How to Care for Your Coconut Ave Swimwear

Our Best Tips to Make Your Bikini Last (From the Coconut Ave Girls)

Aloha friends!

Let’s talk about something near and dear to our hearts (and hips): swimwear care. 🩱🌊

If you’re anything like us, your swimwear isn’t just something you pack for a vacation—it’s part of your everyday lifestyle. From sunrise surf sessions and saltwater dips to lounging at the beach, your suit sees a lot of love. And while our Coconut Ave bikinis are made to last, even the best suits need a little TLC to keep looking and feeling amazing.

Let’s be real: quality swimwear is a real investment—so treat it like the staple it is! These aren’t fast fashion throwaways. They’re pieces you’ve carefully chosen, made with thoughtful design, premium recycled materials, and prints you love. Taking a few extra steps to care for them helps extend their life, keeps them flattering and comfy, and saves you from saying goodbye too soon.

We’re Mahea and Kelly—co-founders of Coconut Ave, born and raised on the Big Island—and since we basically live in our suits, we’ve learned what really works. Below are our top tips for caring for your Coconut Ave swimwear—plus a little behind-the-scenes peek at how these suits are made with durability and intention in mind.

Let’s dive in! 🐚

🧼 1. Rinse First—Always

First rule of swimwear care: Rinse your suit right after you swim. Saltwater, chlorine, sunscreen, sweat, and sand are all super rough on fabric. The faster you rinse, the better.

We keep a water bottle or jug in the car for a quick rinse after the beach if we’re not heading straight home. Otherwise, a fast soak in the sink or shower does the trick.

This quick habit can add seasons to the life of your suit!

✋ 2. Hand Wash Only (No Machines Allowed!)

Washing machines may seem convenient, but they’re rough on delicate swim fabric. Trust us—machine washing is the fast track to faded colors and stretched-out fits.

Instead:

  • Fill a basin with cool water

  • Add a bit of gentle detergent (or baby shampoo!)

  • Gently swirl your suit—no scrubbing or wringing

  • Rinse well, gently press out excess water (never twist)

If you want an extra-fresh boost, a splash of white vinegar helps naturally deodorize and kill any lingering bacteria.

☀️ 3. Dry in the Shade

UV rays are great for your tan—not so much for your bikini. Sun exposure breaks down fibers and fades color over time, especially with darker or saturated prints.

To keep your Coconut Ave suit looking vibrant:

  • Lay flat on a clean towel in the shade

  • Flip it over once to let both sides dry evenly

  • Skip the hanger—hanging stretches straps and elastic

Never tumble dry, and avoid drying in direct sunlight.

👙 4. Rotate Your Favorites

Wearing the same suit every day? We get it. But swimwear elastic needs a little breather between wears to keep its shape.

Give your bikinis time to recover. Rotate them like you would with good denim or bras. Not only will they last longer, but you’ll also get to switch up your beach look and feel fresh every time you head out!

🪨 5. Sit Smart

Beach rocks, pool decks, concrete—pretty much all the surfaces we want to sit on during summer are rough on your suit. 🪨

Those tiny snags and pills? They’re usually from sitting on textured surfaces.

Easy fix: Always sit on a towel, pareo, or soft layer. A small buffer between your bikini and the world can protect the fibers from unnecessary wear and tear.

🌞 6. Let Sunscreen Soak In

We’re big believers in protecting our skin (reef-safe SPF always!), but some sunscreens—especially oil-based or chemical ones—can stain or damage swimwear fabric.

To keep your suit looking its best:

  • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before putting on your swim

  • Let it fully absorb into your skin

  • Rinse your suit after use if it came in contact with sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens are generally safer for both your skin and your bikini, but it’s still good to let them dry down before slipping into your swim.

🧳 7. Store It Right

After all that careful washing and drying, don’t ruin your efforts with bad storage!

Do:

  • Store your suits flat or gently folded

  • Use a breathable fabric pouch or drawer

  • Keep in a cool, dry place

Don’t:

  • Ball it up in a wet beach bag

  • Leave it in the trunk of your car

  • Store in plastic or airtight containers

Let your suit breathe when it’s off-duty.

How Your Suit Is Made (And Why It Matters)

We pour love into every part of the design process, but what really sets Coconut Ave swim apart is how it’s made—with intention, quality, and a lighter footprint.

♻️ Recycled Fabrics from REPREVE®

Our swimwear fabrics are sourced from renowned suppliers like REPREVE® (USA)—made from recycled plastics and ocean waste. These materials are soft, high-performance, and built to last. They deliver that buttery feel you love and hold up through sun, surf, and rinse cycles.

We choose these fabrics not just because they’re sustainable—but because they’re strong, stretchy, and feel amazing on the body.

🎨 OEKO-TEX® Dyes + Digital Printing

Our signature prints are brought to life using OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified dyes from Huntsman (USA)—safe for your skin and gentle on the planet.

We also use digital printing to reduce water waste, avoid excess fabric usage, and allow for smaller production runs. That means each piece is part of a curated collection, not mass-produced—and you’re getting something special, thoughtfully made from start to finish.

Bikinis Aren’t Disposable—They’re a Lifestyle

Let’s be honest—when you find a suit that fits just right, hugs in the right places, and makes you feel like your confident, beachy self... you want it to last forever.

Taking proper care of your Coconut Ave swimwear means:

  • More wears

  • Less fading

  • Better fit

  • Longer life

We design every suit with the intention of it becoming a favorite—whether you’re snorkeling, tanning, chasing toddlers at the beach park, or grabbing an ice shave after a surf.

So show it some love, and it’ll love you back for many, many sunny days.

Your Swimwear Care Checklist ✅

Here’s a quick recap of the best ways to keep your Coconut Ave swim in top shape:

  • ✅ Rinse right after use

  • ✅ Hand wash in cool water

  • ✅ Lay flat to dry (in the shade!)

  • ✅ Rotate suits to preserve stretch

  • ✅ Sit on towels, not pool decks or rocks

  • ✅ Let sunscreen absorb before wearing

  • ✅ Store clean, dry, and flat

From our hearts to yours—thanks for choosing Coconut Ave. We love seeing you in our suits and sharing in your beach days, big moments, and everyday magic.

See you in the waves!

With aloha,
Mahea & Kelly
Co-Founders, Coconut Ave

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