A quality rashguard or swimsuit is an investment. The right care routine can more than double its lifespan — keeping the fabric elastic, colors vivid, and UV protection intact through seasons of regular use. Here's exactly what to do (and what to avoid).
The #1 Rule: Rinse Immediately After Every Session
Whether you've been in the ocean, a chlorinated pool, or even just sweating in the sun, rinse your swimwear in cool fresh water as soon as you're done. Don't wait until you get home.
Both saltwater and chlorine degrade elastic fibers (spandex/elastane) over time. The longer they sit on the fabric, the more damage they do. A 30-second rinse under a beach shower or garden hose before you leave the water is the single most effective thing you can do for swimwear longevity.
Washing: Hand Wash vs Machine Wash
Hand washing is always preferred for swimwear. Use cool or lukewarm water (never hot) and a small amount of gentle detergent or dedicated swimwear cleaner. Swirl the garment gently — don't wring, twist, or scrub aggressively.
If you must machine wash:
- Use a mesh laundry bag to reduce mechanical abrasion
- Select the gentlest cycle available (delicates/hand wash cycle)
- Use cold water only
- Mild, fragrance-free detergent
- Never use bleach or fabric softener — both destroy elastic fibers rapidly
How often to wash: Rinse after every use. Full wash (with detergent) after every 2–3 uses, or immediately if there's visible sunscreen, body oil, or sand buildup.
Drying: The Right Way
Heat is the enemy of swimwear. Never put rashguards or swimsuits in a tumble dryer — the heat breaks down spandex fibers irreversibly, causing the fabric to lose stretch and shape within a few cycles.
Correct drying method:
- Lay flat or hang in shade: Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or hang it on a line in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight fades colors and degrades UV-protective treatments.
- Don't wring or twist to remove water — gently press between two towels instead.
- Avoid wire hangers for drying — they can leave permanent marks on the shoulders of rashguards. Use a wide plastic hanger or lay flat.
Specific Care for Rashguards
Rashguards have some specific care considerations beyond standard swimwear:
- Sunscreen buildup: Chemical sunscreens can accumulate in fabric, reducing UPF effectiveness over time and causing yellowing. Apply sunscreen to skin and let it absorb fully before putting on your rashguard, minimizing transfer.
- Zipper care: If your rashguard has a zipper, close it before washing to prevent it from snagging other fabric. After washing, run a small amount of zipper lubricant or a dry bar of soap along the teeth to keep it sliding smoothly.
- Velcro contact: Velcro on surfboards, vests, or life jackets can pill rashguard fabric. Where possible, avoid prolonged direct contact.
Swimsuit-Specific Care
For one-piece swimsuits and bikinis/swim sets:
- Avoid sitting on rough surfaces — concrete pool edges, rough boat surfaces — these cause visible pilling very quickly on delicate swimsuit fabric.
- Hot tubs and spas: The combination of high heat and strong chemicals (especially bromine) is extremely harsh on swimwear. If you use hot tubs regularly, designate a specific suit for that purpose and expect shorter lifespan.
- Rotation: If you swim daily, rotating between two suits extends both their lives significantly — elastic fibers need time to recover their shape between sessions.
Storage
Once clean and fully dry:
- Fold loosely and store flat in a drawer, or hang on a wide hanger in a cool, dry wardrobe
- Don't store in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container — fabric needs airflow
- Keep away from direct sunlight during storage (a dark wardrobe is fine)
- Don't compress heavily under other clothing — this can distort the garment's shape over time
When to Replace Your Swimwear
Even with perfect care, swimwear eventually needs replacing. Signs it's time:
- Loss of elasticity: Fabric sags, doesn't spring back, or the garment doesn't hold its shape in the water
- Sheerness: When wet, a worn swimsuit or rashguard may become see-through as fabric thins
- UPF degradation: If you can hold the fabric up to a bright light and easily see through it, the UV protection is likely compromised
- Pilling or thinning: Significant surface degradation indicates the fabric structure is breaking down
With good care, quality swimwear typically lasts 2–3 seasons of regular use (3–5 sessions per week). Budget swimwear worn and washed carelessly may not survive a single season.
Quick Reference: Care Cheat Sheet
- ✅ Rinse in cool fresh water immediately after every session
- ✅ Hand wash with gentle detergent, or machine wash on delicates/cold
- ✅ Lay flat or hang in shade to dry
- ✅ Close zippers before washing
- ✅ Rotate between multiple suits if swimming daily
- ❌ No tumble dryer — ever
- ❌ No bleach or fabric softener
- ❌ No wringing or twisting
- ❌ No drying in direct sunlight
- ❌ No sitting on rough surfaces in a swimsuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my rashguard in the dryer on low heat?
No. Even low heat accelerates spandex breakdown. Air drying in shade is the only safe method. A rashguard dried in a dryer even occasionally will lose its elasticity much faster than one that's always air dried.
My swimsuit is turning yellow — how do I fix it?
Yellowing is usually caused by sunscreen or body oil buildup, or by chlorine oxidization. Soak in a solution of cool water and white vinegar (about 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) for 30 minutes, then hand wash gently. For severe buildup, a swimwear-specific cleaner works better than standard detergent.
How do I get sunscreen out of a rashguard?
Pre-treat the affected area with a small amount of mild dish soap or dedicated swimwear cleaner before washing. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then gently work it through the fabric with your fingers and rinse. Avoid scrubbing aggressively — this can damage the fabric surface.
How often should I replace my swimwear if I swim every day?
With daily use and good care — rinsing after every session, rotating between two suits — expect quality swimwear to last about 6–12 months before elasticity noticeably degrades. This is why rotating between two suits is worth it; you get double the lifespan for a modest additional investment.
Does washing reduce UPF protection in a rashguard?
Gentle washing with mild detergent doesn't significantly reduce UPF. However, harsh detergents, bleach, high heat, and physical abrasion (rough machine cycles, sitting on rough surfaces) all degrade UPF fabric over time. Follow the care guidelines above and your rashguard should maintain its rated protection for its useful life.
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