We Tested Stylish Swimsuits Made to Wear During Your Period (2024)

Knix's period products continue to outperform others in our Textiles Lab evaluations, and the brand's line of period swimwear is no exception. This comfortable swimsuit absorbs up to three tampons of menstrual flow for protection at the pool on even heavier days. Our testers were impressed with how flattering the traditional maillot one-piece suit is without any ruching details or extra compressive panels. The top has a built-in bra with removable cups for easy washing, but some reviewers say the removable cups are prone to folding during wear.

There are adjustable straps for a better, more secure fit, and the brand offers sizing for larger busts; standard sizes fit A to DD cups, while "+" sizes are designed for cup sizes E to G. If you're looking for a trendier style, the wrap one-piece suit is another popular option with a waist cutout and cute tie detail.

Starting at just $30, Savvi period swimwear is one of the most affordable styles we reviewed. These bottoms have a simple design that's easy to style with your favorite bikini or tankini top. The brand recently extended the leakproof gusset to offer more coverage and better protection.

Online reviewers were impressed with this pair's flattering fit and leakproof design. One said, "I have a very heavy flow and these swim bottoms did exactly as advertised; there [were] absolutely no accidental drips or anything!" Another reviewer who also gave five stars said, "No leaking, even after sitting on a white towel after getting out of the water."

When it comes to period swimwear, Ruby Love has the most color, size and style options of any brand we've evaluated. The absorbent cotton liner has the capacity of three tampons, so you can feel comfortable wearing it without additional period protection. You can also add one of the brand's double-sided reusable pads into the gusset for even more security. According to the brand, they are made in the USA just like its swimwear and other period styles.

With an adjustable halter top and side ties on the bottom, this mid-rise bikini is customizable for your perfect fit. If you order the wrong size, Ruby Love offers size exchanges within 30 days (unworn and unwashed), but the brand won't accept returns.

Period swimwear is a great option for tweens and teens who may not be comfortable wearing tampons or menstrual cups. This sleek fully-lined one-piece swimsuit from KT by Knix is designed to be worn during swim meets but is stylish enough to wear on vacation. We appreciate the wider straps that cross in the back so they stay put while you swim and like that the top has a built-in elastic band at the chest for added support.

Online reviewers love the style of this suit, but some wish it had fuller bum coverage. The full collection of KT by Knix styles is designed specifically to fit teens, so be sure to review the brand's size chart before buying.

High-rise bikinis offer more coverage and security than traditional bikini bottoms. This style from Knix is made with a compressive nylon and spandex fabric that has smoothing four-way stretch, so it stays in place and feels comfy all day long. Reviewers love the brand's inclusive size range — XS to XXXXL — and the variety of other swimwear options. If you want some help with picking the right size and style, Knix offers free virtual fit consultations.

One GH analyst who has tried these bottoms was so wowed by the comfortable cut and leg openings that she opts to wear them even when she's not on her period, but some of our testers found the horizontal seam across the waist to be unflattering.

Instead of a basic scoop neck, this fully lined period swimsuit from Rosaseven Lingerie has a plunge neckline that our experts love. The straps can be adjusted for a better fit, and they cross in the back so they stay in place while you swim. The brand claims this swimsuit holds up to four tampons of menstrual flow, making it the most absorbent period swimsuit our experts have evaluated.

One analyst who has worn this style described the material as "thick with great stretch" and said it was higher quality than other swimsuits she's worn. However, she did share that the liner is more noticeable in this swimsuit than in other period suits, but she appreciates the security. The brand prides itself on making its swimsuits to order, so it can take up to six weeks to receive your suit after purchasing. Also, note that our Textiles Lab analysts were unable to validate the brand's antimicrobial claims.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Textiles Lab pros analyze period products of all kinds, including tampons, pads, menstrual cups, discs and period underwear. Over the past few years, we have tested over 50 period products, rating each for properties including absorbency, fluid retention and even shedding. We've also shared period products with over 200 testers who have provided feedback on comfort, absorbency and fit.

Along with testing period products, our analysts regularly evaluate swimwear and have reviewed over 30 styles in our Lab, considering how well they hold up against multiple cycles in the wash, how well they keep their shape after being stretched and if the fabric can resist abrasion from rough surfaces like the sides of a concrete pool. We've also shared swim styles with testers and analysts who wear the swimsuits in their real lives and share their thoughts on style and appearance, as well as comfort and fit.

Absorbency

Like other menstrual products, period swimwear is available with different absorbency levels. The listed absorbency level is how much menstrual flow the absorbent core can hold, but leaks are still possible (especially when moving around and going in and out of the water).

Style

Period swimwear is available in a variety of swim styles, including one-piece swimsuits, high-waisted bikinis and traditional tie bikinis. You should choose a style you like and feel comfortable in. Because period swimwear is still an emerging category, there are fewer styles and color options available compared to regular swimwear.

Sizing

With period swimwear and period underwear, a proper fit is crucial to prevent leaks. It should feel snug and secure to ensure it stays put. Our picks are available in a range of size options, from XXS–4XL as well as teen sizing too.

While it might look just like your favorite bathing suit from the outside, period swimwear has a hidden absorbent lining or gusset inside. The gussets are constructed with layers of material that absorb menstrual flow and keep it trapped in place. A hidden internal layer of the gusset tends to be waterproof or water-repellent to help prevent leaks while you swim.

Some period swimsuits are more absorbent than others, so be sure to review the swimsuit's absorbency before buying. Most period swimsuits can hold between two to three tampons of menstrual flow. Swimsuits with greater absorbency are ideal if you have a heavier period or are spending a long day at the pool. A swimsuit with less absorbency can be used as backup to other period products like tampons or menstrual cups, or you can wear it on days when your flow is light or spotting.

Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She’s been at GH for over five years, testing period underwear, tampons and menstrual cups in the Lab and coordinating with consumer testers. She has also covered swimwear content. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst and has covered bathing suits for women over 50, slimming swimsuits and one-piece bathing suits and documented the recent tampon shortage. For this article, she used her relative expertise, adding input and picks from popular brands online or ones from brands that we've tested and been impressed by.