Main Images: ModiBodi, Love Luna
Swimming during your period can be a logistical nightmare. If you’re anything like us and worry that your tampon will fall out at the beach and you’ll attract a swarm of hungry sharks, sitting on the sand often sounds like a better option.
In fact, it’s common for periods to keep people who menstruate from participating in swimming altogether. According to research by period underwear brand Eltee, swimming faces a 67.6 per cent dropout rate due to period-related challenges – the highest of any sport.
And, while a trusty tampon or menstrual cup has long been the go-to for those who don’t want to free bleed in their local pool, period swimwear is revolutionising how we swim.
How does period swimwear work?
Similar to period underwear, period swimwear typically contains two layers. The first layer absorbs and locks in menstrual blood, while the outer prevents water from penetrating the swimmers. How bloody good!?
Here, we’ve rounded up the period swimwear worth investing in to get in the water at any phase of your cycle.
TOP PERIOD SWIMWEAR 2025
- Eltee UnderSwim, $36.95, Eltee (here’s why)
- Love Luna Women’s One Piece Swimsuit, $59, Big W (here’s why)
- Swimwear Shimmer Hi-Leg Cheeky Bottom, $65, Modibodi (here’s why)
The best period swimwear 2025
01
Eltee UnderSwim
from $36.95 at Eltee
Best for: Under swimwear
What if we told you could period-proof your favourite pair of bathers? Eltee’s UnderSwim goes under your bikini bottoms and is invisible under regular coverage swimwear thanks to its seamless edges and high-leg-rise design. Best yet, with up to four regular pads worth of absorbency without any extra bulk, consider yourself covered for most of your beach day.
Sizes: 4-14
Colours: Black, white, blue
Materials: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Key features:
- Water and chlorine-resistant coating
- Invisible under regular coverage bikini bottoms
- OEKO-TEX 100 Certified (no harmful chemicals)
- Holds up to 3 tampons/4 regular pads worth
02
Love Luna Women’s One Piece Swimsuit
from $59 at BigW
Best for: Active Swimming
Did someone say super-flattering fit? Yes, we did! Love Luna’s one-piece with an inbuilt period gusset will keep you secure while you swim. Holding up to three tampons worth of moisture, this swimsuit is ideal on medium-flow days or you can pair it with a menstrual cup or tampon on those heavier days,
Sizes: 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20
Colours: Black, Teal
Materials: Outer & Lining: Nylon/Elastane, Gusset Lining: Cotton, Padding: Cotton/Polyester
Key features:
- In-built period gusset
- Water repellant fabric
- Fully lined
- Holds up to three tampons worth
03
Swimwear Shimmer Hi-Leg Cheeky Bottom
from $33 (usually $65) at ModiBodi
Best for: All-day comfort
Who said your period swimwear had to be plain? These flattering and sparkly lurex bottoms are equal parts secure and stylish. Holding up to 40mL (8 tampons worth), these bottoms offer the highest level of absorbency. Just be sure to choose your correct size as a snug leg fit will allow the leak-proof gusset to work. Plus, if you’re dipping your toes into the world of period swimwear, ModiBodi also offers a one-off 60-day trial period for new customers who want to try selected products for the first time.
Sizes: 8 (XS)-22 (4XL)
Colours: Espresso (Brown), Mineral Blue
Materials: Main: 65% recycled polyamide, 15% polyamide, 9% metallic, 11% elastane. Liner: 85% Pre Consumer Recycled Nylon, 15% Elastane. Gusset: 100% Polyester.
Key features:
- Chlorine and pilling-resistant
- Fully front & back lined
- Swimwear Multiway Bikini Top sold separately
- OEKO-TEX 100 Certified (no harmful chemicals)
- To activate your Modibodi’s magic powers, wash before use
Best for: Surfing
Aussie brand Scarlet’s period boy shorts are made for days spent surfing. Yes, we could make a joke about riding the crimson wave, BUT we will refrain. Fit with the ability to hold up to one regular tampon’s worth of moisture, these ribbed bottoms are leakproof for light-flow days and work as great as a backup tampon on heavier days.
Sizes: XS-XXL
Colours: Black
Materials: 45% Modal, 45% Cotton, 10% Spandex, and a Polyester Quick Dry Gusset
Key features:
- Flattering high waist
- Fast-absorbing
- Luxe ribbed polyester
- Chemical-free and independently lab-tested
- Machine washable
05
Swimwear One-Shoulder One-Piece
from $99.99 at ModiBodi
Best for: Stylish quick dips
From the one-shoulder design to the super slim lining, Modibodi’s one-piece fit and feels like your regular swimwear. We recommend sizing down as this swimsuit should be snug.
Sizes: XS-2XL
Colours: Black, Green Print, Lavender
Materials: Outer: 82% Recycled Nylon, 18% Elastane. Lining: 86% Recycled Nylon, 14% Elastane. Gusset: 100% Polyester
Key features:
- Pre-consumer recycled fabric
- Chlorine-resistant
- OEKO-TEX 100 Certified (no harmful chemicals)
- To activate your Modibodi’s magic powers, wash before use
Related articles:
- Bloody good period underwear to revolutionise your cycle
- Make that time of the month a little easier with these period subscription boxes
