How to Wash Solid & Striped Swimwear & Clothing

Solid & Striped is a New York-based apparel brand that focuses on swim and beachwear. Aside from clothing, they also offer accessories such as sunglasses, hats, water bottles, slippers, and face masks.

More About Solid & Striped

Solid & Striped was founded by Morgan Curtis and Isaac Ross in 2012. True to its name, the company often produces swimwear with striped prints and bold colors. In addition to direct-to-consumer sales, they also offer wholesale orders for businesses.

For those who are interested, you can shop their collection at their official website. They also have two physical locations at West Palm Beach and New York City. In addition to that, their products can be found at select retail partners such as Bloomingdale’s, Intermix, Shopbop, and Bandier.

What Kind of Clothing Do They Sell?

Solid & Striped offers a variety of swimwear from bikini tops to one-pieces. Not only that, but they also sell dresses, tops, shorts, hoodies, sports bras, leggings, and other clothing.

Price-wise, their products aren’t the cheapest. Take their swimsuits, for example, they can easily set you back $200 depending on what you choose. The good news is that they do offer free domestic shipping so you won’t have to pay anything extra besides tax. Returns are free as well if you change your mind.

Taking Care of Solid & Striped Swimwear and Clothing

As far as their swimsuits go, you want to wash them after every wear; that’ll prevent them from wearing out. The same goes for the rest of their clothes—you want to wash them right away, especially after working out. At the very least, you want to air them out or rinse them in water. That’ll prevent bacteria growth and odor.

Not sure how to wash your swimwear and other clothing? Need some tips? If so, you’re at the right place—we’ll be going over the instructions in detail below.

Fabrics Used by Solid & Striped

First, let’s take a look at some of the textiles that they use for their swimwear and other products.

Polyamide

Polyamide is a manmade material that’s made of petroleum-based plastic polymers. Not only is it lightweight, but it’s also durable. For one thing, it also resists fading, abrasions, and stains. However, it doesn’t absorb water well and can melt if exposed to heat.

Solid & Striped uses polyamide for their bikinis, one-pieces, leggings, sports bras, and more.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic woven material that’s known for its durability. Similar to polyamide, it’s resistant to many things including abrasions, stains, and wrinkles. It also has moisture-wicking properties, which makes it ideal for activewear such as sports bras and leggings.

Solid & Striped uses polyester for their tops, tank tops, sports bras, and more.

Elastane

Elastane, aka spandex/Lycra, is a synthetic fiber that’s prized for its elasticity. As such, it’s often used in swimwear, sportswear, and intimates. However, it’s not very breathable and tends to trap moisture and sweat within the garment. Because of this, it’s often combined with cotton or other more breathable materials.

Solid & Striped uses elastane for their one-pieces, bikinis, leggings, sports bras, tanks, and more.

How to Wash Solid & Striped Swimsuits

One-pieces and bikinis can be washed in a similar fashion. Here’s how to do it.

Hand Washing Your Solid & Striped Swimsuit

Tip: Rinse the swimsuit with cool water as soon as you can. You want to get rid of any body oils, sweat, chlorine, saltwater that’s on the fabric.

Fill a washtub or clean sink with tepid water. Measure and add 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE detergent. Dissolve the powder by swishing the water with your hands. Turn the swimsuit inside out and place it in the sink, immersing it in the soapy water. Swish it through a few times to work in the detergent and leave it to soak for up to 20 minutes.

Drain the washtub or sink afterward. Refill it with cool water and use it to rinse the swimsuit thoroughly. Gently massage the fabric to loosen any soap suds. Continue to rinse until there’s no more detergent left on the fabric.

Gently press out the excess water. Don’t wring; that will ruin the delicate fabric. Allow the suit to air-dry on a laundry rack afterward in a well-ventilated area away from sunlight. Alternative, you can lay it flat to dry. Avoid using the dryer; the high heat will ruin the swimsuit.

Can You Put Solid & Striped Swimsuits In the Washing Machine?

You can machine wash their swimsuits as long as you’re careful. Start by turning the suit inside out. Once you’ve done that, place them in a mesh laundry bag. That’ll prevent the fabric from pilling or snagging on other garments; it’ll also keep the pieces together if you’re washing a bikini. Never machine wash a swimsuit without a laundry bag.

Tip: You can machine wash swimsuits with other activewear such as sports bras, tanks, etc. Just remember to separate them based on color.

Place the bag in the washing machine. If necessary, add in a couple of towels; that will help distribute the load. Measure and pour in a scoop of ACTIVE detergent. Don’t use bleach or fabric softener. Select a gentle setting (i.e. minimal spin) and run a cold water cycle. Never wash swimsuits with hot water—the heat will warp and wear out the fabric.

Wait for the cycle to finish before retrieving your swimsuit. Lay it flat to dry on a clean surface. Or if you want, you can spread it across a laundry rack. Whatever you do, don’t tumble dry; that will permanently damage your suit.

Washing Solid & Striped Leggings

Using the Washing Machine For Your Solid & Striped Leggings 

Empty the pockets if there are any. Next, turn the leggings inside out; that will ensure that the inner layer gets washed thoroughly. Not only that, but it’ll prevent the colors from fading. Place the leggings in a mesh garment bag; that’ll prevent them from getting damaged, especially if you’re washing them with other items. From there, place the bag and your other clothes in the washer.

Tip: We suggest washing Solid & Stripped leggings with other activewear such as tank tops, shorts, sports bras, etc.

Measure out one scoop of ACTIVE detergent and pour it into the dispenser/drum. Don’t use bleach or fabric softener (the latter will trap in oils and dirt).

Wash on a delicate setting with cold water. Never wash leggings with hot water; the heat can damage the synthetic fibers. Not to mention that it can cause shrinkage.

Retrieve your clothes once the wash cycle is complete. Take the leggings out of the laundry bag and drape them across a drying rack and allow them to air dry. You can also hang them up on a clothesline. Do not tumble dry; you don’t want to expose the fabric to heat.

Washing Your Solid & Striped Leggings By Hand 

Prepare a sink or washtub. Fill it halfway with cool water and add in 1/2 scoop of ACTIVE detergent to create a bath. Swish the water a few times with your hand to help the detergent dissolve.

Turn your leggings inside out and place them in the sink. Make sure that they’re completely immersed in the water; you want the detergent to be able to make its way into the fibers. Gently massage the fabric with your hands and let them soak for up to 20-30 minutes.

Drain the sink/washtub and refill with fresh water. Thoroughly rinse the leggings by pressing up and down on them in the sink. Alternatively, you can hold them under running water. Continue to rinse until the leggings are free of detergent; there shouldn’t be any soap film left.

Spread your leggings out on a towel. Place another clean towel on top and press down to absorb the excess water. From there, let them air dry on a laundry rack or clothesline. Do not tumble dry.

Best Way to Wash Solid & Striped Sports Bras

Throwing Your Solid & Striped Sports Bras In the Washing Machine

Close all hooks and fasten all clasps. Turn the sports bra inside out and place it in a lingerie bag; it will protect the bra and prevent the straps from stretching during the wash cycle.

Tip: Remove the cups and put them together in the same bag if your sports bra has removable cups. You can replace them once they’ve dried.

Place the lingerie bag in the washer. Add the rest of your clothes and pour in a scoop of ACTIVE detergent to the washing machine. Avoid fabric softener and bleach.

Run a cold wash cycle. Make sure to use a delicate setting as a normal cycle will be too harsh for sports bras. Wait until the wash is finished before taking the items out. Let them air dry on a laundry rack or clothesline. Never place your sports bra in the clothes washer; the heat will ruin the elastic material.

Washing Your Solid & Striped Sports Bras In the Sink

Prepare a bath. Fill a clean sink with tepid water and add in 1/2 a scoop of ACTIVE detergent. Dissolve the powder by swishing the water a few times.

Turn your sports bra inside out before immersing it in the sink. Remember to take out the pads if they’re removable. Leave the bra in the soapy solution for 20 to 30 minutes; you want to let the detergent soak in.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward. There shouldn’t be any soap film left on the sports bra when you’re done. Gently pat the sports bra with a clean towel and drape it across a drying rack and let it air dry. Avoid the clothes dryer. Also, don’t expose it to sunlight as that can wear out the material.