Swimwear For Periods: Your Guide To How It Works + The Best Brands
Body Positivity
January 07, 2025
By Michelle Cecchi
Image Credit:@knix
New to swimwear for periods? Take a deep dive into how period swimwear works and discover top brands you’ll want to rep, period or not.
Ladies, it’s 2025. Your period doesn’t need to sideline you from a day at the beach or a pool party with your besties. Thankfully, swimwear for periods is here to save the day.
You might be skeptical: What is a period swimsuit, and can it really be your life preserver against accidental leaks, overflows, or rogue tampon strings?
I’m here to break down exactly how swimsuits for periods work, talk about what you should know before throwing one on, and share some top options that are bound to boost your confidence.
How Does Period Swimwear Work
First, what is a period swimsuit, and is it something you should add to your swimwear rotation? Period swimwear incorporates absorbent, leak-proof technology to help you manage your menstrual flow while in a swimsuit, both in and out of the water.
While the specifics of each piece might differ from brand to brand, period swimwear typically has an advanced multi-layered design. The innermost layer is made of a highly absorbent material that can capture menstrual flow, while the outer layers are waterproof and leak-resistant to ensure nothing escapes.
Together, these layers provide you with reliable protection, whether you’re lounging poolside, going head-to-head in beach volleyball, or hitting the surf .
Swimwear for periods is typically designed to handle a light to moderate flow, and it can be worn without any other menstrual products. If you have a heavy-flow day, you can pair it with your tampon or menstrual cup for added protection. My advice? When you buy a period swimsuit, keep an eye out for the specific brand recommendations about how much flow the swimwear can absorb.
I should also mention that period swimwear doesn’t look any different from regular swimwear (think: no diaper butt). The absorbent layers are discreetly designed and strategically placed, so they’re virtually invisible and undetectable. They’re also quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and incorporate odor control technology to keep you feeling fresh and dry throughout the day.
Period swimwear can be rinsed in cold water and washed just like regular swimwear, although brands typically recommend avoiding fabric softeners or bleach to maintain the integrity of the absorbent and waterproof layers.
Now that we’ve gone through our little period swimwear primer, let’s dive into our list of the best period swimwear brands.
Knix
Knix has made a name for itself as one of the leading brands for “leakproof underwear,” and the company says it spent the last decade perfecting their products. After achieving success with their sleek and effective underwear designs, Knix launched its Leakproof Swimwear line.
They offer stylish bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, and swim skirts, all with built-in protection against leaks.
The brand amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media after Sports Illustrated Swimsuit featured their period swimsuits in their 2023 SI Swimsuit shoot .
Image Credit:SI Swimsuit
Image Credit:Knix
Meanwhile, over on TikTok , Knix continues to build a buzz around their Leakproof Swimwear.
Fluxies
Female-founded brand Fluxies made its mark in 2017 as the UK’s first brand of period underwear. On a mission to provide unmatched comfort and protection, Fluxies has inspired more than 200,000 people to switch to period underwear—and they’ve stopped over 40 million disposables from ending up in landfills!
Now, they’re making an equally impressive splash in the world of swimwear with the fluxies Swim Bikini . This soft and stretchy bikini bottom comes in versatile black, making it super easy to pair with any bathing suit top. And the best part? It holds 2-3 tampons worth, so you can feel confident all (beach) day long.
Image Credit:Fluxies
Image Credit:Fluxies
Modibodi
Australian brand Modibodi is a pioneer in sustainable and innovative periodwear, and their swimwear line is no exception. Designed to offer reliable protection without sacrificing style or comfort, Modibodi is a go-to choice for a stress-free experience during your period.
What makes this brand different? They have an extensive collection of chic swimsuits in both classic and trendy designs, patterns, and cuts (like the Swimwear Multiway Top which offers 6+ different stylings and looks stunning paired with the Swimwear Hi-Leg Brief ).
Image Credit:Modibodi
Image Credit:Modibodi
Each of their pieces also features a hi-tech lining that absorbs and locks away fluid while keeping you dry. Plus, Modibodi’s period swimmers are made from responsibly sourced materials.
WUKA
A leading brand in period-proof underwear, WUKA also has an extensive selection of period swimwear. Designed with a focus on practicality, inclusivity, and eco-awareness, WUKA’s period swimwear is empowering women everywhere to wear swimsuits without worry.
Image Credit:WUKA
What makes WUKA stand out? All of WUKA’s swimwear features built-in absorbent layers designed to handle light-to-medium menstrual flows for up to 12 hours. The waterproof outer layer ensures no leaks escape, and their pieces come in classic, flattering styles.
WUKA is also eco-friendly and makes their swimwear from recycled nylon (meaning no virgin plastic is used to make the fabric).
Love Luna
If standout swim style is your priority, then look no further than Love Luna . Their line of period swimwear is so trendy, you wouldn’t think there was anything different about it (to see what we mean, check out their Swim Textured Period Hi Cut One Piece in electric blue).
Image Credit:Love Luna
Image Credit:Love Luna
Love Luna is a brand built on accessibility: They believe period swimwear should be available to all, which is why they’ve made their products some of the most budget-friendly on the market.
Overall, Love Luna’s period swimwear is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. Their pieces have timeliness designs, quick-drying fabrics, and built-in leak protection, allowing you to swim with ease during your light-to-moderate flow days.
Dive into Confidence with Period Swimwear
Stressing about swimming on your period is a thing of the past. With today’s innovative, stylish period swimwear, you can always be bikini-ready, even when menstruating.
If you’ve been curious about trying period swimwear, now’s the time to take the plunge. With leak-proof technology, sustainable materials, and eye-catching designs, these products make it easier than ever to stay active and confident in swimwear during your period.