How Does Period Swimwear Work?

Swimming on your period has many benefits, including:

• Exercise lifts your mood and lessens PMS symptoms thanks to a release of endorphins
• Swimming can relieve period cramps (menstrual cramps)
• Exercise reduces the fatigue associated with certain phases of your menstrual cycle

But more than that, there’s no reason you should have to experience FOMO while you’re on your period. While tampons have been a go-to product for many people when swimming, more people want to move away from these products for the following reasons:

• Comfort: Some women find tampons uncomfortable to insert and/or wear
• Waste: Similar to pads
• Cost: As disposable products, tampons can be prohibitively expensive for some.
• Health concerns: Some people stop using tampons because they are concerned about toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare bacterial infection associated with tampon use. Other reports pose additional questions about the safety of tampon ingredients.

The good news: Period swimwear is an all-in-one product that will absorb menstrual blood, protect you from leaks, and also a stylish swimwear option for you to wear poolside, beachside, or lounging in your backyard. But how exactly do period swimsuits work to absorb menstrual blood? Let’s dive in…

How DoesPeriod Swimwear Work?
Period swimwear (also known as leakproof swimwear or period-proof swimwear) is a relatively new offering. It leverages the same technology as period underwear with some added secret protection to make it work (i.e. absorb menstrual blood) in water.

The best part about leak proof swimwear? Just like period underwear, period swimwear looks just like regular swimwear and comes in a variety of styles, from bikini bottoms to one-pieces. You’ll even have a choice of color!

So how exactly does period swimwear work? The layers in the gusset of the swimwear work to trap and absorb your period menstrual blood so it doesn't leak in the water (or on land!) Swimwear features the same Leakproof Technology as our Period Underwear with an additional thin layer of waterproof material for extra protection.

The inner layers absorb the blood and trap it, so there's no leakage when you swim. When it goes in the laundry with detergent, it releases through the top layer— leaving your swim fresh and clean for tomorrow's laps.

Do I Have to Wear Other Period Protection (Like a Tampon or Menstrual Cup)?
It’s entirely your choice. Some women prefer to double up on protection and pair their period swimwear with a disposable tampon or reusable menstrual cup as backup protection. This can especially give you confidence on your heaviest flow day or while you’re getting used to depending on your period swimwear. If you already use tampons or menstrual cups, this is a great way to ease into depending on period swimwear.

However, you don’t need to depend on additional products. If you want to rely fully on your period swimwear, that’s what it’s designed for, and it absorbs menstrual blood on its own. You might want to start wearing it on your light period days to build up your confidence.