Period undies and swimwear

Vulvovaginal discharge in children

Period undies are underwear that you use instead of sanitary products like pads, tampons or menstrual cups to ‘catch’ (and disguise) your period.

These new period solutions are revolutionising the way we are able to manage our periods by providing either extra protection for heavy periods, allowing us to go without changing out a menstrual cuptampon or pad.

Leak-proof period undies and period swimwear let your period out of your body naturally, soaked up and invisible. We love them.

There are some excellent period undies and period-safe swimwear on the market now, which you can buy online in packs or singles, in a variety of styles.

Why period undies and period swimwear are awesome

  • Good for the environment – avoid single-use products
  • Good for your budget – save money after an initial investment
  • Allow your vagina to ‘breathe’
  • Can be used as well as traditional menstrual products to prevent leakage during heavy flow/long days
  • Period undies wick moisture away from your body so you don’t feel wet
  • Some period undies are antimicrobial, to avoid a cesspool in your underwear
  • Holds two times as much liquid as a tampon
  • Leak-resistant design – wear white pants!
  • Lots of designs to suit your style, including g-strings/thongs
  • Super comfy
  • Use period undies even when you don’t have your period, to collect (excess) discharge, to help with stress urinary incontinence, or post-surgery
  • Great for teenagers who are just learning about ruining their underwear
  • These products are GOOD LOOKING! They feel good, they look good, and they do their job very, very well.
  • Designed by women, for women, unlike all other menstrual products

How to use period undies and period swimwear

You can use period undies and swimwear with other menstrual products, or on their own. Wash before use. With underwear, it’s best to get a few pairs with different absorbency to get you through your period.

If you just want one pair for your heaviest flow days or lightest flow days, great – that works too – but if you’re going to be using period undies for your full period, you’ll need a few pairs.

Throw them in the washing machine afterwards or rinse them first if the thought of period rinsing through your other clothes makes you squeamish! Period undies and swimwear are washing-machine safe.

How much do period knickers and period swimwear cost?

  • Period knickers cost $24-38 per pair, but you usually get a discount for buying more than one pair.
  • Period swimwear is more like $90-$150, and come in bikini or one-piece.


Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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