July 14, 2025, 2:54 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
Nothing is as annoying on vacation as the sudden onset of menstruation—or having your period during a summer getaway at all. Practical bikinis and swimsuits with built-in pads are touted as the solution for uninterrupted swimming fun during these days. Our STYLEBOOK author was initially skeptical: Are period bikinis any good? Her conclusion pleasantly surprised her, though there are also some drawbacks.
During menstruation, a woman loses about 60 milliliters of blood. That’s roughly one and a half shot glasses–but honestly, it feels like much more if you’re directly affected. Since the birth of my daughter and the return of my period about 13 months later, my period has been particularly heavy on the second and third days. Maybe it’s a transitional phase, as my cycle hasn’t settled yet. However, this factor is a disturbance for me.
Especially when I’m planning to fly to Crete for a summer vacation. Lying by the pool or beach and not being able to go in the water because I’m menstruating? That’s a no-go! I could use tampons or menstrual cups, but I’ll be honest: After a vaginal birth, things feel different down there. Mini-sized tampons are okay for me at the beginning and end of my period, but cups just don’t feel comfortable. In the water, tampons don’t work at all. The feeling is just strange, and I’m constantly worried they’ll slip out (which is physically impossible).
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The Solution: “I’m Testing a Period Bikini”
So, I scour the internet for suitable period beachwear for me. It should–just like period panties–catch menstrual blood in an integrated pad and, since it comes into contact with water, still contain the blood. Allegedly, this special swimwear dries just as quickly as a regular bikini or swimsuit. Can that really be true? I have my doubts. How is it supposed to work when the bikini gets wet in the water and still catches my blood?
Nevertheless, after many comparisons and considering my personal preferences (I like to wear high-waist slips and tops with proper straps but without underwire), I order a bikini from the Australian brand Modibodi. They narrowly beat out Ooia, from whom I already own a nursing bra and am very satisfied with. It bears the tropical name “Swim Molokai.” Normally, the bottoms and top together would cost nearly 87 euros, but I snagged it on sale for just under 60 euros. Still not a bargain, but it looks pretty, and I’ve only heard good things about the brand.
However, here’s the first downside: According to the size guide on the website, the top and bottom in my size aren’t available in the same color. So, I have to mix and match, ordering the top in a vibrant turquoise and the slip in a mauve tone. Allegedly, the slip can hold up to 50 milliliters of blood, which is about ten tampons. It’s suitable for days with medium to heavy menstrual flow. Sounds perfect for me!
Under These Conditions, It’s Tested
During my resort vacation in Crete, I was able to test the bikini in all situations: in a water park with slides, in freshwater and saltwater pools, in the wellness area, in the whirlpool, at Lake Kournas, and in the open sea at the paradisiacal dream beaches of Balos and Preveli. However–probably to my luck–my consistently irregular cycle didn’t surprise me during the trip. I still packed the bikini just in case, and it proved its worth.
Back in Germany, my body responded, and menstruation began–right when it was supposed to be the hottest day of the year, with temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. So, off to the chlorinated outdoor pool with the good piece.
Period Bikini in Test: The Pros
To my surprise, my test verdict is consistently positive. Starting with the fit. Bold as I am, I ordered the size according to the manufacturer’s chart. That was a 42 for both the top and bottom. I was skeptical. Buying swimwear is like a lottery. I might buy swimsuits in a 36/38, but for bikinis, I sometimes need a 44 for the slip, while the top might be a 38, or even a 40 or 42. Two of the same size for top and bottom, but almost never. According to the product description, the top is best suited for B and C cups, and I’m the latter. When I unpacked the bikini, both pieces fit like a glove. I’ve never had such a perfectly fitting bikini.
In practical tests, the two-piece also performs well. The bikini withstands all activities in the water and provides good support. You can swim, both leisurely and sporty, the bubbling of the whirlpool doesn’t cause any unwanted flashes, the waves in the sea keep everything in place, and no dirt or debris ends up in the slip or top in the freshwater lake. Salt and chlorinated water don’t affect the colors and material. The bikini can be washed at 104 degrees Fahrenheit on a gentle cycle in the washing machine, but it’s not dryer-safe. However, that’s not a big deal since it dries super quickly.
Now to the most important point: How leak-proof is the bikini when you’re menstruating? Answer: super tight. When I swam in the outdoor pool–25 laps of 50 meters at a sporty pace–I was on the third day of my period. That still means: a red massacre. I had to change my panties four times the day before! While swimming in the outdoor pool, I had no problems, and on the blanket on land, the slip stayed leak-proof. No red stain on my towel. Test passed.
The Cons
As mentioned, it was a bit annoying that I couldn’t buy the bikini in one color. Additionally, I find the price quite high outside of sales or without discount coupons online. However, all comparable models from other manufacturers are in a similar price range. Hopefully, this will change a bit in the future, and the bikinis will become a bit cheaper.
The biggest criticism, however, is due to the pretty cut of my model: It concerns the bow on the side of the bikini slip. It’s a tie, which is practical because you can adjust the size of the slip individually. But if you forget to make a double knot or double bow, you risk it coming undone while swimming. That’s unfortunately uncomfortable. The slip stays where it should, but it feels odd. This wouldn’t have happened with a more minimalist slip model. Some might also criticize the extremely large pad, which naturally makes the slip a bit thicker than other bikinis. Personally, it didn’t bother me at all.
In the Test: How Good Is a Period Bikini Really?
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This Was My Experience with the Period Bikini
After a good month of using the period bikini in all possible situations, my conclusion is very positive. I would buy one again anytime. I find them practical in vacation luggage because they save you from sudden surprises or when you forget that your period is due. Never again do I have to languish by the pool or on the beach lounger just because I’m menstruating and don’t have tampons with me.
Specifically, the Modibodi model convinced me a lot; maybe Australian manufacturers just know particularly well how to make swimsuits and bikinis. However, I think other manufacturers like The Female Company or GotYu make similarly good models. Overall, I find a period bikini a tad better than swimsuits because you can simply order two slips, even in different strengths, and swap them out more flexibly. For this reason, I will order another replacement slip. In the end, it’s a matter of taste; others might feel more comfortable in a swimsuit.