Just got back from the beach in Sardinia and your swimsuit is still soaking wet? In a B&B or hotel, the quickest practical method is to press out excess water with a dry towel, then hang the swimsuit somewhere airy. A hair dryer can help in a pinch, but use low or cool heat, keep it moving and check the care label first—high heat can damage elastic fibres.
The fastest safe method: towel, airflow and a little patience
- Rinse if needed. If the swimsuit is salty or sandy, rinse it with fresh water according to its care instructions.
- Press, don't wring. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel, roll the towel up with the swimsuit inside and press gently to absorb water. Avoid twisting or aggressively wringing the fabric.
- Hang it up. Use a hanger or clothesline in a well-ventilated spot, preferably in the shade. Spread the fabric out rather than folding it over itself.
- Improve airflow. Open a window if practical or use a fan directed nearby—not a heater. Keep the swimsuit away from damp bathroom corners.
- Use a hair dryer only if necessary. Choose cool or low heat, keep the dryer at a safe distance and keep it moving. Do not concentrate heat on elastic seams or leave the dryer unattended.
Can you dry a swimsuit with a hair dryer?
Yes, cautiously, but it is usually better to remove most of the water with a towel first and let airflow do the rest. Swimsuits often contain elastane or other stretch fibres that can be damaged by excessive heat. Check the garment's care label and avoid hot settings, direct contact with the fabric or prolonged heating in one spot.
Never use a hair dryer near water, a wet sink or a wet floor, and do not use an electrical appliance where it could get splashed. If the bathroom is humid, move to a dry, safe area.
Should you put the swimsuit under a towel?
A dry towel is useful for absorbing water when you gently press or roll the swimsuit inside it. Do not leave the swimsuit bundled up in the wet towel afterward: it will stay damp. Once the towel has absorbed the excess water, unroll the swimsuit and hang it where air can circulate.
Where should you hang it in a B&B?
- Best: a permitted balcony clothesline or a well-ventilated, shaded area.
- Good alternative: a hanger near an open window, away from delicate furnishings.
- Less effective: a humid bathroom with no ventilation or a crowded wardrobe.
- Avoid: radiators, hot surfaces and strong direct heat, which can damage fibres.
Ask your host before hanging clothes on balcony railings or outdoor furniture, and avoid dripping water onto neighbours' balconies or shared areas.
How long does a swimsuit take to dry?
There is no guaranteed drying time. A thin swimsuit that has been towel-pressed and hung in a breezy, warm place may dry within a few hours; a lined swimsuit or one hung in humid, still air can take much longer. Fabric thickness, airflow, shade and humidity all make a difference. If you need it for an early swim, wash and hang it as soon as you return from the beach.
Can you dry it in the Sardinian sun?
Sun and breeze can help, but prolonged direct sunlight may fade colours and is not ideal for every fabric. Check the care label; when in doubt, dry the swimsuit in the shade with good airflow. Do not leave it on hot stone, metal or a sun-heated balcony floor.
What if you need to pack it before it is completely dry?
Try to avoid packing a damp swimsuit in a sealed plastic bag for a long period, because trapped moisture can lead to unpleasant smells. If you must leave, press out as much water as possible with a clean towel and keep the swimsuit in a separate, breathable compartment until you can hang it to finish drying. Dry it fully as soon as you can.
Useful Italian phrases for your B&B host
- Posso stendere il costume sul balcone? — Can I hang my swimsuit on the balcony?
- C'è uno stendino? — Is there a drying rack?
- Avete un posto ventilato dove stendere i costumi? — Is there a ventilated place to hang swimsuits?
- Posso usare questo stendino? — May I use this drying rack?
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest way to dry a swimsuit in a B&B?
Roll it in a dry towel and press gently to absorb water, then hang it in a well-ventilated spot. A fan can improve airflow.
Can I use a hair dryer on my swimsuit?
If needed, use cool or low heat at a distance, keep it moving and check the care label. Avoid high heat because it can damage stretch fibres.
Can I wring a swimsuit to make it dry faster?
Avoid hard twisting or wringing. Press it in a towel instead to remove excess water while helping the fabric keep its shape.
Is it better to dry a swimsuit in the sun or shade?
A breeze helps, but shade is gentler on colours and delicate fibres. Follow the care label and avoid hot surfaces.
Can I leave a wet swimsuit in a plastic bag overnight?
It is better not to. Trapped moisture can cause unpleasant smells. Keep it separate and breathable, then hang it to dry as soon as possible.
The bottom line
To dry a swimsuit quickly in a Sardinian B&B, press it inside a dry towel, then hang it in a ventilated place. Use a hair dryer only with cool or low heat and at a distance; never use high heat or leave it unattended. A little airflow is usually more effective—and kinder to the fabric—than trying to blast it dry.
