How to Hand Wash Swimsuits Without Damaging the Fabric

Quick answer

Fill a sink or basin with cool water and a drop of gentle detergent, then submerge your swimsuit and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric. Never wring, scrub, or leave it soaking. Rinse with cool water, press out excess moisture in a towel, and lay flat to air dry away from direct sun. That routine cleans the suit without stretching straps or breaking down stretch fibers.

Step-by-step hand washing routine

1. Rinse immediately after wearing: As soon as you take off your suit, rinse it in cool water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. This is the single most effective way to keep swimsuit color from fading. If you cannot rinse right away, at least soak it in cool water for a few minutes before the residue dries. Checkpoint: do not let a damp, unrinsed suit sit in a bag for hours.
2. Fill a basin with cool water and gentle detergent: Use cool or lukewarm water, never hot. Add a small amount of gentle liquid detergent, about a teaspoon per gallon. Hot water and too much detergent can break down stretch fibers and leave a dull film. Common mistake: using regular laundry detergent or fabric softener, which can damage swimwear fabric.
3. Submerge and gently squeeze suds through the fabric: Place the suit in the water and gently knead it with your hands for one to two minutes. Pay attention to areas that contact sunscreen and sweat, like straps and underarms. Do not scrub, twist, or wring the fabric, which stretches it out of shape. Checkpoint: the water should look slightly cloudy, not heavily soapy.
4. Spot-treat stains with a swimwear-safe stain stick: If you see stubborn marks, apply a stain stick made for swimwear and let it sit for a minute or two before gently working it in with your fingers. Avoid bleach or harsh stain removers, which can discolor the fabric. Never rub aggressively; gentle pressure is enough.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Drain the basin and refill with clean cool water. Gently squeeze the suit through the water until no suds remain. Residual detergent can attract dirt and irritate skin, so rinse until the water runs clear. Checkpoint: if you see bubbles, keep rinsing.
6. Press out water in a towel, never wring: Lay the suit flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel up gently to absorb excess water. Do not twist or wring the suit, which can stretch it. For suits with removable pads, take them out before this step. Common mistake: wringing the suit like a dishrag, which damages the fabric's elasticity.
7. Lay flat to air dry away from direct sun: Lay the suit flat on a clean towel or drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Direct sunlight can fade colors over time. Never put swimwear in a dryer; heat breaks down stretch fibers and can cause shrinking or pilling. Checkpoint: the suit should be dry within a few hours; if it stays damp, move it to better airflow.

Product facts that affect washing

• Black | Baby Rashguard One-Piece (Unisex): Black | Baby Rashguard One-Piece (Unisex) is made from a softer, lighter weight fabric. Lighter fabric needs gentler handling. Skip the washing machine and avoid rough surfaces that cause pilling.



• Black | Mini Romper One-Piece: Black | Mini Romper One-Piece is also made from a softer, lighter weight fabric. Hand wash and air dry to keep the fabric smooth and prevent pilling, especially if your child sits on rough pool edges.
• Tied-Up Top: Tied-Up Top has removable bra pads and a full shelf bra with elastic under the bust. Remove pads before washing so they keep their shape, and never wring the shelf bra area, which can distort the elastic.