An elastic sleeve method and apparatus for use with a bar of soap to limit the surface area of the soap that is exposed, and reduce the rate of shrinkage of the bar of soap. The sleeve comprises a container of elastic material having a top, bottom, and an elastic opening for insertion of a soap cake. The elastic material has form-fitting dimensions adaptable to the shape of an underlying soap cake. The elastic material also has a plurality of apertures to provide atmospheric communication through the elastic sleeve to an inserted soap cake's surface.