mild soap—not regular laundry detergent.

Your 5-step swimwear care routine

1. Rinse immediately after wearing: As soon as you leave the pool or beach, rinse your swimsuit in cool, fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set into the fibers. Checkpoint: If you can't rinse right away, soak it in cool water as soon as possible.
2. Hand wash with mild detergent: Fill a sink with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Never scrub, wring, or twist. Checkpoint: Rinse until no suds remain—any residue can attract dirt and damage fibers.
3. Remove excess water without wringing: Gently press the swimsuit between your palms or roll it in a clean towel to absorb water. Do not twist or wring, as this can distort the shape and damage delicate details. Checkpoint: The swimsuit should be damp, not dripping, before drying.
4. Dry flat in the shade: Lay your swimsuit flat on a clean towel or drying rack, away from direct sunlight and heat. Never put swimwear in a dryer—heat destroys elasticity. Checkpoint: If you must hang it, use a padded hanger and avoid clipping the straps.
5. Store properly once dry: Store your swim set flat or folded in a drawer. Avoid hanging by the straps for long periods, and keep it away from rough surfaces that could snag lace or embroidery. Checkpoint: Make sure it's completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.

Product care notes

• Phoebe Bottom - Blue: Cheeky minimal coverage bottom with extra long side ties and gold hardware details. The long ties and hardware require gentle handling; avoid wringing or pulling to prevent stretching and tarnishing.
• Kendall Set Blue: Underwire bra with intricate floral lace details, double overlapping lace panels, and bow details. Lace and bow details can snag easily; hand wash and dry flat to keep them intact.
• Aubrey Set Stars: Glitter stars printed on mesh with gold hardware and adjustable straps. Printed mesh can fade or crack if exposed to heat or harsh chemicals; rinse thoroughly and avoid direct sunlight when drying.

With a few consistent habits, your swim set can stay vibrant and supportive for many seasons. Rinse, wash gently, dry flat, and rotate your suits—your future self will thank you.