Chlorine Damage: Signs Your Swimsuit Needs Replacing
Chlorine keeps pools safe, but it slowly breaks down the stretchy fibres in swimwear. Knowing the signs helps you replace a suit before it lets you down, quite literally, in the middle of a session. This post sits within our swim kit care guide.
What are the signs of chlorine damage?
Signs of Chlorine Damage
| Sign | What you'll see | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Thinning | Fabric looks see-through, especially when wet or stretched | The fibres are breaking down |
| Bagging | Seat, chest or waist hangs loose | The elastane has lost its recovery |
| Fading | Colours dull or patchy | Chlorine and sun have bleached the dye |
| Brittle elastic | Crinkly, cracking edges or leg openings | The elastic has perished |
| Pilling or roughness | Fuzzy, bobbly surface | Fabric wearing through |
How do you test if a swimsuit is worn out?
Hold it up to the light and gently stretch a section. If you can see through it easily, it's thinning. Then let go: a healthy fabric springs straight back, while a damaged one stays slack. Check the leg openings and neckline for cracked or crinkly elastic.
The mistake: Carrying on in a suit that's gone see-through because it still "does the job".
What happens: The fabric gets thinner every session, and a worn-out suit can become embarrassingly transparent when wet, or tear at the seams.
How to avoid it: Replace the suit at the first signs of thinning, and choose chlorine-resistant fabric next time.
How do you prevent chlorine damage?
- Rinse in cool fresh water straight after every swim.
- Squeeze, don't wring.
- Dry naturally in the shade, never on a radiator or in a tumble dryer.
- Rotate two suits so each has time to recover.
- Choose chlorine-resistant fabrics for regular pool swimming.
Our post on chlorine-resistant swimwear explains which fabrics last best. For drying tips, see how to dry and store swimwear.
WHEN TO REPLACE
WHEN TO REPLACESee-through
See-throughHold it to the light. If you can see through it, replace it.
Slack
SlackIf it doesn't spring back when stretched, the elastic has gone.
Cracked edges
Cracked edgesCrinkly or cracking elastic at the legs or neck.
What should you replace it with?
If you swim more than twice a week, a chlorine-resistant training suit. Our women's swimsuits include chlorine-resistant options. For men, our training jammers are built for the same job. Our swimwear experts can help you find the right size.
Race suits wear differently, losing compression rather than going see-through. Our post on race suit care and lifespan covers the signs.
Why Buy Swimwear From Allens Swimwear
We've been helping regular swimmers choose suits that last for 50 years.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 30 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my swimsuit is chlorine damaged?
Look for thinning or see-through fabric, a baggy seat or chest, faded colour and brittle elastic. A healthy fabric springs back when stretched.
Can you fix a chlorine-damaged swimsuit?
No. Once the fibres have broken down, the damage can't be reversed. Replace the suit and choose chlorine-resistant fabric next time.
Why has my swimsuit gone see-through?
Chlorine has broken down the fabric, making it thinner. It's a sign the suit needs replacing.
How often should I replace my swimsuit?
It depends on how often you swim, the fabric and how you care for it. Replace it when you see thinning, bagging or perished elastic.
Does rinsing a swimsuit really help?
Yes. Rinsing in cool fresh water straight after swimming removes chlorine before it can do more damage.