The short, honest answer? Period panties for swimming are not ideal. They are designed to do their best work on dry land, thanks to a super-absorbent core that locks away your period flow and keeps you comfy. The second you get into a pool or the sea, though, that awesome absorption backfires. Instead of just soaking up period blood, your panty soaks up all the water around you. Within seconds, it goes from a comfy panty to something that can’t actually completely contain your flow.
So, if you’ve ever stood in the bathroom, holding a pair of period panties, wondering if you could just wear these under your bikini or swimsuit, this blog is for you.
Why Can’t You Swim in Period Panties?
The science is simple, period panties absorb liquid. That’s what makes them so wonderful for your period time, whether you’re sitting in class, rushing between meetings or curled up with a book. On land, good-quality period panties like Nua’s are almost like a cosy insurance policy for leaks and surprise spotting.
But when you submerge them in water, whether that’s a pool, the sea or even a lake, they instantly soak up all that surrounding liquid. Their absorbent core gets full of water way before it catches any period blood.
Because it can’t tell the difference between water and period blood, it won’t offer period protection in water.
Are Period Panties Fine for Just Sitting by the Pool?
If you’re planning a chill day on a raft or just expect a few splashes (without actually submerging yourself), period panties will hold up fine. Just don’t count on them for full swim protection. In fact, women who have tried it also agree (from their own experiences) that period panties aren’t cut out for a swim sesh.
Will Period Panties Show Under My Swimsuit?
Yes, they likely will. Unlike tampons or menstrual cups that sit inside the body, period panties add an extra layer of fabric. Most are slightly thicker than regular underwear because of their absorbent layers, which means they might create visible seams or lines under a swimsuit, especially tight or light-coloured ones.
Also, since they’re not designed to be worn with swimwear, they might not sit smoothly underneath. You could end up adjusting them more often or worrying about them peeking out, not the most carefree swim day vibe!
Can I Swim in Period Panties With a Thick Swimsuit or Shorts?
Short answer: Not really. Period panties aren’t made for swimming, even if you wear them under thick swimwear or shorts.
We totally get the idea behind it, though. Wearing thicker swim bottoms or layering with shorts might seem like a clever way to hide the period panties or prevent leaks from showing. But once you’re in the pool or ocean, the panties absorb water like a sponge. They get heavy and won’t work the way they’re meant to.
In short, while this can help you feel more covered visually, it won’t solve the absorbency issue.
But Is It Okay to Swim on Your Period at All?
Yes, yes, YES! Swimming on your period is absolutely safe, and medically, there’s no reason to avoid it. In fact, many women say being in the water actually feels good, since the gentle pressure can temporarily slow your flow. Swimming also helps relieve cramps and boosts your mood thanks to those feel-good endorphins.
As per a study, nearly 47% of women reported reduced anxiety, 38% noticed fewer mood swings and over a third said irritability went down after swimming during their period.
Some girlies worry if it’s “unhygienic” to swim on their period. The answer? Not if you use the right protection. Blood quickly gets diluted in large water bodies, and good pools are chlorinated to keep things clean anyway.
So, don’t let myths (or old-school shame) keep you from fun in the sun (more on that here)!
So, What Can You Wear to Swim on Your Period?
Tampons and menstrual cups are your go-to swim-safe options. They sit inside your body, block water from entering, and keep your period locked in. Tampons absorb flow right away (just remember to change them before and after swimming). And research shows that cups offer leak-free protection for up to 8–12 hours during swimming without increasing the risk of infection or discomfort.
There’s also period swimwear (not to be confused with regular period panties), which has a special water-resistant, quick-drying layer designed for light flow or backup when you’re wearing a tampon or cup.
As for Nua’s Period Panties? Save them for after your swim. They’re perfect for slipping into once you’re dry and dressed, whether you’re heading to lunch, lounging poolside, or back on the road. They’re made for land, and they do that job really well.
The Final Splash
Being on your period during a beach or swim day comes with its own set of mini struggles: the sweat, sand, water splashes and struggle to stay comfy. But this is where planning ahead can help. Carry a change of clothes (including a comfy pair of period panties for later), stay hydrated and pack light snacks to keep your energy up. A dark-coloured swimsuit can help you feel more secure, and a loose, flowy cover-up is your best friend for both style and comfort.
Periods don’t have to pause your plans. With a little prep, you can still lounge, laugh and live your best life (flow and all). If you’ve more questions about swimming on your period, check out our blog here.
