How to Wash a Swimwear in a Washing Machine (Without Ruining It)

Let’s be honest.

Sometimes you’re not going to hand wash your swimsuit.

You’re traveling. You’re tired. You just want to throw everything in the machine and be done.

That’s fine — but if you don’t do it properly, it’s also one of the fastest ways to destroy a good piece.

So if you’re wondering how to wash a swimwear in washing machine without ruining the fit, fabric, or color — here’s how to do it the right way.

First — Know the Risk

Swimwear isn’t like regular clothing.

It’s made from high-performance fabrics designed to stretch, hold, and recover. Machine washing can:

• weaken elasticity
• damage fibers
• distort shape

This is especially true for long sleeve swimwear, where structure matters more across the entire body.

Brands like Makara Wear design pieces to last — but machine care needs to be done carefully to protect that structure.

Always Use a Laundry Bag

If you take one step seriously, make it this.

Never put swimwear directly into the machine.

Use a mesh laundry bag to:

• prevent stretching
• avoid friction with heavier garments
• protect seams and stitching

This is critical for any eco friendly swimsuit made from sustainable material, as these fabrics are strong — but not meant for rough handling.

Choose the Right Settings

Not all machine cycles are equal.

For how to wash a swimsuit in a washing machine, always use:

• cold water
• delicate or gentle cycle
• low spin (or no spin if possible)

Heat and aggressive spinning are what cause most of the damage.

Think of it less like “washing clothes” and more like rinsing something sensitive.

Use Minimal, Gentle Detergent

Standard detergents are too harsh.

They strip softness and weaken fibers over time — especially in swimwear made from sustainable material.

Instead:

• use a mild detergent
• use less than you normally would
• avoid bleach and fabric softener completely

An eco friendly swimsuit performs best when the fabric stays clean, not chemically overloaded.

Wash It Separately (or With Similar Items)

Don’t throw your swimsuit in with towels or heavy clothing.

That creates:

• friction
• pulling
• uneven stretching

If possible:

• wash it alone
• or only with lightweight, soft items

This is especially important for long sleeve swimwear, where more fabric means more exposure to movement in the machine.

Skip the Dryer — Always

Even if you machine wash, never machine dry.

Heat is what breaks swimwear down the fastest.

Instead:

• gently remove from the laundry bag
• reshape while damp
• dry in shade

Makara Wear pieces are designed for sun exposure while worn — but not for prolonged heat during drying.

When Machine Washing Makes Sense

There are moments when using a machine is practical:

• after travel
• after multiple uses
• when you need a deeper clean

Just don’t make it your default.

Even the best eco friendly swimsuit will last longer with occasional hand washing between machine cycles.

Simple Machine Routine (Safe Version)

If you want a clean system:

1. Rinse swimsuit after use
2. Place in mesh laundry bag
3. Wash on cold, delicate cycle
4. Use minimal gentle detergent
5. Remove immediately after wash
6. Dry in shade, never in dryer

That’s how you protect both shape and performance.

Final Thought

Learning how to wash a swimsuit in a washing machine isn’t about convenience — it’s about control.

Because once elasticity is gone, it doesn’t come back.

A well-made piece — like those from Makara Wear — is built to last through movement, salt, and sun. But how you care for it determines how long it stays that way.

Treat it with a bit of intention, and it will stay exactly how you bought it.