Hand wash your swimsuit with cups. Always.

Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, lay flat to dry. That’s it.

Machine washing beats the cups out of shape — the agitator twists them, the spin cycle crumples the foam. Dryers are even worse. Heat warps the cups and peels the lining. You might get away with it once, but over a season it’s ruin.

Wringing is also bad. Press the water out gently between two towels, then let it air dry flat. Hanging by the straps stretches them out.

It takes two minutes. Future you — and your swimsuit — will appreciate it.