If you've ever returned from a day at the coast or a trip to the pool and tossed your wet swimsuit into the dryer for convenience, you might want to think twice next time. It’s a common misconception that using a tumble dryer for your swimsuit is a good idea. But in actual fact, putting a swimsuit in the dryer can cause serious damage over time. We thought it was time to share our years of expertise in swimwear and let you in on the secret of how to care for your swimwear. We want to break down everything you need to know about drying swimsuits, the best practices for cleaning and storing them, and why air-drying is often your best bet. So if you are wondering, ‘Can you put swimsuits in the dryer? Read on and we’ll talk you through it.
Can You Put Swimsuits In The Dryer?
So let’s settle the question once and for all: Can you put swimsuits in the dryer?
The Short Answer: No, You Shouldn't
While it might seem like a quick and easy option, using a dryer for your favourite swimsuit is not the best way to care for it. You’ll find that most swimsuits are made from delicate fabrics like Lycra, Spandex, or other synthetic materials. We’ve been working with these fabrics for years and years and so we know that these materials are sensitive to high temperatures and mechanical agitation, both of which are common in tumble dryers.
Why It's a Bad Idea
Heat Damage
You’ll find that the high heat of a dryer can break down the fibres of your swimsuit, especially if it's made of synthetic fabrics. Over time, this can lead to a loss of elasticity and a saggy fit. That’s not what you want for your favourite swimsuit.
Stretching and Shrinking
The continuous tumbling motion combined with heat can cause your suit to stretch or shrink in uneven ways, affecting its shape and performance. You’ll probably find it fits differently after tumbling.
Colour Fading
Swimsuits, especially those that have a beautiful, bright colour, will start to fade when exposed to high heat, particularly if they are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and then dried using a tumble dryer.
How Should I Dry My Swimsuit?
To help protect the shape and colour of your swimsuit, you can follow our simple steps.
Rinse After Every Use
You’ll be best to give your swimsuit a quick rinse in cool water, fresh water after swimming. Whether you’ve been in salt water, a hot tub, or a chlorinated pool, rinsing helps remove body oils, suntan lotion, mineral-based lotions, and chemicals that can degrade the swimsuit fabric over time.
After you have slipped on one of our handy towel robes, why not give your swimsuit a quick rinse under an outdoor shower or in the sink with some clean water? You’ll find that this is especially important if you plan to keep your swimsuit in a plastic bag while in transit, such as in a hotel room.
Gently Remove Excess Water
You’ll want to avoid wringing or twisting your wet swimsuit. By wringing out your wet swimwear, you risk damaging the delicate fabric.
We suggest you lay your swimsuit flat on a dry towel, roll it up, and gently press to remove excess water. This method is gentle on the suit and helps preserve its shape.
Air Dry in a Shaded, Well-Ventilated Area
The next step is to lay your swimsuit flat on a drying rack or a clean towel in a dry area. If possible, you should find a spot which is actually not in direct sunlight. You’ll find that UV rays can fade colours and break down fibres over time. A shaded patio or indoor space with good airflow is ideal for drying your swimwear without a dryer.
We’d also suggest to avoid hanging the suit by its straps, which can cause stretching. Instead, lay it flat or fold it over the rack.
Never Use a Hair Dryer or Swimsuit Dryer
Yes, we’ve hear numerous cases of people using hairdryers, but it’s best not to. Even though it might be tempting to speed up the drying process, using a hair dryer or one of those fast-rotating swimsuit dryers you see at public pools is not the most gentle method. You’ll find that these appliances apply heat and force, which can ruin the suit material and shorten its lifespan.
How to Wash Swimsuits Properly
Let’s talk about cleaning your swimsuit, because using a proper wash method is just as important as drying it.
Our swimsuits can be washed in a machine at 30 degrees, but that’s probably not possible if you are staying in a hotel on holiday, so your best bet is to clean your swimsuit by hand washing it in cold water with a mild detergent.
You can also use a liquid detergent formulated for delicate laundry or delicate garments, this is especially recommended if you have sensitive skin.
Steps:
1. Fill a sink basin with cool water.
2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent (preferably one that’s free from harsh chemicals or fabric softener).
3. Let the swimsuit soak for 10–15 minutes.
4. Gently agitate it, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
You’ll find this the most gentle method for washing your swimsuit, and it’s ideal for those who are away on holiday and have limited access to washing machine facilities.
Our Tips for Looking After Your Swimwear
Watch Out for Sun Cream
Sun cream and mineral-based lotions can discolour or stain your swimwear easily. It’s especially noticeable on lighter coloured swimsuits. You’ll want to apply your sun cream early and allow it to fully absorb into your skin before putting on your swimwear.
Avoid Sitting on Rough Surfaces
Pool edges, concrete benches, and rocky beaches can cause your swimsuit to pill or snag on the bottom when you are sitting on them. We suggest you sit on a beach towel or wrap your bottom in a sarong to protect your suit.
Rotate Your Suits
If you are on holiday for a few days, why not take two or three different swimsuits and rotate them? Swimsuit fabric needs time to bounce back to its original shape, so alternating suits allows them to rest and retain their elasticity. The same applies if you are a regular pool swimmer. Use a different swimsuit each day.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Persistent Smells
If your lovely swimsuit has developed a smell or stubborn stains, you could try one of these methods to see if it helps.
Soak it in a mix of cold water and baking soda for 15 minutes. Then use a bit of white vinegar mixed with water for odour. For sunscreen stains, pre-treat with a drop of liquid detergent before washing. Just make sure you avoid harsh chemicals, which can be too much for delicate laundry.
What About Swim Trunks and Other Swimwear?
You’ll find that the same tips apply to swim trunks, bikini tops, dry suits, and board shorts. While some trunks may contain cotton blends that are a little more resilient, most still include synthetic fibres that react poorly to dryers and hot water. So just don’t do it!
At the end of the day, if you take good care of your swimwear it will last you for summers to come. So, keep it out of the dryer. Following these easy steps will help preserve the colour, shape, and longevity of your swimwear so you’ll look fabulous on the beach or by the pool. Instead of choosing convenience, choose the only way that truly maintains the integrity of your bathing suit – natural drying in a shaded, well-ventilated area.