Can You Wear Period Pants For Swimming?

Heading to the pool or beach and your period is due? You might wonder if your trusty period pants can come along for the swim.

In short, no, you can't wear period pants for swimming. They're great for everyday use, but when it comes to water activities, they're simply out of their league.

However if you're not planning to swim but just lounge by the pool or on the beach, then actually nylon based period pants work fine. In fact I've worn Cheeky 'Sassy' pants instead of period bikini bottoms before on holiday when I didn't fancy swimming and they worked a treat!

Soaking them in the pool or sea water isn't just a no-go for their functionality; it can also shorten their lifespan. Let’s look at some better alternatives for managing your period while swimming.

Best Period Products for Swimming

Since period pants are off the swimming team, here are some excellent alternatives that are designed to handle water much better.

'I ordered some period swim shorts and also a period swimming costume. Unfortunately the costume was too long in length (I’m only 5’0) so I had to return it. The return process was very smooth with it being received a few days after posting and the credit will follow shortly. The shorts fitted well and I gave them a test run on a non-period day. Will give them a proper test run on a moderate period day asap.

Update - I tried the period shorts on day 2.5 of my cycle and they were perfect! No leaks at all and I could swim in confidence. I wore them for a good 3hrs and had zero issues. Rinsed them out thoroughly and also used some travel wash and used them again the next day. Such a relief to have a non-tampon product to use on holiday!' Trustpilot Review

Menstrual Cup

A menstrual cup is a reusable cup that catches rather than absorbs menstrual blood.

It’s made of medical-grade silicone and can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. Menstrual cups are great for swimmers who can use internal period protection because they create a seal that prevents leaks, even during vigorous activity like swimming.

Tampon

Tampons are a go-to for many swimmers during their periods. Like menstrual cups, tampons offer internal protection and are effective at preventing leaks when properly inserted. They’re discreet and allow you to wear any swimwear you like without worrying about your period.

They're good if you have heavier flow as a range of absorbencies is available too.

Period Swimwear

If you can't or don't want to use internal menstrual products, consider period proof swimwear. It's brilliant for teens and tweens who may not have started using tampons.

'Bought some period pants and a swimming costume for my teenage girls. Brilliant fit, nice to have shorts for the pants rather than knickers, they feel more comfortable. Swimming costume fits well and feels secure, will make awkward timing a lot easier now as they won't feel left out not being able to swim! Speedy delivery too!' Trustpilot Review

Period proof swimwear is specifically designed to be used in water. It looks and feels like regular swimwear, but comes with a hydrophobic inner layer which is water resistant, so it combined with water pressure helps to keep water out and period blood in.

'Prompt reply to my query and fast delivery. Love the swimsuit! Only ordered from Cheeky Wipes because my first order with another company was going to be delayed. I thought I'd keep the delayed swimsuit, once received, as a spare, but have decided to send it back and get a refund as the Cheeky Wipes swim suit is a lot nicer and if I need a spare, I'd rather get exactly the same swimsuit from Cheeky Wipes.' Trustpilot Review

This helps protect against leaks while swimming on your period. Period friendly swimwear allow you to enjoy water activities without any worry. They don't contain much in the way of absorbency though so they don’t weigh you down or get bulky in the water.

Available in a range of styles and sizes from size 2 adult to size 24, Cheeky have several options for period swimwear. If you're looking for swimsuits, choose from racerback or a sexy double strap one-piece style. Alternatively consider period bikini bottoms, or period swim bottoms?

'Meno plus size is happy for once! I was a little wary, as a plus sized queen I've had some issues getting plus size period swimwear that actually fits. Pleased to say this swimwear fits comfortably, I'm tall as well as round! I can swim again even as a menopausal hot mess!' Trustpilot Review

Recommended Period Swimwear

10 FREE Make up Wipes Over £40 Period Proof Swimwear £33.99 View Product Trustpilot

10 FREE Make up Wipes Over £40 Period Bikini Bottoms £16.99 View Product Trustpilot

10 FREE Make up Wipes Over £40 Girls Period Swimsuit - Racerback Style £33.99 View Product Trustpilot

Half Price Bikini Top with Bikini Pants Period Bikini Swim Bottoms £16.99 View Product Trustpilot

Conclusion

While period underwear offer fantastic protection on land, they’re not cut out for the pool or sea. For those times, turning to alternatives like period swimwear, tampons menstrual cups ensures you can still hit the water even on your period. Always choose the option that provides comfort, convenience, and confidence during your swim.

"Bought the Bikini bottoms period swimwear for my 12 year old to use on holiday. She happily swam each day without leaks! She changed out of them as soon as she got out the pool, rinsed them and hung out, dried really quickly in the sun. I'm amazed these actually work! So grateful my daughter was able to swim, and that her period didn't stop her doing the things she loved. Happy customer, highly recommend " Trustpilot Review

Looking to upgrade your swim gear or more tips for swimming on your period? Check out our period swimwear for a worry-free swim in the ocean or pool. For more tips on handling your menstrual cycle on hols, you may enjoy these posts:

Period on Holiday: Here’s How to Deal with It

The Best Period Swimwear

Our team all use the products themselves so are well placed to answer any questions you may have before ordering - nothing is TMI! Please do drop us a line if we can help.

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as tampons or menstrual cups were no longer an option for her and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.