Rinse immediately with cold water.

That’s it. Rinse your swimsuit in cold, fresh water as soon as you’re out of the pool or ocean. Salt and chlorine crystals are what eat the elastic and fade the color. The longer they sit, the more damage they do.

No need for soap every time. If you do use soap, pick something mild—baby shampoo or a swimwear-specific wash. Regular detergent is too harsh. And never wring it out. Just squeeze gently and lay flat to dry in the shade. Heat (dryer, direct sun) is the second biggest killer of swimwear after leaving it wet in a bag.

Your suit will last at least twice as long. That’s not hype, that’s chemistry.