How to Wash Swimsuits

How to Wash Swimsuits

Everyone could use a bit of Spring cleaning before swimsuit season and your swimwear is no exception. Knowing how to wash a swimsuit seems like another part of basic adulting, but there are quite a few factors that could cause your swimwear to take a dive long before you do. Care for your heirloom-quality investments with these quick and easy tips for swimwear care:

After Each Use:

• Rinse your suit in cold tap water, even if you did not swim or get in the water. This will remove any sand particles, sweat, or initial layers of sunscreen or oils that can harm the fabric of your suit.
• Soak your suit in cool water for thirty minutes. This provides additional removal of harmful creams and lotions that could discolor or degrade the fabric your suit over time if not washed properly.
• Turn your suit inside out.
• Place no more than a teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent in a sink of cool water. Make sure to pay close attention during this step to ensure your swimsuits maintain their shape and durability. Consider special detergents that are designed for delicates. Additionally, if you have purchased one of our suits in black or navy blue, you might consider a detergent especially designed for darker fabrics to preserve your suit’s divine color.
• Gently hand wash. Avoid using your washing machine.
• Rinse well in cold water.
• Gently squeeze your suit, but do not wring out the water. You could also roll your suit in a towel, pressing it to remove excess water.
• Lay your swimsuit flat to dry, never in direct sunlight and never use a dryer. This will ensure the fabric of your suit doesn’t stretch out over time.

Skip the Swimsuit Wash & Start Seeing Spots 

If washing swimsuits isn’t your thing or is a bit extra for the dirt, oil, (whatever you’re trying to get rid of), consider a spot clean instead. 

• Remove excess liquids and oils by blotting the stain with a paper towel. Don’t rub.
• To protect from discoloration, test 1-2 drops of mild detergent on an easily concealable section of your suit before treating an entire stain.
• Use a moistened paper towel and 2-3 drops of detergent to blot the stain again. If you must, lightly rub in a circular motion to work out the stain.
• Soak your suit in cold water for thirty minutes.
• Gently rinse in cool running water, paying close attention to the offensive spot.
• If the spot is still present, consider using a small paste made of baking soda and vinegar to repeat steps 1-5.
• Squeeze out your suit. Do not wring. You could also roll your suit in a towel, pressing it to remove excess water.
• Lay your bathing suit flat away from direct sunlight. Do not place in a dryer.
• Make sure your swimsuit is completely dry before putting it away in a drawer or packing it in luggage.
• Give your suit at least a day to rest before wearing in the sun or water. Alternating suits ensures extended wearability and shape retention.

To Make Your Suit Last Longer:

Knowing how to wash bathing suits is just one line of defense and protection you can offer your wardrobe. 

• Give your swimsuit a 24-hour rest in between wearings. This is a perfect opportunity to alternate swimsuits. Maybe consider wearing your one-piece one day, then your two-piece the next day. Or, consider a suit from a different collection to get a different feel for a diverse fabric, design, or style.
• Sunbathe before swimming. Catching rays after swimming can damage your suit because of the chemical reactions that can occur from chlorine and suntan lotions.
• Do not sit directly on rough surfaces. While many of our selected fabrics are resistant to abrasion, concrete or wood surfaces can create snags in your suit. To be safe, sit on a towel or blanket to avoid the issue altogether.
• Do not use lint shavers on your swimsuit. The fabrics used in Hermoza’s swimwear is resistant to pilling. A shaver could unnecessarily damage to construction and surface of your suit.

To be honest, hand washing bathing suits is way easier than the industry would have us believe. And let’s be real, learning how to wash a bathing suit should be the least of your worries. Believe it or not, every time I travel, it seems as if I lead a small class in how to wash a swimsuit. Nerdy, I know, but you wouldn’t believe how many Hermozas skip the swimwear wash altogether and just hang dry their swimwear from the towel rack. Eeeep! Imagine their shocked faces when they see me with my careful post-sun and surf rituals and routines. I mean, seriously, it’s almost become a meditative approach to preserving the polished silhouette I know and love in my suit. And the effort shows! My Hermoza swimwear will last season to season because I appreciate and protect the value, effort, and energy in its construction. 

TL;DR: Hand washing bathing suits is essential if we are to hold on to those well-constructed pieces that enhance our own special brand of elegance. Always lay flat to dry.

Best part, with every Hermoza purchase, you’ll receive a durable zippered carrying case to keep your swim and resort wear looking top notch. This gorgeous little gift from us also doubles as a perfect beachside clutch for your sunscreen, shades, book, phone, and lip gloss. Collect both styles to make packing for your next vacay a complete breeze!

Besos, Hermoza