Top-Rated Period Swimwear of 2024: Comprehensive Testing and Reviews

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If you're a person with a period, you know how much it sucks when your cycle syncs up with a long-awaited beach trip, the triathlon you've been training for, or an important swim meet. After all, not only do you have to manage premenstrual symptoms, but you also have to worry about leaking through your suit or having a tampon string make a cameo appearance. Behold another way: Period swimwear. It uses the same liquid-locking technology as period underwear (and other period-protective clothing). Slide on a swim-safe period bikini or one-piece, and the ultra-absorbent lining works overtime to absorb period blood while you swim.

So which period swimwear should you get and where can you find them? Well, that all depends on your style, as well as how heavy your flow is. We tested nine different period swimwear products in our New York lab, evaluating them on quality, absorbency, value, feel, and even odor. Currently, we're still testing these products with our long-term, real-world test protocols — but considering summer is *checks watch* basically here, we're sharing the results of our lab tests so you can start shopping. Ahead, we wax poetic about the winners in each category, plus share exactly how to buy them.

Our pick for the best period swimwear checked all of our boxes. These bottoms hold more than two tampons’ worth of blood, making them optimal for medium-flow days. Despite how much blood these bottoms hold, they feel incredibly light when on — silky, smooth, and totally not scratchy. The most notable feature of the Savvi Wear Menstrual Leak Proof High Waisted Bikini Bottom, however, is its high-waisted design. Made to come up even higher than your belly button, these bottoms are a good option for menstruators who bloat in the heat, as well as those who hate the skimpy seat-showing cut of most bottoms on the market these days.

Promised Absorbency: Up to 2-2.5 tampons’ worth of liquids | Sizes Available: 3XS-3XL

Fashionistas, this pair of bikini bottoms is for you. Truly, given how well-designed these high-waisted pairs are, you might be tempted to wear them even when you’re not menstruating. They are designed to come up just above your belly button and feature a band at the top that is equal parts supportive and stylish. FTR: This supportive band is nothing short of magic. It somehow manages to support without suffocating, yet is still tight enough that we expect the bottoms to stay perfectly in place during our long-term tests. In other words, these swimwear bottoms are great for sports, play, and swimming during your period.

Promised Absorbency: 3 teaspoons of blood | Sizes Available: XS-4XL

While this suit is marketed toward teens, we’ll be honest: Those of us who are currently testing it have left our teenage years far behind. If you need a sports swimsuit and you have a smaller chest, you might be able to make this swimsuit work. According to the size guide, the medium is equivalent to an adult pants size of 4 to 8. With a racerback cut and chlorine-resistant fabric, this period swimwear one-piece is here to absorb your blood on your more athletic occasions — and that stands even if you have a medium flow! This suit holds up to three pads’ worth of blood. And, not only does it absorb liquid, but it absorbs it rapidly. During testing, we were impressed by how quickly the gusset gulped up the liquid we poured onto it.

Promised Absorbency: Up to 3 pads’ worth of blood | Sizes Available: XXS-XXL

These bestselling bikini briefs feel smooth like regular underwear yet can hold two or three tampons' worth of blood (about 3 teaspoons), making them a great option for moderate flows. The style is also a great option if you prefer a standard coverage bottom. But note that these aren't the best option if you're prone to bloating, and you'll have to figure out a separate top.

Promised Absorbency: Up to 3 tampons' worth of blood | Sizes Available: 4-20

Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a freelance wellness journalist with nearly a decade of experience writing about sexual health products, exercise equipment, and workout gear. In addition to Shape, her work has appeared in publications such as Health, SELF, Women's Health, Men’s Health, Greatist, Bustle, and more.