What Clothes Are Best to Wear on Your Period?

23 May 2024

We often struggle to feel comfortable on our periods, but choosing the right clothing can make a real difference. Whether you're dealing with bloating, pain, blood, clots, bum daggers (yes these evil unspeakable twangs we have to endure!), or just want to feel comfortable and confident, selecting the right clothes is important to improve rather than worsen any of these issues. 

In this guide, we share the best types of clothes to wear on your period, including:

  1. Loose Fitting Clothing
  2. Dark Coloured Clothing
  3. High-Waisted Bottoms
  4. Period Proof Swimwear
  5. Seam Free Period Pants
  6. Team Skirts and Dresses with Cycling Shorts
  7. Period Pants Under Active Wear

1. Loose Fitting Clothing

Many people prefer loose-fitting clothing made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to help minimise irritation and promote airflow during their menstrual cycle. They offer ample space for movement, reduce pressure on your abdomen, and help manage bloating better than tight clothes

Flowing, layered materials and clothing will also minimise sweating. Cotton or linen, in particular, can help wick away sweat, helping you to stay cool and comfortable. Perfect for the Australian summer!

Loose dresses, skirts, playsuits and jumpsuits, and wide-leg pants and culottes are all great period-friendly options to stop you feeling self conscious. Oversized T-shirts and hoodies can also provide a comforting cocoon when you're feeling particularly rubbish. 

2. Dark Coloured Clothing

Consider dark-coloured trousers, skirts, or dresses as reliable staples in your period wardrobe. 

Dark hues like black, navy, or dark brown can help hide any unexpected leaks, allowing you to go about your day with confidence.

Dark colours can also be more forgiving and help you feel less self-conscious about bloating or swelling when on. 

3. High-Waisted Bottoms

High-waisted bottoms can provide extra support and comfort, especially around the abdominal area, as they provide extra coverage and sit above the cramp zone. 

High-waisted shorts and skirts can provide extra coverage and support for bloating or discomfort. However, you will want to avoid any waistbands that cut your tummy in half, making stomach ache worse.

What-clothes-Are-Best-to-Wear-on-Your-Period

If you had a C section and your incision still troubles you around your period choose underwear and clothing that sit higher than the scar,  high waisted period pants can offer additional support and comfort.

4. Period-Proof Swimwear

Swimming can help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and period symptoms like bloating and cramps. If you plan to swim or head to the beach during your period, opt for a dark-coloured swimsuit to hide any leaks or period-proof swimwear. 

Period-proof swimsuits come with built-in absorbent layers to manage menstrual blood. They are a great option for those who prefer not to use tampons or menstrual cups.

Look for one-piece suits, high-waisted bikinis, or swim shorts. Brands like Cheeky Wipes offer a range of options, including pieces with absorbent gussets and water-resistant outer layers. These swimsuits can handle light to regular flow and are perfect for active days at the beach.

  • One piece racer back period costume - has absorbency built in to absorbs period blood and an outer which repels liquid. Period in, swimming pool out! Perfect for light to regular flow days, holds approx. 1 to 2 tampons of flow. Great as a back up to a menstrual cup or tampon on heavy flow days. Available in jade green.
  • Period swimmers with bust support - Water resistant treated nylon outer layer with absorbency in the gusset for lighter periods. Adjustable double straps for the perfect fit. Available in neon red or black.
  • Ruched two piece period bikini - High waisted with ruched sides. They look just like regular swim bikini bottoms. Can be worn with any of your normal tops or with our matching bikini top.
  • Ribbed Menstrual Bikini - Holds two tampons worth of menstrual blood, perfect for a light period or to backup internal protection. Co-ordinates with our Period Swimwear Crop Top

5. Seam Free Period Pants

Seam-free period pants provide comfort without visible panty lines, making them ideal for wearing under tight or light-coloured clothing. Opt for period pants which are similar to your skin tone and won't be seen under pale coloured clothing, such as Cheeky VPL free period pants which come in mocha, almond and black. Designed for light flow the silky soft fabric allows clothing to glide over the top and not cling.

What-clothes-Are-Best-to-Wear-on-Your-Period

6. Team Skirts and Dresses with Cycling Shorts

High street stores tend to sell cotton cycling shorts which help prevent thigh chafing, which can be uncomfortable during your period. They also offer an additional layer, making you feel more secure and reducing the risk of visible leaks. 

They will also help to hold reusable pads in place.

Marilyn moments in a gusty draughts won't ruin your confidence! 

7. Period Pants Under Active Wear

It's a good idea to exercise regularly to relieve period bloating and reduce water retention at the start of your period. If you are cycling or running, riding a horse or playing tennis wearing period undies allows you to move freely - no sticky pads irritating you. They can also catch any little leaks of urine, common during exercise after having babies.

Staying active and getting out socialising will really help your mental health and stabilise your hormone levels over your period so hopefully some of these suggestions can help to limit the impact it can have! 

What-clothes-Are-Best-to-Wear-on-Your-Period

The right clothing can make a world of difference during your period, helping you stay comfortable and confident. From loose-fitting dresses and dark-coloured clothing to high-waisted bottoms and period-proof swimwear, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Remember to choose breathable fabrics and consider your comfort above all else.

If you found this blog useful you may like these or our other blogs:

How to Feel More Confident On Your Period

The Complete Guide to Period Bloating

As always, if you're unsure of what you need to make the switch, please do drop the team a line or use the online chat function. The team all use the products themselves and just LOVE to chat pee poo and periods, all day long, nothing is TMI and we all love to overshare based on our own experiences.

About the Author: Kirstin is part of the Customer Experience team at Cheeky Wipes, which since 2008 has been selling the original reusable wipes kit. She is mum to three kids and loves the forest, the sea and the hills!

Along with the rest of our crack team, she spends most days talking about poo, pee and periods and loves a chance to overshare. Cheeky wipes were recognised with a Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2021, celebrating their hard work over the last 13 years.

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