Thanks to some seriously innovative companies, “period underwear” has taken on a whole new meaning. A term that used to mean the grungy, bottom-of-the-drawer underwear reserved for wear during your cycle has now evolved into something brilliant. Today’s period panties fit like regular undies but are equipped with extra layers of fabric in the gusset that absorb menstrual blood so you can skip the tampon, pad or cup. That’s right: The best period underwear can be worn without any other period protection for more comfort as you go about your day.
If you’re new to period panties, it can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially if you’ve been using traditional methods of period protection for years. But once you make the switch, you’ll never go back. Of course, you want to make sure you’re choosing the best period underwear for your flow—based on style and absorbency—to avoid any messy consequences. Find the right pair, though, and your time of the month will become cuter, more comfortable and yes, more eco-friendly. Plus, the most protective pairs can pull double-duty for new moms by absorbing postpartum leaks, then performing as period panties later on.
From cotton briefs to lacy thongs, these leakproof underwear will have you covered from those “just in case” times to your heaviest flow days. For more information on period panties, check out our “Frequently Asked Questions” section, below.
- Best Period Underwear Overall: Knix Cotton Modal Super Leakproof Bikini
- Best Period Underwear For Postpartum: Proof Leakproof Hipster
- Best Period Underwear For Heavy Flows: Thinx Super Hiphugger
- Best Versatile Period Underwear: Modibodi Sensual French Cut
- Best Period Underwear For Plus Sizes: Ruby Love High-Waist Classic Underwear
- Best Budget Period Underwear: Bambody Absorbent Bikini
- Best Period Underwear For Athletes: Rael Reusable Period Underwear
- Prettiest Period Panties: Saalt Elemental Highwaist Brief
- Best Period Underwear For Tweens And Teens: AerieREAL Period Printed Underwear
Best Period Underwear Overall
An Affordable Pair Of Absorbent Panties
- Sizes: XS through 4XL
- Absorbency: Light to super
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Knix was created with a goal of transforming an underwear market with “too much frill” into a line of intimates (and beyond) with function. Knix’s Leakproof line features period underwear in four different absorbency levels—light, medium, high and super. The underwear absorbs between one and eight teaspoons of menstrual blood, depending on which level you choose. For reference, a regular tampon holds about one teaspoon of blood.
You can choose from a range of styles, from a lacy thong to a high-rise brief. Or, in lieu of individual undies, you can also purchase period kits that include five pairs of underwear of varying absorbency levels (the options are light flow, heavy flow and mixed flow).
Best Period Underwear For Postpartum
A Comfortable Fit That Offers Superior Absorbency
- Sizes: XS through 3XL
- Absorbency: Light to super heavy
- Care instructions: Machine wash delicate, air dry
Proof was developed by three sisters who wanted to create expertly-constructed products that allow women to live—or at least go through their cycle—worry-free. The leakproof underwear line has eight styles, from everyday undies to a lace cheeky that makes you feel sexy and protected. The absorbency ranges from super light (meant to replace a panty liner) to super heavy (which can hold 10 teaspoons of flow). The super heavy, high waist style can also pull double-duty as a protective, absorbent layer for moms in their postpartum weeks. Check out the brand’s website for specific postpartum options.
Depending on the style you choose, you get light, moderate or full coverage. The moderate coverage styles are ideal for everyday wear, while the fuller coverage options protect against leaks during sleep and exercise. These period panties also wick away sweat and protect against odors.
Best Period Underwear For Heavy Flows
For Every Day Of Your Cycle, From The Lightest To The Heaviest Days
- Sizes: XXS through 4X
- Absorbency: Lightest to super
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, air dry
Thanks to social media, Thinx may be the most well-known brand of period underwear—and it’s one of the most versatile too. Thinx has a classic line that features nine underwear styles, including short, French cut and cheeky, as well as an organic cotton collection with four basic styles from light (which can hold 1.8 teaspoons of flow) to super (which can handle 9.1 teaspoons) absorbency.
The moisture-wicking layer in the gusset of each pair of underwear also has an application of antibacterial silver, which is commonly used in performance activewear and medical devices (it’s non-migratory, so it stays on the underwear and doesn't affect your delicate pH). In addition to period underwear, Thinx also offers leggings, sleep shorts and leotards, among other leakproof apparel.
Best Versatile Period Underwear
Available In Every Style, From Thongs To Boy Shorts
- Sizes: XS through 4XL
- Absorbency: Super light to maxi (24 hours)
- Care instructions: Rinse in cold water, air dry
Australian brand Modibodi has every type of period underwear you can imagine. With eight different styles, from thong to boy short, and six absorbency levels, from moisture-wicking to 24-hour protection, you’ll be covered so you can go with the flow (yes, that was a bad period joke). The super light period underwear holds 0.5 teaspoons of liquid while the maxi flow options can handle nearly nine tablespoons.
Modibodi’s period underwear also have Modifier Air Technology, a moisture-wicking, odor-fighting lining that keeps you feeling—and smelling—fresh. In addition to period underwear, Modibodi also makes period leggings and running shorts so you can feel extra protected when you’re active. The brand also has leak-proof lines for teens and men (who may be looking to avoid sweat and chafing or leaks post-op).
Best Period Underwear For Plus Sizes
A Comfortable Option That Offers An Impressive Range Of Sizes
- Sizes: S through 8XL
- Absorbency: Moderate
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Ruby Love was founded on the idea that periods shouldn’t stop you from “doing, being and going.” The patent-pending technology in this leakproof period underwear combines proprietary dri-tech mesh with a built-in organic cotton liner that’s highly absorbent and angled to protect you from the front, side and back. There are five styles—bikini, high-waist, hipster, brief and seamless—and each holds the equivalent of up to 2.5 tampons.
If you feel like you need extra protection, Ruby Love also sells eco-friendly, machine-washable double-sided pads that fit into the period underwear’s lining. Regular sanitary pads fit too. And with sizing going up to 8XL (depending on style), this brand is more size-inclusive than most.
Best Budget Period Underwear
Great Absorbency At A Low Price Point
- Sizes: XS through 4XL
- Absorbency: Light or heavy
- Care instructions: Machine wash warm, air dry
Bambody makes period underwear that falls into two categories: leakproof and absorbent. With a minimal level of protection and only one layer of inner lining, the leakproof style is designed for lighter days. The absorbent style, which is ideal for heavier days or active lifestyles, has an additional layer of gauze in the lining that can hold up to two tampons’ worth of fluid.
There are nine total styles that range from a low-cut brief to full coverage boyshorts. In addition to being perfectly suited for that time of the month, many of the styles are also made with maternity leaks and postpartum recovery in mind—they’re gentle around your waist and can comfortably cover C-section incisions. And on top of that, they cost less than $15 for a single pair, which is considerably cheaper than most other options.
Best Period Underwear For Athletes
Seamless For A Fit That Stays Put
- Sizes: S through XL
- Absorbency: Moderate
- Care instructions: Rinse, machine wash cold, air dry
Rael makes period underwear that looks and feels just like regular underwear but can absorb as much as three tampons’ worth of liquid. There’s only one style—a regular brief—but it’s expertly designed with a seamless waist that stays put without digging into your skin. This makes it perfect for an active lifestyle or a trip to the gym, as it’s super comfortable and stays put.
Each pair of underwear is constructed of four layers. The third layer is integrated with moisture- and odor-lock technology so you feel fresh even on your heaviest flow days. And the breathable cotton is soft and absorbent—and made without toxic chemicals—so your most intimate areas are protected and safe.
Prettiest Period Panties
European Lace Adds A Luxe Touch
- Sizes: XS through XXL
- Absorbency: Light or regular
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, air dry
Saalt is a period-focused company that uses high quality materials to create beautiful and functional underwear. Its period underwear line, officially called Saalt Wear, comes in five styles—hipster, mesh hipster, high-waist brief, thong and bikini—and two absorbency levels. Light flow holds about one teaspoon, while and regular/heavy flow holds about two to three teaspoons.
You can also build a custom period bundle where you can mix and match three to seven products, including period panties, cups and a pH-balanced cup wash, to purchase simultaneously and save up to 20%. Made with European fabrics and lace, these look nice, not frumpy.
Best Period Underwear For Tweens And Teens
Fun And Cute Protection Against Leaks
- Sizes: XXS through XXL
- Absorbency: Light to medium
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
AerieREAL Period panties come in brief styles in a variety of bright colors and patterns that are fun, not boring. The stretchy and breathable cotton makes them just as comfortable as the brand’s other underwear, but the leak-proof finish makes them perfect for period wear.
The gusset is absorbent enough to hold up to two tampons’ worth of fluid, so these are ideal for light to medium flow days when your tween or teen doesn’t want to worry about leaks showing through. They’re also antibacterial with odor-reducing layers, plus they’re low-maintenance to wash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Period Underwear
Can Period Panties Replace Pads?
It might seem hard to believe, but period panties were designed to replace pads, tampons and menstrual cups. Different brands use various technologies for their leak-proof layers, but the end goal is still the same: to hold enough fluid to keep you comfortable and dry.
The gusset in period panties is meant to be absorbent enough to hold certain amounts of fluid, and the key to making sure your undies can replace other products is to pick the absorbency level that’s right for you. If you have a heavy flow, be sure to choose underwear that offers heavy absorbency, and so on.
That said, many women use period underwear as an added layer of protection for very heavy days or just to feel more comfortable and confident any day of the week.
How Often Do You Change Your Period Panties?
Calculating how often you should change your period panties really depends on your flow and the absorbency level of the underwear you’re wearing. Some period panties are meant to have the heaviest absorbency, and can hold up to 24 hours’ worth of fluid. Others may only hold up to two or three teaspoons of fluid and should be changed every four to six hours.
If you are wearing your period underwear in place of pads or tampons, and you have a heavier flow, you may need to change the underwear multiple times a day. If you’re wearing your period underwear as an extra layer of protection along with other products, you may be able to wear them all day long.
How Do You Clean Period Underwear?
While cleaning directions can vary depending on the brand, they are generally very similar. After you remove your period underwear, be sure to rinse them off or soak them in cold water. You can hand wash them to make them last longer, or you can put them in the washing machine. Most period underwear should be washed in cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle, and it’s always a good idea to put them in a mesh bag.
Most period panties shouldn’t go in the dryer. Check the instructions, though—some brands do note it’s okay to tumble dry on low. In general, though, the best thing to do is to let them air dry by hanging them or laying them flat.
