Hear me out: period swimwear is the perfect summer buy.
Period underwear is straight-up changing the game for women and girls across Australia, and I’m so here for it.
Dependable, discreet and comfy AF, period undies truly tick all the boxes. Plus, they reduce the need for disposable alternatives, which means we can spend less while saving the planet. What’s not to love?!
The rise of period underwear has now led to an even cooler invention: period swimwear. Now we can have even greater flexibility and control over how we have our periods – especially during the summer months.
Okay, I can feel your skepticism through the screen. So before we go any further, I want you to take all your doubts about period-proof swimwear, bunch them up in your arms, and yeet them right out the nearest window. Because these beauties are here to stay.
Let’s dive in.
How do period undies work?
Period underwear are just like normal undies, but better – because they absorb menstrual flow and other bodily fluids. You can wear them on their own or in addition to your preferred menstrual product for extra protection.
If you’re like me, you’ll be wanting to know the ins and outs of how they actually work. So, here goes… period undies are designed with several layers, including:
- a moisture-wicking top layer
- at least one absorbent layer in the gusset
- an odour-reducing middle layer
- a leak-resistant outer layer
Even with all these hard-working layers, period undies won’t cramp your style with VPL or that dreaded pad bulge. So get on your sleek activewear and head out to that yoga class, because I wouldn’t want you to miss out.
The moisture-wicking technology helps ease some of the stress and anxiety that comes with irregular bleeding too. This makes them great for tweens whose cycles are just settling in as well as people managing endometriosis and menopause. They also take care of light bladder leakage if your pelvic floor isn’t what it used to be, and they draw sweat away from the body so that you can stay comfy and dry while keeping fit.
When it comes to cleaning them, if you’re a lazy binch like me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is:
- rinse them after use until the water runs clear
- wash them on a cold cycle
- hang them up to dry
No muss, no fuss.
How does period swimwear work?
When swimwear for periods first came out, I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold. Trialling period undies was one thing, but putting period swimwear to the test – by the pool, in front of my friends, when I’m already feeling a tad self-conscious – took a whole other level of trust. But it was a test that paid off – big time.
Most swimming period undies have three key layers:
- one absorbent layer that holds up to 2 tampons’ worth of fluid
- a waterproof middle layer
- a water-repellent outer layer
As long as they fit snugly, you’ll be protected from leaks in and out of the water, so your clothes and towels will be safe from stains.
Modibodi period swimwear is honestly my summer saviour. On a lighter day, it’s all you need when hitting the beach. And on heavier days, you can pair it with a tampon or menstrual cup for further protection. FOMO be damned.
If you’re worried that people will notice your period swimming undies, let me assure you: a well-designed pair looks exactly the same as a regular pair of bottoms. Plus, brands like ModiBodi offer a variety of sweet prints to brighten your day (and your Insta feed).
Care for your cossie well (just as you would your period underwear), and it’ll last at least a full summer season, or two.
Where to buy the best period swimwear
So, I know by now you’ll be completely sold on the idea of period swimwear (mwahaha – my plan worked!)... but, you’ll be wanting to try some on, right?! You’re wanting to know where to buy period swimwear in stores? And who the most trusted period swimwear stockists in Australia are?
Well, #sorrynotsorry, but the best way to buy period swimwear is online. Here’s why.
- All the leading brands are online. (Check out Modibodi swimwear and Love Luna if you’re over 18, while Modibodi RED, KT by Knix and Knicked offer teen period swimwear that won’t disappoint.)
- You’ll have a wider range to choose from. (Styles are still pretty limited in-store.)
- The returns policies are super reasonable. (Just make sure to follow the instructions.)
- You don’t have to leave your bed/couch or make small talk. (Hello introvert heaven.)
- Some brands allow you to try on the swimmers at home to make sure the fit is just right. (Again, make sure to check the returns instructions and keep that sanitary strip in place.)
Where to buy the best period undies
Still haven’t leapt off this page to nab your period swimwear for the season? Then I reckon you’ll also be wanting to hear about the best period undies Australia has to offer. So, I’ve gone ahead and sorted the nays from the slays.
Here are my top picks.
Modibodi
Since Kristy Chong founded ModiBodi in 2013, the brand has sold more than a million pairs of underwear and accumulated stacks of awards. Kristy came up with the idea for ModiBodi following the birth of her second child, when her experiences with bladder and period leaks inspired her to start her own brand. ModiBodi is also the OG period swimwear brand too (and one of our absolute favs).
ModiBodi period undies feature in-built patented fibre technology, giving you an effective, sustainable way to manage leaks with confidence.
Bonds
With an assortment of clever cuts to suit shoppers of all sizes, Bonds’ Bloody Comfy Period Undies totally live up to their name. That’s a win.
By buying Bonds period undies, you won’t just be benefiting from affordable, reliable leak protection. You’ll also be supporting a brand that’s challenging severely outdated views of menstruation as a shameful secret (which is downright ridiculous, considering 800 million people experience it on any given day).
Oh, and the Bloody Comfy collection has a bunch of colourful prints that ooze main character energy – in case you needed any more convincing. Keep a lookout for them in-store, or buy online.
Bendon
If you’re looking for a unicorn pair of little black briefs, Bendon period undies come in different styles and absorbency levels to suit your needs. Their antibacterial, odour-neutralising gusset fabrics include an extra absorbent layer to ensure you feel dry, even on those heavier days.
Speax
Specifically designed to take care of bladder leaks, Speax absorbent undies feature ultra-thin, anti-odour technology that holds up to 8 teaspoons of liquid… that’s the equivalent of 6.5 pantyliners. They even come in a thong!
Thinx
Made from cotton, nylon and elastane, Thinx period undies allow you to move freely while enjoying hella fresh breathability. Their ultra-absorbent core layer holds up to 5 regular tampons’ worth, keeping you fresh and dry all day long.
Not sure which style is for you? Thinx has a neat quiz on its website to help you decide.
Period Shop
Whether you’re a fan of the bikini, midi or full brief, Period Shop SochGreen period undies are available in a range of cuts and colours. Choose from high-absorbency options that can be worn alone or leakproof designs that make the perfect backup for internal menstrual products.
FemmeUndies
Head to FemmeUndies for an array of period- and pee-proof undies that feel just like regular knickers. When you’re dealing with lighter leaks, the 100mL design will have you covered, while the 250mL features three additional layers for optimal security.
Unlike most period underwear, FemmeUndies period undies can be tossed in the tumble dryer along with the rest of your washing. Treat them well and they’ll last you at least 250 washes.
Love Luna
Love Luna period undies feature four clever layers of protection, with a number of options available to suit a light or heavy flow. Free of PFAS, these super-soft creations will provide you with 9–12 months of safe and effective leak prevention.
KT by Knix (aka Knix Teen)
Designed for the tween or teen whose cycles have just started, KT by Knix period undies feature a secure, liquid-resistant outer layer to keep leaks at bay. The Medium Absorbency styles are ideal for lighter days, while the Super Absorbency options hold up to 12 pads’ worth (I’m shook) – making them perfect for overnight protection and pretty much guaranteeing no embarrassing school uniform leaks.
Knicked
Knicked is another brand making period management less overwhelming for girls and teens. Their pre-period range features several light absorbency options, while the heavy absorbency collection is fabulous for all-day or overnight use.
Knicked period undies also come in dedicated dance styles that are undetectable under leotards. Genius!
Your period, your way with Afterpay
Now that you’re an expert on where to buy period swimwear in stores or online, it’s time to add some staple leakproof bathers and undies to your summer wardrobe.
To help you buy better amid all your Chrissy shopping, Afterpay enables you to make your purchase today and pay in four instalments over six weeks. You won’t pay interest, and there are no fees to sign up if you’re a newbie.
Make your next leak-protection purchase with Afterpay. You won’t regret it – period.
