Teen period swimwear: Why it's the best choice for water activities
For many, menstruation + a dip in the water can feel like two things that cannot be reconciled. Most of us feel a little extra vulnerable when we have our period. The blood and bare skin, minimal fabric, the risk of it showing.
As much as we want to revolutionize society's view of menstruation, we know there is still a long way to go. We are not yet at a point where leaks, a tampon string down the leg, or other small "proofs" that we are menstruating, are something we are all comfortable with. When we swim, there is simply less fabric to protect us.
This can lead to us skipping the water. Both as adults, but especially children. Australian studies show that over 67% of children and young people skip a dip in the water when they have their period.
This comes at a cost. Community, experiences, exercise.
But it doesn't have to. The key could be: Period swimwear. What is it? And why is it great for kids? We'll dive into that now.
The article was written by Cathrine Widunok Wichmand
What is period swimwear?
Period swimwear is a new category of swimwear that looks just like regular swimwear, but it has built-in absorbent layers and a membrane in the bottom of the swimwear.
You know the technology from period panties - but in our period swimwear, the layers are quick-drying and therefore better for use in water.
With period swimwear, you get swimwear that:
- collects menstrual blood
- protects against leakage
- can be used without a tampon
Why is period swimwear a game changer for teens?
For many years, there has been one solution for menstruating people in the water, if they didn't want to free bleed: Tampons. Besides the fact that many on the market contain lead and other heavy metals, it is also not the obvious choice for a child or teen who physiologically may not have room for a tampon in the vagina or is not yet ready to insert anything into their reproductive organs.
👉 Read our guide to the best menstrual products for your swim.
1. No tampon = less responsibility
For many young people, tampons are a major barrier. As described before, for some, it can be quite overwhelming to insert something into the vagina. But tampons also come with a responsibility: You have to remember to change it after each swim, as it can absorb water - the water is rarely clean, and therefore you don't want a soaked tampon with seawater inside the vagina for too long at a time.
Period swimwear removes the need for insertion into the body and makes swimming much safer and more free.
2. More confidence in social situations
Swimming is often a social event, for example at:
- school sports
- beach trips with friends
- holidays
The thought of being forced to sit on the edge of the pool with only your toes in the water for an entire holiday, just because your period has arrived, is almost unbearable. Children and teens should not miss out - just because they are menstruating. At least not if they actually want to go into the water.
Being able to participate and be in the water with your friends - without worry - makes a huge difference.
3. Less stress about leakage
Period swimwear is designed to be leak-proof – even in water.
Practically speaking, the pressure of the water against the body will already slow down the blood's exit from the body. However, the pressure does not stop the water completely. And when you get out of the water, the bleeding will continue unabated.
Period swimwear has three absorbent layers and an absorbency suitable for light to moderate flow. The outer membrane will prevent leaks. If you bleed heavily, a cup or disc may be a good supplement.
It brings peace of mind and allows you to focus on what matters most: having fun.
4. Feels just like regular swimwear
Children and teens often just want to blend in - especially during a period where one feels a little extra vulnerable - e.g. during menstruation. As with our period panties for teens, no one can tell the difference between regular swimwear and period swimwear.
It makes everything a little more secure.
👉 Want to save? Here you'll find our bundle with Johanne Bikini and Period Flow Brief for teens.
When does period swimwear make sense?
You can use your period swimwear every day - even without menstruation.
Our period swimwear looks exactly like your regular swimwear, and it feels that way too. We also use the very best materials from Italy, and we sew all our swimwear in Portugal - you get swimwear of really high quality.
Period swimwear is particularly good:
- For light to moderate bleeding
- As a supplement to other products
- For teens who don't want to use a tampon
👉 You can find our period swimwear for children and adults right here.
You can easily choose to combine your period swimwear to find a solution that works well for you:
- Period swimwear + tampon (for heavy bleeding)
- Period swimwear alone (for light bleeding)
It's about security and need - and it's about what feels comfortable for you or your child.
A new way of thinking about menstruation
Innovation in menstrual products has been stagnant for decades, but the last ten years have seen huge progress with both cups, discs, and period panties.
Period swimwear is part of the larger movement:
👉 From limitation → to freedom
It's no longer about what you can't do during menstruation – but about how you can live your life completely normally.
It should be you who sets the bar and the agenda for the day - not the blood itself. Do you need rest? Perfect. Do it in a pair of period panties on the couch. Do you want to get out and exercise and swim? Just as good. Do it in your period swimwear.
In short, finally
Period swimwear for teens is brilliant because it:
- makes swimming possible without a tampon
- creates confidence in social situations
- gives freedom and self-confidence
And most importantly:
It removes the feeling of having to “stand on the sidelines.” That should never be the price for having your period.
Have a great time in the blue!
FAQ: Period Swimwear + Teens
Can you go to a water park with menstruation?
Yes! You absolutely can go to a water park with your period. Menstruation is not unhygienic or disgusting - the most important thing is that you feel comfortable. And you can wear period swimwear instead of your regular swimwear for extra peace of mind.
👉 You can read 9 myths about swimming and menstruation right here.
Does period swimwear scream that you are menstruating?
Our period swimwear is both discreet and innovatively designed to look just like regular swimwear. You can see Johanne Bikini right here for a good example.
How does period swimwear work?
Period swimwear has absorbent layers in the bottom of the brief, just like period panties. The top layer directs blood down into the absorbent layer. At the bottom, you'll find a membrane that ensures you don't bleed through. If you bleed heavily, a disc or cup can be a good supplement to period swimwear.
👉 We have written much more about period swimwear right here.
