The best period swimwear for a leak-proof dip

Modibodi is a brand that’s changed the name of the game when it comes to period pants. Initially, founder and mum Kristy Chong came up with the concept when experiencing light incontinence during her marathon training, as an alternative for disposable hygiene products. Modibodi’s leakproof underwear is now one of the most well-known of its kind and the brand’s swimwear is not only very comfy and effective, the designs are also some of the most fun on the market.

Most brands that offer period-proof swimwear opt for black, which is understandable considering any leakage or accidents would be less visible in darker colours, but it also means options can be a little boring. Well, not at Modibodi. While the brand does offer black bikinis and swimsuits, there’s also plenty of fun multi-coloured prints and bright colours.

In terms of design, there really is something for everyone: cut out, wrap and one-shoulder bathing suits as well as Brazilian, high-waist and tie-side bikini briefs – of course, all available with matching tops. And sizing is inclusive too, ranging from a UK8 or XS to UK22 or 4XL. We tried the “hi-waist” bikini and found the fit to be flattering while the additional padding didn’t feel as present as in some of the other briefs we’ve tested, making these feel less diaper-y and more like our regular swimwear.

This design is made from pre-consumer recycled nylon and is lined with a concealed, absorbent layer. The brand recommends washing Modibodi products before first wear to activate the technology in the liner for maximum absorbency, then after wear, first rinse out your bikini in cold water and then cold wash. Simply hang to dry with the rest of your laundry and it’s ready for next month.

Our only comment is that, as all Modibodi’s swimwear is made for light-moderate periods – meaning they can hold the equivalent of 10ml or one or two tampons – we’d love to see options for medium to heavy flows here too. So if you’re planning for a full day at the beach, it might not be enough coverage for some. However, we found it was perfect for the first and last days of our period.

The team at Cheeky Wipes set out on a mission in 2008: create simple reusables for everyone. Fast forward to 2023 and the brand has expanded from making reusable wipes and nappies to reusable sanitary pads, period pants and period swimwear too.

The brand has three different designs on offer: a black bathing suit, black bikini with crop top and black bikini with wrap top and ruched high-waist bottoms. Sizing is inclusive, ranging from UK 2-4 to UK 22-24, and as sizes listed cover two sizes, the brand recommends sizing down if you fall in between. As a UK size 12, we went for the 10-12 which fit us perfectly.

All swimwear from the brand covers for light to regular periods, meaning that on days when you have a heavier flow it’s best to use the period swimwear as back-up and still opt for a menstrual cup or tampon too. On lighter days however, it’s plenty coverage to see you through a dive.

We tried the bathing suit, made with treated nylon outer fabric that’s water resistant. The straps are adjustable and as they’re double there’s plenty support for swimming laps, and the padding is removable too so you can wash those separately or take them out altogether if that’s more comfortable.

When wearing, nothing gives away there’s four layers of protection in the bathing suit, and the absorbent lining is anti-bacterial and breathable. The bathing suit was quick to dry and when cleaning, wash cold with no fabric softener or bleach. If in any doubts, the brand has a convenient page with washing and care instructions to help you look after your period swimwear.

Back in 2017, Love Luna set a goal to provide affordable, sustainable and comfortable period products, and so far, it has managed to provide exactly that. And as a result, it’s the most affordable brand on this list, with period bikini briefs starting at £16.

The brand’s products give coverage for light to medium flows and can absorb up to 15ml – equalling two to three tampons – so it’s a little more coverage than Modibodi’s briefs (£29, Modibodi.co.uk). The high-waisted, full brief design we’ve tested features four-layer protection and had the most snug fit out of the swimwear tested, so we were pretty confident nothing could get through during our laps.

There’s also a smaller bikini brief available, as well as an adult and teen swimsuit. For now, all are only available in black though, so if you’re after a little more colour you may be better off at Modibodi. The brand’s offering ranges from a UK size 8-10 to 16-18. If you fall in between sizes or are unsure of the fit, there’s a convenient size chart with measurement so you can double-check which will suit best.

Able to absorb the equivalent of up to two or three products, this pair of period briefs from Fluxies can take on a moderate flow or will simply hold up for longer if your flow is light. The brand was founded in 2017 and while it started out with just period underwear, there’s now a whole range of reusable products, including period pads, wraparound hot water bottle and swimwear.

The brand claims that one pair of period pants can replace up to 200 tampons, and while we haven’t been able to put this claim to the test, if you needed a quantifiable number to convince you, there you have it. Meanwhile, sizes for this bikini brief range from small (UK 6-8) to extra large (UK 16-18), and we tried a medium (UK 12). There’s only one period bikini brief on offer from the brand, but as they say, it’s about quality not quantity and these briefs definitely deliver on that aspect.

The briefs are made from 86 per cent recycled nylon from pre-consumer waste, like water bottles and fishing nets, and 14 per cent elastane and can be machine washed at a maximum of 40C. Before chucking them in the washing machine though, make sure to rinse off any excess blood with cold water and simply air dry after washing.