Which period products are best for swimming?
The scenario: For months you've been looking forward to your vacation - imagining how you'll jump and splash in the water, have salt water in your hair, read a book by the pool. But then you see it: Your period lands in the middle of it all.
First impression? DAMN! But hey, a period won't ruin your vacation - and as soon as you've read our guide, you'll get right back to looking forward to your vacation.
We understand that: If you want to bathe or swim when you're on your period on vacation, it's perfectly normal to have doubts. Can you even bathe or swim during your period (hint: YES! And you can read all the myths and truths here )? Which period products work best in water? Can I avoid tampons when I bathe?
Take a breather and let us guide you one product at a time.
The article is written by Emma Libner, author, vagina activist and sexologist, updated in 2026 by Cathrine Wichmand
What can you use in the water when you are menstruating?
The three most common period products used for swimming are:
- Tampons
- Menstrual cup or menstrual disc
- Swim-friendly period panties or period swimwear
Let's go in depth with each product:
Tampons
Tampons absorb period blood inside the body and are therefore a classic solution for swimming.
The benefits: Many people choose tampons for beach trips or pool days because they work discreetly in the water.
Cons: Recent research from 2024 has shown that some tampons may contain traces of heavy metals or residues from production. Therefore, more people today choose alternatives such as cups, disks or menstrual swimwear.
👉 You can read more about the safety of period products here.
Menstrual cup or disk
A menstrual cup or menstrual disc collects the blood instead of absorbing it.
The advantages: The cup can be worn for several hours at a time and is therefore also a popular solution if you want to bathe while you are menstruating.
The disadvantages: Not everyone can use a period product inside the body - it can be people who suffer from vulvodynia or, for example, children and teens who either physically dislike it or the responsibility that comes with using products inside the body (for example, you have to remember to take it out, empty it, rinse it and occasionally boil it).
If you use an IUD, we recommend a menstrual pad.
Bath-friendly period panties
If you prefer "external" period products, meaning a product that does not need to go inside the body, there are actually period panties designed for swimming or period swimwear. This also means that you can easily bathe during your period without a tampon .
The benefits: Period swimwear looks like regular swimwear, but inside the bottom you will find absorbent layers, just like in period briefs.
The disadvantages: Period swimwear has low to moderate absorbency, so if you bleed heavily, you will need a cup, disk, or tampon.
👉 If you're curious about whether you can bathe without a tampon , you can read our full guide here.
Which period products are best for swimming?
Which period product out of the bunch mentioned above is best for swimming actually depends on your needs, your body and what makes you comfortable.
Are you bleeding heavily? Our suggestion: Period swimwear combined with a cup/disc.
Do you bleed lightly to moderately? Our suggestion: Period swimwear only.
Do you prefer a period product that is hidden from others when you bathe? Period swimwear or menstrual disc/cup.
Experiment and find your own best solution for your cycle.
What are swim-friendly period panties?
In 2024, we launched our first period swimwear collection with Cartel, and it was SO popular. Period swimwear is swim-friendly styles made of quick-drying materials that are best suited for a swim.
In 2026, we will launch a complete swimwear collection under our own name with a wonderful mix of period bikinis and period swimsuits:
The materials have been developed in collaboration with manufacturers in Italy, the fits have been fine-tuned over two years, and the function has been thoroughly tested since our first launch in 2024.
The sizes range from 2XS to 3XL, so more bodies are included.
Your period swimsuit looks like regular swimwear and the quality is incredibly nice - you can easily use your period swimsuit alone. Or you can choose to use it as a backup for a tampon or cup .
👉 If you want to see our selection of menstrual swimwear, you can find it here.
One last piece of advice for your beach holiday
If you are traveling with friends or family, it may be a good idea to be open about your situation if you know you will be menstruating on vacation.
This often makes it easier to plan trips to the beach, extra bathroom visits or breaks. And your fellow travelers will most likely be happy to help you find solutions so you can still enjoy your vacation.
As always, the same advice applies:
Listen to your body.
Maybe it feels best to bathe early in the morning when you are fresh - and there are fewer people (if that makes you feel safe).
Or later in the day when the beach is a little calmer.
Regardless, the most important thing is that you do what feels right for you.
Have a good holiday.
Extra tip: If you're at a beach with pay toilets, make sure to have cash on you. It can save you a lot of hassle when you suddenly need to change your period product or panties (we speak from experience!).
FAQ: Swimming and periods
Can you swim without a tampon?
Yes. Many people choose menstrual cups or period swimwear instead.
Can you swim with period panties?
Yes – if they are designed for bathing. Regular period panties are not made for water - however , Period Flow High Rise is made of quick-drying materials, so if you are about to take a spontaneous bath, you will be fine.
Is it disgusting to bathe during a period?
No, that's a myth, and you can read more about them and have most of them debunked in the article here . 
