Can You Put Swimwear in the Dryer?

Can You Put Swimwear in the Dryer?

No — swimwear should never go in the tumble dryer. Swimsuits, bikinis, and swim trunks are made with high percentages of spandex (elastane) — often 15–20% or more — specifically to provide stretch, shape retention, and resistance to water. Heat is the enemy of spandex, and a dryer will degrade swimwear rapidly.

What Happens If Swimwear Goes in the Dryer?

• Elastic degradation: The spandex fibers break down under heat, causing the swimsuit to lose its stretch and shape retention. A swimsuit that once fit perfectly becomes baggy and saggy.
• Fabric damage: The thin, stretchy fabric of swimwear is particularly vulnerable to heat damage — it can pill, thin out, or develop holes.
• Color fading: Heat accelerates color loss in swimwear dyes, causing fading and uneven color.
• Chlorine interaction: Swimwear that has been in a chlorinated pool retains chlorine residue. Heat activates this residue, accelerating fiber breakdown and causing the fabric to deteriorate much faster than normal.
• Shape loss: Molded cups and structured elements in swimsuits warp and lose their shape in the dryer.

How to Dry Swimwear Correctly

1. Rinse in cool water immediately after use: This removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residue that degrade the fabric over time. Do this before washing.
2. Hand wash or machine wash on delicate: Use cool water and a gentle detergent. If machine washing, use a Mesh Wash Bag to protect the fabric.
3. Press out excess water gently: Don't wring or twist — this distorts the elastic fibers. Press between two towels instead.
4. Lay flat to dry: Lay swimwear flat on a clean surface or drying rack. Hanging can cause the wet fabric to stretch unevenly under its own weight.
5. Dry in shade: Direct sunlight fades swimwear colors and degrades spandex. Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
6. Dry at room temperature: Keep swimwear away from radiators, heat vents, and any direct heat source.

How Long Does Swimwear Take to Air Dry?

Swimwear is lightweight and dries quickly — most swimsuits and bikinis dry in 1–2 hours at room temperature with good airflow. A fan nearby speeds this up further. The Gaiatop Mini Clip Fan positioned near the drying rack works well for lightweight items like swimwear.

How to Make Swimwear Last Longer

• Rinse immediately after every use — chlorine and salt are the biggest enemies of swimwear fabric
• Always air dry — never tumble dry
• Dry in shade — UV light fades colors and degrades spandex
• Rotate between two swimsuits if you swim regularly — this gives each one time to fully recover its shape between uses
• Avoid sitting on rough surfaces in swimwear — concrete and rough pool edges cause pilling and abrasion
• Hand wash when possible — machine washing, even on delicate, is harder on swimwear than hand washing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can swim trunks go in the dryer?

No — most swim trunks contain spandex and should be air dried. Board shorts made of 100% polyester without spandex can tolerate low heat, but air drying is always safer and extends their life.

Why does my swimsuit go baggy so quickly?

Usually a combination of chlorine exposure and heat (from the dryer or direct sunlight). Rinse immediately after pool use, hand wash in cool water, and always air dry in shade. This significantly extends swimwear lifespan.

Can I put a wetsuit in the dryer?

No — wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is extremely heat-sensitive. Heat causes neoprene to crack, stiffen, and delaminate. Always air dry wetsuits inside out, away from direct heat and sunlight.

Is it okay to dry swimwear in the sun?

Brief sun exposure is fine, but prolonged direct sunlight fades colors and degrades spandex. A shaded spot with good airflow is ideal for drying swimwear.