TL;DR: To make men’s swimwear last longer, rinse your swim shorts in fresh water after every swim, especially after saltwater or chlorine. Wash gently with cold water and mild detergent when needed, skip bleach and fabric softener, and always air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. Do not leave wet swimwear packed in a bag, and store it only when completely dry. A few simple habits will help preserve the fit, softness, color, liner, and quick-dry performance of your swim shorts.
Simple Tips to Make Your Swim Shorts Last Longer
A good pair of swim shorts should be built for real summer life. Saltwater, chlorine, sunscreen, sand, long beach days, quick dips, pool sessions, travel, and the occasional lazy rinse in a hotel sink.
But even the best men’s swimwear benefits greatly when you treat it well.
The good news: caring for swim shorts is simple. You do not need a complicated laundry routine or special products. A few small habits can help preserve the fabric, keep the color looking fresh, protect the liner, and make your swimwear feel better for more seasons.
Here is how to maintain and care for men’s swimwear properly.
Why Swimwear Care Matters
Men’s swim shorts go through more than most clothing. A regular pair of shorts might deal with sweat and daily wear. Swimwear has to handle salt, chlorine, UV exposure, sand, sunscreen, body oils, heat, moisture, and repeated drying. Over time, those elements can weaken fabric, fade color, affect stretch, and make the liner feel less comfortable.
That does not mean swim shorts are fragile. It simply means they benefit from a little care.
If you want your swimwear to keep its shape, softness, and quick-dry performance, the way you rinse, wash, dry, and store it matters.
1. Rinse Your Swim Shorts After Every Swim
This is the easiest and most important habit.
After swimming, rinse your swim shorts in fresh, cool water. This helps remove salt, chlorine, sand, sunscreen, and anything else sitting in the fabric. You do not need to fully wash them every time. A quick rinse under the shower or sink is enough after most swims.
This is especially important after swimming in a chlorinated pool. Chlorine is great for keeping pools clean, but it can be harsh on swimwear over time. Saltwater can also leave residue in the fabric if it dries without being rinsed out.
A quick rinse takes less than a minute and can make a big difference in how long your swim shorts last.
2. Do Not Leave Wet Swimwear in a Bag
We have all done it. You leave the beach, throw your wet swim shorts into a tote bag, forget about them, and find them hours later in a warm, damp pile. Try not to make that a habit.
Leaving wet swimwear packed away can create odor, stress the fabric, and make the liner feel less fresh. It can also cause colors to bleed or fade faster, especially if your shorts are sitting next to towels, sunscreen, or other damp clothing.
If you cannot dry them right away, at least shake out the sand, rinse them if possible, and avoid sealing them in a plastic bag for too long. Swim shorts are made to get wet. They are not made to stay trapped and damp all day.
3. Wash Gently When Needed
You do not need to machine wash your swim shorts after every quick swim. But when they need a deeper clean, wash them gently.
The best approach is usually:
-
Use cold water
-
Choose a gentle cycle
-
Use mild detergent
-
Wash with similar colors
-
Avoid heavy items like jeans, towels, or hoodies
Heavy laundry can rub against swimwear and cause unnecessary wear. Towels especially can be rough on softer performance fabrics and liners.
If you want to be extra careful, place your swim shorts in a mesh laundry bag before washing (like this one). This helps reduce friction and protects details like drawstrings, embroidery, and stitching.
4. Avoid Bleach and Harsh Detergents
Simple: DO NOT USE BLEACH ON SWIMWEAR.
Bleach can damage fabric, fade colors, weaken fibers, and affect the feel of the material. Harsh detergents can also be too aggressive, especially for premium swimwear designed to feel soft and lightweight.
A mild detergent is enough. The goal is not to strip the shorts completely. It is simply to remove salt, chlorine, sunscreen, sweat, and everyday residue without breaking down the fabric.
5. Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softener sounds helpful, but it is not ideal for swimwear.
Many swim shorts are made with performance fabrics that are designed to dry quickly, feel lightweight, and move well in and out of the water. Fabric softener can leave a coating on the fibers, which may reduce breathability and affect the fabric’s quick-dry performance.
If your swim shorts are already made with a soft fabric, you do not need fabric softener anyway. A good pair of comfortable swim shorts should feel good because of the material and construction, not because of laundry additives.
6. Air Dry Your Swim Shorts
Air drying is the best way to dry men’s swimwear. After rinsing or washing, gently shake out the shorts and hang them somewhere with airflow. A drying rack, shower rail, balcony chair, or shaded outdoor spot works well. Avoid twisting or wringing them aggressively. That can stretch the fabric and put stress on the seams.
Also avoid using a tumble dryer. High heat can damage swimwear, weaken elastic, affect the liner, and reduce the life of the fabric. Quick-dry swim shorts should not need a dryer in the first place. Give them air and a little time.
7. Dry in the Shade When Possible
Sunlight is part of summer, and swim shorts are obviously made for sunny days. But when it comes to drying them after use, shade is better than strong direct sun.
Long exposure to intense sunlight can gradually fade color and weaken fibers. This is especially true if the shorts are still covered in salt or chlorine.
If you are at the beach, drying them in the sun for a little while is fine. But for regular care at home, choose a shaded, airy place. Think airflow over heat.
8. Be Careful with Sunscreen and Oils
Sunscreen is essential. But some sunscreens, tanning oils, and body oils can stain or build up on swimwear.
Apply sunscreen before putting on your swim shorts when possible, and let it absorb into your skin before sitting down or getting dressed. If sunscreen gets on the fabric, rinse the shorts after use and wash gently when needed.
Mineral sunscreens can be especially prone to leaving marks on darker fabrics. That does not mean you should avoid sunscreen. Just be aware that swimwear and sunscreen interact all summer long. A little care helps prevent long-term discoloration.
9. Remove Sand Before Washing
Sand seems harmless, but it can be rough on fabric and washing machines.
Before washing your swim shorts, shake them out properly. Turn the pockets inside out and remove any trapped sand. Rinse the liner and waistband area if needed. This is especially important after beach days. Sand can hide in seams, pockets, and mesh areas, then rub against the fabric during washing. A quick shake and rinse keeps things cleaner and protects the shorts.
10. Store Swimwear Completely Dry
Before putting your swim shorts away, make sure they are fully dry. Storing swimwear while damp can lead to odor and mildew. It can also make the liner feel less fresh the next time you wear it. Once dry, fold them loosely and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in a hot car, gym bag, or damp beach tote for days.
Good swimwear is made for movement, water, and sunshine. It still deserves a dry place to rest.
How Often Should You Wash Men’s Swim Shorts?
It depends on how you use them.
If you wore them for a quick ocean dip and rinsed them well afterward, you may not need a full wash immediately. If you spent the whole day in sunscreen, sweat, sand, saltwater, and beach chairs, wash them.
If you take away anything from this article, follow this simple rule:
-
Rinse after every swim
-
Wash after heavy use
- Wash before storing them for a longer period
Rinsing is the daily habit. Washing is the reset.
How Blauw Designs Swimwear for Longer Wear
At Blauw, we believe swim shorts should be built for more than a quick swim.
The Blauw Short is made with OceanKnit™ fabric, designed to feel buttery soft, dry quickly, and move comfortably from the water to the rest of your day. The clean tailored fit, lightweight liner, and minimalist design make it easy to wear beyond the beach or pool.
Because when men’s swimwear is comfortable enough to keep wearing, you naturally use it more.
And when you care for it properly, it lasts longer too.
Our advice is simple: rinse after every swim, wash gently when needed, and let your shorts air dry. That small routine helps protect the fabric, the liner, the fit, and the feel.
Final Thoughts: A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Men’s swimwear does not need high-maintenance treatment. But it does need the basics.
Rinse out salt and chlorine. Do not leave your shorts wet in a bag. Wash gently. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Air dry in the shade. Store them dry.
Do that, and your swim shorts will look better, feel better, and last longer.
The best comfortable swim shorts are made for long beach days, ocean swims, pool afternoons, summer travel, and everything after. Take care of them, and they will take care of you.
FAQ: How to Care for Men’s Swimwear
Should you wash swim shorts after every use?
You should rinse swim shorts after every use, especially after swimming in saltwater or chlorine. You do not always need a full machine wash, but rinsing helps protect the fabric and liner.
What is the best way to wash men’s swimwear?
Use cold water, mild detergent, and a gentle cycle. You can also hand wash swimwear for extra care. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, hot water, and heavy laundry loads.
Can swim shorts go in the dryer?
It is best to air dry swim shorts. Tumble dryers can expose swimwear to heat and friction, which may shorten the lifespan of the fabric, liner, and elastic.
How do you make swim shorts last longer?
Rinse them after swimming, wash gently, avoid harsh detergents, air dry them, and never leave them wet in a bag for long periods.
Why do swim shorts fade?
Swim shorts can fade from repeated exposure to chlorine, saltwater, sunlight, sunscreen, and harsh washing. Rinsing after use and drying in the shade can help preserve color.
How do you get chlorine out of swimwear?
Rinse your swim shorts in cool fresh water as soon as possible after swimming. For a deeper clean, wash gently with mild detergent and air dry.
How should you store swimwear?
Store swimwear only when it is completely dry. Keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it damp in a gym bag, beach tote, or hot car.
0 comments