How to Care for Swimwear and Beach Cover-Ups

Quick answer

Rinse your swimsuit in cool water within 30 minutes of leaving the water, then hand wash it with a drop of mild detergent and lay it flat to dry. Treat beach cover-ups the same way but check the label first. Skip the washing machine and dryer for both, and your colors and stretch will hold up far longer.

Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and sand all break down swimwear fibers faster than normal wear. The fix is not complicated: a quick rinse after every swim and a gentle hand wash every few wears. That routine takes about two minutes and can add a full season of wear.

Beach cover-ups need slightly different handling because they are often made of lighter, looser fabrics. This guide walks through the steps in order, from the moment you leave the water to how you store everything at the end of summer.

Why rinsing swimsuits right away matters

Chlorine and saltwater both weaken elastane, the fiber that gives swimwear its stretch. The longer those residues sit in the fabric, the more the suit loses its shape. A cool rinse within 30 minutes removes most of them before they can do damage.

Sunscreen and body oils are the second problem. They cling to fibers and can cause discoloration or a greasy feel that a regular wash may not fully remove. Rinsing first makes the deeper wash far more effective.

• Use cool water, never hot, because heat accelerates elastic breakdown.
• Do not wring or twist the suit; press it gently between your palms instead.

How to hand wash swimwear without stretching it

Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Submerge the suit and gently squeeze the water through the fabric for about a minute. Pay attention to underarm areas and the lining, where sunscreen and sweat collect.

Rinse with cool water until no suds remain. Do not rub the fabric against itself, and do not leave the suit soaking for hours. A quick, gentle wash is all it needs.

• Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and enzyme-heavy detergents; they damage stretch fibers.
• If the suit has removable pads, take them out before washing.

Beach cover up washing: what to check first

Cover-ups come in many fabrics, from cotton to viscose blends to sheer synthetics, so the care label decides your method. If the label says hand wash, follow it. If it allows machine washing, use a mesh bag, cold water, and a delicate cycle.

Sand is the hidden enemy here. Shake cover-ups outside before washing so grit does not grind into the fabric or clog your machine. For embellished or loosely woven styles, hand washing is the safer default.

• Wash cover-ups separately from heavy items like jeans or towels.
• Turn the cover-up inside out to protect any print or surface texture.

Drying and storing so colors stay bright

Lay swimwear flat in the shade to dry. Direct sun fades colors and makes elastic brittle over time. Hanging a wet suit by its straps stretches them out, so flat drying is worth the extra space.

Once everything is completely dry, store swimwear and cover-ups loosely folded in a drawer or breathable bag. Never seal damp items in plastic, because trapped moisture leads to mildew and a musty smell that is hard to remove.

• Skip the dryer entirely; heat is the fastest way to ruin swimwear.
• Rotate between two suits if you swim often, so each one fully recovers between wears.

Your step-by-step swimwear and cover-up care routine

1. Rinse immediately after swimming: Use cool water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen within 30 minutes of leaving the water. Do not use hot water or soap at this stage. Checkpoint: the water should run clear, not slippery or soapy.
2. Hand wash swimwear weekly or after heavy use: Wash with a drop of mild detergent in cool water, gently squeezing the fabric for about a minute. Rinse thoroughly and never wring. Common mistake: using regular laundry detergent, which is too harsh for elastane.
3. Treat cover-ups according to their label: Hand wash delicate or embellished cover-ups. For machine-safe styles, use a mesh bag on a cold, delicate cycle and wash separately from heavy items. Checkpoint: shake off sand outside before washing to protect the fabric.
4. Dry flat in the shade: Lay swimwear and cover-ups flat on a towel away from direct sun. Avoid hanging by straps, which stretches them, and never use a dryer. Checkpoint: items should be completely dry before storage.
5. Store loosely and rotate: Fold dry items into a drawer or breathable bag. If you swim often, alternate between two suits so each one has time to recover its shape. Next step: apply the same rinse-and-lay-flat habit to soft bras and cotton briefs to extend their life too.

Everyday basics that make the care routine easier

• Smartouch Padded triangle bra | 082624-08S880: Made from a high-quality viscose-elastane fabric that feels soft and supple against the skin, with bonded edges for flat, virtually invisible finishes. The same cool-rinse, flat-dry routine that protects swimwear also protects soft bras like this one, so you can care for both in one wash session.
• Cotton Fresh Briefs | 080980-08S743: Soft stretch cotton briefs designed for everyday wear and maximum comfort day and night. Cotton handles gentle washing well, making these a practical choice for travel or beach trips where you are rinsing and drying clothes frequently.

A two-minute rinse and a gentle hand wash are the difference between a swimsuit that lasts one summer and one that lasts three. Follow the steps above, and your swimwear and cover-ups will keep their color, shape, and softness far longer.