Swimsuits come in many shapes, sizes, and styles—from boardshorts and bikinis to one-pieces and wetsuits. Each of these requires specific care to ensure that your swimwear stays in top condition, whether you’re organizing them for daily use or storing them for the offseason.
Properly storing and organizing swimsuits is key to maintaining their quality, especially given how delicate swimwear fabrics can be. This guide will walk you through the steps for organizing and storing your swimwear, ensuring it stays in perfect shape for when you’re ready to hit the beach or pool again.
Organizing Your Swimsuits
Having a variety of swimwear pieces is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming if your collection becomes disorganized. Whether you store your swimsuits in a dresser drawer, closet, or storage unit, these steps will help you keep everything in order.
Deciding How to Organize Your Swimsuits
The first step to getting your swimwear in order is to decide where you’ll be storing it. Are you organizing swimsuits for immediate use in a closet or dresser? Or are you preparing them for long-term storage during the offseason? The method you choose depends on your needs:
- Dresser Drawer: Great for swimwear you use frequently, a dresser drawer can help keep your suits easy to access. Drawer organizers or small garment bags can make this option even more efficient.
- Closet: If you have closet space, hanging swimsuits can be an excellent option, particularly for keeping them wrinkle-free.
- Storage Unit: If you’re storing swimwear for an extended period, perhaps between seasons, a climate-controlled storage unit is the best option for keeping your swimsuits in pristine condition.
Once you’ve chosen where to store your swimwear, you can move on to the next step: folding and organizing.
Learning How to Fold Swimsuits
Folding swimwear properly is essential for keeping it in good shape, particularly if you’re storing it for an extended period. Here’s how to fold different types of swimwear:
One-Piece Swimsuits:
- Remove any padding from the suit.
- Lay the swimsuit flat on a clean surface, facing down.
- Fold the straps back over the middle of the suit.
- Fold the suit in half horizontally, then vertically.
Two-Piece Swimsuits (Bikini):
- Remove any padding from the swimsuit.
- Lay the top flat on a clean surface, facing down.
- Fold the straps over the back of the swimsuit.
- Lay the bottoms on top of the folded top.
- Fold the set in half horizontally, then vertically.
Boardshorts or Swim Trunks:
- Lay the shorts flat.
- Fold one leg over the other.
- Fold the shorts in half vertically.
By folding your swimwear correctly, you minimize wrinkles and preserve the fabric’s elasticity.
Organize Swimsuits by Type or Pattern
Once your swimsuits are folded, it’s time to decide how to organize them. One of the most effective methods is sorting by type or pattern:
- By Type: Separate one-piece swimsuits, two-piece bikinis, boardshorts, and wetsuits. This makes it easy to locate the type of swimwear you need.
- By Pattern: If you have multiple swimsuits with different designs, organizing by pattern can add visual appeal to your storage area. Group solid colors together and patterned swimsuits separately.
- Hybrid Approach: A mix of both methods can be beneficial. Organize by type first, then further organize within those groups by pattern or color.
Storing Swimsuits Properly
After organizing your swimwear, the next step is storing it correctly to maintain its longevity. There are a variety of storage methods depending on your needs, whether it’s for daily use or long-term storage.
Storing Swimsuits in Drawers
For frequent use, storing swimsuits in a dresser drawer is convenient. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
- Drawer Inserts: Use drawer inserts to separate your folded swimsuits. This makes it easy to locate a specific piece without disturbing the rest of your collection.
- Garment Bags: If you prefer added protection, you can store swimsuits in small garment bags within the drawer. This is particularly helpful if you’re storing swimsuits of different types or materials, such as separating swim trunks from more delicate pieces like bikinis.
Storing Swimsuits in a Closet
If you have closet space, hanging swimsuits is another viable option, especially for pieces like wetsuits or boardshorts that benefit from hanging to avoid wrinkles.
- Hangers: Use hangers for one-piece swimsuits and bikinis. You can often fit multiple swimsuits on a single hanger using clip-style hangers.
- Pant Hangers: For boardshorts and swim trunks, pant hangers with clips are ideal. This method keeps them wrinkle-free and accessible.
Pro Tip: If you’re using hangers, ensure the swimwear is completely dry before hanging to avoid stretching or distortion from weight.
Storing Swimsuits in a Storage Unit
When storing swimsuits for long-term or offseason storage, a storage unit or portable storage container provides the most protection, particularly if you opt for a climate-controlled space. Here’s how to prepare swimwear for storage:
- Clean and Dry: Before storing, make sure all swimsuits are clean and completely dry. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to mold or mildew, which can damage delicate fabrics.
- Use Garment Bags: Place swimsuits in breathable garment bags. These help protect against dust and insects while allowing airflow to prevent mildew.
- Plastic Storage Bins: Store the garment bags in airtight plastic storage bins. These are preferable to cardboard boxes, as plastic bins are moisture-resistant and stackable, making them ideal for long-term storage.
Caring for Wetsuits
Wetsuits, in particular, require extra care when it comes to storage. Made from neoprene, wetsuits are designed to insulate the body in cold water, but improper storage can lead to damage, including cracking or loss of elasticity. Here’s how to store wetsuits properly:
Cleaning and Drying a Wetsuit
Before storing your wetsuit, it’s crucial to clean and dry it thoroughly:
- Rinse with Fresh Water: After each use, rinse your wetsuit with fresh water to remove salt, chlorine, and sand, which can degrade the neoprene over time.
- Hang to Dry: Hang the wetsuit on a thick, padded hanger to dry. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight, as UV rays can break down the neoprene. A shaded, well-ventilated area is best.
- Dry Inside-Out First: Start by drying the inside of the wetsuit, then flip it right-side out once the inside is dry to allow the outside to dry completely.
Storing a Wetsuit
Once your wetsuit is clean and dry, you have two storage options:
- Hanging: Store your wetsuit on a wide, padded hanger. This helps maintain its shape and prevents creasing. Do not hang wetsuits on thin hangers, as they can cause permanent shoulder marks.
- Folding: If you lack closet space, fold the wetsuit carefully. Lay it flat, fold the arms across the chest, and then fold the wetsuit in half horizontally. Store it in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
Avoid storing wetsuits in hot areas, such as attics or garages, where heat can cause the neoprene to degrade.
Preventing Damage During Storage
Proper storage techniques are essential for keeping swimwear in good condition. Here are some additional tips to prevent damage:
1. Make Sure Swimsuits are Completely Dry
It might seem obvious, but storing wet or even slightly damp swimsuits can lead to mold, mildew, and fabric deterioration. After washing or a day at the pool, always ensure that swimsuits are fully dry before storing them.
2. Use Silica Gel Packs
For long-term storage, place a few silica gel packs in your storage containers. These absorb moisture and help prevent the buildup of mold or mildew, especially in humid environments.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Whether hanging or folded, always store swimsuits away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause colors to fade and fabric to weaken.
FAQs: Storing Swimsuits
Should You Hang Up Swimsuits?
While it’s tempting, avoid hanging wet swimsuits to dry, as this can cause them to stretch out of shape. Instead, lay them flat on a drying rack.
How Can I Prevent Swimsuits from Dry Rotting?
To prevent dry rot, store swimsuits in a cool, dry location and use silica gel packs to manage humidity. Storing swimwear in plastic storage bins in a climate-controlled area can also help mitigate the risk of dry rot.
Store & Organize Your Swimsuits with Ease
With these tips, you’ll be able to store and organize your swimsuits, from delicate bikinis to durable wetsuits, with ease. By choosing the right storage solutions—whether at home or in a storage unit—you can keep your swimwear in top shape, ready for the next adventure. Next time you’re refreshing your closet or preparing for the offseason, be sure to use these strategies to protect your swimwear and extend its lifespan.
Need extra tips for storing your summer gear? Read our guide here !