Jun 02, 2026

How to Wash a Swimsuit (So It Actually Lasts)

Most people don’t ruin their swimwear in the ocean.

They ruin it after.

Salt, sun, chlorine — your swimsuit is designed to handle all of that.
What breaks it down faster is how it’s washed, dried, and stored.

If you’ve ever noticed fabric losing its shape, fading too quickly, or feeling rough after a few wears, the issue is usually simple:

You’re not washing your swimsuit the right way.

First Rule: Wash It Immediately

If you remember only one thing about how to wash a swimsuit, make it this.

Rinse it as soon as possible after use.

Salt and chlorine sit deep in the fibers. The longer they stay, the more they break down elasticity and color.

You don’t need anything complicated:

rinse with cool, clean water
gently press (don’t twist)
avoid leaving it rolled up in a bag

This small habit makes a bigger difference than anything else.

Skip the Washing Machine

Even though it’s tempting — don’t do it.

Swimwear is made from delicate, high-performance fabrics. Machine washing stretches fibers, weakens structure, and shortens lifespan.

This is especially important for long sleeve swimwear, where structure and fit matter even more.

Instead:

always wash by hand
use minimal movement
treat it like something you actually want to keep

Brands like Makara Wear design pieces to last — but only if you respect the material.

Use the Right Kind of Soap

Regular detergents are too aggressive.

They strip the softness and damage the fibers, especially in pieces made from sustainable material.

For an eco friendly swimsuit, this matters even more — because the fabric is designed to balance performance and environmental responsibility.

What to use instead:

mild soap or gentle detergent
no bleach
no fabric softener

Keep it simple. The fabric doesn’t need much.

Never Twist or Wring

This is one of the fastest ways to ruin a swimsuit.

Twisting breaks the internal structure of the fabric — especially in supportive designs.

Instead:

gently press water out
lay flat on a towel
roll the towel to absorb excess moisture

This keeps the shape intact and avoids unnecessary stress on the fibers.

Drying Matters More Than You Think

Heat is the silent damage.

Never:

use a dryer
place directly under strong sun for long periods

Instead:

dry in shade
lay flat or hang carefully

High-quality pieces — like those from Makara Wear — are designed to handle sun while worn, but prolonged drying in harsh heat can still degrade the fabric over time.

Why This Matters More With Sustainable Swimwear

If you’ve invested in an eco friendly swimsuit, proper care isn’t optional — it’s part of the value.

Swimwear made from sustainable material is designed to last longer and reduce waste. But that only works if you extend its life.

Better care means:

fewer replacements
better performance over time
less environmental impact

This is the real meaning of sustainability in practice.

Long Sleeve Swimwear Needs Extra Attention

With long sleeve swimwear, you’re working with more fabric, more structure, and more exposure.

That means:

more salt retention
more surface area affected by sun and chlorine

Take an extra moment when rinsing and drying.

Makara Wear pieces, especially long sleeve designs, are built for movement and protection — but like anything refined, they last longer when treated properly.