The Menstrual Swimsuit: How Does It Work?
Ladies, if you regret not being able to swim during your period, you should know that there are now swimsuits specially designed for this time of the month. We suggest you discover how the menstrual swimsuit works, but also how to choose and wear it.
How does the menstrual bikini work?
The menstrual swimsuit works on the same principle as menstrual panties.
Building on the success of menstrual panties, whose sales exploded in 2021, swimwear manufacturers decided to offer models that can be worn during menstruation as well.
Specifically, menstrual swimsuits include in their fabric:
- an absorbent core that captures and holds the flow
- a waterproof membrane that prevents leakage.
While it's perfectly fine to swim during your period, it's when you get out of the water that you're likely to find yourself dripping blood down your thighs. To avoid this embarrassing situation, it's a good idea to wear a Swimsuit specially designed to prevent leakage.
With this type of swimsuit, it is possible to go to the beach or the Pool when you have your period, without wearing any other protection.
How to use it well?
If you have never worn menstrual panties or menstrual swimwear before, you should know that the models available on the market are suitable for rather light flows.
In practice, it is better to wear them at the beginning or end of your cycle, when your flow is not too heavy. If your flow is heavy, it is better to double this type of Swimsuit with complementary protection such as a menstrual cup or a tampon for more security.
It is also advisable to not wear this Swimsuit for more than 6 hours at a time. Once the bikini is wet, do not keep it on for more than 2 hours.
Also make sure to give it special care. To remove sea salt or chlorine from the pool, you should rinse it that evening in cold water (avoid hot water so as not to deteriorate its protective fibers).
You can then put it in the washing machine at 30 degrees, as long as you use a mild detergent and don't use fabric softener which could again damage the fibers.
Finally, it is recommended to dry it in the open air and in the shade. The heat of the sun or the dryer could also damage it.
Where to buy a menstrual swimsuit?
If the above description has made you want to buy your first menstrual swimsuit, you should know that there are several brands that specialize in menstrual lingerie like Smoon and Sisters Republic.
There is also a brand of menstrual swimwear made in France called Réjeanne.
In addition, the famous sports retailer Decathlon offers special menstrual bikini bottoms for €39.90.
As for the lingerie brand Etam, it is starting to market menstrual panties... and maybe soon period swimwear?
How to choose it ?
One of the main drawbacks of menstrual swimwear is its price. It is usually more expensive than a regular swimsuit.
In order to not break the bank, I suggest buying only a menstrual bikini bottom and pairing it with the swimsuit tops you already own. It's a good thing, the fashion is to mix colors or mix and match!
When it comes to style, there are more and more choices in the menstrual, two-piece and one-piece swimwear departments. A simple bikini bottom, however, is still easier to maintain than a one-piece swimsuit ...
