How to Take Care of Your Swimsuits

    We’re right in the peak of summer and we’re living for the days spent by the pool or on the beach sporting the cutest suits. Planning what you’ll wear when you go out with your friends is almost an everyday task this season, and isn’t it just the most annoying thing ever when you rummage through your entire closet to find that favorite bikini you’ve been excited to wear—only to find out it’s been ruined from the wash? Swimsuits need some TLC to make them last longer - but the good news is that they’re super easy to follow! Here are our tips:

1. Make sure you wash your swimsuit after every use.

That’s even if you don’t go in the water! Sunscreens, tanning lotions, and even our natural body oils have certain chemicals in them that can be damaging to the fabric and can cause the material to break down quicker. Apart from this, certain sunscreens can cause more damage than others, such as mineral-based lotions and oil formulations. These can cause yellowing or even staining over time.

Chlorine and salt water can also dull your swimsuit’s color rather quickly. So to keep it looking its best, just remember: RINSE. RINSE. RINSE.

2. Wash with care

It’s not just about washing them - it’s about how you wash them, too! To keep your swimsuit’s shape, we recommend washing it by hand and using a mild detergent (such as ones made for delicates). Low on cleaning supplies? Clean, fresh water will do. This protects the fabric’s colors while gently washing away oils and chemicals. Machine-washing your swimsuits is definitely a no-no, don’t forget!

To wash your swimsuits, fill your sink or bathtub with cold water (never ever wash it in hot water as this can damage the spandex fibers!) and add your mild detergent. Let the swimsuit soak for up to 30 minutes before rinsing it with cold water. Make sure you don’t wring it out! Wringing out water from your swimsuit damages the fibers and can ruin its shape. Instead, just pat it dry with a towel.

Don’t hang it on a rod—the weight of the water plus gravity will pull your swimsuit down and changing its shape. Be careful not to leave it to dry under the sun as this can change your suit’s color, causing it to fade much quicker. Instead, just lay it flat on a towel to dry.

3. Store it well

Once fully dry, store your suits laying flat - don’t hang your suits as it will stretch the fibers. Make sure they’re completely dry as any moisture can increase the risk of mildew buildup. When storing them in between seasons, use a fabric garment bag as plastic garment bags encourage mildew and bacterial growth.

4. Use a towel

Before sitting down, whether on a lounge chair, bench or even on the ground, we recommend laying down a towel to sit on beforehand. The rough surface can cause your suit’s material to snag and even fray. If bringing along a towel is too much of a hassle for you, don a stylish sarong around your waist for effortless style points while saving your swimsuit!

Recent Blogs

Celebrating Biodiversity: Bambi's Ballet Collection

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this cause through their purchases and donations. The Blackbough community’s commitment and enthusiasm have made a tangible difference in our collective mission to protect and conserve our natural heritage.

View Details

Coastal Cleanup with Blackbough and Project CURMA

10% of net profits from the Coastal Cleanup collection will go towards Project CURMA, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to safeguarding sea turtles and their habitats, until April 30. That means that for every 2 sets of bikinis from this Earth Day 2024 collection will go towards 1 day of care and rehabilitation for an average of 60-70 sea turtles on the shores of La Union, Philippines.

View Details

Pink with Purpose: Blackbough for Breast Cancer Awareness

At Blackbough, we are a community founded by and made up of incredibly strong and empowered women. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re excited to launch our breast cancer awareness initiative with our main beneficiary being the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). 100% of net profits from our Kyoto Pink collection will be donated to BCRF to support their mission in achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer.

View Details

Coastal Cleanup with Blackbough

At Blackbough Swim, we believe that the beauty of our oceans deserves to be cherished and preserved. Our love for the sea extends far beyond just creating stylish swimwear; it's a commitment to protect the very waters that inspire us. Last September 10th 2023, we took our dedication to the next level as we embarked on a coastal cleanup at Malinao Beach, Siargao, Philippines.

View Details

Tags: