Your period swimsuit has been with you all summer at the pool or beach, and now you're wondering how to care for it so it lasts. Between chlorine attacking the fibers, salt stiffening them, sand scratching them, and sunscreen staining them, your swimsuit has seen it all. Literally.
The good news is that a well-maintained Period Swimwear can last 2 to 3 years without losing its effectiveness. The bad news is that 80% of users make at least one maintenance error that drastically reduces this lifespan.Chlorine left in the fibers, drying in direct sunlight that discolors, sunscreen that permanently stains... This guide explains exactly how to wash, dry and care for your Period Swimwear (one-piece, bikini bottoms or swim briefs) to keep it looking like new, summer after summer.
The main thing to remember
- Golden Rule : Rinse IMMEDIATELY after each swim (chlorine and salt = worst enemies)
- Sunscreen : Apply 15-20 min BEFORE putting on the swimsuit (otherwise permanent stains)
- Temperature : 30°C maximum, never more (elastane hates heat)
- Drying : FLAT in the shade, never in direct sunlight or on a radiator
- Never wring/twist : Press gently to avoid deformation
- Durée de vie : 2-3 years with good maintenance (vs 5-7 years for Period Panties)
- Difference with panties : More fragile, post-bathing rinsing required
Why a Period Swimwear Requires More Attention
A period swimsuit is not the same as period panties. Yes, both absorb your flow. Yes, both are machine washable. But a swimsuit is subject to abuse that your panties never will.
Specific enemies of the Period Swimwear
- Chlorine : Gradually destroys elastane, discolors fabrics, weakens absorbent fibers
- Sea salt : Makes fabrics rough, crystallizes in fibers, reduces elasticity
- Sand : Scratches and wears away fibers by friction, gets embedded in seams
- Sunscreen : Permanently stains with its greasy UV filters, especially on light colors
- UV from the sun : Discolors colors, weakens elastane
- Rough surfaces : Rocks, pool edges, deckchairs scratch the fabric
As a result, a Period Swimwear has an average lifespan of 4 to 5 years (around 100 washes), compared to 5 to 7 years for Period Panties. But with careful maintenance, you can significantly extend this lifespan.
Before You Begin: Preparing Your First Bath
First use: Wash before wearing
As with Period Panties, wash your new swimsuit in cold water before first use. This wash activates the absorbent fibers and ensures optimal absorption from the very first swim.
Recommended method
Machine wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle, or soak for 2-3 hours in cold water then machine wash. Dry flat in the shade.
The 4 Steps to Washing Your Period Swimwear
There are four steps to maintaining a Period Swimwear. The first is critical and should be done the same day, ideally within minutes of swimming.
Step 1: The Immediate Post-Swim Rinse (CRITICAL)
When : As soon as you get out of the water, or within the hour at the latest
Why it's crucial Chlorine and salt remain trapped in the fibers when the swimsuit dries. Within hours, they begin to degrade elastane and technical fabrics. After a day, the damage is already there.
How to do it (full version)
1. Get out of the bath and rinse your swimsuit under the shower with clean water (no need to take it off)
2. Once you get home, run it under cold tap water, kneading it gently.
3. Focus on the absorbent part (crotch) to evacuate the blood
4. Continue until the water runs clear and the swimsuit no longer smells of chlorine/salt
5. Squeeze gently (without twisting) to remove excess water
⚠️ FATAL ERROR: Let it dry without rinsing
NEVER leave your swimsuit to dry with chlorine or salt in it. This is the main cause of premature deterioration. A swimsuit left overnight in a damp bag will already lose its elasticity.
If you can't rinse right away : Store your wet swimsuit in a waterproof bag, but rinse it within 3-4 hours at the most. Some brands offer waterproof bags designed for this purpose.
Light flow only : If your jersey has only collected a few drops of blood, a good rinse is sufficient. You can reuse it the next day without a complete wash. Otherwise, proceed to step 2.
Step 2: Complete Wash (Hand or Machine)
After rinsing, if your swimsuit has absorbed menstrual flow, proceed to a complete wash within 48 hours maximum.
Option A: Hand Wash (Recommended)
Benefits : Softer on fragile elastane, ideal if you go to the beach every day
How to do :
- Fill a basin with warm (not hot) water
- Add a little mild detergent or glycerin-free Marseille soap
- Gently knead the swimsuit for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Squeeze without twisting to extract water
Option B: Machine Wash
Temperature : 30°C maximum on delicate cycle
Essential protection : Put your jersey in a washing net (or a pillowcase) to prevent it from stretching in the drum
Laundry detergent : Gentle detergent for delicate fabrics, without fabric softener, without glycerin
Spinning : Low speed (400-800 rpm maximum)
With other clothes : Yes, if the rinsing has been done properly. Avoid white laundry as a precaution.
💡 Holiday tip : If you're going on vacation and going to the beach/pool every day, have at least 2-3 swimsuits in rotation. Hand wash them in the evening and do a full machine wash at the end of your stay.
Step 3: Dry Flat (Non-Negotiable)
Drying a Period Swimwear is different from drying period panties. Spandex stretches easily, and the sun fades the colors.
✓ TO DO
- Dry flat on a clean towel or flat drying rack
- In the shade in a well-ventilated area
- Turn over halfway through drying so that the absorbent layer dries well
- Check that everything is dry before storing (touch the absorbent part)
✗ NEVER DO
- Tumble drier : Destroys the elastane and the waterproof membrane in one go
- Radiator or towel dryer : Too intense heat which makes the tissue brittle
- full sun : Discolors colors and weakens elastane (UV)
- Hanging on a thread : The weight of the water deforms the swimsuit
- Twist to dry : Permanently distorts the shape of the jersey
Drying time : 8 to 24 hours depending on the thickness of the absorbent layer and ambient humidity. Longer than a classic swimsuit because of the absorbent insert.
Technique to accelerate : Roll the jersey in a dry towel and squeeze to absorb excess water, then lay flat. Never wring the jersey directly.
Step 4: Smart Storage
How to store your jersey can extend its life.
- Wait for complete drying : A still damp swimsuit would go moldy in a closed drawer
- Fold without compressing the absorbent part: Do not fold the thick area on itself
- Dry and ventilated place : Avoid damp or poorly ventilated drawers
- Separate from classic jerseys : To avoid confusion and facilitate rotation
The Fight Against Sunscreen (Enemy No. 1 of Spots)
Sunscreen is responsible for 90% of permanent stains on swimsuits. The UV filters it contains react with water and metal ions to create yellow stains that are impossible to remove once set.
Prevention: The Only Real Solution
- Apply BEFORE putting on the swimsuit : Apply your cream 15-20 minutes before getting dressed to let your skin absorb it.
- Let it penetrate : Do not put on the swimsuit until the cream is dry to the touch
- Avoid edges : When reapplying cream, do not touch the elastic bands of the bikini line.
- Prefer mineral creams : They stain less than chemical creams
- Sit on a towel : Never sit directly on a surface with cream on it
SOS Fresh Stain: Act Within the Hour
If, despite your precautions, a drop falls on your swimsuit, react immediately.
Emergency method (on the beach)
- Immediately wipe off excess with a tissue (do not rub, dab)
- Apply dry sand to the stain for 15 minutes (absorbs grease)
- Brush the sand
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water as soon as possible
Stain Removal at Home: Methods That Work
Once you get home, there are several solutions to save your stained jersey.
Method 1: Dishwashing liquid (most effective)
- Apply pure dish soap directly to the stain
- Leave on for 30 minutes
- Rub gently with a damp cloth
- Rinse with cold water
- If the stain persists, start again or leave to soak for 24 hours in diluted dishwashing liquid.
Method 2: White vinegar (stubborn stains)
- Mix 1 part white vinegar + 2 parts water
- Soak a cloth in the mixture
- Dab the stain (do not rub violently)
- Rinse with clean water then wash normally
Method 3: Baking Powder (Yellow Stains)
- Dampen the stain with cold water
- Sprinkle with baking powder
- Leave to act for 30 minutes (the yeasts "eat" the residues)
- Rinse then wash
⚠️ NEVER USE
- Javel : Destroys fibers and permanently discolors
- Very hot water : Sets the stain instead of removing it
- Aggressive products : Ammonia or strong stain removers (unless last resort)
Enjoy your period at the beach stress-free
Our menstrual swimwear is chlorine and salt resistant, providing reliable protection for worry-free swimming. Durable technical fabrics and easy care.
Washing Products: What Works and What Destroys
Menstrual swimwear has the same laundry requirements as Period Panties, but with extra attention to preserving the elastane.
Recommended Detergents
- Gentle detergent for delicate fabrics : Special lingerie or sportswear
- Ecological laundry : No synthetic fragrances, no parabens
- Pure Marseille soap : No added glycerin (check composition)
- Gentle shampoo : As a backup for hand washing
- Preservative-free powder detergent : For hard water
To be absolutely banned
Deep Cleaning and Maintenance
As with Period Panties, your swimsuit can become dirty after several uses. Cleaning it will restore its original absorbency.
Signs That a Clean is Needed
- Water beads on the surface instead of being absorbed (water repellency test)
- Leaks while not exceeding the usual wearing time
- Persistent odors even after washing
- Feeling wet faster than before
Percarbonate Cleaning Method
- Fill a basin with 1 liter of simmering (not boiling) water
- Add 1 tablespoon of sodium percarbonate
- Stir well to dissolve completely
- Wait until the water cools to about 35°C (lukewarm)
- Immerse your clean (already washed) swimsuit
- Let soak for 1 to 2 hours
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Dry flat as usual
⚠️ Attention : Percarbonate is more aggressive than normal washing. Do this every 3-6 months at the most, no more. Water that is too hot can damage elastane.
Revive a Yellowed White Jersey
White swimsuits yellow from chlorine and sunscreen. Baking soda can revive them.
- Basin of warm water + 3 tablespoons of bicarbonate
- Mix well
- Let the swimsuit soak for 1 to 2 hours
- Rinse and wash normally
Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Swimsuit
These errors are responsible for 90% of jerseys thrown away prematurely.
Mistake #1: Not rinsing immediately after swimming
This is a fatal mistake. Chlorine and salt crystallize in the fibers as they dry, destroying them from the inside out. A swimsuit left in a bag overnight loses 20% of its elasticity.
Mistake #2: Twisting to dry
Wringing the swimsuit permanently deforms the elastane and stretches the absorbent part. Squeeze gently or roll in a towel.
Mistake #3: Drying in direct sunlight
UV rays fade colors and weaken elastane. A swimsuit dried regularly in the sun loses its color in one summer and its elasticity in two summers.
Mistake #4: Applying sunscreen with your swimsuit already on
The cream's UV filters leave permanent yellow stains, especially on light-colored swimsuits. Always apply the cream BEFORE getting dressed.
Mistake #5: Sitting directly on rough surfaces
Rocks, pool edges, and sand can all scratch delicate fibers. Always lay down a towel before sitting down.
Tips to Extend Lifespan
Good practices
Have 2-3 jerseys in rotation : Allows each jersey to dry completely between uses
Shower before the pool : Reduces chlorine absorption by your swimsuit
Limit exposure time to chlorine : If you swim regularly, invest in a quality chlorine-resistant swimsuit.
Avoid hot tubs : Very hot water + concentrated chlorine = death of elastane
Choose dark colors : Black or dark swimsuits are more resistant to sunscreen stains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maintenance
The 3 Rules to Never Forget
Your Period Swimwear is more fragile than period panties because of the elastane and the harsh effects of chlorine, salt, and sun. But with three simple rules, you can keep it effective for 2 to 3 years.
Rule 1 : Rinse IMMEDIATELY after each swim. Chlorine and salt crystallize as they dry and destroy the fibers from the inside. This is the most important rule, the one that makes the difference between a swimsuit that lasts 6 months and one that lasts 3 years.
Rule 2 : Dry FLAT in the shade. Never in direct sunlight (discolors), never on a radiator (destroys spandex), never in a tumble dryer (total disaster). Spandex hates heat.
Rule 3 : Apply your sunscreen 15-20 minutes BEFORE putting on your swimsuit. UV filters leave permanent yellow stains. Once the stain sets, it's done.
Footnotes : This article is for informational purposes only. Always check the care label that came with your menstrual swimwear, as some brands may have specific recommendations.
