You’re off on a well-deserved holiday, your out of office is set and your bags are packed: the last thing you want to worry about is your period making an unwelcome appearance.
A visit from Aunt Flo has a way of putting a dampener on the vacation spirit, adding an element of stress to unwinding by the pool that, frankly, no one needs - but what if there was a way to ensure that you could do the lounger-dip-cocktail rotation without fear of leakages? Enter: period swimwear.
Building on the period pants revolution, these bikinis and cossies are fitted with multi-layer technology that is able to absorb light to moderate bleeding as well as spotting or light bladder slips with antibacterial materials. This is all while remaining odour-resistant, quick drying, comfortable and most importantly of all, undetectable from the rest of your swimwear collection.
You heard us; no need for cumbersome pads, tampon strings or stains to be part of your holiday look. The same is true for when you’re taking a dip in your local lido, heading wild swimming, treating yourself to a much needed spa day or soaking up the sporadic sun spells in our backyards.
To give you peace of mind during menstruation or anytime you need an extra helping hand, these styles have you covered, whether you choose to layer up with a tampon or leave the specialised lining to see you through.
This is your cue to ditch your previous disposable period protection that ends up in landfills or pollute the ocean and make the switch to more sustainable alternatives.
WUKA, the UK’s leading period wear brand, explains that by opting for its pants over pads and tampons, you can save 200 single-use plastic-riddled products causing a stress on our environment. The brand reveals that in the UK alone, 200,000 tonnes of pads and tampons are sent to landfill every single year, while a further two billion menstrual products are flushed down Britain’s toilets annually. Opting for reusable period solutions can make a huge difference.
Make a splash this summer and beyond with confidence with the best period swimwear on the market.
Modibodi Recycled Swimwear Hi-Waist Bikini Brief
Don’t let your time of the month get in the way of your sun seeking. This swim style has impressive absorbency that can hold one to two tampons. These briefs were created so that you can dip without concern about leakages or as extra protection through warm weather hikes and walks - all while remaining indistinguishable from traditional bikinis.
The Modibodi swimwear is made up of a two layer design that can secure spotting or accidents without giving the game away. They’re also constructed from a recycled fabric so they’re kind to the planet too. The material is chlorine-resistant to stand the test of time for globetrotters.
Available in sizes XS to 4XL.
Buy now £29.00, Modibodi
Pantys + Trya cheetah print one piece- light flow
Pantys was one of the first brands to bring period swimwear to market and as such, has some of the most interesting designs on offer, building on classic styles to create fierce twists. This is certainly the case for this cheetah print swimsuit that will have you ready for pool parties from Las Vegas to Ibiza. While boasting a vibrant, eye-catching pattern, the piece is also made up of a multi-layer lining that can secure light flows and prevent leakages.
Taking its sustainability credentials of replacing single-use plastic products to the next level and in line with the brand’s B Corp certification, Pantys’ entire swimwear collecion is reusable, carbon neutral and biodegradable so it won’t live forever in a landfill and instead will decompose in three years.
An all-black v-neck swimsuit is also available and both come in S to XL.
Buy now £120.00, Pantys
WUKA Period Swimsuit - Light/Medium
This classic black swimsuit will fit seamlessly among your collection, undetectable from ordinary cossies. WUKA keeps things minimal on the design front by opting for a style that will see you through lanes at your local lido as well as layered under a beach suit set for laid-back holiday attire.
The only difference to other pieces that you already own is that it is fitted with an ultra absorbent liner - but it won’t slow you down during those aforementioned laps. Instead the thin but mighty material will ensure you remain leak-free during flow days when your period on the lighter to medium end of the spectrum - which means it’s not for day one of your time of the month. But it can hold up to two small tampons, while having UV50+ protection, a flattering fitted construction and shouldn’t fade thanks to an anti-chlorine treatment.
Available in XXS to 2XL.
Buy now £49.99, WUKA
Pantys + Trya cosmic bikini - light flow
Period swimwear need not be boring, as proven by this cosmic design from one of our favourite sustainable reusable period pant brands, the aptly named Pantys.
The bikini is adorned with an out-of-this-world pattern that is bang on the latest obsession with all things astrology and set on a pretty in pink backdrop. But fear not when Aunt Flo comes calling as the specialised multi-layer will keep you dry, comfortable and prevents stains if leaks occur. It is made for light flows though so for during the last few spotting days of your period or as an extra layer of protection with a tampon.
Buy now £75.00, Pantys
Fluxies Swim Bikini
You will find the same peace-of-mind protection in Fluxies swimwear as you get in the brand’s period underwear. The material has been created on the exterior for water to roll off right off, but in the inside, it encourages two-to-three tampons worth to be absorbed (and does so discreetly), while keeping you dry and comfortable.
There’s a double eco-conscious nod too. Not only are you replacing plastic period product that can end up polluting landfills, but the two-piece is made from recycled nylon derived from old water bottles and finishing net. Remarkly, it feels stretchy, soft and the fabric is OEKO-Tex certified.
Put through their paces and coming up trumps, this bikini set has had 1,000 reviews with an average of 4.98 with one declaring they’re “never going back to pads again”. Another says “Super comfy, no smell, feels just like I’m wearing normal panties”. You can’t go wrong.
Available XS (6-8) to XL (16-18).
Buy now £25.00, Fluxies
The Period People Period Swimwear
This may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing swimsuit on the market but if you like your water-resistant wear in the same monochrome as your all-black wardrobe, it has you covered. Best of all, the gusset is designed in such a way to be ultra absorbent and able to secure up to three tampons worth, while drying quickly so there’s no fear of the dreaded chafe. The multi-layered design manages to feel thin and discreet - and not nappy-like as you may expect. There’s also a removable bra pad for that extra element of security if you’d like it.
Buy now £39.99, Amazon
Pantys triangle bikini
The beauty of this bikini is that you get all the benefits of its period-protecting construction but it’s an effortlessly chic, minimalistic design that will form the basis of your vacay wardrobe. We layered ours under an oversized white shirt and denim short with frays at the edges for an outfit that works just as well for a sun-soaked city break as it does for a sand-based adventure. It comes in S to XL and has the same light flow absorbency as the rest of the Pantys range, so use as a back-up option with a tampon when in the heaviest moments of your cycle.
Buy now £65.00, Pantys
