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There’s a new method of period protection in town, and luckily it doesn’t require a last-minute run to the drugstore. The best period underwear offers you peace of mind and your clothes protection from blood stains. We know, period products are super personal, and everyone has their go-to, whether that be tampons, pads, menstrual cups, or period underwear.

“Just like pads, tampons, and cups, period underwear is designed to catch the flow of blood that comes with your period,” explains Leah Millheiser, M.D., chief medical officer at Evernow. “Period underwear can be a great alternative to pads, tampons, and cups.” And, since all periods and all period-havers are different, access to alternative period products, like period underwear, is important.

“Not everyone is comfortable with inserting something, like tampons or menstrual cups, or they just may not be the right feel or fit for them for one reason or another,” says Kiarra King, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. “Then on the other hand, wearing pads may feel kind of bulky and uncomfortable.” Period underwear offers a unique method of protection that fits like normal underwear, is sleek and comfortable, and is something you can simply slip on.

Ahead, find your perfect fit with the best period underwear available for every flow, along with how period underwear works and how to best care for your pairs.

We consulted Dr. King, Dr. Millheiser, Sherry Ross, M.D., women’s sexual health expert, author of she-ology and the she-quel, Terri Huynh, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Specialties at Yale School of Medicine, the Good Housekeeping Institute, which tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best period underwear available.

The Good Housekeeping Institute notes that this pair of period underwear “aced all Lab evaluations with no signs of wear after laundering,” and is made of nylon and Lycra for a lightweight, airy feel. Additionally, product testers enjoyed the comfortable, non-bulky design, expressing that these were the “perfect back-up to tampons on heavier flow days” and suitable alone for lighter-flow days.

Absorbency: Light | Sizing: XS–XXXXL | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, cotton, spandex, polyester

“Knixteen by Knix targets teenagers, with period underwear that are comfortable, absorbent and very reasonably priced,” explains Dr. Sherry. This three-piece starter set is perfect for not only teens, but anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of period underwear. With two pairs in either a bikini or boyshort style and one pair of sleep shorts, all ranging in levels of absorbency, you’re sure to find a pair that suits you and your cycle.

Absorbency: Moderate to heavy | Sizing: XS–XXL | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester, polyurethane film (underwear); Nylon, Lycra, polyester, polyurethane film (sleep short)

These shorts by Thinx act as protective sleepwear/loungewear. The Good Housekeeping Institute notes that “Thinx’s signature pad [that] easily soaked up fluid in our tests,” while product testers raved about the soft, comfortable material for overnight wear.

Absorbency: Heavy | Sizing: XS–3XL | Materials: Modal, elastane, cotton, polyester

A top pick from the Good Housekeeping Institute, this underwear is designed with soft, lightweight material for ultra-comfort and a barely-there fit thanks to the slim and flexible lining. Testers noted the mesh material at the sides, stating “I feel sexy when wearing these.”

Absorbency: Heavy | Sizing: XS–3XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylate, spandex

“Thinx was one of the original leaders in period underwear and checks all the boxes with absorbency, comfort, and price,” says Dr. Ross. This pick from the expert-loved brand comes in a cozy, comfortable boyshort fit and is available in three, neutral colors.

Absorbency: Heavy | Sizing: XS–4XL | Materials: Cotton, modal, elastane

Good news: you can wear thong-style period underwear and still be protected. These cute period panties feature lace detailing and a thin, barely-there liner to absorb your flow and keep your feeling dry. One Good Housekeeping Institute tester raved that “this thong feels like my favorite lingerie while giving me peace of mind during my period.”

Absorbency: Moderate | Sizing: S–XXL | Materials: Polyester, elastane, spandex

Modibodi has all the benefits of other expensive brands, “with more options for absorbencies and great front to back coverage, at a more reasonable price,” explains Dr. Ross. This pair of period underwear geared toward those with active lifestyles is designed to help keep you cool and dry, both from your period flow and sweat.

Absorbency: Light to moderate | Sizing: XS–2XL | Materials: Merino wool, spandex, polyester, polyamide

Over 4,000 Amazon customers rate this underwear five stars, with absolutely glowing reviews. “Confession: I am in love with these underwear,” one user writes. “Feel soft on my skin, no pinching or riding up, don’t make me feel sweaty or hot even in the summer heat, and best of all THEY WORK! That’s right. No leaks, no odor, wash great, so cost-effective.” This hipster-style period underwear is ultra-comfortable with a “no ride” fit and full coverage design for maximum leak protection. A stylish contrasting waistband offers a fun, trendy feel, too!

Absorbency: Moderate | Sizing: XXS–XXL | Materials: Rayon, cotton, spandex

Another great pair from Dr. Ross’s recommended brand, this high-waisted period underwear from Thinx is stylish, full-coverage, and comfortable. Made with soft, silky fabric, this underwear feature four layers of absorbent protection. According to the brand, this underwear is suitable alone for moderate to heavy flow days and for backup on heavy flow days.

Absorbency: Moderate to heavy | Sizing: XS–XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester, elastane, spandex, polyurethane

Another pick from one of Dr. Ross’ favorite period underwear brand, this pair checks all the boxes with cute, lace panels at the sides, a high cut leg, and a slim yet powerful lining for ultimate protection. “I wore white,” writes one user. “Yep. White. A pure white jumpsuit. For the first time, during my period, for decades.”

Absorbency: Moderate to heavy | Sizing: S–4XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex, polyethylene

This super-soft, super-absorbent period underwear boast over 1,000 ratings on Amazon attesting to their comfort and effectiveness. A snug fit keeps you protected day and night, while the soft, stretchy design and high leg cut ensures maximum comfort and wearability. “These undies are SOFT, stretchy, and super comfortable,” writes one user. “They last through the whole day on a heavy flow day.”

Absorbency: Moderate | Sizing: XS–2XL | Materials: Rayon, cotton, spandex

Great for sleeping, or really whenever, these super-absorbent period shorts feature a comfortable, body hugging fit and an extended gusset for extra security. And with over 1,300 reviews on the brand’s website, customers are loving these. One user reports that these shorts are “life changing for those heavier days.” She adds, “They’re also a great #lifehack for wearing under dresses to prevent chafing and accidental flashing.”

Absorbency: Heavy | Sizing: XS–3XL | Materials: Nylon, spandex, modal, polyester

With over 3,000 five star reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say this period underwear is a hit. “My only wish is that I had found them earlier,” one user writes. “These are so comfortable and breathable.” This underwear is made with multiple absorbent layers in a flattering and comfortable bikini cut for sleek, discreet fit.

Absorbency: Light to moderate | Sizing: XXS–4XL | Materials: Modal, spandex

This pair of period underwear is a bit different from our other options as these are disposable. Meant for overnight protection, Always claims this underwear requires “no backup” and stays in place all night with a classic snug yet comfortable underwear fit. This disposable underwear comes in multipacks with sizes small to medium, and large to extra large. “Absolutely one of the best purchases I’ve ever made,” writes one Amazon user. “Finally sleep stress free during my periods without worrying about my clothes and sheets and bedding.”

Absorbency: Moderate to heavy | Sizing: S/M, L/XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex, polyethylene

With over 13,500 ratings on Amazon, this pair of period underwear boasts tons of glowing reviews. “I was super skeptical that these would keep me dry and clean, but they did just that!!,” wrote one user. I didn’t feel wet.” Another said: “These are the most comfortable period panties I've tried, and the cheapest to boot.”

Absorbency: Light | Sizing: XS–3XL | Materials: Cotton, spandex, polyurethane

Underwear that looks and feels like your average (or even favorite!) pair, but also offers effective period protection might seem too good to be true, but the technology is solid and actually quite simple.

The difference between period underwear and typical underwear is that “they’re made from absorbent material with a top layer that also wicks away moisture, so they can trap blood flow while also helping you to stay dry,” explains Dr. Millheiser. “Depending on the brand and strength you choose, they can hold several tampons’ worth of flow (some brands advertise up to five).” Dr. Ross adds that the difference in absorbencies will determine how frequently they should be changed.

✔️ Consider cost per wear: Dr. Huynh notes that when searching for a pair of period underwear (or any other method of protection) “one’s lifestyle, comfort, and cost,” should be considered in addition to whether or not the product offers adequate leak protection. Additionally, “although the upfront cost may be higher for period underwear, they are reusable after washing,” Dr. Huynh explains.

✔️ Check the materials: “The perfect period underwear is made of a breathable, seamless cotton with a comfortable stretch, full front to back perineal coverage, has an absorbency of two tampons or more, and is affordable,” explains Dr. Ross. Additionally, many different materials are used in period underwear: “If one is allergic to the material, that period underwear should be avoided,” cautions Dr. Huynh.

✔️ Consider your flow: Period underwear comes in many different styles to suit different absorbency needs. And, while Dr. Huynh notes that those with heavier flows can use period underwear, they “can also be used in conjunction with tampons or cups for persons prone to leaking with these products.” Also, be sure you change them out “when you feel wetness—just like with a pad or regular underwear, a damp environment can lead to yeast infections,” warns Dr. Millheiser.

✔️ Don’t be afraid of trial and error: Dr. King encourages everyone to find their best fit “literally and figuratively.” Ask yourself questions like: Is this comfortable for me? Do I like how this feels? Is the cut right? Does this feel like I have enough coverage? “There’s a lot of factors just from a comfort standpoint.” For these reasons, Dr. King even recommends trying a few pairs out before your cycle to find your perfect fit.