Whether they're in swimming lessons, getting ready for sleep-away camp, off on vacation, or just headed to the beach, your teen is probably thinking: "what if I get my period? Can I even swim on my period?"
From there, they pack a ton of period products, throw on an extra pair of shorts, and despite the gorgeous weather and hot sun, suspiciously tell everyone, “I just don’t feel like swimming today." The thought of leaking in the water or on a beach towel feels too stressful and uncomfortable. Sound familiar for your teen? It doesn't have to.
At Kt, we design period swimwear for teens so they can dip, dive, and swim comfortably—even on their period! Have some questions? No worries. Keep reading for some FAQs on swimming on your period.
Swimming pools, meet menstrual flow
Swimming during your period can feel a bit nerve-racking at first, especially for teens who are new to having one—we get it! But there are many ways they can prepare and help prevent leaks, and they can still enjoy soaking up the sun by the swimming pool, stress-free.
Period swimwear is an all-around great option for your teen to feel at ease while swimming. It's designed with Leakproof technology that can hold around 1-3 tsps of blood. Depending on flow, your teen can wear them solo on lighter days to help prevent leaks or as backup protection in combination with tampons and menstrual cups for extra confidence.
If they haven't tried a tampon or menstrual cup and are interested but need some guidance on how to use a tampon or menstrual cup, check out our handy guides.
And don't forget to pack some period underwear to wear to and from the pool! Leakproof protection is easy and seamless when you're prepared for anything.
Period blood and water—your teen's questions answered
Q: Will my period blood attract sharks?
A: It is perfectly safe to swim while on your period. A common misconception is that menstrual blood is made up of just blood. Menstrual blood is actually made of up three main bodily fluids: blood, vaginal fluid, and cells from your uterus lining. While sharks are very good at detecting blood, they can also detect other bodily fluids, such as urine.
This may feel a bit frightening, but remember, you aren't the only creature swimming in the ocean! Sharks can detect small traces of blood and secretions from fish and other ocean life, their preferred food source. Shark attacks on humans are rare and typically occur when a shark feels threatened rather than hungry.
As long as you are wearing proper period protection, swimming on your period poses no more of a threat than swimming while not on your period.
Safety note: remember to always swim near the lifeguard and with a buddy!
Q: Will I leave a trail of blood in the water?
A: Nope! Remember, protection is key. As long as you are wearing proper protection while swimming on your period, the only person who will know is you. If you wear tampons, remember to change them at least every six hours.
Q: Will the water pressure make my period cramps worse?
You may not feel like swimming while on your period, and that is totally okay! However, exercise, including swimming exercise, is one way your body releases endorphins which act as natural painkillers. So, exercising while on your period can help you manage your menstrual cramps.
Tell me more about Kt's swimwear
Sure thing! Let's break down some FAQs:
What makes period swimwear different from period underwear?
We’ve spent years perfecting our period underwear, so we've got you when it comes to period swimsuits for teens. Period swimwear is just like the bathing suits your teen is used to—including bikinis and one-piece styles in different coverage options—with the added advantage of helping absorb period blood.
They are designed to perform in water and feel comfortable lounging by the pool. The only difference is a discreet liner made of absorbent material that can absorb up to 3 teaspoons of liquid, which is equal to about 3 regular tampons or pads.
Bonus: Our swimsuits offer +50 UPF protection, which means the fabric helps protect harmful UV radiation from the sun.
But how does it work?
The layers in the gusset of the underwear absorb period blood to help prevent leaks in the water (or on land!). It features the same absorbent technology as our underwear to help prevent leaks while swimming.
How do they lock in period blood but still get clean in the washing machine?
The inner layers absorb blood to help prevent leakage. When it goes in the wash with mild detergent, it releases through the top layer—leaving it fresh and clean for tomorrow's swim.
Reminder: no bleach or softener, and lay flat to dry.
I've heard period flow stops in water, is this true?
Although it may seem like it, a period doesn’t really stop while swimming. Instead, your teen might be experiencing a reduction of flow due to the water pressure.
The period is still happening, it’s just not flowing out of their body at the same rate. Period swimwear helps trap these little leaks, leaving you comfortable while you swim—even on your period.
When should my teen wear them?
If your teen's flow is light, or they're at the end of your period, they can likely wear period swim solo. If their flow is heavy and they're planning to hit the water, they can wear a tampon or menstrual cup with our swimwear as backup protection. Everyone’s period is different, and you and your teen know their needs best.
PS: If you really like them, your teen can wear these when they're not on your period, too! The suits look and feel just like regular swimwear.
Where can my teen wear period swimwear?
Anywhere! In a lake, at the beach, in the pool, running through the sprinkler, catching some rays in the backyard. Whether it’s a freshwater swim or a relaxing hot tub dip, they’re equally comfy (and leakproof) both in the water and on land.
Are they easy to care for?
Yes! Not only is the fabric in period swimwear chlorine and seawater resistant, but they also have 50+ UPF protection. That means your teen is good to swim on their period in any body of water of your choice. So tell them to slap on some sunscreen and hop into their favorite Kt Swim—let’s go swimming!
How do I find the right size for my teen?
You can find sizing charts on every product page, but if you’re not sure or need help double checking, you can book a free virtual fit appointment with one of our fit experts. They’ll make sure your teen gets the right size so they're completely vacation ready.
With a ton of different styles, colors, and patterns, don't wait to shop our entire period swimwear collection.
