How to Store Swimwear to Prevent Fabric Damage

By Form and Fold | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: Tips & Care

Learn how to store your swimwear properly to avoid stretched elastics, faded prints, and fabric wear. Simple steps that extend the life of your favorite suits.

Quick answer

Store your swimwear flat or loosely rolled in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never hang a wet or damp swimsuit, and avoid folding elastic bands in half to prevent permanent creasing and loss of shape.

Why proper storage matters for swimwear fabric

Swimwear is made from delicate, stretchy materials like recycled sculpting fabric that need special care to maintain their fit and color. Improper storage—such as hanging a wet suit or stuffing it in a drawer—can stretch out elastics, fade prints, and create permanent creases. Taking a few extra seconds to store your swimwear correctly can double its lifespan and keep it looking like new.

Common storage mistakes that damage swimwear

One of the biggest mistakes is storing swimwear while it's still damp. Moisture trapped in the fabric can lead to mildew, odor, and deterioration of elastic fibers. Another common error is folding swimwear the same way every time, which can cause permanent crease lines in the fabric. For items like The Crop Paint Top with a built-in underwire bra, folding the cups can also distort their shape over time.

Step-by-step swimwear storage guide

Rinse and dry completely before storing: After wearing, rinse your swimsuit in cool water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. Gently squeeze out excess water—never wring or twist. Lay it flat on a clean towel, roll the towel to absorb moisture, then unroll and let it air dry away from direct sunlight. Common mistake: storing a damp swimsuit leads to mildew and stretched elastics. Always ensure it's fully dry before putting it away.
Fold or roll with care: For tops like The Crop Paint Top, lay them flat with the cups facing up and fold the straps inside. For bottoms, roll them loosely from the waistband down. Avoid folding elastic bands in half—this creates permanent creases that weaken the fibers over time. Checkpoint: if you see crease lines after unfolding, you're folding too tightly or in the same spot each time.
Store in a cool, dry, dark place: Place your swimwear in a drawer or fabric bin lined with acid-free tissue paper. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, which trap moisture. Keep away from radiators, direct sunlight, and humid bathrooms. Common mistake: storing swimwear in a plastic bag after a trip. The trapped moisture can cause fabric damage and color transfer.
Separate printed and solid items: If you have multiple swimsuits, store printed pieces like The Crop Paint Top away from solid light-colored items. The dyes in exclusive prints can transfer to other fabrics over time, especially in warm conditions. Verdict: using a fabric divider or separate small pouches prevents accidental color bleeding.

Products that benefit from proper storage

The Crop Paint Top: The Crop Paint Top features an inbuilt underwire bra and powermesh sling for shape and support, and is made from recycled sculpting fabric with an exclusive print. The underwire and powermesh sling can lose their shape if stored folded or under heavy weight. Lay flat storage preserves the bra structure and prevents the exclusive print from fading.
The 90s Rise Bone Crinkle Bottom: The 90s Rise Bone Crinkle Bottom is made from recycled sculpting fabric with a seamless flat finish and bagged out seams for a flat finish. Crinkle fabric can develop permanent creases if folded repeatedly in the same place. Rolling this bottom loosely instead of folding keeps the crinkle texture intact and prevents seam stress.