Bodysuit Care 101: How to Wash and Maintain Your Bodysuit

Bodysuits have become a versatile staple in modern wardrobes, offering comfort, style, and a seamless fit that complements almost any outfit. Whether you're wearing a casual bodysuit for everyday wear or a shapewear bodysuit for added control and support, keeping your bodysuit in top condition is essential for both longevity and maintaining its performance.

Proper care ensures your bodysuit remains stretchy, smooth, and comfortable. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to wash and maintain your bodysuit to keep it looking and feeling its best.

Why Proper Bodysuit Care Matters

A bodysuit, especially a shapewear bodysuit, is often made from delicate fabrics like spandex, nylon, or a blend of synthetic materials designed to provide stretch and support. These materials require special care to maintain their elasticity, structure, and overall appearance.

Over time, improper washing or handling can cause fabric to lose its shape, weaken seams, and dull the material's finish. This is why understanding how to properly care for your bodysuit is essential for ensuring it continues to perform at its best.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Bodysuit

1. Read the Care Label

Before anything else, check the care label inside your bodysuit. The manufacturer’s instructions will give you important details about how to clean and care for the specific fabric blend used in your garment. Different bodysuits may have varying care requirements, so always follow the label’s instructions to avoid any damage.

2. Hand Washing Is Your Best Bet

Hand washing is the gentlest and most effective method for cleaning a bodysuit. Here’s how to do it:

• Fill a basin with lukewarm water – Avoid hot water, as high temperatures can break down the elasticity of spandex or shapewear fabrics.

• Add a mild detergent – Opt for a gentle laundry detergent or one specifically designed for delicates. Regular detergents can be too harsh and damage the fabric over time.

• Soak and swish – Submerge your bodysuit in the water and gently swish it around. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt, sweat, and oils.

• Gently scrub if necessary – If your bodysuit has areas of heavy staining or sweat, gently rub those spots with your fingers. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can cause the fabric to stretch or pill.

• Rinse thoroughly – Once clean, rinse the bodysuit under cold water to remove all detergent residue. Make sure no soap remains, as leftover detergent can degrade the fabric.

3. Machine Washing: A Safe Alternative (With Precautions)

If you’re short on time or prefer using a washing machine, you can machine wash your bodysuit, but with a few precautions:

• Use a mesh laundry bag – Placing your bodysuit inside a mesh laundry bag helps prevent the fabric from snagging on zippers, hooks, or other garments during the wash cycle.

• Choose the delicate cycle – Select the gentle or delicate cycle on your machine to reduce the risk of fabric damage from aggressive agitation.

• Cold water only – Always wash your bodysuit in cold water. Hot water can cause shrinking, fading, or the breakdown of elastic fibers.

• Use mild detergent – As with hand washing, choose a detergent formulated for delicates.

Drying Your Bodysuit: Do’s and Don’ts

1. Air Dry for Best Results

Air drying is the safest method for drying your bodysuit. After washing, gently press out excess water by laying the bodysuit flat on a clean towel and rolling it up to absorb the moisture. Then, lay the bodysuit flat on a drying rack or another clean towel to air dry. Avoid hanging the bodysuit by the straps or shoulders, as this can cause the fabric to stretch and lose its shape over time.

2. Avoid the Dryer

Never tumble dry your bodysuit in a dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause significant damage to the elastic fibers, reducing the garment’s stretch and support. Heat can also cause certain fabrics to shrink or become misshapen.

3. Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight

When air drying, avoid placing your bodysuit in direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade the fabric and weaken its fibers. Opt for drying in a well-ventilated, shaded area.

How to Store Your Bodysuit

Proper storage is another key factor in maintaining your bodysuit’s shape and elasticity:

• Fold, don’t hang – Hanging a bodysuit, especially a shapewear bodysuit, can cause the fabric to stretch over time. Instead, fold it neatly and store it in a drawer or on a shelf.

• Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid damp or humid environments, as moisture can damage the fabric and encourage mildew growth.

• Avoid compression – Don’t store heavy items on top of your bodysuit, as this can create creases or permanent indentations in the fabric.

Removing Stains from Your Bodysuit

Accidents happen, and if your bodysuit ends up with stains, here are some tips for removing them:

• Treat stains immediately – The sooner you address a stain, the easier it will be to remove. Blot the stain gently with a damp cloth and avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain further.

• Use a stain remover – For tougher stains, use a mild stain remover suitable for delicates. Apply the product directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently wash the area by hand.

• Avoid bleach – Never use bleach on your bodysuit, as it can weaken the fabric and cause discoloration, especially on shapewear bodysuits that often come in light or nude colors.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bodysuit?

The frequency of washing your bodysuit depends on how often you wear it. For shapewear bodysuits, which are often worn as a base layer under clothing, it’s a good idea to wash them after each wear to remove sweat and oils that can accumulate. For casual bodysuits, you may only need to wash them every 2-3 wears, depending on how long and in what conditions you’ve worn them.

Extending the Life of Your Shapewear Bodysuit

Shapewear bodysuits, designed to offer additional support and shaping, require extra care to maintain their functionality. Here are a few additional tips:

• Rotate your bodysuits – If you wear shapewear regularly, it’s a good idea to have several in rotation. This allows the fabric to rest and regain its shape between wears.

• Avoid stretching the fabric unnecessarily – When putting on or taking off your shapewear bodysuit, be gentle. Stretching the fabric too aggressively can damage its elasticity over time.

• Regularly check for signs of wear – Inspect the seams, straps, and fabric for signs of wear and tear. Address any small issues early on to prevent further damage.

Conclusion

Taking proper care of your bodysuit, whether it's a fashion-forward staple or a supportive shapewear piece, ensures that it remains in great condition, maintains its stretch, and serves you well for a long time. By following the steps outlined in this guide—hand washing, air drying, gentle storage, and regular maintenance—you'll keep your bodysuit looking fresh, feeling comfortable, and performing as intended. With a little extra care, your favorite bodysuit will remain a go-to piece in your wardrobe for many years to come.