How to Dry and Store Swimwear
Most swimwear damage happens after the swim. Heat, sun and damp do more harm than any number of lengths, and the habits are easy to fix. This guide sits within our swim kit care guide.
What is the right way to dry swimwear?
- Rinse in cool fresh water as soon as possible after swimming.
- Squeeze the water out gently. Never wring or twist the fabric.
- Roll the suit in a dry towel and press to remove more water.
- Lay it flat on a dry towel, or hang it over a rail by the middle rather than the straps.
- Dry it indoors or in the shade, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Drying Do's and Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Dry flat or hang over a rail | Hang by the straps, which stretches them |
| Dry in shade or indoors | Leave in strong direct sunlight |
| Let it air dry naturally | Use a radiator, heater or tumble dryer |
| Rinse before drying | Dry it with chlorine still in the fabric |
Why shouldn't you dry swimwear on a radiator?
Heat breaks down elastane, the fibre that gives swimwear its stretch. A suit dried on a radiator or in a tumble dryer goes baggy and loses its shape far sooner. Strong sunlight does similar damage and fades colours. Slow, natural drying is always kinder.
The mistake: Leaving a wet costume rolled up in a towel in the swim bag overnight.
What happens: Chlorine sits in the fabric for hours, the suit starts to smell, and the elastic breaks down faster.
How to avoid it: Rinse straight after the swim, carry it home in a mesh swim bag and hang it up as soon as you get in.
How should you store swimwear?
Only when it's completely dry. Store suits flat or loosely folded in a drawer, somewhere cool and dry, and keep them away from rough fabrics, zips and Velcro that can snag. Avoid sealed plastic bags for long periods, as any trapped moisture causes smells and mildew.
How do you dry and store other swim kit?
- Towels: hang them out fully open to dry. Microfibre towels dry much faster than cotton; our swimming towels include both.
- Goggles: air dry, then store in a case.
- Caps: dry inside and out; dust latex lightly with talc.
- Training aids: rinse and dry in a mesh bag.
- Wetsuits: dry inside out on a wide hanger in the shade.
THREE HABITS
THREE HABITSRinse
RinseCool fresh water straight after every swim.
Dry slowly
Dry slowlyFlat or over a rail, in the shade, no heat.
Store dry
Store dryOnly pack kit away when it's completely dry.
How do you store swimwear for a long break?
Wash it gently with a mild swimwear wash, rinse thoroughly, dry fully and store flat somewhere cool and dark. Check it before your next swim, and replace it if the fabric has gone thin or baggy. Our post on signs your swimsuit needs replacing explains what to look for. Race suits need even more care; see our guide to race suit care. Families heading into half term will find more drying tips in our children's swimming kit guide. Our swimwear experts are always happy to advise.
Why Buy Swim Kit From Allens Swimwear
We've been helping swimmers make their kit last for 50 years.
Written by a swimwear specialist at Allens Swimwear, 50 years of expert fitting. Updated 23 October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I dry my swimsuit?
Rinse it, squeeze out the water gently, then lay it flat or hang it over a rail in the shade. Avoid radiators, tumble dryers and direct sunlight.
Can you tumble dry swimwear?
We don't recommend it. Heat damages elastane and makes suits lose their shape faster.
Why does my swimsuit smell?
Usually because it was left damp with chlorine in the fabric. Rinse it straight after swimming and dry it fully before storing.
Should I hang my swimsuit by the straps?
No. Hanging by the straps stretches them. Hang the suit over a rail by the middle, or dry it flat.
How do I store swimwear over winter?
Wash it gently, rinse thoroughly, dry it completely and store it flat somewhere cool and dark.