Many people have been making the economic switch from single-use period products to reusable menstrual items. Among these popular alternatives: period underwear.
If you’ve never tried period underwear before, the idea of simply free-bleeding into an undergarment may seem counterintuitive and possibly terrifying. How is a thin piece of fabric supposed to absorb everything, keep you feeling dry and comfortable and also preventing odor?
The inner workings of most, if not all period panties, are fairly simple. According to many brands, the stain-proof gusset section is typically enforced with multiple layers of a unique technical fabric that absorbs and holds liquid, while the top layer is constructed of moisture-wicking filaments to make the underwear feel instantly dry and eliminate any unpleasant smell, all while feeling and moving just like regular underwear.
If you’re now imagining a swirling sea of red come laundry time, it turns out period underwear care is pretty low maintenance and much more sanitary than you would think. Many reviewers and underwear care guides recommend giving the panties a quick rinse before tossing them in the washing machine with cold water and mild laundry detergent, then leaving them to air dry.
It’s important to note that period underwear companies offer a range of absorbency levels in their panties and briefs, so you should find an option that meets your anatomy and flow needs.
In the list below, you can find period underwear in a variety of styles, absorbency levels and price points that can be great for anything from backup leak insurance to first-in-line period protection. Plus, find out what others had to say about their own experiences with period underwear.
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Holding about three regular tampons worth of liquid, these undies do triple duty, preventing rubbing and chafing while also providing support control in the stomach area. The soft and smooth fabric makes them practically invisible under clothing, making them wearable for all kinds of occasions, from the office to a wedding.
Promising review: “This item is revolutionary. Is the perfect mix between a shaper and a thigh saver. Super comfy plus is leakproof!” — Alicia Perez B.
Who says you have to give up comfort and leak protection for style? Holding about two and a half tampons worth of fluid, these sleek and sexy panties from Knix are made with super soft fabric and none of the bulk. The no-show construction makes them perfect for under tight dresses, skirts and even workout leggings. They’re available in a wide range of colors so you can stock up on your favorite hues and feel cute.
Promising review: “Listen up ladies these underwear are the best of the best the leakproof panties are a true blessing God bless the creators of this underwear no more panty shields I buy 10 at a time,they wash well they are amazing I am so all in with the Knix family.” — Nancy
This affordable pair of period underwear by Bambody has over 7,000 five-star ratings and is made using ultra-soft and breathable bamboo fabric. The naturally cooling properties of bamboo rayon help to wick away moisture quickly while the wide, full-coverage gusset offers absorption protection from the entire front to back and can absorb up to two tampons’ worth of liquid. The company recommends ordering a size up.
Promising review: “I wore these on the way to deliver my 2nd baby, and my water broke in the car 20 minutes before we got there. Nothing leaked! I’m still in disbelief. I also wore them post-partum, and they were amazingly absorbent. I usually am a medium and I got a size 8. Fit is great. They look like regular underwear, which i appreciate. I dont like feeling as though I’m wearing a diaper. I will be wearing them for future periods, and I told all the nurses at the hospital to recommend them for their patients.” — Cat
For greater protection on heavier days, these high-waisted, full coverage underwear by Thinx are a good option. The four-way stretch mesh sides allow for a comfortable wear and the panties can absorb up to four tampons’ worth of liquid.
Promising Thinx review: “Probably the most comfortable panties I’ve ever worn. They give the full coverage I want. Nothing feels tight or pinched. They are both pretty and durable, and easy to wash.” — Cynthia Y.
If you find traditional pads or tampons uncomfortable to sleep with, this pair of worry-free and leakproof boy shorts by ModiBodi provide super absorbency protection so you can sleep through the night without needing to get up to check for leaks. The full coverage extended gusset protects completely from front to back and even runs up into the waistband. The breathable bamboo viscose fabric is also cooling and antimicrobial to fight stains and odors.
Promising review: “The peace of mind of these shorts is unbelievable. I’ve always had a really heavy first/second day and couldn’t function or sleep without a tampon AND pad. After a few months of sleeping during my period with these shorts as back-up to my tampon I decided to try without. I slept so soundly and awoke leak-free. Life changing. I’m tearing up as I write this, it’s sort of silly, I know, but I feel like I’ve been freed.” – Maria
This Lycra/cotton-blend thong is good for light leaks, sweat and backup protection while providing a discreet and imperceptible wear under clothing. It’s free from PFAS and other toxic chemicals and features a quick-dry anti-odor gusset that can absorb 1 teaspoon of liquid.
Promising review: “Comfy, fits right and stays in place.Just the right amount of leak-proof-ness to do the job and still be discreet.” – Nicole
The extended gusset on this affordable period underwear is lined with an absorbent waterproof layer that is topped with a layer of 100% cotton. These high-rise panties are lightly absorbent, making them a good option for back up protection or lighter flow days.
Promising review: “I wore a pair last night because I was supposed to have already started my cycle. I woke up this morning and I felt dry so I figured I didn’t start but when I used the restroom to my surprise they were full of blood which shocked me because I felt absolutely no moisture. I have a rather heavy flow for the first three days of my cycle so for these to not only keep me feeling dry when they’re full of blood but to also not even leak through onto my clothes or my bedding well they get a full five stars from me. There was no gross smell from blood just sitting in them.” – Monique Proulx Masters
This pair of moderate absorbency underwear by Thinx is made with the same breathable and moisture-wicking cotton as most of the brand’s panties and can absorb up to three tampons’ worth of fluid without feeling bulky. (This style is also available in super and heavy absorbencies.) They feature a lower-rise fit and a comfort-stretch band.
Promising Thinx review: “I’ve tried a number of brands of period underwear, but this specific style of Thinx is the absolute best. Unlike all of the other brands out there, these actually have enough coverage in the back. They’re also super soft, breathable, and comfy. And, they’re super cute, especially the pink ones! I wear these on light to moderate flow days.” — Marilee
If you prefer disposable leakproof underwear, these maximum absorbency briefs with dual odor control have over 13,500 five-star Amazon ratings and tons of positive reviews. Suitable for postpartum needs or incontinence, they are made with a cotton-enhanced top sheet to help wick away moisture, have a highly absorbent core and promise up to eight hours of leakage protection.