Period panties can also help “people who have sensory issues and can’t really tolerate wearing a pad or tampon,” says Andrea Zuckerman, MD, Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at Tufts Medical Center. Whether you are choosing the underwear for environmental, comfort, or other reasons, Dr. Zuckerman says it’s important to look at the “absorbency rating” of each product. “It should be one that is as absorbent as they need for their heaviest period,” she continues.
We researched dozens of period panties and evaluated them for fit, absorbency, feel, materials, and price.
Here are the best period panties on the market.
The company makes it easy for the consumer to determine if the absorbency of this product will work best for them because it details how much blood the underwear holds in comparison to tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. The Thinx Air Hiphugger can hold about two regular tampons’ worth of menstrual blood before needing to be changed, and won’t leave you with panty lines despite a hip hugger cut.
Price at time of publication: $35
The underwear comes in a hipster style that feels comfortable and cute all at once. Each pair is made with a bamboo material that feels silky smooth against the skin. They also hold about two regular tampons’ worth of menstrual blood so, depending on your flow, you can wear them throughout the day without any worry of leakage. With a variety of colors and sizes, the product makes a great addition to anyone’s menstrual product lineup.
Price at time of publication: $17
The period panty, which is high-waisted with a stylish lace trim, uses a longer gusset that extends from the back of the underwear all the way to the front. This helps the underwear catch and hold more menstrual blood without causing leaks.
Modibodi uses a bamboo and polyester blend to create breathable and silky underwear that feels good against the skin. So wearing the underwear is not only a comfortable experience, but also a carefree one.
Price at time of publication: $33
The fabric—made with lycra and nylon—creates a comfortable but snug fit midway up the waist so you feel secure all day long. Besides being comfortable, the thong is also machine washable, so it is easy to clean in between wears.
Price at time of publication: $26
The full-coverage briefs can hold up to two tampons’ worth of menstrual blood per wear. After wearing, all you have to do is machine wash the briefs on cold before tumble drying them on low. Then the briefs are ready to wear for your next cycle. They’re slightly more expensive than some of the other options on our list, but their coverage and absorbency make them worth the splurge.
Price at time of publication: $46
Price at time of publication: $16
The underwear can hold up to three tampons’ worth of menstrual blood per wear, making it one of the more absorbent options on the market. Additionally, the bikini-cut of the panty helps you feel secure without feeling too full-coverage. These panties are also machine-washable, so it is easy to wash the pair and get them ready for the next time you’re on your cycle.
Price at time of publication: $35
Although the underwear focuses more on style elements compared to other types of period panties on the market, you don’t need to be concerned about any leaks. The absorbent material extends from front to back and is fitted to prevent any concerns of leaks throughout the day.
Price at time of publication: $27
Proof developed a multi-layer Leak-Loc system for its underwear, which makes it capable of holding a high amount of menstrual blood. It works by drawing moisture, both menstrual blood and sweat, away from the body while keeping you odor-free throughout your workout.
Price at time of publication: $43
While these panties are stretchy, breathable, and comfortable for almost any user, you may want to note that the longer short cut has a tendency to ride up, which may make for an awkward fit under certain clothes.
Price at time of publication: $20
People with periods should consider the “amount of flow on your heaviest day as well as if you have clots, which may sit on the panty and not be absorbed as well,” says Dr. Williams. “Some of my patients will wear a tampon or cup and also wear a period panty as a backup.” Dr. Williams suggests testing the absorbency of the undergarments throughout their period to determine if the product works best for their personal needs.
Style
As with any undergarment, there are a variety of styles and fits available. Do you prefer a boyshort over a brief? Do you prefer more coverage or less? Or an athletic look over something more streamlined? These are all questions you should ask yourself before you start your search.
Once you’ve answered the questions, another important consideration is the type of material that can aid in the comfort and style of the undergarment. “They are made with a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics depending on the company,” says Sarah Yamaguchi, MD, a board-certified gynecologist with DTLA Gynecology in Los Angeles. ”The outer shell is made from the same material of normal underwear but the moisture-wicking and absorbent layer depends on the brand.” Ultimately, she recommends people find a pair that fits their comfort level and needs.
Price
While most period panties tend to be on the expensive side, there are some exceptions. It’s important to keep in mind that period panties are not disposable. You will wear them over and over every month—and think about all the money you will save on tampons!
But Dr. Yamaguchi does recommend having at least one backup pair if choosing to use period panties, which can add to the price. “Women might want to have a backup pair with them just in case and change them on the early side as opposed to waiting until they are leaking,” she says. Some period panties come in bundles, which can help make them more cost-effective.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
While they won’t replace pads entirely, they can help those who just started their period and aren’t ready to transition to other period products. “It is a great option for adolescents who may not feel comfortable with inserting a tampon or menstrual cup and don’t want to deal with the hassle of wearing a pad,” Dr. Nathan says.
On heavier days, period panties can also be paired with a tampon or pad to last longer throughout the day. “If women know that they can have a heavy flow and need to change their pads or tampons every four to six hours or sooner, it would be a good idea to use a pad or tampon in addition to the period panties,” Dr. Nathan says.
Because of a class-action settlement by Thinx that alleged PFAS were found in their products, many people are worried about the impact of these chemicals in period underwear.
The OBGYNs and researchers we spoke to agreed that we are exposed to PFAS so often on a daily basis that using period underwear for a few days every month may not pose any additional risks to our health. “People are exposed to PFAS daily in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It’s impossible for us to avoid PFAS exposure in our daily lives. We don’t need to be alarmed about the potential for health effects due to the use of Thinx products,” Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT, Medical Toxicologist, Co-Medical Director, and Interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center told Verywell Health.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate any period products, so there is no way to know if period underwear or other menstrual products contain PFAS or other chemicals.
