There’s nothing quite like that feeling of a brand-new bikini—the vibrant color, the perfect fit, the supportive feel. It’s a piece of gear that holds the promise of countless adventures. But after a few weeks of sun, salt, and chlorine, you might start to notice it looking a little less vibrant, a little less… perfect. What if you could keep that “brand-new” feeling for seasons to come?

The secret isn’t buying a new bikini every few months; it’s understanding that your sport bikini is a piece of high-performance athletic equipment that requires proper care. You wouldn’t leave your surfboard in the hot sun or put your running shoes in the dryer, and the same respect should be given to your swimwear. Protecting your investment is about preserving the essential features that make it perform so well. This guide will show you how.

If you take only one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this: rinse your bikini in cool, fresh water the moment you take it off. Don’t wait until you get home. Don’t leave it balled up in your towel. Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen are the primary enemies of your swimwear’s delicate fibers, and the longer they sit, the more damage they do.

Think of it as washing away the day’s adventure to prepare for the next one. A quick rinse at the beach shower or with a water bottle is enough to start the process and dramatically extend the life of your suit. This simple habit is the foundation of all good swimwear care.

A washing machine is the fastest way to destroy a perfectly good sport bikini. The agitation is too aggressive, and the heat from the dryer will ruin the fabric’s elasticity. Hand washing is the only way to go, and it’s simpler than you think.

1. Fill a Basin: Use cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild, gentle soap. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.
2. Submerge and Swirl: Gently submerge your bikini and swirl it around in the water. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Gently Squeeze: After soaking, gently squeeze the fabric to work the soap through it. Never wring, twist, or scrub the material, as this can damage the delicate fibers.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse your suit with cool, clean water until all the soap is gone.
5. Remove Excess Water: Gently squeeze out as much water as you can. Then, lay the bikini flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel up, pressing firmly to absorb most of the remaining water.

Beyond the washing process, there are several environmental factors and common habits that can wreak havoc on your swimwear. Being mindful of these will go a long way in preserving your gear.

• Direct Sunlight and High Heat: Never dry your bikini in direct sunlight or use a hairdryer. The UV rays and heat will fade the color and break down the elastane, causing it to lose its shape. This is especially important for preserving the integrity of advanced materials like those in our fabric guide.
• Rough Surfaces: Concrete pool decks, wooden benches, and velcro are all highly abrasive to the smooth surface of your bikini fabric. Always lay down a towel before you sit or lie down.
• Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs: The combination of high heat and concentrated chemicals in a hot tub is a death sentence for swimwear. We recommend dedicating an older, less-loved suit for hot tub use.
• Heavy Oils and Sunscreens: While sunscreen is non-negotiable, some heavy, oil-based lotions can stain and degrade the fabric. Try to let your sunscreen absorb into your skin before putting on your suit.

How you dry and store your bikini is just as important as how you wash it. After rolling it in a towel, find a spot to let it air dry completely.

• Lay Flat in the Shade: The ideal method is to lay your bikini flat on a mesh rack or a dry towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun.
• Avoid Hanging: Hanging a wet bikini can cause it to stretch out of shape as the weight of the water pulls on the fabric. This is especially true for tops with thinner straps.
• Ensure It’s Completely Dry: Before you put it away, make sure your suit is 100% dry. Storing it while it’s still damp can lead to mildew and unpleasant odors. Store it flat in a drawer, ready for your next adventure.

Proper care is what ensures your bikini maintains the snug, supportive fit you found by following a proper sizing guide. A suit that’s been stretched by improper drying won’t perform as it should, no matter how well it fit initially.

Caring for your sport bikini isn’t a chore; it’s a ritual. It’s a way of showing respect for the gear that enables your adventures and for the planet from which its materials are sourced. By following these simple steps, you’re not just cleaning a piece of clothing—you’re preserving a piece of high-performance equipment. You’re ensuring that it remains the reliable, versatile swimwear you invested in, ready for any activity. A well-cared-for bikini is a testament to the difference between a disposable regular bikini and a long-lasting piece of athletic gear.

We strongly advise against it. Even a delicate cycle can be too aggressive for the fine fibers and seams of a sport bikini. The straps can get tangled and stretched, and any hardware can be damaged. Hand washing is truly the only safe method.

Act quickly. Rinse the area and gently rub a small amount of mild soap directly onto the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before proceeding with the full hand-washing process. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage the fabric.

Yellowing is often a result of sunscreen, sweat, and minerals in the water reacting with the fabric over time. You can try soaking it in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts cool water for an hour before washing, which can help brighten it. However, prevention through immediate rinsing is the best cure.

You should rinse it after every single wear, but a full soap wash is recommended after every 2-3 wears, or immediately after a long day with heavy sunscreen application or use in a chlorinated pool. This prevents a buildup of oils and chemicals that can degrade the fabric.

Yes, absolutely. As we discuss in our guide for athletic body types, maintaining the supportive and shaping properties of your bikini is key. Improper care that leads to stretched fabric will cause the suit to lose its compressive, athletic fit, compromising its performance.

The great news is that these care instructions are perfect for ECONYL® fabric. Because it’s a high-quality, durable material, it responds beautifully to proper care. Following these steps will maximize its already impressive lifespan and preserve the technical qualities we detail in our performance bikini guide.

Your bikini works hard for you in the water. Taking a few minutes to care for it properly ensures it will be ready for your next session, and the one after that.

Because you deserve swimwear that works as hard as you do.