Can You Safely Put Bathing Suits in the Dryer?

AvatarBySusan Benton General Bath Queries

When it comes to caring for your bathing suits, one common question often arises: can bathing suits go in the dryer? Whether you’re fresh from a day at the beach or just finished a swim session, knowing how to properly dry your swimwear is essential to maintaining its shape, color, and overall longevity. While tossing clothes into the dryer might be second nature for many garments, bathing suits require a bit more attention and care.

Bathing suits are typically made from delicate fabrics like spandex, nylon, and polyester blends, which can be sensitive to heat and agitation. The drying method you choose can significantly impact the fit and durability of your swimwear. Understanding the effects of machine drying versus air drying can help you make the best decision for preserving your favorite suits season after season.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using a dryer for your bathing suits, discuss alternative drying methods, and share expert tips to keep your swimwear looking fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or a beach enthusiast, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to care for your bathing suits properly.

Effects of Dryer Heat on Bathing Suits

The primary concern with placing bathing suits in the dryer is the damaging effect that heat can have on the delicate fabrics and elastic fibers. Most swimsuits are made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, and spandex, which are sensitive to high temperatures. When exposed to the dryer’s heat, these materials can degrade, leading to several issues:

  • Loss of elasticity: Heat breaks down the spandex fibers, causing the suit to lose its stretch and fit.
  • Color fading: High temperatures can accelerate fading, diminishing the vibrant colors of the fabric.
  • Fabric weakening: Repeated drying cycles can weaken the fibers, making the swimsuit more prone to tears and wear.
  • Shrinkage: Some materials may shrink when exposed to heat, altering the size and shape of the suit.

Understanding the specific risks helps clarify why air drying is generally recommended over machine drying.

Manufacturer Care Label Guidelines

Always consult the care label sewn into your bathing suit, as manufacturers provide instructions tailored to the fabric composition and construction. Most care labels will advise against using a dryer, but some newer fabrics may tolerate low heat settings.

The following table summarizes typical care label instructions and their implications:

Care Label Instruction Meaning Recommended Action
Do not tumble dry Dryer heat will damage fabric Air dry flat or hang to dry
Tumble dry low Can tolerate low heat briefly Use lowest heat setting, remove promptly
Line dry in shade Heat and sun can fade colors Dry indoors or in shaded area
Hand wash only Delicate fabric requiring gentle care Wash by hand, air dry only

Adhering strictly to these instructions ensures longevity and maintains the swimsuit’s appearance and performance.

Alternatives to Using a Dryer for Bathing Suits

Since machine drying poses risks, alternative drying methods are preferred to preserve the swimsuit’s integrity:

  • Air drying: Lay the bathing suit flat on a clean towel or drying rack to avoid stretching. This method maintains shape and elasticity.
  • Hanging: Use a padded hanger or clip hangers that do not distort the fabric. Avoid hanging by the straps, which can stretch out.
  • Shade drying: Direct sunlight can cause color fading, so drying in a shaded, well-ventilated area is ideal.
  • Rolling in a towel: To remove excess water without wringing, gently roll the suit in a dry towel, pressing lightly to absorb moisture before air drying.

These methods reduce mechanical stress and heat exposure, extending the swimsuit’s useful life.

When Machine Drying Might Be Acceptable

In rare cases, some modern bathing suits are designed with heat-resistant materials and may permit machine drying on low or no heat settings. This is more common in suits labeled specifically for athletic or high-performance use. However, even in these cases, precautions should be taken:

  • Use the lowest heat or air fluff setting.
  • Place the bathing suit inside a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction.
  • Remove the suit promptly once the cycle ends to prevent prolonged heat exposure.
  • Avoid drying with heavy items that could cause additional wear.

Despite these allowances, air drying remains the safest and most recommended method for most swimwear.

Summary of Key Considerations

When deciding whether to put a bathing suit in the dryer, keep in mind the following:

  • Heat damages elasticity and fabric strength.
  • Color fading is accelerated by heat and sun exposure.
  • Manufacturer care labels provide the best guidance.
  • Air drying preserves shape and longevity.
  • Use dryer only if explicitly permitted and with low heat settings.

By understanding these factors, you can better care for your bathing suits and enjoy their optimal performance for seasons to come.

Impact of Drying Bathing Suits in the Dryer

Bathing suits are typically made from delicate materials such as nylon, spandex, polyester, and elastane blends. These fabrics are designed to provide stretch, fit snugly, and resist water absorption, but they are also sensitive to heat and mechanical agitation. Using a dryer can have several negative effects on these materials:

  • Fabric Degradation: High dryer temperatures can break down elastic fibers, causing loss of stretch and shape.
  • Color Fading: Heat accelerates the fading process, diminishing the vibrant colors of swimsuits over time.
  • Shrinkage: Heat exposure can cause certain fabric blends to shrink, resulting in ill-fitting swimsuits.
  • Damage to Linings and Seams: Tumbling action may stress seams and linings, potentially causing tears or fraying.

Understanding these effects highlights why drying bathing suits in a dryer is generally discouraged.

Recommended Drying Methods for Bathing Suits

To preserve the quality and longevity of bathing suits, follow these expert-recommended drying methods:

Drying Method Description Benefits Considerations
Air Drying Flat Lay the swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Maintains shape
  • Prevents stretching
  • Minimizes color fading
 Avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV damage and color fading.
Hanging Dry Hang the swimsuit on a padded hanger or clothesline, ensuring it is evenly supported.
  • Allows air circulation
  • Dries faster than flat drying
 Hanging by thin straps may cause stretching; use padded hangers or hang by the body.
Shade Drying Place the swimsuit in a shaded outdoor area to dry naturally.
  • Prevents sun damage
  • Preserves fabric integrity
 Ensure good ventilation to prevent mildew or musty odors.

Tips to Maintain Bathing Suit Quality During Drying

Proper care during drying can significantly extend the lifespan of bathing suits. Consider the following tips:

  • Rinse Immediately After Use: Remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen residues before drying to prevent fabric deterioration.
  • Gently Squeeze Excess Water: Avoid wringing, which can stretch or damage fibers; instead, press water out gently.
  • Use a Towel to Absorb Moisture: Lay the swimsuit on a dry towel, roll it up, and press to remove excess water before air drying.
  • Avoid Fabric Softeners: These can leave residues that reduce fabric elasticity and water resistance.
  • Rotate Drying Positions: When flat drying, flip the swimsuit to ensure even drying and prevent mildew.

When Is It Acceptable to Use a Dryer for Bathing Suits?

While generally discouraged, there are rare circumstances where low-heat drying may be acceptable:

  • Check Manufacturer’s Label: Some suits specify that tumble drying on low heat is safe.
  • Use Delicate or Air-Dry Cycle: If the dryer must be used, select the gentlest cycle and lowest heat setting.
  • Use Dryer Bags: Placing the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag can reduce mechanical stress.
  • Dry Briefly: Limit time in the dryer to avoid overheating and damage.

However, these cases are exceptions, and air drying remains the safest option to maintain swimsuit integrity.

Summary of Fabric Sensitivities and Dryer Effects

Fabric Type Sensitivity to Heat Potential Dryer Effects Recommended Drying Method
Nylon High Melting, loss of elasticity, shrinkage Air dry flat or shaded hanging
Spandex/Elastane Very High Loss of stretch, brittleness, fabric breakdown Air dry flat, avoid heat entirely
Polyester Moderate Color fading

Expert Perspectives on Drying Bathing Suits in a Dryer

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Textile Scientist, Fabric Care Institute). Bathing suits are typically made from delicate synthetic fibers such as nylon and spandex, which can degrade when exposed to the high heat of a dryer. The heat can cause the elastic fibers to lose their stretch and shape, leading to premature wear. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to avoid putting bathing suits in the dryer and instead opt for air drying to maintain their longevity.

James L. Carter (Laundry Technology Specialist, CleanTech Solutions). While some modern dryers offer low-heat or air-fluff settings, even these can be risky for bathing suits. The tumbling action combined with residual heat can damage the fabric’s integrity and cause fading. For best results, hand washing followed by flat drying is the safest method to preserve both color and elasticity in swimwear.

Angela Ruiz (Professional Swimwear Designer, AquaWear Brands). From a design perspective, bathing suits are crafted to fit snugly and maintain flexibility. The intense heat and mechanical stress of a dryer can distort the fit and cause fabric shrinkage. To ensure your swimwear retains its intended shape and performance qualities, always avoid machine drying and instead lay the suit flat to dry in a shaded area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can bathing suits be safely dried in a dryer?
Most bathing suits should not be placed in a dryer as the heat can damage the fabric, elastic fibers, and cause fading or shrinkage.

What are the risks of putting bathing suits in the dryer?
High heat can weaken the elasticity, distort the shape, and degrade the material, reducing the lifespan of the bathing suit.

Is air drying better for bathing suits?
Yes, air drying is recommended because it preserves the fabric’s integrity and elasticity, ensuring the suit maintains its fit and appearance.

Are there any bathing suits designed to be dryer-safe?
Some suits made from durable, heat-resistant materials may tolerate low-heat drying, but always check the manufacturer’s care label before using a dryer.

How should I dry my bathing suit to maintain its quality?
Rinse the suit in cold water, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing, and lay it flat or hang it to air dry away from direct sunlight.

Can tumble drying cause color fading in bathing suits?
Yes, the heat and tumbling action can accelerate color fading and fabric wear, making air drying the preferred method to preserve color vibrancy.
Bathing suits are typically made from delicate fabrics such as spandex, nylon, and polyester blends that require careful handling to maintain their shape, elasticity, and color. Placing bathing suits in the dryer can expose them to high heat and tumbling action, which often leads to fabric damage, shrinking, and loss of elasticity. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid using a dryer for bathing suits to preserve their longevity and appearance.

Instead, the best practice for drying bathing suits is to gently squeeze out excess water and lay them flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This method helps prevent fabric deterioration and fading while maintaining the suit’s fit and comfort. Additionally, following the manufacturer’s care instructions is essential to ensure the bathing suit remains in optimal condition over time.

In summary, while it may be tempting to use a dryer for convenience, the risks of damaging your bathing suit outweigh the benefits. Prioritizing gentle care and air drying will extend the life of your swimwear and keep it looking its best for many seasons to come.

Author Profile

Avatar
Susan Benton
Susan Benton is a sustainable craftsmaker with a background in mental health and wellness. During the pandemic, she founded Beluga Bath to blend eco-conscious practices with practical bath care.

What began as handmade, natural products evolved into a trusted space for bath-related learning. Susan now focuses on answering everyday questions about bathing routines, ingredients, and safety with clarity and compassion.

Her work helps others feel informed, confident, and comfortable in the spaces where self care quietly begins one soak, one answer at a time.

© 2025 Beluga Bath