Can You Put Swimsuits in the Dryer?

It’s always tempting to just throw your swimsuits in the washing machine with your other clothes to wash and dry faster. But studies have shown that swimsuits get weak up to 65.7% after constant exposure to chlorine and the sun, so imagine having to add the heat from the dryer to this. So, if you want your swimsuit to last longer, you’ll know better than to put it in the dryer, cos doing that will only make your swimsuit lose its color, shape, and elasticity.  

So, what can you do to dry your swimsuits? That’s what this guide entails. Everything you need to know, including why you can’t put swimsuits in the dryer and the best ways to dry your swimsuit. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Can you put swimsuits in the dryer?” come along and find out. 

Can You Put Swimsuits in the Dryer?

Technically, you can. Should you put swimsuits in the dryer? Nope, not at all. Why? Swimsuits are mostly made from delicate fabrics like Lycra and Spandex, so washing and drying with a machine might seem convenient, but it only goes ahead to spoil your swimsuit.

But if I’m coming to tell you that the answer to “can you put swimsuits in the dryer” is no, then I should be able to give you reasons behind this answer. So, here are five reasons why you shouldn’t put swimsuits in the dryer: 

Heat Damage

The main reason why I’m telling you not to put swimsuits in the dryer is cos heat doesn’t work well with most swimwear fabrics, especially those made from synthetic fibers. All the heat does is damage your swimsuit. It might not show so fast, but these materials are very sensitive, and after you tumble dry, you’ll start noticing the subtle changes. From the loose snaps to the fading and dull color. Trust me, it’s not worth the damage, so no, you can’t dry swimsuits in a dryer.

Loosing and Shrinking

You read that right, if you put swimsuits in the dryer, it won’t only get loose and stretchy, it will also shrink. Yup, since swimsuits are made from stretchy materials like spandex and elastane, they usually come fit, secure, and flattering, but when you use a dryer, all this is gone. You’re left with a swimsuit that sags or shrinks, a loose waistband, and a loose bust band. So, it doesn’t fit anymore, it's uncomfortable, and it's completely warped and unflattering.

Colour Fading

The worst thing you can do to your colorful swimsuit is to put it in the dryer. My dear, that is a horrible mistake. These bright, bold, colorful swimwear are dyed with pigments that cannot withstand high heat. 

So when you throw them into a dryer, you’re just telling them to fade. And that's exactly what they do. It doesn’t even end there. You’ll also wear it to the beach where direct sunlight can get to it, so before you know, they start looking lifeless and washed out. Your electric blue, fiery red glowy swimsuit starts looking dull and goes from eye-catching to completely forgettable.

Weakening of Elasticity  

I’ve already told you that putting swimsuits in the dryer will cause the swimsuits to overstretch, but why? Well, cos the heat from the dryer damages the elasticity of the swimsuits. This elasticity is what helps the swimsuits to stretch properly, hug and flatter you, and still return to their normal shape after you remove them. So, whenever you use a dryer, you’re killing this elasticity, and honestly, there’s nothing you can do to fix this.

Reduced Lifespan of Your Swimwear

If you plan to waste your money and let your swimsuit become old fast, then yes, throw it into the dryer. You won’t even recognize your swimsuit after the consistent mix of tumbling, heat, chlorine, salt water, and dirt. It won’t just damage one area of the swimsuit, no, it will wear the whole thing out very fast. And what you’ll be left with is a suit that has lost its shape, support, and style, long before it should.

What if You Already Put Swimsuits in the Dryer?

If you’ve already put your swimsuits in the dryer before asking Can you put swimsuits in the dryer, then just chill. No, your swimsuit isn’t ruined. No, nothing bad’s gonna happen. And yes, depending on how many times you’ve tumble-dried it, you’ll need to check for some signs. Like faded color, thinner fabric, loose straps, and weak elastic fibers.

After checking for all this and finding out your swimsuit is still okay to use, you’ll need to completely stop using the hand dryer; instead, let it air dry. If any part seems worn out, you could try ironing it out, but if that doesn’t work, then it might be time to replace your swimsuit with a more durable, eco-friendly option.

4 Best Ways to Dry Your Swimsuit

If you’ve come this far, then you already know that you can’t dry swimsuits in the dryer. But after you’ve rinsed the chlorine, salt, sweat, and sand, and handwashed gently, how then do you dry your swimsuits the right way?

1. Gently Remove Excess Water

After rinsing and washing your swimsuit properly, you’ll need to remove the water before air drying. And no, I’m not saying squeeze or wring it with all your energy. Nope. That will only stretch the fabric, make it shapeless, and loose. So, instead, twist it like a gentle fabric. Until all the excess water is removed before air drying.

2. Roll in a Towel

This is another good way to remove the water from your swimsuit so it can dry properly. You just need to put the swimsuit on a towel, roll the towel, and press lightly. Don’t twist it or stomp on it, just add enough pressure that the towel absorbs the water. Once you’re done, your swimsuit will still be wet, but at least it won’t be soaking wet.

3. Air Dry in a Shaded, Well-Ventilated Area

If you’ve managed to remove all or almost all the water, then you can go ahead to air dry. Don’t dry it directly under the sunlight, that’s almost as bad as using a dryer. So, instead, find a cool shaded area with good airflow and spread it there. When you’re spreading it, don’t hang it by the straps; instead, fold it in half and lay it on the hanger or rack.  

4. Flip Midway

Remember you’re not drying your swimsuit in the direct sunlight and it's not hanging by the straps, so the possibility of every part drying properly is slim to none. That’s why you’ll need to go check it after an hour or two. When you check it, you can then flip it over to the other side so it can dry evenly and faster. No matter what you do, do not use a dryer.

Conclusion

Taking proper care of your swimsuit is one of the things that makes sure your swimsuit lasts longer than it’s supposed to. And putting them into the dryer is one of the things that makes them not last as long at all.

So treat it with a little love and care. Switch the tumble dryer to air drying. Switch the machine drying to airing in a multi-level drying rack. And even if the only option you have is to put it in a dryer, put your swimsuit in a mesh bag, with no heat, and the gentlest no heat dryer. By following all these, your favorite swimsuits will not fade, lose, or go out of shape.