Period swimwear is the latest innovation in the world of reusable period protection. If you’ve ever tried period pants, you’ll know all about the life-changing powers of period products that don’t require awkward public toilet tampon changes (or excessive plastic pollution). And wonderfully, the magic doesn’t end there. Leak-proof swimwear is here to bring the same sorcery to your holiday this summer – and we’re over the moon about it.
‘Coming on’ is the quickest way to ruin any sun-drenched dip in the pool (thanks, Mother Nature), with tampons and sanitary towels not really cutting it and menstrual cups proving dis-satisfactory underwater, too. It can be all too easy to throw in the beach towel until you’ve finished menstruating – but period-proof swim bottoms are here to save the day. It’s official: you can take a dip without having to worry about a surprise leakage or visible Tampax strings.
One-Shoulder One-Piece Light/Moderate Flow
Period Swim Bikini Bottoms Moderate Flow
Meet the expert:
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 new 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 continued.
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 ahead the next day. Sans 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/chose the best period swimwear in this edit:
Combining our expert knowledge in functional fashion – including which brands are worth spending your money on and what trends are living up to the hype – with customer reviews and data on what you’ve been searching for, we’ve curated what we feel is a selection of the best period swimwear on the market. We’ve rifled through the good and the bad so you don’t have to, and have paid particular attention to specifics like cost, fabrics, sustainability and wearability in order to narrow it down. Our aim is to find you pieces which will last, and, as a team of 30+ here at GLAMOUR HQ, we’ve tried and tested our fair share of period swimwear to know which brands and styles are worth shouting about. See our thoughts and reviews below.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's 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.
Scroll for our full edit of the best period swimwear to wear poolside, beach-side and beyond.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8aao6Wdoq58sbHRoqadZaOstq7DxJqp