How to Care for Your Swim Tankini to Keep It Looking New

Quick Answer

To keep your swim tankini looking new, rinse it in cold water immediately after swimming, hand wash with a mild detergent, and lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid wringing, machine washing, and chlorine damage by following these steps.

A swim tankini is a versatile and stylish choice for the beach or pool, but like all swimwear, it needs special care to maintain its shape, color, and elasticity. Chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and heat can quickly degrade the fabric if you don't handle it properly.

With a few simple habits, you can extend the life of your tankini and keep it looking as vibrant as the day you bought it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to caring for your swim tankini so it stays beautiful and functional for many seasons.

Why Swimwear Needs Special Care

Swimwear fabrics are delicate. They contain elastane or spandex that provides stretch and recovery, but these fibers are sensitive to chlorine, heat, and rough handling. Over time, exposure to these elements can cause fading, loss of elasticity, and even fabric breakdown.

A swim tankini, which combines a tank top and bottoms, often has more fabric than a bikini, meaning more surface area that can be affected. Proper care not only keeps it looking new but also ensures it continues to fit well and provide the support you need.

• Always rinse your tankini in cool, fresh water after each wear to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen.
• Never leave a wet tankini in a bag or on the floor; this can lead to mildew and fabric damage.

Washing Your Swim Tankini: Best Practices

Hand washing is the safest method for cleaning swimwear. Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent, preferably one that is free of bleach or fabric softeners. Gently swirl the tankini in the water, paying attention to areas that may have sunscreen or body oils.

If you must use a washing machine, place the tankini in a mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water. However, even with these precautions, machine washing can stretch and snag the fabric, so hand washing is recommended for longevity.

Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can break down the elastic fibers and reduce the garment's ability to hold its shape. Similarly, do not wring or twist the tankini to remove water—this distorts the fabric.

• Use a detergent specifically designed for swimwear or a mild baby shampoo for a gentle clean.
• Soak for no more than 10-15 minutes to prevent color bleeding.

Drying and Storing Your Swim Tankini

After washing, gently press the tankini between two clean towels to absorb excess water. Do not wring or twist. Then, lay it flat on a dry towel or a drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight can fade colors and damage the fabric, so avoid hanging it outside in the sun.

Never put your swim tankini in the dryer. The heat will break down the elastic and cause shrinking or warping. Air drying is the only safe method.

When storing, fold the tankini rather than hanging it to prevent stretching. Keep it in a drawer or a breathable cotton bag, away from direct light and heat.

• If you need to dry it quickly, roll it in a towel and press to remove moisture, then lay flat.
• Do not iron your swim tankini; the heat will damage the fabric.

Preventing Common Swimwear Damage

Chlorine is one of the biggest enemies of swimwear. To minimize damage, rinse your tankini immediately after swimming in a pool. If you're at the beach, rinse with fresh water to remove salt and sand. These simple steps can prevent long-term damage.

Sunscreen and tanning oils can also cause discoloration and degrade fabric. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before putting on your tankini, and avoid spraying directly on the garment. If it does get sunscreen on it, spot-clean gently with a mild soap.

Be mindful of rough surfaces like pool edges or rocks, which can snag the fabric. Also, avoid sitting on concrete or wood surfaces that can be abrasive.

• Rotate between two or three swimsuits to give each one time to recover its shape.
• Check for any loose threads or snags after each wear and repair them promptly to prevent further damage.

Step-by-Step Swim Tankini Care Routine

1. Rinse Immediately: After swimming, rinse your tankini in cool, fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and sand. Do not use hot water, as it can set in stains and damage the fabric. Checkpoint: The water runs clear with no suds or dirt.
2. Hand Wash Gently: Fill a basin with cool water and add a mild detergent. Swirl the tankini for a few minutes, paying attention to areas with sunscreen or sweat. Avoid scrubbing or wringing. Checkpoint: No visible soap residue after rinsing.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the tankini in clean, cool water until all detergent is gone. Detergent left in the fabric can cause irritation and break down fibers over time. Checkpoint: Water is clear and free of suds.
4. Press and Dry Flat: Lay the tankini on a clean towel, roll it up to absorb excess water, then unroll and place it flat on a drying rack in the shade. Never hang it, as the weight can stretch the fabric. Checkpoint: Fabric is dry but not stiff or crispy.
5. Store Properly: Once fully dry, fold the tankini and store it in a drawer or breathable bag. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent fading and elasticity loss. Checkpoint: Tankini is ready for the next swim.

Products That Stand Up to Care

• Flexi-Size Bra NEW - Black: A black bra is a staple in almost all underwear drawers. Great for work or concealing under dark tops, this bra offers fantastic support. Our NEW and IMPROVED Molke Flexi-Size bras are wonderfully non-wired, with fully adjustable straps and customisable neckline. While not a swim tankini, this bra features the same attention to comfort and fit that Molke applies to swimwear. Its adjustable straps and non-wired design make it a great option for lounging or as a base layer after a swim.
• Mid Rise Briefs - Wildflowers: Something wild and wonderful is calling... Our colourful floral Wildflowers collection is bringing alllllll the joy! Take your pick from the full Wildflowers collection. Designed by the very talented Jen James Design. If you're looking for matching bottoms for your swim tankini, these mid-rise briefs are made from soft organic cotton, which is gentle on skin and easy to care for. They pair well with tankinis for a coordinated beach look.

Caring for your swim tankini doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple steps—rinsing after each use, hand washing gently, drying flat, and storing properly—you can keep your swimwear looking vibrant and fitting well for many seasons. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in preserving the quality and extending the life of your favorite swim pieces.