12 Best Period Swimwear for Teens That Is Both Leakproof and Cute
Forget everything you've heard about swimming and enjoying the water when you have your period. Today, the best period swimwear lets you perfect your sidestroke or swan dive without worry, providing protection for every stage of your menstrual cycle, from light spotting to heavier flow days.
Just like period underwear, which has become increasingly popular for menstrual care for people of all ages, most period swimsuits resemble traditional bathing suits in look and feel, with the added benefit of leakproof, built-in liners that absorb blood.
Popular period swimsuit brands like Ruby Love and Modibodi offer period swimwear for teens in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. They also offer a range of styles, from one-piece suits with comfortable coverage to high-waisted bikini bottoms to even the teeniest bikinis! While wearing the best period swimwear during your menstrual cycle is a great option, you may want to add a menstrual cup or tampon on those heavy or super-heavy flow days for added protection.
If you're looking to try out period swimwear for the first time, perhaps for your swim team practice, an upcoming vacation, or a summer beach day, check out our curated list of the best period swimwear for teens (or anyone looking to get started) below.
Period swimwear FAQsHow does period swimwear work?
Period swimwear is designed with highly absorbent fabrics and multiple layers to help prevent leaks. “Our period swimwear was inspired by our category-defining and innovative Fresh Fix Technology that we use in our beloved Leakproof underwear with a swim proof twist. The gusset (the part closest to your skin) of our period swimwear features a thin absorbent layer that absorbs blood and washes like normal swimwear,” says Jules Power, senior design director at Knix. She also notes that all swimwear across Knix and KnixTeen by Knix can absorb about 1 tsp to 4.5 tsp of blood, equivalent to about 1 regular tampon to about 2.5 super tampons.
How long can you wear period swimwear?
Everyone’s flow is different, and for some, period swimwear works best as backup protection (in addition to a tampon or cup), while others wear period swimwear alone on lighter flow days. If you're experiencing a heavy flow, you may want to keep an eye on your swim bottoms from time to time to keep note of when would be the right time to change them out.
What to look for in period swimwear
Finding a good fit is key to getting the best wear out of period swimwear. Power recommends finding a swimsuit that gives you a snug fit in the legs and gusset, so you can feel confident and get the best coverage.
Experts also recommend looking for unique features like UltraViolet Protection Factor (UPF), which blocks UV radiation (UVB and UVA) from the skin through a particular fabric. Also, your swimsuit should be able to handle your flow without requiring the use of extra period products, so make sure to check out the absorption levels on every tag.
What is the best type of period swimwear for teens?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer regarding the best period swimwear for teens. The ideal style depends on personal preferences. A one-piece from Modibodi or Ruby Love can provide extra coverage and security on heavier flow days. Compared to lighter or moderate flow days, a two-piece silhouette might make you feel more comfortable. The crucial factor is to pay attention to the projected absorbency.
How to care for period swimwear
It would be best if you cared for your period swimwear the same way you do with regular clothing. In general, you should machine wash it after wearing it on a cold cycle and lay it flat to dry. We also recommend reading the care tag inside the swimsuit, as some brands may recommend avoiding the dryer to prevent shrinkage.
So, without further ado, let's get into the best period swimwear for teens.
Knix
Kt by Knix Period Swim Square Neck One-PieceA sleek black one-piece with slim spaghetti straps is a forever kinda thing. You’ll want to wear this classic silhouette for years to come—and it’s such good quality, you can! Knix’s suit absorbs between one and three teaspoons of blood (approximately one to three tampons or pantyliners worth), so it’s best for lighter flow days. As an added bonus, the suit itself is made with UPF 50+ fabric for added sun protection.
Pros: Adjustable straps, UPF protectionCons: Sizing is not super inclusiveSwimsuit Type: One pieceSizes: XXS–XXLAbsorbency: Light, up to three tamponsColor(s): 3Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandexCare: Machine wash gentle. Lay flat to dry
Another KT by Knix design, this one-piece has a sweet front tie detail that lets you customize the neckline. It comes in teal blue, black, and a limited-edition stripe print so you've got options to suit your swim style.
Pros: ✓ Adjustable straps ✓ UPF protectionCons: X Small range of sizesSwimsuit Type: One pieceSizes: XXS–LAbsorbency: Light, up to three tamponsColor(s): 3Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Yes, you can wear a teeny bikini when you’re on your period! Modibodi’s sparkly string bikini bottom may skimp on coverage, but it doesn’t skimp on period protection! It offers super absorbency for heavy flow days and is made with comfortable recycled materials… oh, and it’s adorable.
Pros: Super absorbent, adorable style, size inclusive, up to size 18Cons: Minimal coverageSwimsuit Type: String bikiniSizes: XS–XXXXLAbsorbency: Super, up to 10 tamponsColor(s): 3Material: Lurex, recycled polyamide
If you prefer extra coverage during your cycle, try these ultra-high-waisted swim bottoms for protection and comfort. They’re available in three go-with-everything colors and have an extended gusset and four layers of protection to keep you drier, longer on light to medium flow days.
Pros: Supportive, high-coverage fit, four layers or protection, extended gussetCons: No major consSwimsuit Type: One pieceSizes: XXS–XXXLAbsorbency: Light, up to three tamponsColor(s): 3Material: 75% polyamide, 25% spandex
Not all period bikini bottoms have to be high waisted or full coverage! This sleek, classic style from Modibodi has a '90s supermodel vibe with high-cut legs and a cheeky back.
Pros: Made with recycled fabric, stylish fit, great absorptionSwimsuit Type: BikiniSizes: XXS–XXXLAbsorbency: Super, up to 10 tamponsColor(s): 1Material: 74% recycled nylon, 26% elastane
Not all period swimwear needs to be black or a dark color! These neon yellow bottoms have a classic bikini fit with feel-good coverage and come in a handful of colors and prints.
Pros: Fun colors and patterns, medium coverageCons: Limited sizingSwimsuit Type: BikiniSizes: XXS–LAbsorbency: Light, up to 3 tamponsColor(s): 8Material: 74% recycled nylon, 26% elastane
Looking for an option for swim team practice or the swim portion of gym class? This Knix Teen one-piece is sporty, stylish, and made for action, with a high neckline and racerback straps that help it stay in place as you dive and crawl through the water. As an added bonus, it comes highly recommended from Reddit users.
Pros: Fitted silhouette is great for high activity, three layers or protection, UPF 50+ materialCons: Sizing is not super inclusiveSwimsuit Type: One pieceSizes: XXS–XXLAbsorbency: Up to two super tamponsColor(s): 5Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Nothing says summer like a bright red one-piece suit, and Ruby Love’s take on the eternally cool style is worth every penny. The brand specializes in period swimwear, so you know you’re getting a quality fit and powerful protection. The Bae Watch suit absorbs about three tampons’ worth of blood and won’t swell up in the water. Thick racerback straps are supportive and comfortable for swimming, kayaking, or running on the beach like a TV lifeguard. Because it’s such a timeless silhouette and color, you can wear it now and 10 years down the road.
Pros: Vibrant red color, can hold a pad if needed, won't swell in waterCons: Sizing is not inclusiveSwimsuit Type: One pieceSizes: XXS–XLAbsorbency: Light, up to three tamponsColor(s): 8Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex
Shorts are such a fun addition to your swimwear wardrobe, period or no period, and this nautical striped style looks so crisp and cool on a hot day in the water. The sculpting fabric adds a bit of compression for a flattering fit, and the shorts offer moderate absorption.
Pros: Cute print, UPF 50+ fabric, sculpting fit, full coverageCons: None to noteSwimsuit Type: ShortsSizes: XS–XXLAbsorbency: Three tamponsColor(s): 4Material: 58% nylon, 42% Lycra
If you're in the market for a different type of silhouette, why not try board shorts? They offer some more flexibility and coverage, so you can be completely worry free as you swim. You can pair it with a crop top or a bikini top, depending on your style and coverage preferences. Regardless, the board shorts have a totally unique and cool look.
Pros: Comfortable, UPF 50+ fabricCons: Fabric and care not listedSwimsuit Type: Board shortsAbsorbency: Up to two and a half super tamponsColor(s): 8Material: Not listed online
Knix
Full Coverage HipsterHipster-style mini shorts are perfect for more active lifestyles, not to mention so cute! This plaid style has a 2000s vibe that feels like something Lizzie McGuire would wear. (You can purchase a matching bikini top or tankini too.) These full-coverage shorts are best for lighter flow days and will stay in place for beach volleyball and diving off the dock.
Pros: Comfortable, UPF 50+ fabricCons: Limited sizingSwimsuit Type: ShortsSizes: XXS-LAbsorbency: Light, about 1 to 3 tamponsColor(s): 4Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Ruby Love One-Shoulder Ruffle SwimsuitThis adorable slimming one-shoulder ruffle swimsuit has a built-in absorbent liner that can hold an equivalent of up to three tampons, and it's crafted from a dry-tech mesh that prevents the sides and backs from leaking.
Pros: ✓ It’s the most absorbent option on our list ✓ Leak-proof technologyCons: X More expensiveSwimsuit Type: One-Shoulder Ruffle SwimsuitSizes: XXS–3XLAbsorbency: Up to three tamponsColor(s): BlueMaterial: 80% nylon, 20% spandex
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