10 Best Period Swimwear for Teens That Are Absorbent and Comfy to Wear
If you're looking to enjoy a day of swimming or water sports but are on your menstrual cycle, you don't have to let that ruin your plans. All you have to do is reach for the best period swimwear for teens, providing protection and comfort, so you won't have to worry about leaks or seeps.
Most period swimsuits look and feel the same as traditional bathing suits, however, the major difference is that the styles are designed to be leak-proof, featuring built-in liners that work to absorb blood quickly. Popular period underwear brands like Ruby Love and Knix carry period swimsuits in sizes XXS to XXL. They also offer a range of styles, from one-piece suits with adjustable straps to two-piece sets that include high-waisted swim shorts and bikini briefs. However, in terms of their features, it's far more advanced.
"The top layer of the line is designed to feel super comfortable against the skin, while the second layer is highly-absorbent and rapidly traps about three teaspoons of blood (or the equivalent of three tampons). [Lastly], the [final] layer–or body fabric—is waterproof and keeps the water out and the blood from the middle layer," said a Knix spokesperson in an interview for Teen Vogue.
While it is safe to swim in period swimwear while experiencing your menstrual cycle, experts suggest adding a menstrual cup or tampon as backup on your heavy flow days. Ultimately, though, it boils down to personal preference. It might even take a few wears to determine the best method for you and your cycle.
So if you're looking for the best period protection for swimming (we've got cute plus-size swimsuit picks, too!), look no further. We've picked out 10 of the best period swimwear styles for teens.
What to Look For in Period Swimwear?
Anyone who is menstruating can benefit from the best period swimwear for teens. However, when you invest in a brand like Knix, which features an ultra-violent protection factor (or UPF), you set yourself up for added benefits.
UPF protection indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun's rays and allows two percent (1/50th) to penetrate, reducing your exposure risk significantly.
Furthermore, you want your one-piece swimsuit or period swim bottoms to alleviate the need to use period products and instead hold up a minimum of two tampons worth of blood. In turn, this provides peace of mind and benefits all teens and tweens, whether it’s their first period or when dealing with heavy days.
Our Top Picks:
- Best overall period swimwear for teens: Leakproof High Rise Bikini Bottom ($55 at Knix)
- Best plus-size one-piece period swimwear for teens: Leakproof Wrap One Piece ($105 at Knix)
- Best one-shoulder period swimwear for teens: Ruby Love One-Shoulder Ruffle Swimsuit ($110 at Ruby Love)
- Most eco-friendly period swimwear for teens: Teen Recycled Swimwear Racerback One Piece ($69 at ModiBodi)
- Best one-piece period swimwear for teens: Mordlanka Period Swimwear One Piece ($40 at Amazon)
All products featured on Teen Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- ExperienceInteriors1/10
Knix Leakproof High Rise Bikini Bottom
Periods are stressful enough, let alone having a period on a beach day. Alleviate the stress with this bikini bottom by Knix. From the high-waisted silhouette to the gentle tummy compression, the built-in absorbent liner (holding up to three tampons) is the cherry on top.
Pros: ✓ Ultra-flattering cut ✓Four-way stretch ✓High-waisted
Cons: X Runs small
Sizes: XS—4XL
Absorbency: About three tampons
Color(s): Black
Material: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex
Customer Review: "I was skeptical but thought I'd give them a try because it never fails that I have my period for beach vacations. They did not disappoint! Period day one (with a tampon), but no access to a bathroom on the beach for three hours, and it worked! I'm so impressed. If you're on the fence, I would 100% recommend."
- 2/10
Knix Leakproof Wrap One Piece
Streamline your swimwear searches with this classic black one-piece. The built-in bra provides chests with ample support throughout the day, while the subtle cutout shows just enough skin. Kick things up with Knix's leakproof technology that provides backup protection, whether it's your lightest or heaviest day.
Pros: ✓ Full bum coverage ✓A-G cups available ✓Cute cutout design
Cons: X The top ran small for some
Sizes: XS—XXXXL+
Absorbency: About three tampons
Color(s): Black
Material: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex
Customer Review: “By far the most flattering swimsuit I've ever worn. I am big-busted (38F), so I was a little nervous about having adequate support for the girls, but there is no problem[s], and I have never felt so confident in a suit. Highly recommend."
- ExperienceInteriors3/10
The Swim. High-Waisted Bottoms
Enjoy the sunshine and good times, and do so during your period. The secret? Period Co.'s high-waisted bottoms. Available in sizes from XS to XXXL, each pair offers the same absorbent fabric that works double-time to keep period leakage at bay and outside fluids away.
Pros: ✓Full coverage ✓Free of PFAS toxins ✓Designed to last more than one season
Cons: X Some recommend sizing up
Sizes: XS—XXXL
Absorbency: About two tampons
Color(s): Black
Material: 80% Recycled Nylon, 20% Spandex
Customer Review: "I was afraid my period would ruin our annual beach week, so I bought the high-waisted swim after having no luck with other brands. I wore these on days 1-3 (the heaviest time for me) with no leaks. I don’t know what kind of magic goes into making these, but I got slapped around by waves, built sand castles, and laid them out with no problem. Then when I rinsed in the shower, it was obvious my flow was heavy despite no leaks. These are a game-changer."
- ExperienceInteriors4/10
ModiBodi Teen Recycled Swimwear Racerback One Piece
ModiBodi's racerback swimsuit fits like a traditional one-piece but is beloved by many for its more-than-meets-the-eye design. It features a built-in patent-pending lining while working to absorb fluid and fight odor-causing bacteria.
Pros: ✓ Try it risk-free for 60 days ✓Light to moderate absorbency ✓Specifically designed for youth/teen bodies
Cons: X The chest can be over-padded for some
Sizes: Youth 10/12–Youth 16/18
Absorbency: Two tampons
Color(s): Black
Material: 100% Oeko-Tex Standard
Customer Review: “[It's the] perfect solution for my daughter who trains five times a week. It means she doesn't miss out on her swimming training which is important for her mental well-being."
- ExperienceInteriors5/10
Mordlanka Period Swimwear One Piece
Amazon shoppers love this Mordlanka one-piece swimsuit. High elastic spandex offers stretch and flexibility, ultimately molding to each person's body with wear. All while an absorbent layer provides leakproof, breathable back and front protection.
Pros: ✓ Flattering fit ✓ Affordable ✓ High elasticity
Cons: X Runs on the smaller side
Sizes: XS—XXL
Absorbency: Three tampons
Color(s): Black
Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Customer Review: "My daughter had a pool party planned, and an untimely visitor crashed the party. This suit came to the rescue. I had my doubts because she is SO picky about anything she wears!! She LOVED it!"
- ExperienceInteriors6/10
Knixteen Period Swim Bikini Bottom
Keep embarrassing leaks at bay with Knixteen's low-rise bikini bottoms. The three-layer construction provides a silky-smooth top layer, an absorbent leakproof middle layer, and finishes off with a waterproof outer layer.
Pros: ✓ Extremely comfortable ✓Waterproof outer layer ✓Rapidly absorbs blood
Cons: X Sizing ran big for some
Sizes: XXS—XXL
Absorbency: Up to three pads or tampons
Color(s): Sunrise (Orange), Black, and Bubbles (Cobalt Blue)
Material: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex
Customer Review: "I purchased two pairs of these for our trip to Hawaii for my 13 and 14-year-olds. We have bought other brands of swim bottoms before, and these by far outperformed the others! The lining is much more hidden and slim than the others. [It] made all the difference. They worked perfectly!"
- ExperienceInteriors7/10
OVRUNS Leakproof Period Bikini Bottoms
Don't walk, but run to your nearest computer to add these swim bottoms to your shopping carts. With a near-perfect 4.9 rating on Amazon, customers can't stop raving over how excellent they are, and we can't help but agree. They're eco-friendly, leakproof, and waterproof. Plus, they even provide UV50 + protection. Do we even need to say more?
Pros: ✓ Buttery soft ✓True to size ✓Fast-drying
Cons: X Can only be hand washed
Sizes: XS—3XL
Absorbency: Up to two tampons
Color(s): Navy, Black, Black Li (Low cut), Purple, and Teal
Material: 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane
Customer Review: "I enjoyed using these bikini bottoms, [it]makes water activities possible even on days that I typically would not have been happy [to visit] the pool. I felt confident and secure. To be honest: I think I looked pretty stylish. I would recommend these bikini bottoms."
- ExperienceInteriors8/10
Ruby Love One-Shoulder Ruffle Swimsuit
Yes, you can find period swimwear for teens that is both functional and fashionable, and Ruby Love's one-piece is living proof. It offers all the same bells and whistles as the rest; it holds up to three tampons, has a built-in absorbent liner, and dri-tech mesh that keeps sides and backs from leaking. But the one thing that takes this next level? The flattering one-shoulder ruffled silhouette. Not only is it on trend for the summer season, but when you add a pair of jean shorts, it can be worn from the seas to the streets in seconds.
Pros: ✓ It’s the most absorbent option on our list ✓Leak-proof technology ✓Ultra-flattering one-shoulder design
Cons: X More expensive
Sizes: XXS—3XL
Absorbency: Up to three tampons
Color(s): Blue
Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Customer Review: Nothing has been reviewed yet about this period swimsuit.
- ExperienceInteriors9/10
Vivi Hxroolrp Mid-Rise Leakproof Bikini Bottom
Are you looking for a mid-rise fit? Step right up and into these bikini bottoms. They hit right below the belly button and present a quick-dry bamboo charcoal and a leakproof gusset lining. Together, the two work double-duty to hold and absorb leaks and ward off any unflattering smells and bacteria.
Pros: ✓ Extremely affordable ✓A true mid-rise fit ✓Machine washable
Cons: X Runs small
Sizes: S—4XL
Absorbency: Up to 2.5 tampons
Color(s): Black
Material: 75% Nylon, 25% Spandex
Customer Review: "Great product! I wear a size six, and the large [size] fits best for me. I'm going to keep the medium pair as backup!"
- ExperienceInteriors10/10
TELUNSU Period Racerback One Piece Swimsuit
Keep things simple with this black swimsuit. The racerback silhouette is flattering on all body types and can be worn anywhere from casual days at the beach to late-night swim practices. Designed with four layers of leakproof protection in the front and odor-neutralizing technology, how can you even say no?
Pros: ✓ Provides all-day comfort ✓Removable bra cups ✓Eco-friendly
Cons: X Sizing was off for some
Sizes: XS—XXL
Absorbency: Up to two tampons
Color(s): Black
Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Customer Review: "[It provides] a lot of stretch [and is] not rigid! I have purchased several period bathing suits, and [many] don’t have any stretch. They’re very tight and constricting. [But] not this one, it’s like a normal speedo. It has removable cups and no underwire. The absorbent pad is large. [It] goes from front to back covering a good amount of space. [It] fits true to size!”
