Why We Like It: Absorbent, affordable, and available in a variety of sizes, these high-waisted bottoms are a great option for menstruators across body sizes, budgets, and flows. 

It's Worth Noting: Two words: Tummy tanline.

A heavy flow and a wide-set vagina (IYKYK 😅) is no match for these full-coverage, high-waisted bottoms. These breathable bbs make sure nothing gets out—and for less than $40, the price can't be beat. Plus, they're neutral enough to wear with just about any bikini top.

THE REVIEW:"I have a very heavy flow, and these swim bottoms did exactly as advertised,"one reviewreads. "I was in and out of the pool for literally 7+ hours a day everyday of my period, and not once did these disappoint me. They’re also true to size and very flattering on. I love the high-waisted option, and they made me feel compressed when I was extra bloated!"

Why we love them: Made with 75% nylon & 25% spandex these high-waist bikini bottoms/swim shorts have breathable quick-dry bamboo charcoal and a leak-proof gusset to absorb and hold leaks.

Pros: They're from a small-medium business on Amazon.

Cons: You can't use fabric softener with them.

The fact there was nothing our testers didn’t like about these bikini bottoms speaks volumes. Offering maximum protection and comfort, they tick all our key boxes, and testers also found their chic high-waist design flattering — ideal if you’re feeling bloated or self-conscious.

Designed for light-medium flow days (they claim to hold up to 2.5 tampons’ worth of blood), they have a specially designed extended gusset to absorb and hold leaks, so you can swim confidently while on your period.

Made from nylon and stretchy spandex, testers found these bottoms lightweight and silky to wear. They felt like a regular bikini – not too bulky or chafing – and our panellists loved them so much, they plan to keep using them and recommending them to others.

Pros

• Extra-long gusset for extra coverage

The Savvi Wear Menstrual Leakproof High Waist Bikini Bottom performed the best in our period swimwear testing. We loved that this pick actually held the amount of liquid that it claimed to, and didn’t pool, spill over the sides, or leak out before it could fully absorb. 

Not only was the gusset highly absorbent, but it felt damp, rather than really wet or saturated after our testing. The dyed liquid that we used during testing did not transfer to a white towel. These bottoms come in nine sizes and three colors, which can be easily matched with any bathing suit top you have. 

We also loved that this bikini bottom was supportive and high-waisted—ideal for anyone who prefers a full-coverage bathing suit (and who doesn’t when they are on their period?). We can see this suit flattering many different body types...

Good HouseKeeping

Score: 92/100

Our top-scoring bottoms were a universal hit, earning full marks from our panellists for absorbency, style and comfort. The extra-long gusset, made from breathable bamboo charcoal, provided plenty of coverage and security, and no leakage was reported (they claim to hold up to 2.5 tampons’ worth of fluid, making them a perfect match for light to moderate days.)

Our testers loved the discreet design, with many commenting they looked and felt just like a regular pair of bikini bottoms. The material was soft, stretchy and comfortable – even on those bloated days – and there was no irritating chafing or unwanted bulk. “Swimming on your period can be uncomfortable and distracting but these bottoms made it feel easy and freeing,” said one satisfied tester.

They come with a reusable zip-lock bag for easy transportation and since they’re black, you can pair them with your usual bikini tops. Win, win.