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The best period swimwear for leak-proof dips this summer, tried and tested
There’s no need to throw in the towel with our top picks
Tested by Kim Hawley and Yanar Alkayat
Getting your period can be a hassle at the best of times, but having your time of the month when you’re heading to the beach, spa or your local leisure centre can put a real spanner in the works. For some, wearing a tampon or menstrual cup in the water can feel uncomfortable and restrictive, and then there’s the fear of experiencing a leak – it can be more than enough to keep you on dry land.
Thankfully, the best period swimwear is here to save the day. You've probably heard of period pants by now (if not, head to our roundup of the best period pants to read our reviews), but the latest innovation is period swimwear. An increasing number of brands, including Modibodi and WUKA, are bringing out absorbent costumes and bikinis, so you can swim with confidence. Hallelujah!
The best period swimwear for 2025
Whether you’re after a simple one-piece or a stylish bikini, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts have tested a range of styles to find the ones worth splashing out on.
And if our tested options aren't quite right, then our editors have also included some of their favourite designs below, so you'll be sure to find something that suits you.
What is period swimwear?
Period swimwear works in the same way as period underwear. These clever designs feature super-absorbent, fast-drying linings and leak-proof gussets to absorb blood and discharge, prevent leaks and keep you clean and comfortable while you’re in the water. And worry not – all our winners are extremely subtle, with no obvious padding or bulk.
Some styles prevent the need for tampons or cups altogether, while others are designed to be worn with sanitary products for secondary protection. These may also be suitable to wear on their own for light days and spotting at the tail end of your period.
Thinking about switching to reusable sanitary products? We recruited a panel of 350 women to find the best period pants and reusable pads on the market. We've also tested the best period pain relief devices to help ease menstrual cramps during your time of the month.
How we test
We recruited a panel of women to test a variety of period bikinis and swimsuits from leading brands while on their flow. They used the swimwear in the pool, playing water sports and at the beach, and judged them on the following criteria.
Design: Our testers noted how easy each product was to get on and off, whether the fit was true to size and if the absorbency area was a suitable size for protection.
Comfort: We were on the hunt for products with soft, comfortable material that didn’t feel too restrictive.
Performance: Crucially, panellists rated the swimwear on how well they protected against leaks, before giving their overall verdict and telling us whether they’d continue wearing them.
Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts assessed liquid absorption time and measured surface wetness post-absorption. They also carried out wash tests to see if the swimwear remained the same in terms of colour, fit and size after multiple machine washes.
Score: 97/100
One of the first period-proof brands on the market, WUKA has been leading the charge with its high-performing, stylish pieces, and this chic number – made to hold three tampons’ worth of blood – is no different. It was a resounding hit with our testers, scoring close to full marks for design, comfort and performance. “I can’t think of anything I don’t like about it!” said one satisfied customer.
Our panel was extremely impressed by the discreet design, saying it wasn’t bulky and looked and felt just like a regular swimming costume. They also raved about the “perfect” material, which was soft, comfy and provided good coverage and support – even for those with larger breasts. Crucially, no one experienced any leaks, and it performed brilliantly in our in-house absorbency tests. On top of that, it dried quickly and washed well.
The swimsuit has a simple but attractive scoop neck back and comes in three different colours.
| Materials | Recycled Nylon, elastane, polyester, bamboo, charcoal, breathable TPU |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS – 2XL |
| Absorbency | Light to moderate |
Score: 92/100
Our top-scoring bottoms were a universal hit, earning top marks from our panellists for absorbency, style and comfort. The extra-long gusset, made from breathable bamboo charcoal, provided plenty of coverage and security, and no leakage was reported (they claim to hold up to 2.5 tampons’ worth of fluid, making them a perfect match for light to moderate days.)
Our testers loved the discreet design, with many commenting that they looked and felt just like a regular pair of bikini bottoms. The material was soft, stretchy and comfortable – even on those bloated days – and there was no irritating chafing or unwanted bulk. “Swimming on your period can be uncomfortable and distracting but these bottoms made it feel easy and freeing,” said one satisfied tester.
They come with a reusable zip-lock bag for easy transportation and since they’re black, you can pair them with your usual bikini tops. Win, win.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyamide, elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3XS -4XL |
| Absorbency | Light to moderate |
Score: 86/100
ModiBodi has been making waves in the period apparel market, so it’s hardly surprising its bikini bottoms performed so well on test. Holding up to two tampons’ worth of blood, they’re perfect for lighter days or as extra protection on heavy flow days.
Our panel lavished praise on the flattering, high-waisted design and thick waistband, which helped them feel secure and supported. They were comfy to swim in and everyone said they felt confident about not leaking in the water. The best part? The absorbent lining is incredibly discreet, with no unnecessary bulk.
The material is on the thicker side, but this wasn’t a major issue for our testers, with the many saying they’d wear them again and even recommend them to friends. Plus, they were a doddle to wash and dried in a flash.
There are four jazzy designs to choose from that will brighten up your swimwear collection, all while protecting you from leaking.
Key specifications
| Materials | Recycled nylon, Spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 8-20 |
| Absorbency | Light to moderate |
Score: 83/100
If you’re in the market for a one-piece, consider this fuss-free design from UK brand The Period People. It claims to hold up to three tampons' worth of blood, courtesy of multiple layers of protection at the gusset, making it a top choice whether you’re going for a serious swim or just lounging by the pool.
Testers were pleased with its overall performance, praising the absorbent, waterproof lining that kept leaks and odours at bay. The “game-changing” design allowed them to continue with their usual swimming routine while on their period, and extra points were awarded for the comfortable fabric and strong breast support.
Some found the padding a little bulky, and its basic look wasn’t to everyone’s taste but that’s down to personal preference. The only thing to note is they ran a bit small, so we’d recommend sizing up for the best fit.
Key specifications
| Materials | Spandex, nylon |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-XXL |
| Absorbency | Not specified |
Score: 83/100
If you like the sound of our WUKA winner but prefer a racerback style, look to this design, which is made to hold three small tampons’ worth of blood.
It earned our testers’ seal of approval thanks to the smooth, silky fabric (it's quick-drying and chlorine-resistant and comes with built-in UV50 sun protection), which felt breathable and flexible when swimming. It didn’t let them down whether they were doing front crawl or breaststroke and remained comfortable and leak-free all session long.
The top has built-in removable cups, but some found the cut a little too revealing at the bust and commented that it wouldn’t be supportive enough for high-energy activities such as aqua aerobics. The cross-over straps were a little fiddly to begin with, but we got to grips with them in no time. Overall, a reliable buy for keen swimmers.
Key specifications
| Materials | Recycled nylon, water-repellent outer fabric |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS-XXL |
| Absorbency | Light to medium |
Score: 81/100
Another Wuka design, these bikini bottoms are a reliable pick for lighter days or for extra protection at the tail end of your period. Thanks to the high-waisted, supportive design, they allowed our testers to enjoy stress-free, leak-free swims. “I felt really safe and secure when wearing them,” one tester told us.
Like the brand’s swimsuit, the fabric earned high praise – it was silky-soft and flexible, plus it stayed firmly in place as they splashed around in the water. The bottoms also have built-in UPF 50+ sun protection and they’re chlorine resistant, so rest assured they will maintain their quality after multiple uses.
If all that wasn’t enough, they proved quick to dry and were a cinch to wash – you simply rinse them with cold water then pop them in the washing machine with similar colours. Not convinced? Wuka offers a 40-day satisfaction guarantee on your first purchase.
Key specifications
| Materials | Recycled nylon, elastane, polyester, bamboo, charcoal Sizes: XS – 4XL |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS – 4XL |
| Absorbency | Light |
Our editors' top picks
If you’re partial to a bold pattern and a splash of colour, these vibrant bikini bottoms should be on your radar. They’ll look the business whether you’re hitting the local pool or dipping in and out of the sea on holiday. The high-waisted design means they’ll provide you with sufficient support and coverage and they come in a vast range of sizes.
In terms of absorbency, they’re best suited to lighter period days or you can wear them with a tampon on heavier days for extra protection. They also come in a range of colours and styles.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyamide, Spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS – XXL |
| Absorbency | Light |
If you’re heading on an active holiday and surfing, paddle boarding or swimming are on the agenda, these period-proof bikini shorts are a great shout. You won’t need to worry about them riding up as you move around and there’s less risk of any leakages, too.
They can be worn on their own, without a pad or tampon underneath, and will hold up to three tampons’ worth of blood.
Key specifications
| Materials | Recycled nylon, elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S - XL |
| Absorbency | Light to medium |
While performance is key, we also want our period swimwear to look good, especially if we're heading off on holiday. Enter these chic high-waisted bikini bottoms, which were an instant hit with our editors.
They have a subtle absorbent liner designed to hold up to two tampons’ worth of blood, as well as built-in UV50 sun protection, making them an ideal choice for holidays in hot destinations. The stretchy fabric means they’re easy to slip on and the thick, supportive waistband will help you feel comfortable and confident, whether you’re at the pool or the beach.
Key specifications
| Materials | Polyamide, elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS - 3XL |
| Absorbency | Light |
We’re big fans of this classic one piece, which has stretchy elasticated shoulder straps and clever leak-proof technology that absorbs up to two tampons’ worth of blood. You can happily wear the swimsuit on its own if your flow is light, but it's advisable to wear it with extra protection if your flow is moderate or heavy. As a bonus, it comes in a wide range of sizes from 3XS to XXL.
At under £10, these period-proof bikini bottoms offer excellent value for money.
The discreet leak-proof layer is made from organic cotton for ultimate comfort, and the fuss-free bottoms can hold up to three tampons pads worth of blood. They're designed to wick away moisture and prevent unwanted odours, so you can paddle, swim or sunbathe without a care in the world.
How to wash period swimwear
It’s much simpler than you may think! Rinse your costume or bikini under a cold tap and then add it to your usual dark wash on a 30℃ cycle. Some brands, such as Modibodi, recommend putting them on a cold cycle instead, so do check the label first.
Avoid fabric softener as this can affect absorbency levels, and put your swimwear in a delicates bag if you’ve got one lying around – this will help them last longer.
The verdict: do period swimsuits really work?
If you're looking to invest in a one-piece, our winner from Wuka won't let you down. The design is discreet, it aced our absorbency tests and it looks stylish to boot.
Prefer a bikini? ModiBodi's Hi-Waist Bikini Briefs are also a great choice, especially if you're after a thick, supportive waistband.
Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing products for over 100 years. Our senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, looks after wellness reviews, making sure we judge each product rigorously and fairly, from the best period swimwear to the best exercise bikes. She is a level 4 qualified personal trainer and has years of experience working in leading health clubs, so she knows what to look out for.
Our sleep and wellness editor Priyankaa Joshi, is responsible for making sure we’ve tested the latest products from established brands and turning the test results into helpful reviews.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
Yanar was our former health and wellness tester.
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