How to Care for Your UPF Swimwear to Ensure Longevity

By taking proper care of your UPF swimwear, you can wear your gear all year long! Learn some helpful tips to ensure longevity on our blog.

Rhonda Sparks

February 12, 2024

The UPF swimwear industry continues to make advancements and has evolved tremendously since first being created. While UPF swimwear is made out of high-quality fabric nowadays, it's still important to make sure you're taking care of your sun-protective gear to ensure longevity.

Continue reading to learn how to care for your UPF swimwear during all seasons.

Why It's Important to Care for Your UPF Swimwear

Caring for your UPF swimwear ensures that you can wear your sun-protective gear longer. It also maintains the effectiveness of it's UPF rating and ensures its overall aesthetic appeal (no one wants to wear a bathing suit that's falling apart or faded).

Here are some additional reasons why we highly recommend taking good care of your sun protective swimwear:

Maintains the elasticity and shape of your bathing suit
Prevents fading and sun damage
Preserves the suit's UV blocking
Ensures comfortability

Top Tips on How to Preserve Your UPF Swimwear

1. Rinse Your Suit Immediately After Use

Remember to rinse your UPF swimwear with cold, fresh water as soon as possible after being out in the sun. This helps remove salt and chlorine which can take a toll on the fabric over time.

Hot tip: Choose UPF swimwear that's chlorine and saltwater resistant so it lasts longer!

2. Hand Wash with a Mild Detergent

When it's time to deep clean your sun-protective gear, hand wash your UPF swimwear using a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can compromise the fabric's UPF protection and elasticity. Gently rub the fabric to remove any sunscreen, body oils, or other residue.

3. Avoid Machine Washing

Avoid washing your UPF gear in the washing machine as this can cause damage. Also, if a thread gets loose, it can untangle more threads while in the wash. Stick to hand washing to ensure the longevity of the fabric and the effectiveness of its sun protection features.

4. Dry Flat in the Shade

After washing your gear, lay it flat on a towel or drying rack to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric too much, as this can damage the fibers. Always dry your swimwear away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and maintain its UPF properties.

5. Be Mindful of Sunscreen

While sunscreen is a crucial part of sun protection, it can leave oily residue on your UPF swimwear. Apply sunscreen before putting on your swimwear to minimize contact. If sunscreen does come into contact with the fabric, promptly rinse it off.

6. Store Your UPF Swimwear Properly

When you're not wearing your UPF swimwear, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods, as prolonged exposure can weaken the fabric and reduce its UPF effectiveness.

7. Rotate Your Swimwear

If you're a frequent swimmer or beachgoer, consider rotating between multiple UPF swimwear pieces. We recommend at least 3 different suits for the week if you're in the sun and the water every day for over 2 hours.

8. Check and Mend Your Swimwear

Regularly inspect your UPF swimwear for any signs of wear and tear, such as stretched elastic or fraying seams. This will help extend the life of your swimwear and ensure consistent sun protection.

By incorporating these simple care practices into your routine, you can enjoy your UPF swimwear for many sunny days to come. Remember, a little TLC goes a long way in preserving the longevity and effectiveness of your sun-protective swimwear. Stay sun-safe!