Do you still wear a pad with period underwear?

Here's What You Need to Know Before Diving In

If you love the freedom and eco-friendliness of period underwear, you might be wondering:
👉 “Can I wear period underwear while swimming?”

The short answer is:
No, regular period underwear is not designed for swimming.
But—there are swim-specific options for your period. Let's break it down.

🩲 What Is Period Underwear?

Period underwear is made with absorbent, moisture-wicking layers designed to:

  • Soak up menstrual blood

  • Prevent leaks during everyday activities

  • Replace or back up tampons, pads, or menstrual cups

However, these layers are not waterproof, and most standard styles (like those from NYX Collection) will absorb water from the pool or ocean—not just your menstrual flow.

🌊 So, Can You Swim in Regular Period Underwear?

No. Regular period panties:

  • Are not water-resistant

  • Will soak up pool or seawater

  • May feel heavy, soggy, and uncomfortable

  • Can’t trap menstrual flow underwater effectively

🩱 What to Wear Instead: Period Swimwear

For swimming during your period, look for period swimwear, which is:

  • Designed with water-resistant outer layers

  • Built to contain menstrual flow while preventing water from entering

  • Available as swimsuits, bikini bottoms, or one-pieces

🛍️ Brands like Modibodi, Ruby Love, and Knix offer stylish period swimwear options.

🛑 Can You Swim with a Tampon or Menstrual Cup Instead?

Yes! Both are great for swimming:

  • Tampons: Compact, easy to use, and won’t absorb water from outside

  • Menstrual Cups/Discs: Reusable, long-lasting, and excellent for leak protection while swimming

✅ Final Recommendation

If you plan to swim during your period:

  1. Skip regular period underwear

  2. Choose period swimwear or wear a tampon, menstrual cup, or disc

  3. Use a towel or dry period underwear to change into afterward

SEO Keywords: can you swim in period underwear, period underwear swimming, period swimwear options, best period protection for swimming, menstrual cup for swimming, swim during period

Want all-day protection on land?
👉 Try NYX Collection's leakproof period underwear — perfect for work, sleep, or workouts.

How Many Pairs of Period Underwear Do You Need?
A Guide to Building the Perfect Period Underwear Set

If you’re switching to reusable period underwear—great choice! It’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and super convenient. But one of the most common questions is:
👉 “How many pairs do I actually need?”

The answer depends on:

  • Your flow intensity

  • How often you want to do laundry

  • Whether you’ll use only period underwear or combine it with other products like menstrual cups or pads

🩸 Quick Answer: Most People Need 5–7 Pairs

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Usage Type Recommended Quantity
Light Flow / Spotting Only 3–4 pairs
Medium Flow (Most Days) 5–7 pairs
Heavy Flow (All Period Days) 7–10 pairs
Overnight Use Add 1–2 high-absorbency pairs
Washing Every 2–3 Days Add 1–2 extras for rotation

🧺 Factors That Influence How Many You Need

1. Your Menstrual Flow

  • Light Flow: One pair may last all day

  • Heavy Flow: You may need to change twice a day

2. Laundry Schedule

If you wash daily, 3–4 pairs may be enough.
If you do laundry every 3–4 days, you’ll want 6+ pairs.

3. Daytime vs. Nighttime

Overnight styles (with extra absorbency) are helpful for preventing leaks in bed.

4. Combining With Other Products

If you also use:

  • A menstrual cup or disc → You’ll need fewer pairs

  • Pads or tampons as backup → You may just want 2–3 pairs

💡 Pro Tip: Start Small, Then Build Your Set

Many people start with 3–4 pairs to see what works best—then build their collection over time based on comfort, absorbency, and style preferences.

👙 Where to Buy

Try trusted, high-quality period underwear like:

🔗 NYX Collection 4-Layer Leakproof Panties

  • Soft, breathable, and built for light to heavy flows

  • Options for sporty, thong, and high-rise styles

Final Thoughts

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” number—but most people feel fully covered with 5–7 pairs of period underwear, especially if you want to use them as your main form of period protection.

Build your collection based on:

  • Your flow

  • Your lifestyle

  • How often you do laundry

And you’ll never have to worry about running out again!

SEO Keywords: how many period underwear do I need, best period underwear set, how to build a period underwear collection, reusable menstrual underwear tips, eco-friendly period care

Does Period Underwear Hold Bacteria?
The Truth About Hygiene, Safety, and How to Keep It Clean

Period underwear is designed to be reusable, leakproof, and hygienic—but if you’ve ever wondered:
👉 “Does period underwear hold bacteria?”
You’re not alone.

The short answer is:
✅ Not if it’s cleaned properly.
Let’s explore how it works, why proper care matters, and how to ensure your period underwear stays clean and safe.

🧬 Does Period Blood Carry Bacteria?

Yes—like any body fluid, menstrual blood naturally contains bacteria, including:

  • Skin bacteria

  • Vaginal flora (like Lactobacillus)

  • In rare cases, pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus

This is completely normal and not harmful if the underwear is washed properly after each use.

🩲 How Is Period Underwear Designed to Handle This?

High-quality period underwear (like NYX Collection’s leakproof line) is built with:

  • Moisture-wicking inner layers to keep you dry

  • Antimicrobial treatments in some brands to reduce bacterial growth

  • Breathable fabrics that reduce odor and dampness

These features help minimize bacterial buildup, especially compared to disposable products that trap moisture for hours.

🧼 How to Prevent Bacteria Buildup in Period Underwear

The key to avoiding bacteria is proper washing and drying:

✅ After Each Wear:

  1. Rinse with cold water immediately to remove blood

  2. Hand or machine wash using mild detergent

  3. Air dry completely (avoid dryers, which can damage the layers)

Never reuse period underwear without washing. Doing so can allow bacteria to multiply and cause odor or irritation.

💡 How to Know It’s Clean?

Your period underwear is likely clean if:

  • There’s no visible blood or stains

  • There’s no lingering odor

  • It feels dry and fresh after air drying

If it still smells after drying, try:

  • Soaking in vinegar + cold water

  • Switching to unscented detergent

  • Avoiding fabric softener (which can trap bacteria)

🔍 Are There Health Risks?

When used and cleaned correctly, there are no known health risks from using period underwear.
In fact, many people find it:

  • Less irritating than pads

  • Safer than tampons (which can rarely cause TSS)

🌱 Final Thoughts

No, period underwear doesn’t harbor harmful bacteria—as long as you clean it properly after every use. Like any hygiene product, it requires care, but when used correctly, it’s a safe, eco-friendly option for your period.

Recommended:
🛍️ Shop NYX Collection’s leakproof, washable period underwear – designed for comfort, safety, and sustainability.

Regresar al blog