Yes, period swimwear actually works — here are the best brands
These suits aim to take the anxiety out of going to the beach on your flow.
Knix Leakproof Classic One Piece Swimsuit
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$118.00
Period swimwear is designed to absorb menstrual blood so you don’t have to wear a tampon or pad. It functions in the same way that period underwear does. While period swimwear looks like a normal bathing suit, it’s constructed differently. Experts previously told us that this kind of period protection has a built-in pad with an absorbent core layer and a moisture-wicking top layer that dries away wetness. For the most part, you can’t even tell there is a pad built into period swimwear — you may feel a slight bulge, but it’s not noticeable to others when you wear it.
To round up period swimwear that would work for different bodies and types of flows, I kept the following in mind:
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To round up the below list of period swimwear, I focused on finding various styles that offer varying absorbency levels. I also prioritized brands providing a wide range of sizes and easily machine washable suits.
This one-piece from Knix offers light absorbency, which means it can absorb up to three teaspoons of blood, which is about the same as one tampon, according to the brand. The classic style features thin straps, a scoop neck and full coverage in the butt area. There is a built-in shelf bra for support and adjustable straps. The suit is made of fabric with a protection rating for UPF 50+, and it comes in black or horizon (a blue color). This suit is machine washable and should be laid flat to dry.
This bathing suit is quick-drying and has a highly absorbent liner that can hold up to 3 tampons worth of menstrual flow, according to the brand. It features a one-shoulder design made from a nylon and Spandex blend. The bust has removable cups and the suit can be machine washed and laid flat to dry.
ModiBodi offers various bikini tops and bottoms that you can mix and match to create the perfect look for yourself. These bottoms have a high-rise, which many reviewers say they like when they’re on their period and feel bloated. They are absorbent enough for a light to medium flow, which equates to approximately two tampons, according to the brand. The material used is chlorine-resistant and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
This suit from Cupshe offers light absorbency period protection and a sleek, classic silhouette. It has removable cups and adjustable straps so you can customize the bust support and it has a lace-up back that allows you to cinch it in as tight (or loose) as needed. One thing to note: This suit needs to be hand-washed and laid flat to dry.
Knix Teen offers period underwear and swimwear for young people. This one-piece can absorb about two super tampons worth of blood and it is quick-drying for comfort, according to the brand. The suit has a racerback for support and mobility and offers medium coverage on the butt. It comes in three colors (black, blue and a blue pattern) and is saltwater and chlorine-resistant so it won’t fade, according to Knix Teen.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
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