Can You Restore Stretched-Out Swimwear?

A swimsuit that has gone a little loose is frustrating, but in many cases you can refresh the fit. The key is understanding what elastane can and cannot recover from.

Try a cool water soak

Sometimes fabric relaxes temporarily after a long, warm day. A soak in cool water followed by flat drying can help the fibres contract back towards their original shape.

Avoid the hot water myth

It is tempting to think hot water will shrink swimwear back, but heat permanently damages elastane and makes the problem worse. Always stay cool.

Rotate to prevent it

Permanent stretching usually comes from wearing the same piece on consecutive days. Letting elastane rest a full day between wears prevents most of it.

If the fabric has gone thin or no longer recovers at all, it has reached the end of its life, and that is simply the nature of elastic fibre.