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Period Swimwear: The Latest in Menstrual Management

This year seemed to have been the year of the period underwear. Brands all over the market, across all different price points, created period underwear within the last few years, proving this is a product here to stay! Period underwear is underwear made out of material that will absorb your period blood, ranging from 1-3 tampons worth, depending on the cut and brand of the underpants. Recently I saw that period swimwear is now on the market as well. 

This surprised me and raised a lot of questions. How on earth could these still be absorbent when they’re submerged in water? What if my swimsuit gets knocked out of place slightly while I’m swimming or frolicking in the ocean? Lucky for you, dear reader, I investigated a bit and have some answers.

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. Ruby Love had an informative video and diagram on their website showing the layers of fabric they use to absorb blood, but no specific info on how much blood their swimwear could absorb. Knix, also known for making bras and underwear outside of the menstrual care game, is a little more specific. Their website says their period swimwear holds up to three teaspoons, or two tampons worth of blood. 

At first I thought this didn’t sound like a lot of absorbency, but then I remembered we’re just talking swimwear here. If you were to go to the pool or the beach, you probably wouldn’t use more than two tampons anyway, depending on how long you’re there and how heavy your flow is, of course. 

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. Of course, every person’s body and menstrual flow is different, so I’d advise wearing this swimwear on your lightest days at first, or using a tampon or menstrual cup with it as you’re getting used to the product. Although, if you’re already a fan of period underwear, and already know what days of your period you can confidently wear them and have no leaks, then you might as well give it a go. If you already have used Knix’s period underwear, for example, their swimwear would likely work exactly the same way.

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. I do have faith that this swimwear could absorb my period while I and my body are dry, but I don’t quite understand how it could keep that period blood locked in when I jump in the deep end. All of the information out there suggests period swimwear, no matter the brand, can do just that, so I’ll have to try it out myself.  Find more info on Ruby Love and Knix on their websites. 

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What Are Period Underwear

What are period underwear, and how do they work?

If you’re a young person who spends any time on the Internet, you’ve probably seen advertisements for period proof underwear. One brand called Thinx burst onto the period care scene back in 2013 and remains one of the most well known period underwears today. Period proof underwear are essentially designed to fit and feel like regular underwear, but they have very slim padding in them, making them absorbent enough to wear on your period without a tampon or pad.

Created with its “signature innovative technology,” Thinx are lightweight yet absorbent enough to serve as your main period protection during your cycle. They are lightweight, absorbent, and smell proof so you can bleed right into them, no pad or tampon needed, as your main way to manage your period each month. They have five absorbency levels to accommodate all flows. Their heaviest flow underwear absorbs four tampons worth of blood. FOUR TAMPONS! That’s so much blood!! At the end of the day you can just toss them in the laundry with your other items and hang them to dry, then reuse them next month.

Because of the absorbency options, Thinx or other period underwear could be a great option to replace tampons, pads, or menstrual cups completely. Some people also opt to wear Thinx as a backup with their tampon or menstrual cup on their heavier days. Knowing your cycle is key to knowing what kind of absorbency works best for you. A lot of people have turned to period underwear as a more sustainable option for managing their period. If you really think about all the wrappers, plastic, and toilet paper you go through each period because of your period products, it’s A LOT! Using a different pair of Thinx or period proof underwear each day of your cycle could be less stressful because you don’t have to think about changing a tampon throughout the day, and it’s definitely less wasteful. You could even start with just one pair and slowly incorporate them into your menstrual cycle care routine over time. Each pair of underwear costs anywhere from $24-$42, depending on the absorbency. That might seem like a lot for one pair of underwear, but if you think about how much money you spend on other period products each month, that adds up to a whole lot more. 

Since its creation back in 2013, the brand has developed multiple styles and fabrics to choose from, including an absorbent cotton kind. It almost sounds too good to be true, right?

In addition to providing a sustainable and cute option for managing your period, Thinx also has a giveback program where they donate money to providing menstrual products and menstrual education to people around the world. 

Having a period each month can be stressful, painful, and sometimes downright annoying. It’s exciting that in 2020 there are so many innovations around period products and ways to manage your period, allowing you to choose the option that works best for you. Although period proof underwear are a little pricey, if you continue to use them as a replacement for all other period products, it would definitely be worth it. Do a little research and check out Thinx or other period underwear brands and try them out for yourself! 

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