How to Wash and Care for Your Swimsuit

Swimwear is regularly exposed to salt water, chlorine, sand, sunscreen, body oils and heat. A thoughtful care routine can help your bikini or one-piece preserve its shape, stretch, colour and decorative details.

You do not need an elaborate process. A few gentle steps after each wear can make a meaningful difference.

Always check the care label first, as the instructions for the individual garment take priority over general swimwear advice.

Rinse Your Swimwear After Every Wear

Rinse your swimsuit in clean, cool or lukewarm water as soon as possible after leaving the sea or pool.

Even when it does not look dirty, the fabric may still hold traces of:

• salt
• chlorine
• sand
• sunscreen
• body oils
• perspiration

If you cannot wash it immediately, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Avoid leaving wet swimwear rolled up inside a sealed plastic bag.

How to Hand Wash a Bikini or One-Piece

Unless the care label says otherwise, hand washing is generally the gentlest option for swimwear.

Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a very small amount of mild detergent intended for delicate fabrics.

Move the swimsuit gently through the water without scrubbing, stretching or rubbing it against itself. Rinse thoroughly in clean water until no detergent remains.

What to avoid

• hot water
• bleach
• harsh detergents
• fabric softener
• aggressive scrubbing
• twisting or wringing
• washing with zips or rough garments

Handle swimsuits with decorative hardware, rings, chains or bikini jewellery with additional care.

Never Wring Out Wet Swimwear

Twisting a wet bikini to remove water can place unnecessary pressure on its stretch fibres and affect its shape.

Instead, gently press the garment between your hands. Place it flat on a clean towel, roll the towel and press lightly to absorb excess water.

Avoid pressing or bending decorative hardware.

How to Dry a Swimsuit Properly

Allow your swimsuit to air-dry away from direct sources of heat.

Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated area away from strong, direct sunlight.

Avoid tumble drying, radiators, ironing, hair dryers, strong direct sunlight and keeping wet swimwear inside a beach bag. High heat can affect the stretch, shape and appearance of swimwear fabric.

Protect Swimwear From Rough Surfaces

Pool edges, rocks, wooden loungers and other abrasive surfaces can pull or damage delicate fibres.

Place a towel underneath you before sitting. This small habit is particularly helpful for swimwear with refined surfaces or decorative elements.

Apply Sunscreen and Body Oil Carefully

Sun protection is essential, but sunscreen and body oils can leave marks on fabric.

Apply sunscreen before putting on your swimsuit and allow it time to absorb. When reapplying, avoid rubbing the product directly onto the fabric or decorative hardware.

If sunscreen comes into contact with your swimsuit, rinse it promptly and follow the garment's care instructions.

Caring for Bikini Jewellery and Hardware

If your bikini includes removable jewellery, take it off before washing whenever the design allows.

Store the jewellery separately in a dry place so it cannot become tangled, scratch another piece or place weight on the swimsuit fabric.

For fixed hardware, fold the garment carefully without bending it directly across the decorative element.

How to Store Swimwear Between Holidays

Make sure the swimsuit is completely clean and dry before storing it. Never put it away while damp or sealed inside a bag without airflow.

Fold it carefully without crushing cups, underwires or decorative elements. Keep it in a dry place away from items that could catch or pull the fabric.

A carefully washed and stored swimsuit will be ready for your next destination.

Your Quick Swimwear Care Routine

1. Rinse with clean, cool or lukewarm water after every wear.
2. Hand wash gently according to the care label.
3. Never twist or wring the fabric.
4. Lay flat and allow it to air-dry.
5. Avoid tumble dryers and direct heat.
6. Store removable bikini jewellery separately.

A little care after each wear helps your favourite Monokini & Bikini design retain the look that made you choose it.

Explore the Monokini & Bikini collections of bikinis, one-pieces and bikini jewellery.

Where summer never ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wash my swimsuit after every wear?

Rinse it thoroughly after every wear, particularly after swimming in the sea or a chlorinated pool. Follow the garment label for complete washing instructions.

Can I put a bikini in the washing machine?

Hand washing is usually gentler. If the care label permits machine washing, use a protective mesh bag and a cool, delicate cycle.

Can swimwear dry in direct sunlight?

Prolonged exposure to strong direct sunlight may affect the colour and fabric. Air-drying in a ventilated, shaded place is the gentler option.

How do I remove the smell of chlorine?

Rinse the swimsuit thoroughly in clean, cool water as soon as possible, then wash it with a mild detergent according to its care label. Avoid bleach and harsh products.

Should bikini jewellery be removed before washing?

Remove it if it is designed to be detachable. Do not attempt to remove fixed hardware.