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Use the code TBP2022 to get 10% off your Modibodi swimwear order (Australia Only)
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What is Period Swimwear?
Period swimwear are leak proof swimmers that will allow you, or your daughter, to go swimming on your period without anything to worry about. Depending on your flow, period swimwear can be worn on its own without the need for pads or tampons. With a heavier flow, they can be used as back-up protection to a menstrual cup or tampon.
- What is Period Swimwear?
- Is Period Swimwear the Same As Period Underwear?
- So How Does Period Swimwear Work Then?
- Does Period Swimwear ACTUALLY Work?
- Will Anyone Be Able To Tell I’m Wearing A Period Swimsuit?
- Is Period Swimwear Suitable For A Heavy Period?
- Is There Period Swimwear for Teens?
- What Colours and Styles do Period Swimwear Come in?
- Where to Buy Period Swimwear
- Do Any Other Brands Sell Period Swimwear?
- Other Options For Swimming on Your Period
Is Period Swimwear the Same As Period Underwear?
You may have already heard of period underwear, but period swimwear is actually a bit different. Unfortunately you can’t wear your period underwear into the water, or you may just end up with underpants full of water!
So How Does Period Swimwear Work Then?
I’m going to explain how Modibodi period swimwear works because that’s the period swimwear I am most familiar with.
Modibodi period swimwear has two layers in the absorbent gusset. The top layer, closest to your vulva, is the absorbent layer. This layer is made from a sporty mesh that is antimicrobial, anti-odour and backed with a breathable waterproof layer. It’s super slim, just 1mm thick but can absorb up to 10ml of fluid which is the equivalent of 2 tampons worth.
The bottom layer is the outer fabric of the swimwear. In the new Modibodi swim range the fabric is made from recycled nylon. This fabric is water repellant, which keeps the water out and dries much faster than normal swimwear. It is also chlorine resistant and UV50+ rated.
The water repellant fabric works to keep the water out and ensures the absorbent top layer is not in touch with the water. The absorbent gusset is there to absorb your menstrual fluid, we don’t want it absorbing the regular water.
Because the swimwear sits snugly against the vulva, this ensures no water gets in. You want to ensure the swimwear is not loose, it needs to fit snugly around the leg to ensure no water gets in.
Does Period Swimwear ACTUALLY Work?
Yes, period swimwear really does work! I saw this amazing experiment that Milina from @bloomingperiods posted on her Instagram stories. Milina runs empowering period workshops for teenage girls and their mums which you can check out here.
In the experiment on her Instagram, Milina put the absorbent gusset of the Modibodi period swimwear around an open bottle of red liquid, dunked it into a bucket of water and swirled it around. None of the red liquid came out into the water. She did the same with a pair of normal swimwear and the red liquid came out everywhere.
It was really incredible to see the period swimwear work so effectively like that.
I also had a friend unexpectedly message me recently to say this:
“It’s official. Modibodi has changed my life. I’ll never go back. I love them! And my period swimmers might be my favourite. I’ve gone for a swim without a second thought every day of my period this week. Love your work! You’ve got me converted.”
Will Anyone Be Able To Tell I’m Wearing A Period Swimsuit?
The absorbent gusset in the Modibodi period swimwear is very discreet. It is thin and not bulky at all. The only time someone may be able to tell that you’re wearing a period swimsuit is if they own the same one!
Is Period Swimwear Suitable For A Heavy Period?
All Modibodi swimwear from both the adult range and teen range is labelled as suitable for a light period to moderate period. This absorbency is designed to absorb up to 10ml or the equivalent of two tampons worth of menstrual fluid.
That might not sound like a lot but we actually lose a lot less menstrual fluid than you probably think. Here’s a helpful visual I created on Instagram that shows just how much the average period flow is over ALL the days of the period:
Of course, if you or your daughter have a heavy period then you may be worried about leaks when swimming on your period. In this case, you might like to wear the period swimsuit as a back-up with a tampon or menstrual cup.
Something else worth noting is that when you’re actually in the water, the pressure from the water can have the effect of stopping your period from flowing. So you may be surprised to find you don’t have as much period flow as expected when you’re in the water. Of course, this phenomenon will stop once you get out. Click this link to read more about it.
Is There Period Swimwear for Teens?
Yes! Modibodi have a line called Modibodi RED specifically designed to suit teens/younger bodies. Modibodi RED has both normal period underwear and period swimwear. They have some new swimwear styles that are so bright and fun! Click this link to view the full range of teen period proof swimmers.
What Colours and Styles do Period Swimwear Come in?
Previously, both the Modibodi and Modibodi RED swim ranges came only in black and navy. But in exciting news, they recently released a whole new swim range featuring colours, prints, a range of styles and matching tops! All made from recycled nylon. You can click here to view the entire range – it’s so nice!
The period swimwear size range is from 06/XS to 18/2XL in adults and size Youth 8-10 to Youth 16-18.
Here are the different swimwear styles:
New Modibodi customer? Click here and use the code TBP2022 to get 10% off your first order.
| Style | Image | Price |
| Modibodi Recycled Swim Wrap One Piece Available in Bloom Multi (pictured) |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi Recycled Hi Waist Cheeky Brief Available in colours: Cobalt Blue, Poppy Red, Bloom Multi |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi Recycled Keyhole Crop Available in colours: Cobalt Blue, Poppy Red, Bloom Multi |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi Reversible Recycled Swimwear Crop Top Available in colours: Black and Sunset Orange (pictured) Animal and Earth green |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi Recycled Swimwear Brazilian Brief Available in colours: Animal (pictured), Earth Green, Black, Sunset Orange |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi Recycled Swim Hi-Waist Bikini Brief Available in colours: Animal, Earth Green, Black, Sunset Orange |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi Recycled Swim Bikini Brief Available in colours: Animal, Earth Green (pictured), Black, Sunset Orange |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi RED Youth Recycled One Piece Available in Maui Multi |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi RED Youth Recycled Racerback Available in black |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi RED Youth Recycled Bikini Brief Available in colours: Maui Multi (pictured), Papeete Pink, Bora Bora Blue Black |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi RED Youth Recycled Swim Crop Top Available in colours: Bora Bora Blue (pictured), Maui Multi, Papeete Pink |  | Check Price |
| Modibodi RED Youth Racerback Available in black and navy |  | Check Price |
Where to Buy Period Swimwear
The best place to buy period swimwear is online directly at the Modibodi shop.
Click the button below to view the shop.
New Modibodi customer? Click here and use the code TBP2022 to get 10% off your first order.
Before you buy online, do check this post for any current discount codes that are available.
If you’re a new Modibodi customer you can use the code TBP2022 (in Australia) to receive 10% off your first order over $100 AUD.
Orders over $100 AUD will automatically get free shipping, but if your order is less than that, you can use the code FLYFREE for free shipping.
Do Any Other Brands Sell Period Swimwear?
Modibodi is the only period swimwear brand I have tried. Other brands which seem to sell period swimwear are Ruby Love and AWWA.
I have not tried either of these, however you can do your own research and see if they are suitable for your period swimming needs!
I have received questions about Bonds Period Swimwear, but I can confirm Bonds do not currently have a period swimwear range, they only have their Bloody Comfy Period Undies range which are period underwear not swimsuit bottoms.
Other Options For Swimming on Your Period
Not sure if period swimwear is enough for you but still keen to swim on your period days without pads or tampons? Then you may be interested in a menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are reusable, so are a good sustainable period option. They are worn internally to catch your menstrual flow. They can be worn for up to 10-12 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow and the manufacturers guidelines and they are a great companion to period swimwear, as period swimwear can be used as a back-up to catch any leaks.
Read more about menstrual cups here or sign up to my mailing list below and I will send you my free guide to choosing your best menstrual cup:
Ellie Heasman
The Better Period
Ellie Heasman is a period blogger and founder of The Better Period. Ellie helps people on their journey to a better period through introducing them to the world of menstrual cups and period underwear, and sharing knowledge about the menstrual cycle and fertility awareness. You can join in the better period conversations on Instagram @thebetterperiod_ or find out more about Ellie here.