Flag-print swimwear takes a beating — chlorine, salt water, sun cream, and a full day at Carnival or on the beach. With the right care routine, you can keep the colours vibrant and the shape intact for the whole summer and beyond.
Here's what to do (and what to avoid) with your Jamaican flag swimwear.
After Every Wear
The single most important step is rinsing your swimwear after every use — especially after swimming.
- Rinse in cool, clean water as soon as possible after leaving the pool or sea. Chlorine and salt water both degrade elastane and fade prints over time if left to dry in.
- Don't wring or twist — gently squeeze out excess water instead. Wringing distorts the shape and stresses the fabric.
- Rinse sun cream off too — some sun cream ingredients can break down synthetic fibres and cause discolouration.
Washing
- Hand wash where possible, using a small amount of mild detergent or a specialist swimwear wash in cool water. This is especially important for pieces with underwire, padding, or push-up construction.
- If machine washing, use a delicates bag, a cold gentle cycle, and a swimwear-safe detergent. Turn the piece inside out first to protect the print.
- Never use fabric softener — it coats the fibres and reduces the elastane's stretch and recovery.
- Wash after every 2–3 wears at minimum, or immediately after heavy use (a full day at Carnival, for example).
Drying
- No tumble dryer — heat breaks down elastane and can cause prints to crack or peel. This applies to all our swimwear.
- Lay flat to dry in a shaded spot. Hanging can stretch the fabric out of shape, and direct sun fades prints over time.
- Don't dry on rough surfaces — towels or smooth drying racks are fine; rough concrete or brick can snag the fabric.
Storage
- Store clean and fully dry — damp swimwear stored in a bag or drawer can develop mildew.
- Fold rather than hang for long-term storage — hanging on a hook can stretch the straps over time.
- Keep away from rough surfaces or sharp objects that could snag the fabric.
Common Mistakes That Shorten Swimwear Life
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sitting on rough pool edges | Causes pilling and fabric damage |
| Rinsing in hot water | Breaks down elastane faster |
| Leaving wet in a bag | Causes mildew and odour |
| Using the tumble dryer | Shrinks fabric, cracks prints |
| Applying sun cream directly onto swimwear | Can stain and degrade fabric |
FAQ
Can I machine wash my Jamaica flag swimwear?
Yes, on a cold gentle cycle in a delicates bag — but hand washing is better for pieces with padding or underwire.
How do I stop the print from fading?
Rinse after every wear, wash inside out, avoid direct sun when drying, and never tumble dry.
My swimwear has lost its shape — can I fix it?
Unfortunately elastane damage is largely irreversible. Prevention is the key — cool water, no tumble dryer, and laying flat to dry.
How long should printed swimwear last?
With proper care, a good quality polyester/elastane swimsuit should last 2–3 seasons of regular use. Heavy chlorine exposure will shorten this.
Browse the full Jamaica Swimwear collection — and now you know how to make it last.
🎉 Use code CARNIVAL10 for 10% off the Jamaica Swimwear collection — expires 25 August 2026. Shop now →