Period FAQs

how does period swimwear work

by Hildegard Aufderhar II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Period swimwear looks like regular swimsuit bottoms, but it contains a hidden lining that helps absorb menstrual fluid and protect against leakage. Some people wear a menstrual cup or tampon while swimming but want extra protection. People who use pads may avoid swimming altogether when they're on their period.Feb 15, 2021

Full Answer

Can period blood go through a swimsuit?

Forgotten to pack tampons or pads? Fear not! You can still swim without period protection. The pressure from the water around you helps prevent menstrual blood from leaking.

Do period swimsuits work without tampons?

On a light day they can be worn alone, without a tampon, pad or menstrual cup. If you're on a heavy day, you can pair them with a tampon or a menstrual cup for extra protection from leaks.

Can you swim in a period swimsuit?

Yes, you can swim on your period with period proof swimwear! Period swimsuits are specifically designed for use in water. This is the perfect swimwear for teens or tweens who aren't ready for tampons for their menstrual period or who are on board with helping reduce single use waste.

How long do period swimsuits last?

Period swimsuits are a relatively new invention. These swimsuits include a hidden lining that absorbs menstrual blood and can last up to 6 hours depending on how long one plans to swim.

How can I get in the pool while on my period?

Swimming during your period isn't a problem. However, you will want to use a tampon when swimming so you don't bleed on your swimsuit. Pads won't work and will just fill with water. The tampon won't fall out if it is inserted correctly, so go ahead and make a splash!

Do tampons absorb water while swimming?

A tampon will immediately soak up the water, making it useless at holding menstrual blood. This one is also partially true. A tampon will absorb water from the pool, ocean, or lake, even when it's inside your body. This is why it's vital that you change your tampon immediately after you're done swimming.

How do you go to the beach on your period without a tampon?

To swim on your period without a tampon, try inserting a menstrual cup and leaving it in until you're finished swimming. You can get reusable silicone or rubber cups or disposable ones, which are a little easier to insert.

What can I use instead of a tampon for swimming?

Menstrual cupsMenstrual cups are another great option for swimming on your period. They're generally considered safer than tampons. Plus, they collect more blood than tampons or pads. Many are reusable, which is always a bonus.

Can I wear a pad in the pool?

Yes, you can, but you should use a tampon. If you're just hanging out by the pool, you can use a pad, but I would wear shorts or a cover-up over your swimsuit bottoms. Pads are absorbent, and the sticky part will likely fail if you wear it in the water, so I wouldn't wear one if you're actually going swimming.

How does it look?

I’ve always found it hard to find a one-piece that actually suits my body – with my narrow ribcage, medium bust, wider hips and bum, and long torso – so I tend to stick to wearing bikinis even when they’re out of fashion. These dimensions also mean I go up a dress size on swimwear – from a 10-12 to a 12-14 – which can leave my top a bit baggy and bottoms a bit tight.

What is the difference between the mesh and the bottom layer?

The upper mesh layer fights bacteria and stops smells, apparently, while the bottom layer is “water repellant” – presumably stopping your menstrual blood flowing into the water around you as much as it stops the water getting in.

Does swimming help with period pain?

It’s a shame because if you’re someone who finds swimming relaxing – for body and mind – it can also work wonders when you’re cramping, bloated or just feeling ‘period-bleurgh’. In my experience, submerging yourself in water for that familiar sensation of weightlessness really takes the edge off period pain – and doing exercise while you’re menstruating has proven health benefits.

Does Modibodi suit protect you from spotting?

On reflection, it’s great that Modibodi have considered the issue of adult incontinence ( which affects one in three women) as well as menstruation. The suit promises to keep you protected from “pelvic floor mishaps or light periods and spotting”, acting as “extra protection” (ie. with a tampon or cup) on heavier days.

What are Period Swimwear?

Some women and water babies on their period going for a dip usually use a menstrual cup or a tampon for extra protection. Other than that, if they use pads, it’s best they avoid swimming altogether. Period-proof swimwear are designed to hold menstrual fluid, thus preventing leaks while in water.

Who are Period Swimwear suited for?

As somebody who experiences unpredictable periods and considers herself a “water baby” in the summer, you need to own at least one or two period swimsuits as a protection against any nasty surprises.

Do they actually work?

Not only is it highly embarrassing to have blood flowing from your swimwear into the water, especially if you’re young, or at a secluded pool party where it is assured everyone will surely notice.

Conclusion

We women would definitely agree that having our periods isn’t always the best feeling in the world, it shouldn’t be a reason to sideline us. Regardless of when or where our period pops up, may that be on vacation or an impromptu pool party. You have several options for managing your period while still enjoying being in the water.

How much fluid does a period suit hold?

Knix claims that its period bathing suits can hold up to three teaspoons of fluid—which is the equivalent of about three tampons. The gusset of the bottoms is made with three layers that absorb your flow and prevent it from leaking through.

What do I not like about Knix swimwear?

ADVERTISEMENT. The other thing I don't like about Knix period swimwear is the lack of variety. There are only two style options to choose from—bikini bottoms and a one-piece—and both only come in black. Knix does offer other swimsuits in bright colors and patterns, but they're not leakproof.

Can you wear a swimsuit with a tampon?

While designed to wear without any other protection, you can wear the swimsuits while wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, too, as an extra layer of protection. The swimsuits are also chlorine- and salt-resistant and have 50+ SPF to help protect your skin from the sun's rays.

Is Knix swimwear leak proof?

Credit: Knix. The leakproof swimwear comes in bikini bottoms or a one-piece. Despite the fact that I don't think it's super stylish, I would buy the Knix bikini bottoms again for the protection alone. They do what they claim to: prevent leaks and keep you worry-free for hours.

How does period swimwear work?

In doing my research, I found that Ruby Love and Knix were the two most popular brands making period-proof swimwear at the moment. Both brands, and period swimwear in general, use the same technology to absorb blood that period underwear does.

What if I need additional protection?

Both websites also suggest that you can use the period swimwear as a little backup protection, wearing them with a menstrual cup or tampon, or you could wear it solo, relying only on the swimwear to manage your period alone.

Would you try period swimwear?

I love that we are making more and more strides in period management as each year passes, giving people a lot of options for their period care. I think I’d try the period swimwear perhaps on a light day on my period.

How does Period Swim work? What makes it different from Period Underwear?

We’ve spent years perfecting our Leakproof Period Underwear, so we knew we had to adapt it for protective swimwear. Available in a Classic One-Piece and a High Rise Bikini Bottom, both have a super discreet absorbent pad in the liner that absorbs up to 3 tsps of liquid, which is the equivalent of1-2 pads. They’re the perfect protection for light-medium flows or as backup during your cycle’s heavier days.

How do they lock in your period in the water but still get clean in the washing machine?

The inner layers of the absorbent area trap your period so there's no leakage. When it goes in the wash with detergent, it releases through the top layer— leaving your swim fresh and clean for tomorrow's laps. Reminder: no bleach or softener, and lay flat to dry.

When should I wear them?

If your flow is light, or you’re at the end of your period— you can wear these completely solo. If your flow is heavy but you’re planning to hit the water, you can still wear a tampon or cup while swimming if that's what you're comfortable with. Our Leakproof Swim will catch any leaks that might sneak in, especially if you’re in and out of the water. Everyone’s period is different, and you know your flow best! Just remember that they absorb the equivalent of up to 1-2 pads or 3 tampons.

Does your period stop when you are in water?

Although it may seem like it, your period doesn’t actually stop while you’re in the water. Instead, you might be experiencing a reduction of flow due to the water pressure. Your period is still happening, it’s just not flowing out of your body at the same rate.

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