The best period swimwear for 2026, tried and tested by Glamour editors
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When it came to period pants, I was a quick convert. But period swimwear? Nope. Something I just couldn't understand was how they hold the contents of your monthly cycle while you dip mindlessly in and out of the pool. But after testing them for 10 straight days on a cruise around the Greek islands, I can confirm I didn't have to call on a single-use tampon once.
Yep, there have been major advancements in the world of reusable menstruation products, meaning leak-proof swimwear is more effective (and aesthetic) than ever before. And with new research suggesting that 9 in 10 women and girls (86%) experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, linked to their periods, why not remove some of those concerns about leaks and/or plastic pollution with absorbent bikini bottoms and swimsuits?
But I get it that you don't want to take the chance when holidaying with your new partner for the first time — or on your honeymoon while wearing all white. That's why I took the time to personally test a host of pairs to find the very best period protection for those with light cycles, those with heavy flows and teens who might be terrified of tampons. Plus, I've got the answers to common period product FAQs, too.
Ahead, the best period swimwear for women and people who menstruate in 2026, reviewed.
Swimwear Tie Side Bikini Brief
The brief was simple: period swimwear that looked like any other bikini — and Modibodi delivered. Streamlined, pretty and absorbent enough to keep me feeling dry all day (I wore these on the second-to-last day of my period). I particularly liked that my options didn't include boring black or navy blue — although the black gusset was appreciated to avoid any staining. True to size and fitted with a tie so I can customise the fit further, I'm planning to reinvest in the other colourway for this summer.
- Available sizes: XS (UK 8) — 4XL (22).
- Material: 74% recycled nylon, 26% elastane.
- Gusset: 100% polyester.
- Absorbency: Light — 20mls or up to 4 tampons' worth of fluid.
Swimwear Hi-Waist Bikini Brief
Made from an innovative recycled fabric that is chlorine-resistant and UV50+ rated, these bottoms feature a high-rise waist, a thick, supportive waistband and fast-drying absorbent lining. I've actually received tons of compliments in these without people even realising they're designed for when I'm menstruating — and in terms of absorbency, they kept me dry enough to forget about my period for a few hours!
- Available sizes: S (UK 10) — 3XL (20).
- Material: 82% recycled nylon, 18% elastane.
- Gusset: 100% polyester.
- Absorbency: Super — 50mls or up to 10 tampons' worth of fluid.
One of WUKA's early releases, and a reliable style I keep coming back to. True to size, these bikini briefs are comfortable for wear all day and don't feel at all bulky. While not suitable for heavy flow days, I found they worked best at the start and end of my flow. Also, the close fit of the elasticated leg openings gave me peace of mind that I wouldn't leak here, either. My only request? More fun colours, please!
- Available sizes: 2XS (UK 4-6) — 4XL (20-22).
- Material: 61% recycled nylon, 39% elastane.
- Gusset: 50% bamboo charcoal, 50% polyester.
- Absorbency: Light — 10ml, or 2 tampons' worth of fluid.
Puma X Modibodi Swimwear Deep Plunge One Piece
I was a fan of the first Puma X Modibodi collab the first time round, the partnership delivering some of my top-rated underwear for working out to date. However, the duo has now branched out to bring us period swimwear, too. While not to everyone's tastes, I love the clashing aquamarine/lilac colourway, as well as the plunging neckline — it was both flattering and supportive of my DD chest. I also appreciated the adjustable tie back for a tailored fit, although I did need someone else's help when trying to tie it tightly for a lengths session in the pool. In terms of its absorbency, I wore it on days two and three of my period, with no leakage or spills. Occasionally, I had to wipe off a clot, but otherwise I felt dry all afternoon.
- Available sizes: XS (UK 8) — 2XL (18).
- Material: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane.
- Gusset: 50% bamboo charcoal, 50% polyamide.
- Absorbency: Super — 50mls or up to 10 tampons' worth of fluid.
Save when you shop the best period swimwear with these Modibodi discount codes at checkout.
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Tweens get all the same anxieties about their first period and potential spills as the rest of us — although a tad more intense, considering they haven't got experience on their side. Thankfully, these bikini briefs give her the option to enjoy endless dips in the pool or sea without even thinking of her cycle. And despite the fact that these pool-friendly period pants for teens can hold up to 4 tampons, they're not at all bulky. Plus, my younger cousin loved the coordinating crop-top style bikini top. A request to make this one in my size, too, please?
- Available sizes: 10-12 years — 16-18 years.
- Material: 74% recycled nylon, 26% elastane.
- Gusset: 100% polyester.
- Absorbency: Light — 20mls or up to 4 tampons' worth of fluid.
Made from a smoothing and sculpting scuba-like fabric, this one-piece is ideal if you're keen for a little more coverage. I love the racerback style that provides medium-level support on top, plus, that two-tone design will easily mask any potential leaks — although I didn't have this issue once while testing. While not my personal favourite in terms of design, I can't complain about its ability to keep me dry and odour-free.
- Available sizes: XS (UK 6-8) — 2XL (16-18).
- Material: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane.
- Gusset: 50% bamboo charcoal, 50% polyamide.
- Absorbency: Medium — 15ml, or 3 tampons' worth of fluid.
Save when you shop the best period swimwear with these WUKA discount codes at checkout.
Swimwear Shimmer Tie Back Bandeau Top & Hi-Leg String Bottom Set
Why buy just the period briefs when you can have a full bikini? I love that I can't tell this style apart from my usual swimwear. Plus, it can hold up to 10 tampons' worth of fluid! Granted, despite being available in every size from a UK 8 to 22, this top is best suited to smaller busts, considering it's not the most supportive. And for the bottoms, they were perfect for last-day-of-my-cycle spotting.
- Available sizes: XS (UK 8) — 4XL (22).
- Material: 65% recycled polyamide, 15% polyamide, 9% metallic, 11% elastane.
- Gusset: 100% polyester.
- Absorbency: Super — 50mls or up to 10 tampons' worth of fluid.
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Is there a way to swim during your period?
Swimming on your period is entirely possible with the right menstrual products. We recommend trying various options — single-use tampons, menstrual cups, and period pants — to see which suits your lifestyle best. Tampons and menstrual cups are often popular choices as they sit internally, absorbing menstrual blood inside the vagina and preventing leaks.
Period swimwear is another option, fitted with a discreet, absorbent gusset which can often hold up to four tampons' worth of blood, urine and sweat. Choosing the right product for you depends on personal style and flow.
Does period swimwear really work?
In short, yes. Just like period underwear, the super-absorbent lining absorbs period blood to keep you clean, dry, and fresh. The only real difference is the addition of a water-repellent outer layer. “Our period-proof swimwear features a hidden built-in protective layer that quickly wicks moisture away and locks in liquid, preventing any leaks,” explains Paige Fashoni, Founder and Managing Director of Fluxies.
"The water-resistant outer layer allows water to simply roll off, stopping any water from getting to the inside of the swimwear and keeping you fresh and dry. They’re great for a moderate flow — absorbing the same amount as approximately three tampons worth — and can be worn for up to eight hours.”
She continues: “We’ve also used recycled nylon for our Swim Range, made from waste like water bottles and fishing nets, and 5% of all profits go to The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation that works hard to clear plastic from our rivers and oceans."
You can pop period bikinis and one-piece swimming costumes in for a quick dark machine wash after rinsing them out, let them air dry, and you’re ready to go again the next day sans any waste. Sustainability creds? Check. As for styles, there are tons to choose from, including period swimsuits and period-proof bikini briefs, most of which come with matching triangle bikini tops.
Meet the expert:
| Paige Fashoni | Founder and Managing Director of Fluxies. |
How I test the best period swimwear:
It's a shopping editor's primary concern: supplying readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews on the products they want and need most. So, for the last three years, I've personally trialled a host of period swimwear styles while on my holidays — by that, I mean while in the sea, for dips in chlorine pools, while lounging on sunbeds, wearing at the spa at various points in my cycle — to find the very best.
Each was judged against the following criteria:
| Functionality | Did they keep me dry and odour-free? Did they absorb as much liquid as they claim? Did I have any issues with leaking? |
| Design | Are they aesthetic and comfortable? How many options do I have in terms of colour and pattern? What are they made from (organic cotton or elastane for extra sustainability creds? |
| Price point | Would I be willing to spend that much per pair? Are they good quality? |
| Delivery | How quickly did they arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
Why you can trust me:
I've been reviewing functional fashion, activewear, and wellness products, including cotton underwear, sports bras, and period swimwear, for almost three years — that's one year at Women's Health and 17 months at Glamour. During that time, I've seen countless trends and advancements, as well as a boom in our absorbent options.
To ensure I am an authority on all things wellness and menstrual health, I attend press launches, read the latest journals, and regularly interview sportwear designers, gynaecologists, women's health experts and brand founders. I also personally review as many new releases as possible. As such, you could say I'm more clued up on the best period pants and period swimwear than your average online shopper.
What I'm currently testing:
Because I won't recommend a pair I — or one of my willing colleagues — hasn't personally reviewed. This month, while on a press trip in the Maldives and on a spa day with my mum, I'm planning to review the following:
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