Contrary to girlhood lore, your period does not actually stop when you’re in the water. If the possibility of leaks looms over your head while you backstroke your way up and down the pool or jump in the waves at the shore, we’ve got news for you: period swimsuits are a thing and are going to completely change the way you enjoy your fun in the sun.
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“Period swimwear works the same as regular period undies,” says Michele Wilson, the co-founder of AWWA Period Care . “There is a leak-proof, water-resistant gusset designed to absorb your menstrual blood both in and out of the water,” she explains.
Best Period Swimwear at a Glance
Because of their leak-proof powers, period swimsuits make swimming on your period a lot more enjoyable. On top of that, swimming while menstruating can actually decrease some of the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.
Whether you want to ditch tampons altogether or add a period swimsuit to your summer wardrobe for that added layer of protection, there are a few things to know before shopping. Find out what period underwear experts have to say about swimming in period bikini bottoms and one-pieces, ahead.
What to Look for in Period Swimwear, According to Experts
Style
When shopping for period swimsuits, Jules Power, the senior design director at Knix , says to consider the styles available. While these won’t necessarily impact leak protection (fit plays a larger role here), choosing a style you feel comfortable and confident in can make a difference, especially if your period makes you feel less than stellar. Depending on the brand, you can find period swimwear in a variety of styles, including one-pieces, bikinis, swim skirts, and more.
Fit
No matter what style you choose, Power says to make sure your swimwear fits properly. “We recommend making sure that the fit is snug in the legs and gusset to achieve the best results and peak confidence,” she explains, noting that the best fit will keep any potential leaks locked in.
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Absorbency
Your period might not stop when you’re in the water, but according to Wilson, the flow can decrease a lot. Because of this, you might not need as much absorbency in a swimsuit as you would in period underwear. However, if you plan to spend time outside of the water and are prone to heavier bleeds, Power says shopping for period swimwear is very similar to shopping for period underwear, so you’ll want to be realistic about the kind of absorbency you need. “Consider what your flow is like and whether [the period swimwear] would be best suited for backup protection or alone on lighter flow days,” she explains.
The beauty of period swimwear is that you can wear them on their own on lighter flow days — or those weird post-period days when you aren’t quite sure what to expect— or as an added layer of protection along with tampons or waterproof sanitary pads.
What to Avoid, According to Experts
If you plan on swimming or spending any time in the water, the most important thing to avoid is an ill-fitting swimsuit. “Water can often make your swimwear droop a little, which isn’t ideal for swimming during your period, so make sure that you select a swimsuit that fits you well,” Wilson notes. While you don’t want it to fit too tight and cause discomfort, period swimwear should feel snug around the legs, similar to period underwear.
Do Period Swimsuits Actually Work?
On lighter flow days, period swimsuits are excellent alternatives to tampons and pads. Even more so, they offer an added layer of leak protection on heavier days, so you don’t have to sacrifice your swim time when it’s that time of the month.
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