How to care for swimwear after wearing

Why swimwear needs care after every wear

Swimwear comes into contact not only with water, but also with sun, sand, salt, chlorine, sunscreen and skin. All of this affects the fabric, elasticity, colour and fit. If you leave wet swimwear in a bag or wash it several days later, the material will lose its fresh look and shape faster.

Anabel Arto offers one-piece and two-piece swimsuits, swimwear tops, bikini bottoms and beachwear. To keep these pieces looking neat for longer, it is best to start caring for them straight after wearing.

The first step after the sea or pool

After swimming, rinse your swimwear in cool running water. This helps remove salt, chlorine, sand and any remaining cosmetic products. It is especially important not to leave the item wet and rolled up in a plastic bag for too long.

If you cannot wash the swimwear straight away, at least rinse it with water and lay it out so it is not left crumpled. This is a simple but important step when it comes to how to keep swimwear in good condition after a holiday or frequent pool visits.

How to wash swimwear properly

How should you wash swimwear? The safest option is hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent. Avoid harsh powders, bleach or strong rubbing.

Swimwear should not be scrubbed with a brush, wrung out or stretched forcefully. If there is a stain, it is better to treat it gently by hand and rinse well. For styles with decorative elements, careful handling is especially important: hardware and fabric can lose their look more quickly if treated roughly.

Why machine washing is not recommended

Even a delicate cycle can be too active for swimwear. Machine washing increases friction, stretches the fibres and can damage cups, decorative details or fine edges.

If machine washing is not allowed on the care label of a specific style, it is better not to take the risk. Swimwear is usually easier and quicker to wash by hand than to restore its shape afterwards.

How to dry swimwear

Drying affects the appearance no less than washing. Swimwear should not be wrung out: it is better to gently remove excess moisture with a towel. Then lay the item out smoothly and let it dry naturally.

The best place is in the shade with good air circulation. Direct sunlight, radiators, hairdryers or tumble drying can damage the fabric’s elasticity and make the colour look less fresh. This is especially important for bright styles and swimwear with decorative elements.

Care for swimwear with cups

Swimwear with cups requires extra care. The cup should not be compressed, turned inside out or folded in half. After washing, smooth it gently with your hands and dry it in a way that helps preserve its shape.

If it is a two-piece swimsuit, it is best to store the top separately from heavy items. Bikini bottoms can be folded more compactly, but without overstretching the edges.

Storing swimwear

Swimwear should only be stored once it is completely dry. Do not put damp swimwear into a wardrobe, suitcase or bag, as this can lead to an unpleasant smell and affect the condition of the fabric.

Dry swimwear is best stored separately from items with zips, hooks and rough hardware. When travelling, a fabric pouch is a convenient option. Anabel Arto offers different beach styles, so for holidays it is useful to separate swimwear, lingerie and beachwear into different areas of your suitcase.

What to avoid

The main mistakes are hot water, wringing, drying in direct sun, storing while damp and contact with harsh chemicals. It is also worth being careful with sunscreen and oils: let them absorb before putting on your swimwear.

If the swimsuit has a metal or decorative element, avoid unnecessary contact with water and chemical products where this is required by the construction of the style.

Summary

Proper swimwear care starts straight after wearing: rinse out salt or chlorine, hand wash in cool water, do not wring, dry in the shade and store only when fully dry. This helps preserve elasticity, colour, cup shape and a neat fit for longer.

Anabel Arto offers different swimsuits and beachwear solutions, so care should be chosen according to the construction of each specific style. The gentler the washing, drying and storage, the longer the swimwear will stay beautiful, comfortable and ready for the next holiday.