Knowing how to care for your tan-through swimwear is the difference between a swimsuit that looks brand new for years and one that fades after a single holiday. Tan-through fabric is a fine, lightweight knit engineered to let sunlight pass through the material, so it deserves a little more attention than an ordinary swimsuit. The good news is that looking after it takes just a few minutes, and every step below is easy to do at home. Follow this guide and your Laura Jayne pieces will keep their shape, colour and sun-passing performance season after season.
Why tan-through swimwear needs a little extra care
The delicate, sun-permeable knit that makes tan-through swimwear special is also what makes gentle handling so important. Sun cream, chlorine, salt water and heat are the four things most likely to damage swimwear of any kind, and a fine fabric shows wear sooner than a thick one. A consistent, gentle routine protects the elastane that gives your swimsuit its stretch, keeps prints like our Pink Crocodile, Blue Aztec and Black & Gold baroque looking vivid, and preserves the breathable weave that lets you top up your tan.
Rinse straight after every wear
This is the single most valuable habit you can build. As soon as you are out of the sea or pool, rinse your swimwear in cool, clean water. Salt crystals and chlorine keep working on the fibres long after you have dried off, so rinsing promptly stops them causing damage. If you have been sunbathing in it without swimming, still give it a rinse at the end of the day to clear away sun cream, sweat and sand. A quick rinse under a cold tap or beach shower takes seconds and makes a genuine difference.
How to hand-wash your swimwear
Hand-washing is always kindest to tan-through fabric. Fill a basin with cool water, add a small amount of gentle detergent or a dedicated swimwear wash, and let your swimsuit soak for around ten minutes. Gently swish it through the water and lightly massage any areas that have had the most sun cream contact, such as the straps and neckline. Avoid wringing, twisting or scrubbing, as this stresses the fibres and can distort the shape. Rinse thoroughly in fresh cool water until no soap remains.
If you are short on time, most tan-through swimwear will tolerate a cold, delicate machine cycle inside a mesh laundry bag, but hand-washing will always extend its life further. Check the care label on your specific piece, and see our FAQ if you are unsure.
What to avoid
A few common laundry habits are surprisingly harsh on swimwear. Skip hot water, the tumble dryer, bleach, fabric softener and any harsh stain removers, as these break down elastane and dull colour. Never iron your swimwear or leave it scrunched up in a damp towel or beach bag, where warmth and moisture encourage odours and mildew. Steer clear of very hot surfaces too: sitting on a scorching poolside tile or a hot car seat can damage delicate fibres over time.
Drying and storing the right way
After washing, gently press the water out by laying your swimsuit flat on a clean towel and rolling it up, rather than wringing. Dry it flat in the shade, away from direct sunlight and radiators, which can fade colour and weaken elastic. Once completely dry, store your swimwear flat or loosely folded in a cool drawer. Make sure it is fully dry before putting it away, and try to give a favourite swimsuit a day off between wears so the elastane can recover its stretch. Rotating between a few pieces, such as a statement one-piece and a matching bikini set, is one of the easiest ways to make each one last longer.
Caring for yourself in the sun
Looking after your swimwear goes hand in hand with looking after your skin. It is important to remember that tan-through fabric offers only partial sun protection: it lets a portion of UV light through, which is what allows a softer, more even tan, but it does not replace sunscreen. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen over your whole body, including the areas covered by your swimwear, and reapply regularly, especially after swimming, towelling or sweating. Avoid the hottest part of the day, seek shade when the sun is strongest, and never use tan-through swimwear as a reason to stay out longer. Protecting your skin matters far more than any tan.
Keep your swimwear holiday-ready
With a simple rinse-wash-dry routine, your tan-through swimwear will stay soft, colourful and beautifully shaped for many summers to come. Ready to add a new piece to your rotation, or replace a tired old swimsuit? Explore the full tan-through swimwear collection, or discover our best-selling Black & Gold one-shoulder swimsuit for effortless holiday style that lasts.
