Rinse it in cold water after every swim.

Yes, the biggest thing is rinsing it in cold water as soon as you get out.

Neoprene is basically fancy rubber foam. Salt, chlorine, sunscreen, and body oils eat away at it over time. Rinsing immediately removes the worst offenders. Use mild soap (like a wetsuit shampoo) if it’s really dirty, but most days just cold water is fine.

Never put it in a washing machine or dryer. Heat is the enemy — it breaks down the neoprene and can delaminate the fabric. Squeeze out water gently, don’t wring it like a dishrag. Lay it flat to dry in the shade; direct sunlight is just as bad as a dryer. And don’t hang it while wet — the weight of the water can stretch it out permanently