What to wear to look good when you have heavy periods.

Periods often come with a range of PMS symptoms like bloating, cramping, tiredness, headaches, leaving you feeling uncomfortable (if not very very uncomfortable). It’s also often a time when you just want to curl up in bed and wait for the storm to pass. 

And when you have heavy periods, you also worry about leaks. This means wearing multiple layers, choosing dark colors and sticking to those “confidence” pants you know won’t let you down. 

It’s easy to choose the comfort of sweatpants and an oversized hoodie. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. But what happens when you have to head to the office or attend a special event?

Dressing down during your period might be contributing to your overall feeling of unhappiness, and drowsiness. On the other end, taking care of yourself and your appearance can actually boost your mood. And yes, dressing well can be a powerful form of self-care! Self care releases dopamine and serotonin, which send good signals to the body. 

Additionally – and this one is hard to remember when you experience heavy periods, but having periods can also be seen as a positive time in your life. Periods are essentially your body starting a new cycle, and going through natural hormonal fluctuation. For women who don’t have regular cycles, it’s usually a time of mixed emotions, but it often comes with a sense of relief because the body is trying to get back on track. 

A way to gain some control back with your periods is to try to associate your periods with that time of the month where you put yourself first. 

Let’s explore ways to dress comfortably and stylishly, helping you feel confident and uplifted during your period. 

Firstly, prioritize peace of mind. 

Wear Trusted Underwear: Choose underwear you can rely on, whether it’s period-specific or just a pair that offers comfort and keeps things in place. Consider layering with spandex-type shorts to absorb leaks and give you a sense of control. Brands like Knix and Thinx offer great options.

Be Prepared: Always have enough supplies with you to change as needed, and change often. We like a stylish makeup pouch to carry essentials, making bathroom trips feel more like a pampering time. Carrying wipes for a quick freshen-up can also add to your peace of mind.

Consider Tighter Layers: Some women prefer leggings or tights that offer a gentle compression, helping them feel more secure. They are also great if you want to hold a heating pad in place! Whether it’s tighter or looser clothing, choose what makes you feel in control, especially with heavy bleeding.

Then, focus on comfort.

Rethink Sweatpants and Bras: Instead of automatically reaching for sweatpants, try wider pants that aren’t tight on the waist, so your lower abdomen can breathe. Options like mom jeans, cargo pants, or linen pants in darker colors for the summer time offer both comfort and style. For heavy periods, dresses paired with tights can also provide a comfortable yet polished look. Also, consider swapping your traditional bra for a sports bra, soft cup bra, or wireless bra to relieve pressure on your abdomen.

Cover Up Smartly: Invest in some lengthy over-shirts, jackets or cardigans that can be opened or closed. They also help cover your rear, if you’re worried about leaks.
Don’t stay idle: If you are worried about leaks, remember to avoid sitting down for an extended period of time, and use a layer to sit on to avoid staining the surface you are sitting on (your coat, a scarf, etc).

Lastly, allow yourself to look good to feel good.

Accessorize: Even on heavy days, adding a bit of flair to your outfit can make a big difference. Try wearing earrings or a necklace to elevate your style. Greasy hair days? Try a scarf headband for a fresher look. If you enjoy having your nails done, schedule a manicure during your period to give yourself something to look forward to.

Be Intentional with Style: Opt for clothes that make you look put-together, even if they’re simple. A long satin robe at home, a textured jacket (think suede, faux leather, or fringes), a chic poncho, or florals and color-blocking can instantly upgrade your outfit. For a luxurious vibe, consider a cashmere or thick wool top. Layer smartly with a long-sleeve shirt and a sleeveless vest for a chic, effortless look.

Nurture Yourself: You might look more tired during your period, so indulge in a self-care beauty routine to relax and brighten your skin. While it is hard to push yourself during that time, this is an  act of kindness towards yourself in times when you really need it. Heavy periods can also deplete your iron levels, so remember to check with your doctor and take supplements if you are being advised to do so. 

Seek medical support if your periods are severely impacting your mental health.

If you experience heavy periods that prevent you from enjoying any activity and that severely impact your mental health, remember this is not the norm. You should not be facing this alone and it is important to share your experience with a medical team. This is also self care. 

Let us know if this article was helpful, and share any personal tips in the comments!