# How to Care for Your Swim Briefs So They Actually Last **By Josh Mack** · 2026-04-26 A good men's swim brief should last three seasons minimum. Most guys get one, sometimes two, before the fabric fades, the elasticity goes, or the color turns muddy. Almost always, that degradation comes from how the suit was cared for — not the suit itself. At Seaman Swim, we build the Statement Brief from premium high-stretch fabric specifically because it holds up. But even the best swim brief fabric needs the right care. Here is the short version of what actually preserves your brief. The short version A good brief should last three seasons. Most guys get one, because of how they wash it. - Rinse in cold water straight after every wear - Hand wash cold, no heat, no fabric softener - Never a dryer, and never dry in direct sun - Do not sit bare on concrete or rough stone - Store it dry and flat ## Rinse Immediately After Every Wear Chlorine, salt water and sunscreen are all eating your fabric while the suit is still on you. The longer they sit, the worse it gets. Rinse in cold fresh water the moment you get out. Not when you get home — right then. That takes most of it off before any damage is done. This single habit extends the life of a swim brief more than anything else on this list. ## Hand Wash, Cold Water, No Heat Machine washing with regular detergent is hard on stretch fabric. The agitation pulls at the fibers, and most detergents are too harsh for swimwear. Hand wash with a small amount of gentle soap (or a dedicated swimwear wash), cold water, light squeeze — not wringing. If you do machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag, cold water, delicate cycle, and a swimwear-safe detergent. Never hot water. ## No Dryer, No Direct Sun for Drying Heat kills elastic. A dryer will have your waistband going slack within a season. Direct sunlight for extended periods does the same thing more slowly. Lay the brief flat or hang it in the shade to dry. It will be dry in under an hour in any warm weather. This is the easiest habit to build and one of the highest-leverage ones. ## Do Not Sit on Rough Surfaces Concrete pool edges, textured lounge chairs, rough stone — all of these abrade the fabric. It seems minor until you notice the pilling and thinning on the seat after a summer of pool days. Sit on a towel when you can. ## Store It Dry Storing a damp swim brief in a bag or drawer grows mildew and breaks down fabric faster than almost anything. Make sure it is fully dry before it goes away. If you are packing for a trip, bring it out and dry it before the next use. The five minute version - Rinse it the moment you are out of the water - Hand wash cold, lay flat in the shade - Heat is what kills the elastic, not the chlorine - Rotate two briefs and both last longer ## The Bottom Line Rinse immediately. Wash by hand in cold water. Skip the dryer. Dry in the shade. Those four habits add seasons to a men's swim brief that would otherwise be replaced every year. That's what we built at Seaman Swim. One product, done right. Shop the [**Statement Brief**](/products/the-signature-mens-swim-brief). Worth looking after because the right pair lasts. If you're still choosing, read [how to choose men’s swimwear](/blogs/the-seaman-report/how-to-choose-mens-swimwear), then see [all eight colorways](/collections/swimwear). **Tags:** how to, men's swimwear, swim brief care, swim briefs, swimwear tips --- > Source: [Seaman Swim](https://seamanswim.com/blogs/the-seaman-report/how-to-care-for-your-swim-briefs-so-they-actually-last)