The secret enemies of swimwear

Before we talk about solutions, we need to look at what is destroying your swimsuits behind your back. There are a few key elements that work against stretch fabrics, and knowing what they are makes it much easier to avoid the damage.

• Chlorine and UV exposure
  Chlorine can break down elastic fibres, while harsh UV rays bake the fabric structure when left to dry in direct sunlight, killing the colour.
• Intense heat
  Hot water washes and tumble dryers are the fastest ways to snap elastane and permanently ruin a perfect fit.
• Sunscreen and fake tan
  Chemical sunscreens often react with synthetic fibres to leave stubborn stains, while sitting directly on concrete pool edges or rough rocks scrapes the material instantly.

How to wash your swimwear

Flushing out salt and chlorine before they can settle in is the single most important thing you can do for swimwear longevity. It takes about thirty seconds, and it roughly doubles the life of your bathers. In our books, that’s a very good trade.

• Rinse straight away
  Cold, fresh water, right after every wear. This flushes out minerals and chemicals before they have a chance to dry into the weave.
• Wash gently, in cool water only
  Hand wash with a tiny amount of gentle detergent. If you are using a machine, always opt for a cold, delicate cycle and pop your pieces into a mesh laundry bag.
• Skip the additives
  Fabric softener is not your friend here. It leaves a coating on the fibres that permanently reduces elasticity and performance.
• Squeeze, do not wring
  When you are done washing, never twist or wring the fabric to force the water out. A gentle, firm squeeze is all it needs.

The golden rules of drying

Drying habits are where most swimwear damage actually happens, but (in our humble opinion) these two rules make protecting your pairs completely foolproof.

• ALWAYS air dry your swimwear flat, or draped over a towel in a shady spot. Indoors, outdoors, up to you, just keep them out of direct sun.
• NEVER hang wet swimmers by the straps. Gravity will do exactly what you would expect it to do, and stretched-out straps do not un-stretch.

Dealing with sunscreen and fake tan stains

Stains are incredibly frustrating, but acting quickly can save your outfit.

Where possible, try to apply your sunscreen and let it dry completely before putting on your swimmers to reduce contact time with the fabric. If you are dealing with mineral sunscreen, soak the piece in cold water and gently work the area with a mild bar soap.

For chemical sunscreen or fake tan, act fast with a cold water rinse immediately after wearing. It is worth checking your ingredient labels, too. Sunscreens containing avobenzone react aggressively with minerals in the water, creating persistent rust-coloured orange stains. Once a stain sets in, it tends to stay set, so prevention really is the easier road here.

How to store your collection

Once the season winds down – or you're just packing them away between beach weekends – how you store your swimmers dictates how they'll fit next time you pull them out. Here’s what to do. 

• Ensure pieces are 100% dry
  Packing away even slightly damp swimwear is an open invitation for mildew and fabric breakdown.
• Store flat or loosely rolled
  Avoid folding them tightly or stuffing them into cramped drawers, which puts unnecessary, prolonged pressure on the elastic.
• Keep in a dark spot
  Store them away from windows. UV fading can actually occur through glass over months of storage.
• Avoid rough surfaces
  Keep them away from rough hardware, velcro, or textured accessories in your wardrobe that could snag the smooth material.

When is it time to move on?

Nothing lasts forever, and there are a few clear signs that your bathers have finally worked their last shift. It is officially time to replace your swimwear if:

• The fabric has lost its snap and no longer returns to its original shape.
• The internal lining has thinned or sagged significantly.
• The fit changes so much that it begins to slip, bag, or lose support.

A well-cared-for, high-quality piece should easily last 4 to 5 seasons of regular use.

The swimwear care checklist

When taking care of your swimwear, including your favourite Sheila pieces, remember that longevity relies on following these care steps consistently.

• Rinse in cold water immediately after every wear.
• Hand wash or use a cold, delicate machine cycle in a mesh bag.
• No fabric softener, no wringing, and no twisting.
• Air dry flat in the shade, never tumble dry, and never hang by the straps.
• Store completely dry, flat, and away from direct light.
• Act fast on sunscreen stains with an immediate cold rinse.

After all, if you take care of your swimwear, it will take care of you.