The weather app’s giving sun, a cool body of water beckons, and a long summer weekend is on the horizon. But then—your period shows up. You always knew it was coming but swept along in a current of iced matchas and coconut-scented days, you’re left wondering how could this be? Can you swim? What if you leak while wearing those short shorts? Should you just take a summer hiatus for 4-7 days?
Summer is fleeting and we respectfully refuse to let our period call the shots.
Whether you’re headed to the pool, ocean, or lake; camping or road tripping; or dancing under the stars at a music festival, your period doesn’t need to run the show. Here’s how to get the most out of your summer—period or not.
Swim Worry-Free
Swimming on your period is possible. Fun! Maybe even freeing! Nobody wants to leave the water with a gush of blood or a rogue tampon string though—and that’s where menstrual cups shine. Simply insert it pre-beach or pool time and you’re good to go for up to 12 hours. No uncomfortable adjustments, no stress, no missing out.
White Shorts Incoming
Dressing for your period doesn’t mean sidestepping your favorite summer fits. It’s important to feel yourself all the way through your cycle and there’s no need to relegate your style when you’re bleeding. Hot, sweaty summer days and shorts, skirts, and dresses don’t always comply with pads (read: they get even more bulky). Changing a tampon every four hours is inconvenient at best, near impossible if you’re on the lake, at a festival, or moving around the city. Period underwear doesn’t always sit smoothly under sundresses and jean shorts. Menstrual cups or discs, on the other hand, were made for summer—they’re discreet, comfortable, and go with every summer style.
Summer-Proof Your Vulva
Moisturizer, serum, sunscreen. Your skincare routine’s dialed but when was the last time you checked in with your vulva? Between all the salt water, sand, and sweat, your vulva can feel less than chill in the summer months. As you move through your cycle, you might find things are feeling a little more moist than usual which can be a one-way ticket (not the fun kind) to chaffing, irritation, and sensitivity.
Here’s how to keep things feeling fresh:
- Always change out of your swimsuit after getting wet and rinse with a gentle, fragrance free wash like The Cleanser. Our moisture-rich daily cleanser was made especially with your vulva in mind, helping balance pH and prevent dryness and moisture loss after showering.
- Stay fresh between classes, after sweaty morning commutes – or when you change out your Diva Cup or Disc – with The Refresher. This gentle no-rinse spray offers a quick cleanse and hydrating relief when things start to feel sticky, irritated, or dry.
- Cotton—or commando. We all know the importance of breathing right and your vulva needs to breathe too! Let loose at home and when you can’t, breathable cotton undies are your best friend.
- Keep on drinking. Your skin loves hydration and that goes for your vulva too. Staying hydrated on hot summer days (and every day!) keeps things flowing, your body temperature regulated, and replenishes fluid lost when you’re at your most dewy.
Vacation When You Want To
Gone are the days of planning your summer around your cycle. Not only is that bothersome, but sometimes mother nature flips the switch anyways and then you’re back at square one. If you’ve never tried a menstrual cup before, summer might just be the season to make the switch—pop it in when you get up in the morning and you’re good to go all day long, meaning the only thing you have to worry about is where you’re going and which swimsuit you’ll be taking with you.
Your Summer? Limitless
We’re not sitting any of this summer out—and neither should you. From comfortable, reliable, leakproof period care, to skincare for your vulva, consider this your sign to say yes to all of it: the beach hangs, the swims, the moonlit dance parties, and those sweaty city days doing it all (or nothing at all).
And while your period might need to join in, it doesn’t need to steal the show.
