There’s a bit of a stigma when it comes to swimming on your period. It isn’t spoken about often and you can easily feel self-conscious when you try it. Worries run rampant, such as, “is my tampon string hanging out?”; “am I leaking?”; or, “will a shark smell my blood and come eat me?” (The answer is no, just in case you're worried! 🦈🩸)
But whether you’re spending time at the beach with friends, doing laps to workout, or you just enjoy being in water, everyone should be to swim stress-free, no matter the time of the month.
That is one of the reasons our period swimwear has become so popular. Acting like any other swimsuit, it collects blood flow without leaks or need for other finicky menstrual products. But as this concept has risen in popularity, so too has one main question:
Do they actually work?
What Is Period Swimwear?
Before we answer if period swimwear actually works, let’s talk aboutwhat period swimwear even is.
Its general definition is: swimwear designed to absorb menstrual flow while providing comfort and protection in the water.
There are a few key features of period swimsuits too, including
- Leak-proof lining
- Odour control
- Absorbent layers (in our swimsuits, we’ve added an extra fourth layer instead of the typical three to ensure all-day protection!)
- Quick-drying fabrics
How Do Period Swimsuits Work?
Another frequently asked question is how period swimwear works, because free-bleeding and water sounds like a mess waiting to happen.
Here at Knicked, we use LeakSTOP technology to provide the same protection as 4 super tampons. With the four layers in our swimmer bottoms, blood is trapped and absorbed in the gusset, creating leak proof swimsuits that you can even sit on white towels with! It's true! We've tried it ourselves, and our testers have also tried it. "It's a fabulous miracle!" one even said to us! 🩲🩸👍
There’s no difference between fresh or salt water either, so you can wear your swimwear no matter the water you’re in.
After a day of swimming, they work the same as our period undies, only needing a quick rinse before a trip to the washing machine to get them ready for the next day in the water.
Our period swimmers are available in a huge range of styles and are especially made for tweens and teens, BUT we've had so many requests from the mumma's and caregivers, that in one style we've gone up to an adults size 20 (click here to view those), and click here to see our entire period swimwear collection. We have numerous sets which come and go, so check back often if you like to mix and match!
The Difference Between Period Undies and Period Swimwear
Though period underwear and swimwear may appear similar, they can’t be used interchangeably.
Period Undies:
- Are designed for daily wear (outside of water)
- Use absorbent layers and moisture-wicking technology to prevent leaks and odour
- Have different styles for activity and flow levels
- Are made with breathable and antibacterial materials for safe long-term wear
Where to wear period underwear: in bed, at school or work, during sports, or when lounging.
Period Swimwear:
- Are specifically designed for use in water
- Have similar absorbent layers but adapted to work with water pressure and buoyancy
- Have waterproof linings to prevent leaks in the pool or ocean
- Are made with anti-pilling, chlorine resistant, SPF50+ and quick-drying materials for durability in swimming conditions
Where to wear period swimwear: in any type of water, between swims, or when lounging by the pool or at the beach.
Key Differences:
- Material and structure: Swimwear has to balance absorbency with water resistance, while undies are more focused on comfort and discreteness under clothes
- Durability and protection: Swimwear is built to handle more moisture and movement, while period undies focus on all-day wear and comfort
Pros and Cons of Period Swimwear
Pros:
- Convenience: No need for tampons or menstrual cups while swimming
- Eco-friendly and cost-effective: Reusable and reduces the need to constantly buy disposable menstrual products
- Comfort: No worries about leakage or bulky products under swimwear
- Style: Available in various designs for different comfort levels or activities, from bikini styles to one-pieces
Cons:
- Limited flow capacity: While our period swimwear can hold up to eight regular sized tampons at a time, if your flow is particularly heavy and you’re wearing your swimwear for long days by the water, you may need to rinse them out before going back into the water
- Maintenance: Period swimwear requires more conscious post-swim care in comparison to other menstrual products used with normal swimwear
So, does period swimwear actually work?
That's an ABSOLUTELY, YES!!! But don't just take our word for it! Here are some reviews to back us up:
If this has inspired you, you can check out our period swimwear range by clicking here, or click here to view the rest of our products.
