School holidays should be about swimming, relaxing and having fun. They should not be spent sitting beside the pool because your period arrived unexpectedly.

For many New Zealand families, the winter school holidays mean escaping to somewhere warmer, such as Fiji, Australia or another tropical destination. That usually means swimming pools, beaches, waterparks, rash tops and plenty of time in swimwear.

However, getting a period just before a holiday can feel stressful, particularly for a tween or teen who does not want to use tampons, menstrual cups or menstrual discs yet.

The good news is that internal period products are not the only option. Period swimwear allows tweens, teens and anyone else who bleeds to swim while using protection that is worn just like ordinary bikini bottoms.

Can you swim on your period without a tampon?

Yes. You can swim during your period without using a tampon or another internal product.

Period swimwear is specifically designed to be worn in the water. It has built-in absorbent protection in the gusset, so there is no separate pad to insert, remove or dispose of.

This can be a particularly helpful option for young people who have only recently started their periods, do not feel ready to use an internal product, cannot use one comfortably or simply prefer not to.

There should be no pressure to use tampons, cups or discs before someone feels ready. The right period product is the one that feels comfortable, manageable and suitable for that person.

Why ordinary pads do not work for swimming

Disposable pads are designed to absorb liquid. When worn in a swimming pool or the sea, they can quickly absorb water, become heavy and stop working effectively.

A pad may also swell, move around or become visible beneath swimwear.

Period swimwear is different. It is made for use in water and has absorbent protection built directly into the swimwear. It looks and feels much more like a normal bikini bottom.

You do not need to wear a disposable pad underneath period swimwear.

How does period swimwear work?

Period swimwear contains an absorbent gusset that is designed to collect menstrual flow while you are wearing it.

It is important to choose an absorbency level that matches your flow. Someone with a light flow may need less protection than someone swimming during the heavier first days of their period.

Period swimwear is not magic, and no period product can guarantee that a leak will never happen. Leaks are more likely if the swimwear is too loose, the absorbency is too light for the person’s flow or the garment has been worn beyond its capacity.

A snug fit and the correct absorbency make a significant difference.

Choosing the right bohokiwi period swimwear

bohokiwi has two period swimwear styles that can be mixed and matched with your existing bikini tops and rash guards.

The bikini style brief

The bohokiwi bikini style brief has moderate absorbency and can hold approximately 20 to 30 ml.

This makes it the stronger option for heavier days, longer swimming sessions or anyone who would feel more confident with additional absorbency.

It has the look of a regular bikini bottom, making it easy to pair with a favourite bikini top or rash guard.

The classic mid-waist bikini brief

The bohokiwi mid-waist bikini brief has light absorbency.

It is suited to lighter period days, spotting or people who usually have a lighter flow. The slightly higher waist may also feel more secure and comfortable for tweens or teens who prefer additional coverage.

Every person’s flow is different. Light absorbency may not be sufficient on a heavy day, so it is important to select the style according to the individual rather than relying only on the day of the cycle.

Why taking two pairs makes holidays easier

We recommend packing more than one pair of period swimwear, particularly when travelling.

A practical option is to take one bikini style brief and one classic mid-waist brief. This provides two different absorbency and coverage choices.

One pair can be worn while the other is being rinsed and dried. It also means there is a spare available if the first pair reaches its absorbent capacity or your period is heavier than expected.

Period swimwear can takelonger to dry than ordinary swimwear because of its absorbent gusset. Taking two pairs means you are not waiting for one pair to dry before returning to the pool.

Try period swimwear before the holiday

A major holiday is not the ideal time to discover that swimwear does not fit properly.

Try the period swimwear on at home before travelling. It should sit firmly around the legs and gusset without digging into the skin.

If possible, test it during a shorter swimming session first. This helps the wearer understand how the swimwear feels, how long it works for their individual flow and when they may need to change.

For a tween or teen, knowing what to expect can remove much of the anxiety.

What to pack in a period swimming kit

Pack both pairs of period swimwear, an ordinary change of underwear, a clean dry outfit and a waterproof wet bag for used swimwear.

It can also be useful to carry a small towel and any usual period products needed before or after swimming.

Keep the kit in a beach bag so the swimmer can change privately without needing to explain the situation to everyone else.

For younger swimmers, a parent or caregiver can help prepare the kit while still allowing the young person some privacy and control.

Caring for period swimwear while travelling

After swimming, rinse the period swimwear in cold water as soon as it is practical.

Wash it according to the instructions on the care label and allow it to air dry completely before wearing it again. Avoid leaving wet period swimwear rolled up in a bag for an extended period.

Do not use bleach or products that may damage the absorbent fabric. Check the care instructions before using fabric softener or putting period swimwear in a dryer.

What if the period is very heavy?

Someone with a heavier flow may need to change their period swimwear more frequently or use the moderate absorbency bikini style rather than the light absorbency option.

Bring a spare pair and check the swimwear regularly, especially during the first few days of the period.

Very heavy bleeding should not simply be accepted as something a young person has to tolerate. Speak with a healthcare professional if periods regularly soak through protection very quickly, cause dizziness or exhaustion, last unusually long or prevent someone from attending school, sport or normal activities.

Severe period pain that regularly interrupts everyday life should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Supporting a tween or teen on holiday

Periods can feel embarrassing when they are new, particularly during a family holiday when privacy may be limited.

Try to discuss period swimwear before the trip rather than waiting until a period starts. Let the young person help choose the style and coverage they feel comfortable wearing.

Avoid treating internal products as the next stage they must progress towards. Some people eventually choose tampons, cups or discs, while others continue to prefer external products.

Both choices are valid.

A period should not mean missing the pool, staying behind at the hotel or watching everyone else swim. With suitable period swimwear, the right absorbency and a spare pair in the beach bag, tweens and teens can feel prepared without needing to use tampons.

The bohokiwi bikini style brief and classic mid-waist bikini brief can be worn with rash guards or mixed and matched with existing swim tops, making them a practical addition to any holiday suitcase.