Finding a pair of swim trunks for men with the right color and fit can make you want to wear them all summer. But by midseason, that deep navy can start to look faded, and a bright tropical print can lose much of its original vibrancy.
Sun, chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and even your laundry routine can all take a toll on swim trunks. Fortunately, a few simple habits can help your favorite trunks stay colorful and ready for many more cannonballs.
Why Do Swim Trunks Fade So Fast?
Your swim trunks face a surprisingly tough environment. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can gradually degrade dyes and fibers, especially when the material is exposed to direct sunlight for hours. Chlorinated pool water adds another challenge, since repeated chemical exposure can contribute to fading and fabric wear.
Then there’s everything else you encounter during a typical summer day: saltwater, sweat, sunscreen, body oils, and sand. None of this means you should spend your vacation worrying about your shorts, as a little post-swim care can go a long way.
Start With Swimwear Designed To Handle the Elements
Keeping your trunks looking good starts before your first trip to the pool. When shopping for swim trunks, pay attention to fabric, construction, and the manufacturer’s care instructions. Swimwear designed for regular use may be better equipped to deal with repeated dips and long summer days.
Quality doesn’t make trunks invincible, though. Even your favorite well-made pair will benefit from proper washing, drying, and storage.
Rinse Before You Take the Plunge
Here’s an easy trick: give your trunks a quick rinse with clean water before getting into the pool. Fabric that has already absorbed fresh water may soak up less chlorinated or salty water once you jump in.
It only takes a few seconds, making it an easy addition to your pre-swim routine. Hit the shower, rinse your trunks, and then proceed directly to perfecting your technique.
Don’t Let Chlorine Come Home With You
Once you’re done swimming, rinse your trunks thoroughly with cool, fresh water as soon as you can. You don’t want chlorinated or salty water sitting in the fabric for hours while your swimsuit dries.
A quick rinse at the pool shower or beach facility can remove some of that residue before you head home. Once there, follow the garment’s washing instructions.
Give Your Washing Machine the Day Off
After a long pool day, tossing your trunks straight into the washing machine might feel like the easiest solution. However, frequent machine washing can put unnecessary stress on swimwear, especially when hot water and aggressive cycles are involved.
Always check the care label first. When appropriate, gently hand-wash your trunks in cool water with a mild detergent. Skip bleach and other harsh cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically recommends them. Your goal is to remove chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and grime without subjecting the fabric to another endurance test.
Skip the Dryer, Too
Your dryer might be wonderful for towels, but swimwear often prefers a gentler approach. High temperatures can be tough on synthetic fibers and elastic components, potentially affecting both the appearance and fit of your trunks.
Instead, follow the care instructions and air-dry them when recommended. Avoid aggressively wringing or twisting the fabric to remove water. Gently pressing out excess moisture is usually a kinder option. Your trunks deserve some downtime.
Be Strategic About Drying Them in the Sun
It seems logical to hang wet swim trunks outside in the sunshine after a swim. After all, they’ll dry quicker than if you simply put them back in your bag. Unfortunately, that also gives UV rays another opportunity to affect their color.
When possible, air-dry your trunks in a shaded, well-ventilated area instead. They’ll still dry without spending several additional hours baking under direct sunlight. This is particularly helpful after they’ve already been exposed to the sun during a long beach or pool day.
Watch Out for Sunscreen, Hot Tubs, and Other Sneaky Culprits
Chlorine and sunlight aren’t the only things your trunks encounter. Sunscreen, tanning products, body oils, and lotions can transfer onto fabric and potentially cause staining or discoloration.
Hot tubs can be especially demanding because swimwear is exposed to both treated water and high temperatures. You don’t necessarily need separate hot-tub trunks, but rinsing your swimsuit afterward is a smart habit.
Keep the Color, Keep the Summer Vibe
Keeping swim trunks looking fresh doesn’t require treating them like heirlooms. Wear them swimming, play volleyball, jump off the diving board, and enjoy your vacation.
Just remember the basics: rinse promptly, wash gently, avoid excessive heat, and don’t leave trunks sitting unnecessarily in direct sunlight. A few minutes of care after swimming can help your favorite pair stay brighter and ready for many more summers.