Period swimwear is revolutionary – shop the best period swimsuits and bikinis 2024
If you're already au fait with period pants, you'll likely have heard of the best period swimwear too. Another innovation in the world of reusable menstruation products, leak-proof swimwear is here to help you avoid awkward public toilet tampon changes (and excessive plastic pollution) all summer long.
Let's face it: ‘coming on’ is the quickest way to ruin any sun-drenched dip in the pool, with sanitary towels not really cutting it and menstrual cups proving dissatisfactory underwater, too. It can be all too easy to throw in the beach towel until you’ve finished your time of the month – but period-proof swim bottoms are here to save the day with their sorcery. So you can power through those laps without having to worry about a surprise leakage or visible Tampax string.
SKIP TO: How does period swimwear work? | How we tested the best period swiwmear | Shop the best period swimwear.
Meet the expert:
- Paige Fashoni, founder of FLUX Undies.
How does period swimwear work?
Period swimwear works in exactly the same way as period underwear: the super-absorbent lining prevents the need for tampons, pads or cups in and around the water by absorbing period blood and keeping you clean and dry.
Paige says: “Our period-proof swimwear features a hidden built-in protective layer that quickly wicks moisture away and locks in liquid, preventing any leaks. The water-resistant outer layer allows water to simply roll off, stopping any water from getting to the inside of the swimwear, and keeping you fresh and dry. They’re great for a moderate flow — absorbing the same amount as approximately three tampons worth — and can be worn for up to eight hours.”
“We’ve also used recycled nylon for our Swim range, made from waste like water bottles and fishing nets, and 5% of all profits go to The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation that works hard to clear plastic from our rivers and oceans,” Paige continues.
You can pop period bikinis and one-piece swimming costumes in for a quick dark machine wash after rinsing them out, let them air day and you’re ready to go again the next day sans any waste. Sustainability creds? Check.
As for styles, there are tonnes to choose from including period swimsuits and period proof bikini briefs which come with matching triangle bikini tops.
How we tested the best period swimwear in this edit:
A handful of GLAMOUR editors – each of different ages and flows – put some of the period swimwear styles you'll find below to the test. And by that we mean wore them on holiday, in the sea, in chlorine, on hot sunbeds, at the spa and in direct sunlight over a number of weeks and at various points in our cycles. We then evaluated each pair based on five things: comfort, absorbency, how well they washed and whether they kept a fresh feeling. The results? See below.
Meet the testers:
- Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Writer.
- Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior European Commerce Editor.
- Lucy Smith, Former GLAMOUR Commerce Writer.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. Elsewhere, find period pants for teens and tweens that are perfect for her first period, and head this way for the best tummy control swimsuits.
Find our full edit of the best period swimwear to wear poolside, beach-side and beyond below.
Discreet Period Products: Bathing Suits
Scoop Neck Padded Period Swimsuit
Tested by: Georgia.
“I've been looking for a plain black swimsuit for ages, so it's just a bonus that this one can be worn when I'm on my period too. The scoop back means I can wear it as a bodysuit when I'm out of the water, too, and removable padding makes for a more flattering effect. I usually steer clear of styles that don't have adjustable straps as I'm tall, but because this one has a high leg cut I found it still fit fine.”
- Pros: High absorbency functionality and good versatility.
- Cons: Only available in one colour.
Save when you shop for the best period swimwear with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Best Period Swimwear For Lighter Days: Modibodi Brazilian Brief
Brazilian Brief Light/Moderate Flo
Tested by: Sophie.
“Perfect for spotting, discharge, light periods and bladder leaks, these Brazilian-style bikini briefs hold up to two tampons of liquid.”
- Pros: They're not as full-coverage as other styles, so they're better for tanning in.
- Cons: The different colourways sell out frequently.
Best Period Swimwear For Moderate Flow
Period Swim Bikini Bottoms Moderate Flow
According to founder, Paige Fashoni, FLUX Undies' swimwear range “features the same reliable built-in tech used across our period underwear which means women can feel confident that they’ll be leak-free, no matter what they have planned.” The brand introduced their period-proof swimwear because they believe that women “should never be limited and periods should never hold us back.” And we couldn't agree more.
- Pros: Absorbs 2-3 tampons worth of blood.
- Cons: Not great for heavy flows, better for medium flow days.
Period Swimwear: Modibodi Swimwear
One-Shoulder One-Piece Light/Moderate Flow
Tested by: Lucy.
“Would you look at this one-piece swimsuit and think it was menstrual blood/period-proof? No. But it is. The comfy design gives you extra peace of mind while you take a splash by locking leaks in and keeping water out - even after you've been swimming. It's also perfect for when you're feeling like a sporty swimmer and want to look the part.”
- Pros: Comes in two colours; plain black and lilac.
- Cons: The strap isn't adjustable.
Save when you shop for the best period swimwear with these Modibodi discount codes at checkout.
Period Swimwear: Pantys Bikini Two-Piece
Tested by: Georgia.
“Why buy just the period briefs when you can have a full bikini? I love that I can't tell this style apart from my usual swimwear, as, even though I love the mix-and-match look, it's always nice to wear a set.”
- Pros: Look just like your normal bikinis.
- Cons: Better for light flows.
Best Period Swimwear on Amazon: Hi-Waist Bikini Brief
Leovqn Period Bikini Swim Bottoms UPF 50+
Made with 80% nylon and 20% elastane (spandex) these high-waist bikini bottoms/swim shorts are breathable, quick-drying and have a 100% leak-proof organic cotton gusset.
- Pros: Quick delivery on Amazon.
- Cons: Only available in dark colours.
Save when you shop for the best period swimwear with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.
Period Swimwear: WUKA Swimsuit/WUKA Period Swimsuit
Period Swimsuit Light/Medium Flow
Tested by: Lucy.
“Back after being sold out for some time, this racerback period swimsuit by WUKA is more affordable than other designs (at just under £50), which is what sold me to begin with, but it's also cut to a flattering shape. It holds three tampons worth of blood which is enough for me, even on my first day of my period.”
- Pros: Size ranges from XXS to 2XL.
- Cons: Cold wash only and can't use fabric softener.
Period Swimwear: Modibodi High-Waist Bikini Brief
Hi-Waist Cheeky Bikini Briefs Light/Moderate Flow
Tested by: Sophie.
“Made from an innovative recycled fabric that is chlorine-resistant and UV50+ rated, these bottoms feature a high-rise waist, a thick, supportive waistband and fast-drying absorbent lining. I've actually received tonnes of compliments in these without people even realising they're designed for when I'm menstruating.”
- Pros: They are functional and flattering.
- Cons: They only come in black.
Save when you shop for the best period swimwear with these Modibodi discount codes at checkout.
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Period Swimming Costume
pantys + Trya Cosmic One Piece Swimsuit Light Flow
Tested by: Lucy.
“I wanted something fun to swim laps in while on my period, and Trya and Pantys have teamed up to show everyone that water, summer and periods are, in fact, a match. This style is absorbent enough for light flows at the beginning or end of your cycle, but I probably wouldn't trust it if I'm 'heavy.'”
- Pros: The cute print.
- Cons: Only goes up to a size XL.
Best Period Swim Bottoms: Wuka Swimwear Period Protection
Tested by: Sophie.
“These aren't suitable for really heavy flow days, but they are perfect at the start or end of your period. Plus, since they're plain black, they can be paired with any of your favourite bikinis tops you'd usually wear when not menstruating. I take them on every holiday.”
- Pros: They hold around two small tampons' worth of blood – so they're one of the more absorbent pairs in this edit.
- Cons: Only available in one colour.
On-Trend Period Swimsuit: Adjustable Straps
Tie Front Cut Out One Piece Swimsuit Light/Moderate Flow
Tested by: Lucy.
“Cut-out swimsuits are all the rage, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I found one that is period-proof AND available in a pretty print too. It quickly became my favourite piece – it's just a bonus that it happens to hold up to two tampons worth of blood at the same time.”
- Pros: It's shaped to a flattering high-leg cut to avoid anything digging in.
- Cons: There are no online reviews of it yet.
Save when you shop for the best period swimwear with these Modibodi discount codes at checkout.
Period Proof Full Coverage Bikini Bottoms
If you're looking for a pair of full coverage bikini bottoms, these are them. They also fit like the best tummy control swimsuits do, and give a nice flattering effect and smooth appearance.
- Pros: You can wear it beneath your normal swimsuits for backup protection as well as alone, and the sizing goes beyond an XXL.
- Cons: There isn't a matching top to purchase so you'll have to mix and match.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Tie-Side Bikini Briefs That Are Period Proof
Tie Side Bikini Brief Light/Moderate Flow
Tested by: Georgia.
“This swimwear brief is so leak-proof it passes the ultimate test: drying off with a white towel. I know, I couldn't believe it either. I just wish they came in more colours.”
- Pros: Ties at the waist so is adjustable.
- Cons: Currently no reviews to read before purchasing.
Save when you shop for the best period swimwear with these Modibodi discount codes at checkout.
