What's one of the most underappreciated underpinnings? Period underwear, in our humble opinion. It's nice to have another option for that time of the month aside from tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. You can choose whatever works best for you and your lifestyle when it comes to period-care products these days, but in our opinion, period panties are the most comfortable option out there. Unlike other menstruation products that either require uncomfortable manual insertion or aren't fully leak-proof, period panties allow you to free-bleed without having to make adjustments every few hours. Plus, they're a far more sustainable option compared to the non-biodegradable products that dominate the feminine-care space.
However, if you're unsure whether this is the right option for your cycle, you'll want to keep reading. Ahead, we're addressing a few common questions surrounding period panties to help you discern if this product will be a good fit for you. We're also including a roundup of the best period panties on the market based on reviews, functionality, and brand recognition. Rest assured this underwear will make that time of the month much better.
About Period Underwear
How does period underwear work?
If you're unfamiliar with period underwear, its name pretty much speaks for itself. It's underwear designed to soak up menstrual fluid with multiple layers of fabric. Like tampons and pads, the underwear has different absorbencies and fits—some are meant for your heavier days, while others can be worn on the lighter last days of your period. While this underpinning is quite technical in its design, you'll be happy to know that just like any other underwear, it's available in various cuts—e.g., briefs, bikinis, and thongs—ensuring you can find a style that best suits your needs.
How long does period underwear last?
Although period panties are reusable, like other undergarments, they don't last forever. The lifespan of this product depends upon the quality of the brand you've bought, how frequently you wear them, and how well you care for them. The latter is extremely important, as how you wash these panties can affect how effective they are long-term (which we'll get into a little later). That being said, most experts say that these panties usually last two years if they're well-made and well-maintained. However, it's vital that you continuously check the state of these panties, as, like any menstrual product, they can impact your day-to-day life. If you begin to notice wear and tear or find that you're spotting on clothing during your period, it's a sign to replace them.
How do you wash period underwear?
One of the best things about period panties is that they are reusable, unlike other menstruation products. However, you'll want to wash them in a specific way to ensure maximum hygiene. Typically, it's recommended that after wearing them, you should rinse them in cold water to remove excess blood, then wash them in your regular laundry. Most underwear brands have tips for maximizing the lifespan of these panties. However, for most types, it's best to avoid using hot water and harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the absorbent layers.
Does period underwear smell?
Like any other absorbent menstrual product, period panties can develop a slight odor if not properly cleaned after use. However, if you properly wash your period panties (as explained above), you shouldn't have issues with the garment smelling. We recommend that you not only hand-wash your panties before throwing them into the laundry but also consider air-drying them in the sunlight to help eliminate any remaining odors. If that doesn't work, it can be a telltale sign that it's time to replace your period panties.
Shop the Best Period Underwear
1. Knix Super Leakproof Boyshort
When they say this underwear is super absorbent, they really mean it—it absorbs up to eight tampons' worth! This boy-short option has extra coverage and is super comfortable, but Knix has a bunch of other styles and absorbency levels, like super-leakproof thongs and medium-absorbency leakproof cheeky underwear.
2. Proof Period & Leak Proof Lace Cheeky Panties
Just because it's period underwear doesn't mean it can't be cute or sexy. This pair from Proof has a pretty lace detail. It can hold up to three tampons' worth of menstrual fluid.
3. Ruby Love Period Underwear High-Waist
Ruby Love not only features period underwear, but it also has swim options and pieces for incontinence (for men, too!). Every piece is leak-proof and odor-free and won't chafe. And the period underwear has absorbency levels of up to 2 1/2 tampons' worth.
4. Saalt Leakproof Thong
Saalt is known for its highly rated menstrual cups, but the brand launched a line of period underwear, Saalt Wear, earlier this year. The product range has pieces for heavier days and lighter days. This thong is best for lighter days, and the mid-rise piece has a delicate European lace detail, too.
5. The Period Company High Waisted Period
Celebrity stylist Karla Welch and Sasha Markov founded The Period Company to change the way people look at periods and to create sustainable options for menstrual-care products. The pieces are one of the more affordable options when it comes to period underwear, with the most expensive product being the high-absorbency The Sleeper brief ($24). It absorbs up to 10 tampons' or six pads' worth of flow.
6. Rael Bikini Reusable Period Underwear
Rael is another company that offers tampons, pads, and menstrual cups (plus supplements and skincare) in addition to disposable and reusable period underwear. The reusable option absorbs as much as three tampons and is made of breathable cotton.
7. Dear Kate Hazel Hipster
This hipster version has three layers of breathable fabric, which are leak-resistant, stain-releasing, and moisture-wicking. It holds up to 1 1/2 tampons' worth of menstrual fluid. In addition to period underwear, Dear Kate also has leak-proof activewear.
8. Thinx All Leaks Light Absorbency Hi-Waist Underwear
You've probably heard of Thinx before since it was one of the first brands to get a lot of buzz in the period-underwear space. The brand offers underwear in five absorbencies: lightest, light, moderate, heavy, and super. This hip-hugger has super absorbency, so it holds up to five regular tampons' worth.
9. Modibodi Classic Full Brief
Part of Modibodi's mission is giving back to the community, so in 2021, the brand pledged to donate 100,000 pairs of reusable leak-proof underwear to 20,000 people in need. Its goal is to end period poverty. The underwear options have a huge range of absorbencies from super light to maxi (up to 24 hours of protection). And Modibodi also has a line of postpartum and maternity bras, camis, and briefs.
10. Bambody Absorbent Bikini
Bambody's underwear is made with—you guessed it—bamboo fabric. The absorbent styles have four layers: a black inside layer, an absorbent layer, a leak-proof layer, and the bamboo fabric. This lacy bikini can hold as much as two tampons would and is sweat-wicking.
Shop Other Period Products We Love
Lena's menstrual cups come highly rated—they have 18,000-plus ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The cup can be worm for 12 consecutive hours and is odorless and leak-free. It comes in small and large sizes, depending on your flow.
The Honey Pot Company is all about plant-derived feminine-care products that will make you feel good and won't irritate you. The brand's pads are infused with an herbal blend of aloe, lavender, and mint essential oils for extra comfort and cooling.
Lola tampons are made with hypoallergenic organic cotton and have a BPA-free applicator. And they're also free of toxins, dyes, fragrances, and chlorine bleach. They have 360-degree leak protection to absorb everything.
These supplements can lift your spirits and help with stress, especially when you need some PMS relief. They're formulated with B6, GABA, organic Saint-John's-wort, and organic chasteberry.
This kit has everything you need to deal with menstrual cramps. It has a period balm that creates a gentle warmth on the skin to soothe, plus a heat-relief patch that provides comfort for up to eight hours.
Saalt's soft cup is made of ultra-soft silicone so it's gentle and comfortable for anyone who might have trouble wearing a menstrual cup or have bladder sensitivity or cramping.
These pads have an organic cotton top sheet and a super-absorbent core to keep you dry and fresh. The sheets are also breathable, so odor is eliminated.
Cora's tampons have a highly absorbent, hypoallergenic, and organic-cotton core. Plus, the BPA-free compact applicator is easy to insert.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
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