How to Wash High Waist Bikini Bottoms Without Fading
By Marlies Dekkers Lingerie & Swimwear | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: 技巧與保養
Keep your high waist bikini bottoms looking new with a simple hand-wash routine that protects color, shape, and recycled fabrics.
Quick answer
Hand wash your high waist bikini bottoms in cool water with a mild detergent right after each wear. Skip the washing machine, never use bleach, and dry them in the shade to keep colors bright and elastic intact.
Why high waist bikini bottoms fade faster than you think
Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils break down swimwear fibers and dull prints. High waist styles have more fabric surface area, so they show fading sooner. Rinsing immediately after swimming removes most of the damage before it sets.
What you need before you start
Gather a clean sink or basin, cool water, a mild liquid detergent (baby shampoo or swimwear-specific wash works), and a soft towel. Avoid woolite or harsh powders. If your bikini has gold-metal ornaments, like the buckle details on some Marlies Dekkers styles, you will also want a soft toothbrush for spot cleaning.
Step-by-step hand wash routine
- Rinse immediately after wearing: As soon as you leave the pool or sea, rinse your bikini bottoms in cool fresh water to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen. If you cannot rinse right away, at least soak them in a sink for a few minutes before they dry. Checkpoint: do not let wet swimwear sit in a plastic bag for hours.
- Fill a basin with cool water and mild detergent: Use cool water (below 30°C/86°F) and a small amount of gentle liquid detergent. Swirl the water to mix, then submerge your bikini bottoms. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or enzyme-based cleaners. Common mistake: hot water and harsh detergents speed up fading and break down elasticity.
- Gently squeeze and soak for a few minutes: Gently knead the fabric with your hands, focusing on areas that contact sunscreen and sweat. Let them soak for up to 10 minutes. For metal ornaments, use a soft toothbrush to remove residue around the edges. Checkpoint: do not wring or twist the fabric; this distorts the high waist shape.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water: Drain the basin and rinse under cool running water until no soap bubbles remain. Soap residue can attract dirt and cause discoloration over time. Common mistake: leaving soap in the fabric leads to dull, stiff patches.
- Press out water and dry flat in the shade: Lay the bikini bottoms on a clean towel, roll the towel to absorb excess water, then reshape and dry flat away from direct sunlight. Never tumble dry or hang by the waistband, which can stretch it out. Checkpoint: direct sun and heat fade colors and damage elastane.
Product care notes
- high waist bikini bottom: These high waist bikini briefs are made from recycled fabric with a digital flower print that saves 50-60 liters of water per meter. The recycled fibers and print respond well to gentle hand washing, but harsh chemicals can break down the print and reduce its lifespan.
- high waist bikini bottom: These high waist bikini briefs combine matte and glossy recycled microfiber with gold-colored metal buckle ornaments. The mixed textures and metal hardware need a gentle touch: avoid abrasive scrubbing and dry flat to keep the shape and shine.
