maillots de bain menstruels efficaces

Are period swimsuits really effective?

Written by: Camille Raynaud

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Time to read 7 min

Period swimwear—how does it work? Are they really effective and reliable at capturing menstrual flow and holding it in? How does period blood stay contained without dispersing into the water? It’s normal to have serious doubts about how well this type of protection works.

A period swimsuit that holds menstrual flow in the water without leaking? It’s normal to be sceptical! And yet period swimwear, just like period panties, is becoming more and more common – and we couldn’t be happier!

Yes, there is a real alternative to menstrual cups and disposable tampons. Until now, those were the only two hygienic options for swimming on your period. Louloucup, a French brand of washable, reusable menstrual products, explains how period swimsuits work and why it’s so useful to have one in your suitcase for your next holiday! (Yes, it really will save the day 😉)

Absorbent fabric & waterproof fabric: the key to period swimwear

The principle of menstrual swimsuits is quite simple to understand. It can be summarized as follows:

Inside the swimsuit, in contact with your intimate area, there is an absorbent fabric that captures menstrual flow. This technical fabric also ensures the wearer stays dry, so zero moisture and great comfort guaranteed!

Beneath this first fabric lies a highly absorbent membrane (the pad). This very absorbent fabric can hold and trap menstrual flow without swelling. Thus, menstrual swimsuits can store flow without changing shape. The period bikini doesn’t bulk up—no diaper effect!

Finally, to contain menstrual flow within the swimsuit, a waterproof and water-repellent fabric is sewn on the outside. This way, bath water doesn’t come into contact with the pad holding the blood. The flow remains neatly stored in the membrane without diluting into the water.

Thanks to this combination of different technical fabrics, there’s no risk of leaks or stains. The blood won’t dissolve into the pool water, and there’s no risk of stains on the lounger or bath towel.

The layering of the different fabrics stays very thin and very discreet. There’s no way anyone could tell you’re wearing period swimwear from the outside! No need to stress or worry about that – you can feel totally at ease!

A few words about Noa 😎



  • Noa is one of our favourite period swimsuits.

  • Elegant, cut just right, black—you’ll genuinely enjoy putting it on and wearing it, even when you have your period.

  • Noa easily absorbs light to medium periods. If you have a heavy flow, we recommend wearing a cup as well as Noa.

  • Noa is perfect both at the beach and at the pool, in chlorinated or salt water.

Discover the full collection of Louloucup period swimwear for light to medium flow at low prices 😍

Period swimwear: which flows is it effective for?

In salt water or chlorinated water, on the beach or by the pool, today’s menstrual swimsuits available on the market are effective for light and medium flows.

A menstrual swimsuit can be worn:


  • By all women at the beginning or end of their menstrual period when flow is still light, or at any other time in the cycle when flow is lighter.

  • During pregnancy for expectant mothers who experience some harmless discharge and light bleeding.

  • By all women and teenagers who experience irregular periods, surprise periods or small, unexpected, irregular bleeds (spotting).

Menstrual swimsuits can really "save the day" and allow you to enjoy, despite your period, an afternoon at the pool with friends or a swim in the sea with family without any problem.


Teenagers and women with a heavy flow are advised to wear internal protection such as a menstrual cup or tampon in addition to a period bikini. Medium flow, heavy flow, hemorrhagic flow, and lochia are not supported by current menstrual swimsuits.

Do you have heavy, even haemorrhagic periods? Do you wear an IUD? Louloucup’s heavy to very heavy flow period panties have an absorption capacity equivalent to 5 regular tampons. Don’t hesitate to pop a few in your basket with your next order. These styles are perfect for long days or for sleeping without worrying about staining your sheets. They’re also the perfect complement to period swimwear. 

Menstrual swimsuits: protection that’s pretty, absorbent, and waterproof all at once

Menstrual swimsuits, just like period panties, don’t forget to be elegant and pretty. Feminine, trendy, high-waisted or one-piece, you now have a wide choice to fully enjoy the moment.

This key piece in your summer wardrobe is as pretty as it is comfortable. You feel good as soon as you slip on your period swimsuit. You can finally swim freely even on your period.

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Menstrual swimwear for every woman

For teens who don’t want to use internal protection like tampons or cups, for new moms who can’t (yet) use menstrual cups or tampons, and for all women seeking simple, safe protection (no risk of toxic shock, no dryness, no irritation), menstrual swimsuits are the solution!

Louloucup hasn’t forgotten teenagers! Discover all our teen period swimsuits and build your own custom bundle for an optimised, ultra-comfortable period routine.

Spotlight on Louloucup’s range: menstrual bikinis for everyone!

So, interested in menstrual swimsuits? In addition to period panties and menstrual cups, Louloucup offers a great range of one-piece and two-piece menstrual swimsuits.

Discover without delay our 4 beautiful models suited for light to medium flows:


  • The Laura menstrual bikini bottom. What’s its advantage? Its beautiful lace-up back and high waist to conceal a bloated tummy during your period. Good to know: the Laura style is available up to size XXL. This bottom is very popular. Users feel secure while looking pretty.

  • The Noa one-piece menstrual swimsuit, elegant and timeless, is a must-have. This one-piece menstrual swimsuit is both reliable and classic. It features a plunging neckline and an integrated bra.

  • The Manon menstrual bikini bottom is a black bikini brief that’s super simple and very classic, pairing well with anything! Super practical! The real bonus with this menstrual bikini bottom? Its teen version in size XXS. Yes, our teens need their own period swimwear too. At 12, 14, or older, find the ideal period swimsuit for her.

  • The Juliette menstrual bikini bottom is the bikini version of one of the most popular organic cotton period panties among our users, the Naomi model, a black, sexy panty for medium flow. Its side lacing leaves no one indifferent. The classic black bikini bottom can be paired with any bikini top or sports bra.

In short.

Our range of menstrual swimwear is specially designed to offer optimal comfort while remaining elegant and feminine.
The cuts of our menstrual swimsuits are carefully designed to flatter your figure and make you feel beautiful and confident during your days at the beach or pool. 💦

Our period swimsuits are competitively priced, with attractive offers to suit all budgets. Build your own custom sliding-scale bundle. Mix and match styles, sizes, absorbencies and looks. Add underwear, a cup and a swimsuit—basically, do whatever you like! There are no limits. And you’ll happily notice that the unit price of each product you’ve selected has dropped. It’s automatic, and it’s our way of saying thank you for your trust.

By choosing one of our Louloucup period swimsuits, you’re guaranteed fast, free delivery in France and across Europe. What’s more, your order is always shipped within 48 hours maximum. So don’t wait—get equipped now so your next period is comfortable, eco-friendly and easy to manage. 

FAQ - menstrual swimsuits

I have a heavy flow—can I wear a period swimsuit without worrying about leaks?

Unfortunately, at the moment, no period swimsuit can effectively hold a heavy or very heavy menstrual flow. Absorbent period bikinis are only suitable for light to medium menstrual flow. If you have a heavy flow, we recommend wearing a menstrual cup + a period swimsuit for leak-free swimming. That way, you’ll be well protected!

How do menstrual swimsuits manage not to leak and still be so effective?

It’s all thanks to their design and the different layers of technical fabrics. An inner layer that absorbs the flow, a middle membrane that captures and stores it, and a final waterproof outer layer that stops it from leaking out!

Menstrual swimsuits cost much more than tampons, so why should I choose this type of protection?

Menstrual swimwear, just like period panties, is washable, reusable period protection that comes at a certain price. It’s a significant investment. However, because you can reuse it many times over many years, period swimwear is a smart investment that quickly pays for itself! Menstrual swim bottoms help you save money despite costing more than a box of tampons. 

Louloucup

Camille

I’ve been writing for Louloucup for several years now, and I love chatting about everything from period panties to grandma’s remedies for easing period pain! Every week I share my favorites and inspirations with one goal in mind: finally experiencing calm, stress-free periods! 🩷

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