There's nothing worse than arriving at your dream beach destination only to discover your favourite bikini has been crushed, tangled, or damaged during the journey. Swimwear is surprisingly delicate—the elastic fibres, padding, underwires, and embellishments that make our bikinis beautiful and functional are also vulnerable to improper packing.
Whether you're heading to a tropical resort in Fiji, exploring the beaches of Bali, or road-tripping along the Great Ocean Road, properly packed swimwear means more time enjoying the water and less time dealing with wardrobe malfunctions. This guide covers everything you need to know about protecting your swimwear during travel.
The golden rule of packing swimwear: never pack it wet or damp. Even slight moisture creates a perfect environment for mildew and can cause permanent damage to elastic fibres. Always ensure swimwear is completely dry before it goes in your bag.
Before You Pack: Planning Your Swimwear
The first step to successful swimwear packing happens before you touch your suitcase. Plan strategically based on your trip.
How Many Pieces to Bring?
A common question with no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some guidelines:
- Weekend trip: 2-3 swimsuits (allows for rotation while one dries)
- Week-long holiday: 3-4 swimsuits (variety without overpacking)
- Extended travel: 4-5 swimsuits maximum (rotate and wash as needed)
Consider your activities too. If you'll be doing water sports, include a sporty option with secure fit. For resort lounging, bring more fashion-forward pieces. Beach-to-bar plans? Pack a versatile one-piece that doubles as a top.
Assess Your Swimwear
Before packing, check each piece for:
- Loose threads that could catch and pull
- Elastic that's starting to fail
- Padding that's shifting or lumpy
- Underwires poking through fabric
- Damaged clasps or hooks
There's nothing worse than discovering damage when you're far from home. Better to identify issues beforehand and either repair or replace problem pieces.
Proper Folding Techniques
How you fold your swimwear significantly impacts whether it arrives in good condition.
Bikini Tops with Moulded Cups
- Lay the top flat with cups facing up
- Tuck any straps neatly inside the cups
- Stack cups together, one inside the other
- Never fold cups in half—this creates permanent creases
Cup Protection Tip
Fill moulded cups with small soft items like underwear or socks. This helps them maintain their shape during travel and maximises suitcase space. Just remove the fillers before wearing.
Triangle Bikini Tops
These are more flexible since they lack moulded cups:
- Fold triangle points towards the centre
- Roll the straps neatly alongside
- Roll the whole thing gently rather than folding flat
Bikini Bottoms
- Fold in half lengthwise
- Roll from the waist down to minimise creasing
- For bottoms with ties, tuck ties inside to prevent tangling
One-Pieces
- Lay flat, front side down
- Fold straps down across the back
- Fold in half lengthwise
- Roll from the top down
- For pieces with moulded cups, follow the same cup-stacking method as bikini tops
Rolling swimwear rather than flat-folding reduces creasing and saves space. It also makes pieces easier to locate in your bag without disturbing everything else.
Protective Packing Solutions
The right packing accessories protect your swimwear from damage and keep it organised.
Lingerie and Swimwear Cases
Purpose-designed cases offer the best protection:
- Hard-shell bra cases protect moulded cups from crushing
- Mesh pouches allow air circulation and easy identification
- Waterproof wet bags are essential for storing damp swimwear on return journeys
DIY Protection Methods
No special case? These alternatives work well:
- Sunglasses cases for small padded bikini tops
- Clean socks to fill and protect moulded cups
- Mesh laundry bags for keeping swimwear together
- Plastic zip-lock bags for wet swimwear (temporary only—never store long-term)
Where to Pack Swimwear in Your Luggage
Placement matters almost as much as folding technique.
For Checked Luggage
- Pack swimwear in the centre of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items
- Avoid placing near heavy items like shoes or toiletry bags
- Keep away from potential leak hazards
- Never pack at the very top or bottom where crushing pressure is greatest
For Carry-On Bags
Carry-on is actually preferable for delicate swimwear:
- You control how the bag is handled
- Less risk of lost luggage leaving you swimsuit-less at your destination
- Easy access if you want to change upon arrival
Protect Against Leaks
Always assume toiletries might leak. Keep swimwear away from anything liquid, and consider placing toiletries in a separate waterproof pouch even if containers seem secure.
Special Considerations by Swimwear Type
Underwire Bikini Tops
Underwires need extra care to prevent bending or poking through fabric:
- Use a hard-shell bra case if possible
- Never bend or twist underwire tops when packing
- Pack flat or with cups stacked, well-cushioned
Swimwear with Embellishments
Beading, sequins, and metal details are easily damaged:
- Pack embellished pieces in individual pouches
- Position so embellishments face inward, protected
- Keep separate from rough-textured items that could snag
Crochet or Knit Swimwear
These bohemian styles need gentle handling:
- Roll rather than fold to prevent creasing in knit fabric
- Store in mesh bags to prevent snagging
- Keep away from jewellery, zippers, or velcro
Packing for the Return Journey
Getting swimwear home safely is just as important as the outbound journey—but trickier because you'll likely be packing damp pieces.
The Wet Swimwear Problem
- Rinse before packing: Fresh water removes salt and chlorine
- Wring gently: Remove excess water without twisting
- Use a wet bag: Purpose-made waterproof bags isolate wet items
- Pack in carry-on if possible: Faster access upon arrival means faster drying
Essential Travel Item
A waterproof wet bag is the single most important accessory for travelling with swimwear. It protects other items from dampness and contains any lingering moisture. Unpack and dry swimwear immediately upon reaching home.
Quick Packing Checklist
Before zipping your suitcase, run through this checklist:
- All swimwear is completely dry
- Moulded cups are protected from crushing
- Straps and ties are tucked in to prevent tangling
- Embellished pieces are in individual pouches
- Swimwear is away from potential leak hazards
- Wet bag is packed for the return journey
- You have enough pieces for your trip length
With these techniques and a little planning, your swimwear will arrive at every destination looking as good as when it left your drawer. No more crushed cups, tangled straps, or mystery stains—just beach-ready bikinis whenever you need them.