A high-quality swimsuit from Siren + Sage isn’t just a seasonal purchase, it’s an investment in comfort, support, confidence, and fit. Yet even the most beautifully made swimsuits can lose their shape, fade in colour, or become see-through far quicker than they should. The reason? improper care.
Chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, heat, and incorrect washing habits are the leading causes of damage to your swimwear. Now, whilst we love you buying more and more from us, we want it to be for the right reasons, like you simply have to have that new colour bikini or you just simply want more of the gorgeous OverKini™ swimsuit style. The good news is that with the right care routine, your swimsuit can look great for a long time.
We’ve rounded up the most common questions people ask online when it comes to swimwear care. This simple guide answers the most commonly questions and gives you a simple routine that protects fabric, colour, and elasticity.
How Should You Wash a Swimsuit Properly?
The safest way is to hand wash swimwear in cool water with mild soap.
Avoid:
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Harsh stain removers
• Washing machines
As tempting as it is, washing machines can be too aggressive for swimwear fabrics. Even on “delicate” cycles, spinning stretches the elastic fibres, weakens seams, and damages linings.
The Best method:
1. Rinse first in cool water
2. Gently hand wash with mild soap
3. Swish lightly, never scrub
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Press (never twist) water out in a towel
Can You Put a Swimsuit in the Washing Machine?
In short, no. A washing machine dramatically shortens the life of your swimwear
Friction and spinning causes:
• Loss of elasticity to fabric fibres
• Fabric thinning
• Mesh damage
• Misshapen bust panels
• Faded colour
Hand washing significantly extends the lifespan of your swimsuit or bikini, keeping everything supported, sculpted and beautiful.
How Often Should You Wash a Swimsuit?
Every. Single. Wear. Even if you didn't swim.
It’s down to those things we don’t think about as being problems for fabrics. Sunscreen, sweat, body oils, salt, and chlorine all embed into fabric, breaking fibres down as they dry or staining. Rinsing after each use prevents invisible damage that shows up later as fading or stretching.
Can You Put Swimwear in the Dryer?
If you can help it, never. Heat is the enemy of elastic fibres and can permanently warps fabric.
Avoid:
• Dryers
• Towel warmers
• Radiators
• Hair dryers
• Direct sun baking
Always air dry flat in the shade.
Does Chlorine Damage Swimwear?
Yes, chlorine is the number one cause of swimwear aging prematurely.
It can:
• Weakens elastics
• Causes fading of colours
• Thins fabric
• Creates bagging and sagging
• Accelerate fibre breakdown
A quick rinse after swimming can make a big difference.
Does Salt Water Ruin Swimsuits?
Yes unfortunately. As fun as it is to take a dip in the sea, the salt crystals grind into fibres as they dry, causing stiffness, cracking, and weakening over time. Always rinse thoroughly after an ocean dip.
Why Do Swimsuits Lose Their Shape?
The most common causes are:
• Washing machines
• Heat exposure
• Hanging when wet
• Heavy detergents
• Poor quality fibres
Swimwear stretches when wet, drying improperly "locks in" that stretch
How Do You Remove Sunscreen Stains From Swimwear?
Avobenzone (in many sunscreens) is known for yellow staining—especially on lighter fabrics. But there are safe ways to remove it.
Try:
• Baking soda paste (let sit for 30 mins)
• Cool water soak
• Gentle delicates stain remover used during handwashing
Avoid:
• Bleach
• Hot water
• Scrubbing
Heat can set stains permanently in to fabrics.
How Do You Dry a Swimsuit Properly?
Lay it flat to dry, ideally inside out and always out of direct sun.
Hanging wet swimwear causes:
• Stretched straps
• Misshapen bust panels
• Warped fabric
• Loss of support
How Should You Store Swimwear?
Store only when fully dry.
Best method:
• Lay flat or lightly fold
• Keep in a breathable space
Avoid:
• Zippers
• Velcro
• Rough hardware or surfaces
Never store swimwear damp. Moisture breeds bacteria and odor
Siren + Sage Swimwear Specifc Care Tips?
Whether you’re wearing the Goddess Balconette, Iris Bottom, Maia One-Shoulder OverKini™, Chloe Plunge OverKini™, or Gaia OverKini™, here’s how to keep everything gorgeous:
Before First Wear
• Give your suit a gentle rinse or hand wash.
• It helps set the color and prevents transfer.
After Each Use
• Rinse or hand wash in cold water to remove salt, chlorine, sunscreen, and oils.
Drying
• Lay flat to dry. Our fabrics love to lounge, not tumble.
• Keep away from heat and direct sun.
Pro Tips For Longer-Lasting Swimwear
✔ Rotate your swimsuits (the easiest excuse to add a new color…)
✔ Apply sunscreen before getting dressed
✔ Avoid sitting on rough surfaces
✔ Rinse in the shower before you head home
✔ Always dry inside out
✔ Skip pool ledges, they’re rougher than they look
✔ Never wring or twist
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