Cold water rinse right after swimming

Rinse it in cold water as soon as you get out.

That single step is the difference between a suit that lasts two summers and one that looks sad after two weeks. Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen break down the elastic and fade colors fast. A quick rinse in cool tap water (no soap needed) gets most of that stuff off before it sets.

Don’t wring it out—that stretches the fabric. Gently squeeze water out, then lay it flat on a towel to dry. No dryer, no radiator, no direct sun. Heat is just as bad as chemicals.

Hand wash with a tiny bit of mild soap every few wears, especially if you’ve been in a heavily chlorinated pool. Skip the washing machine entirely—the agitation wrecks the spandex.

Your swimsuit will thank you by not going saggy and faded by July.