period swimwear
If you’ve ever stared at your calendar and realised your holiday, school swimming lesson, or spa day falls right on your period, you know that sinking feeling. Do you cancel? Do you risk a tampon you don’t really like? Do you sit on the side in a hoodie and pretend you’re “just not in the mood”?
That’s exactly the gap period swimwear is trying to fill. It promises: “You can still swim. You don’t have to rearrange your life because of your cycle.”
In this UK-focused guide, we’ll talk through what period swimwear actually does, where it works brilliantly, where it doesn’t, and how it fits in if you prefer modest swimwear or need maternity swimwear. No fluff – just the things you wish someone had told you before you added it to your basket.
What Is Period Swimwear, Really?
On the surface, period swimwear looks like a normal swimsuit or bikini bottom. If you laid it out next to your regular costume, you probably wouldn’t spot the difference straight away.
The magic is all in the gusset (the crotch area). That part usually has:
- A soft layer next to the skin that pulls moisture away
- An absorbent layer that holds menstrual fluid
- A leak-resistant layer that helps stop blood from getting into the pool or sea
So you’re not walking around in something that feels like a nappy. It’s more like wearing slightly thicker swim bottoms with a very hidden “safety net” built in.
Who Is Period Swimwear Best For?
From what UK buyers say again and again, period swimwear tends to work best for a few groups:
- Teenagers who are new to periods and terrified of leaks in school, swimming, or on trips
- Women who dislike tampons or cups, for comfort, medical, or cultural reasons
- People with lighter or medium flow who still want that mental peace of mind
- Anyone who prefers modest swimwear and wants an extra layer of protection underneath
- Some pregnant or postpartum women who already wear maternity swimwear and want backup for spotting or small leaks
If your period is heavy, especially on the first couple of days, period swimwear can still help – but more as a backup than the only line of defence.
How Does Period Swimwear Feel in Real Life?
Let’s be honest: the big worry is, “Will it feel weird?”
Most people describe good like this:
- In the water, it feels almost exactly like normal swimwear
- Once you’re out of the pool, you may notice the gusset feels slightly thicker
- It doesn’t usually balloon or fill with water if the design is decent
If you’ve worn period pants before, it’s a similar idea but slimmer and built for swimming. Not invisible, but not bulky either.
The Upside: Why People Swear by Period Swimwear
1. You Stop Planning Your Life Around Your Period
This is the big one. When period swimwear works for you, you suddenly don’t have to:
- Cancel swimming lessons
- Skip a beach day you were excited about
- Sit out while everyone else in the group jumps in the water
That sense of “I can still join in” hits especially hard for teens who already feel self-conscious.
2. No Tampons? No Problem
Not everyone can use tampons or cups. Some find them painful, some are advised not to use them, and some don’t feel comfortable with the idea. Period swimwear gives those people a realistic option instead of “pad plus hope”.
3. It Looks Completely Normal
A lot of women in the UK layer period swimwear under modest swimwear – long-sleeved suits, burkinis, swim dresses – and no one would ever know. Even on its own, it usually just looks like a black bikini bottom or a regular one-piece.
4. Reusable, Not Another Disposable Product
If you swim reasonably often, can cut down on last-minute tampon runs and disposable pad waste. You buy it once, look after it properly, and it’s there, cycle after cycle.
The Downside: Where Period Swimwear Can Disappoint
It’s not a miracle product, and if you expect that, you’ll probably be annoyed.
1. Heavy Flow Days Are Tricky
Most is designed for light to moderate bleeding. If you bleed heavily, especially on day 1 or 2, the swimsuit alone might not feel secure enough.
In that case, many people use:
- A tampon or menstrual cup is the main protection
- Period swimwear as backup in case of small leaks
That combination is usually much more realistic for heavy flow days.
2. The Price Tag
Let’s be real: it’s not cheap. You can grab a simple high-street costume for a fraction of the price of decent period swimwear.
However, if you swim weekly (whether through lessons, clubs, or you’re the parent who always ends up in the pool), the cost spreads out over many uses. If you swim once a year, it’s more of a judgment call.
3. You Do Have to Care for It Properly
Most brands recommend something along these lines:
- Rinse in cold water after swimming
- Wash at 30–40°C with mild detergent
- Skip fabric softener (it can stop the absorbent layer from working properly)
- Air dry rather than tumble drying on hot
If you’re someone who throws everything into one mega-hot wash, you’ll need to adjust a bit.
Period Swimwear, Modest Swimwear and Maternity Swimwear: How They Fit Together
These three aren’t separate worlds. In reality, many people are mixing them.
Layering with Modest Swimwear
If you prefer modest swimwear – maybe a burkini, a swimsuit, or a long-sleeved suit with leggings – period swimwear just becomes your base layer.
For example:
- Period bikini bottoms under a full-coverage swimsuit
- Period swim briefs under a tunic-and-leggings style modest set
You keep your usual level of coverage, and the period part is completely invisible from the outside.
Back-Up for Maternity and Postpartum Swims
Pregnancy and the weeks after birth can come with spotting, discharge, and the odd leak when you sneeze or laugh. That’s where some women use period swimwear under maternity swimwear.
- The maternity piece gives you support and stretch where you need it
- The period lining gives you peace of mind if you’re worried about a bit of spotting
You still need to follow medical advice about when it’s safe to swim after birth, but once you’re cleared, this combo can make that first dip feel less stressful.
How to Pick the Right Period Swimwear: UK Buyer Tips
If you’re in the UK and scrolling through options, here are a few things to think about before you click “checkout”.
1. Be Honest About Your Flow
If your periods are:
- Light – you’ll probably be fine with period swimwear on its own
- Medium – good for shorter swims, or combine with internal protection for long days out
- Heavy – treat period swimwear as your backup layer, not your only line of defence
Knowing this up front saves disappointment later.
2. Choose a Style You’d Actually Wear
Don’t buy a cut you’d never normally pick just because it has “period” in the title.
- Like simple shapes? Go for a classic one-piece.
- Prefer separates? A period bikini bottom you can pair with any top works well.
- Want more coverage? Period swim shorts or high-waisted bottoms are a nice bridge between regular and modest swimwear.
3. Check Absorbency Details
Brands usually describe something like: light, moderate, or heavy protection. Some even compare it to “tampons’ worth”. Choose based on your real flow, not wishful thinking.
4. Read a Few Reviews, Not Just One
Look for comments from people who sound like you:
- Other mums
- Teen swimmers
- People wearing modest or maternity swimwear
- Women with heavy or irregular periods
The patterns in reviews matter more than one extreme opinion.
5. Use the Size Guide (Properly)
Sizing can be all over the place between brands. Grab a tape measure, jot down your bust, waist, and hip measurements, and compare carefully. If you’re between sizes and planning to wear it under other layers, a slightly looser fit is usually more comfortable.
Quick FAQs About Period Swimwear, Modest Swimwear and Maternity Swimwear
1. Can I swim using only period swimwear on my period?
Yes, many people can swim comfortably using just period swimwear, especially on light or medium days. For very heavy days, it’s safer to treat it as a backup to something like a tampon or cup.
2. Will anyone be able to tell I’m wearing period swimwear?
No. It’s designed to look like ordinary swimwear. The absorbent layers are inside, so from the outside it just looks like a normal costume or bikini bottom.
3. Can I wear period swimwear under modest swimwear?
Definitely, a lot of people wear period swimwear under modest swimwear such as burkinis, swim leggings, or long-sleeved suits. It doesn’t change how your outfit looks; it just adds hidden protection.
4. Is period swimwear suitable in pregnancy or after birth?
The swimwear itself is fine, but you should always follow your doctor or midwife’s advice about when it’s safe to swim. Some women pair period swimwear with maternity swimwear for extra reassurance during spotting or light leaks, once they’re medically cleared.
5. How do I wash period swimwear so it lasts?
Rinse it in cold water after use, then machine-wash on a gentle cycle without fabric softener, and air dry. That keeps the absorbent layers working and helps your period swimwear last longer.
If you’ve ever missed out on a swim because of your period, period swimwear is at least worth considering. It’s not perfect, and it won’t magically fix a very heavy flow, but used in the right way on its own or under modest swimwear or maternity swimwear it can give you something periods steal far too often: the freedom to say “yes” instead of “maybe next time.”
