You've probably ruined a decent pair of swim shorts without realizing it. Not on the beach. In the washing machine. A hot cycle here, a tumble dry there, and after one season the elastane is gone, the colour has faded, and the waistband no longer sits flat. The shorts still look passable. But they're not what they were.
The fabric in a well-made pair of swim shorts, like the 90% polyester and 10% elastane blend used in every CÔTE CHIC pair, is built to last. But that elastane is what gives the shorts their shape, keeps them close through the leg, and means they don't look like a deflated bag by the end of the afternoon. Heat destroys elastane. It's that simple.
The first thing to do after swimming
Rinse your shorts in cold fresh water as soon as you can. Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen are the three things that break down fabric fastest, and rinsing removes most of them before they can do lasting damage. You don't need soap. You just need cold water and about thirty seconds.
How to wash them properly
Machine washing is fine, with the right settings. Use a cold or 30°C gentle cycle, never anything hotter. Turn the shorts inside out before washing, which protects the outer surface and the embroidered CC monogram on the leg. Use a small amount of mild detergent, skip the fabric softener (it coats synthetic fibres and reduces their ability to dry quickly), and avoid anything with bleach.
If you prefer to hand wash, that's even better. Cold water, a gentle rub, rinse thoroughly. It takes three minutes and gives the fabric a longer life.
Drying: the step most people get wrong
No tumble dryer. Ever. The heat breaks down elastane fibres at a structural level, and no amount of line drying afterwards will fix what a dryer cycle has done. Lay the shorts flat or hang them in the shade. Direct sunlight for a few hours is fine, but extended sun exposure over time fades colour, particularly in richer tones like Monaco Blue or Portofino Green.
They dry fast. The polyester blend sheds water quickly, so even on a humid day you're looking at an hour or two before they're ready to wear again. That quick-dry property is one of the reasons the fabric was chosen. These aren't features, they're decisions.
What about storage?
Store them clean and fully dry. Never fold damp shorts into a bag for more than a day. If you're packing after a trip, leave them out to air before putting them away. A lingering smell is usually trapped moisture, not the fabric itself, and it's entirely avoidable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can swim shorts go in the washing machine?
Yes. Use a cold or 30°C gentle cycle, turn them inside out, and skip the fabric softener. A mesh laundry bag adds extra protection if you have one.
Does chlorine damage swim shorts?
Over time, yes. Chlorine degrades elastane fibres, which affects the fit and shape of the shorts. Rinsing in cold fresh water immediately after leaving the pool is the most effective thing you can do to slow this down.
Can you tumble dry swim shorts?
No. Heat from a dryer breaks down the elastane in the fabric, which means the shorts lose their shape and stop fitting correctly. Air dry only, in the shade or away from extended direct sunlight.
How often should you wash swim shorts?
After every session in salt or chlorinated water. A cold rinse is enough on the day. A proper wash every two or three wears is sufficient for regular use.
A well-made pair of swim shorts should hold their shape, colour, and fit for multiple seasons. That only happens if you treat the fabric right. Browse the full CÔTE CHIC collection: Monaco Blue, Monaco Mocha, Portofino Blue, and Portofino Green.