Investing in quality Australian-made swimwear means you deserve to enjoy it for seasons to come. With proper care, your favourite bikinis, one-pieces, and swim tops can maintain their shape, colour, and elasticity year after year. Here's everything you need to know about caring for your swimwear.
Why Swimwear Care Matters
Swimwear fabrics are designed to withstand water, sun, and movement, but they're also delicate. Chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and body oils can all break down the fibres and fade colours over time. Premium swimwear deserves premium care to protect your investment.
Rinse Immediately After Every Wear
The golden rule: Always rinse your swimwear in cool, fresh water immediately after wearing it—even if you didn't get it wet.
Here's why this matters:
- Chlorine from pools is highly corrosive to swimwear fabrics and can cause fading and deterioration
- Salt water leaves behind crystals that can damage fibres as they dry
- Sunscreen and body oils can stain and break down elastic over time
- Sand particles can work their way into the fabric and cause pilling
Simply hold your swimwear under cool running water for 30-60 seconds, gently squeezing (never wringing) to remove chemicals and residue. This simple step can double the lifespan of your swimwear.
How to Properly Wash Your Swimwear
While rinsing is essential after each wear, you should also properly wash your swimwear every few wears or whenever it's visibly soiled.
Hand washing method (recommended):
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water (never hot)
- Add a small amount of gentle, swimwear-specific detergent or mild soap
- Submerge your swimwear and gently agitate for 2-3 minutes
- Let it soak for 15-30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly in cool, clean water until all soap is removed
- Gently press out excess water—never wring or twist
Machine washing (only when necessary):
If you must use a washing machine:
- Place swimwear in a mesh lingerie bag
- Use the delicate cycle with cold water only
- Use a gentle, colour-safe detergent
- Never use fabric softener (it breaks down elastic)
- Wash with similar colours only
What to avoid:
- Hot water (breaks down elastic and fades colours)
- Harsh detergents or bleach
- Fabric softener
- Washing machines without a delicate cycle
- Washing with rough fabrics like denim or towels
The Right Way to Dry Swimwear
How you dry your swimwear is just as important as how you wash it.
Best practices:
- Lay flat on a clean, dry towel in the shade
- Roll the towel with the swimwear inside to gently press out excess water
- Unroll and lay flat to air dry, reshaping as needed
- Turn inside out halfway through drying for even air circulation
- Dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Never:
- Put swimwear in the dryer (heat destroys elastic)
- Hang wet swimwear by the straps (causes stretching)
- Dry in direct sunlight (fades colours and weakens fibres)
- Wring or twist to remove water
- Leave balled up in a wet beach bag
Your swimwear should be completely dry before storing—damp fabric can develop mildew and odours.
Proper Storage for Off-Season
When summer ends, proper storage ensures your swimwear is ready for next season.
Storage tips:
- Ensure swimwear is completely clean and dry
- Fold gently and store flat in a drawer or storage box
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
- Store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation
- Avoid hanging for long periods (stretches straps and fabric)
- Consider using breathable cotton storage bags
Avoid:
- Plastic bags or containers (trap moisture)
- Damp or humid environments
- Storing while still damp
- Cramming into tight spaces
Special Care for Different Swimwear Styles
Bikinis with embellishments:
Rinse carefully around beads, sequins, or hardware. Hand wash only and lay flat to dry, ensuring embellishments aren't pressed against hard surfaces.
Underwire swimwear:
Check that the underwire hasn't shifted during wear. Hand wash to prevent wire damage and maintain shape. Store flat to prevent wire distortion.
White or light-coloured swimwear:
Rinse immediately to prevent staining from sunscreen, fake tan, or body oils. Wash separately from darker colours. Consider a gentle whitening soak if discolouration occurs.
Printed or patterned swimwear:
Turn inside out when washing to protect the print. Avoid prolonged sun exposure while wearing to prevent fading.
What to Do at the Beach or Pool
Before swimming:
- Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before putting on your swimwear to allow it to absorb
- Avoid oil-based products that can stain
During your day:
- Rinse in fresh water between swims if possible
- Sit on a towel rather than directly on hot surfaces
- Avoid rough surfaces like concrete or wooden decking that can snag fabric
After swimming:
- Don't leave wet swimwear in a plastic bag for hours
- If you can't rinse immediately, at least remove from the bag and allow air circulation
- Change out of wet swimwear as soon as practical
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Swimwear
Even with excellent care, swimwear doesn't last forever. Replace your swimwear when you notice:
- Loss of elasticity (fabric doesn't bounce back)
- Thinning or transparent areas
- Fading that bothers you
- Stretched-out straps or bands
- Pilling or rough texture
- Loose or damaged stitching
Quality Australian-made swimwear should last 1-3 years with regular wear and proper care, or even longer with occasional use.
Invest in Quality, Care for Longevity
At Star Mother Swimwear, we craft every piece with premium fabrics and construction designed to last. When you combine our quality with proper care, you'll enjoy beautiful, comfortable swimwear season after season.
Ready to add to your collection? Explore our latest designs and invest in swimwear that's built to endure.