The Best Period Underwear Options for Any Situation

What is period underwear?

Period underwear is underwear designed specifically to absorb menstrual blood.

Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear, but it has hidden absorbent layers of protective material in the gusset, or in some cases all over, to help prevent leaks.

Depending on the underwear and your flow, period underwear can be worn on its own or used as a backup with tampons and other period products.

How we chose these products

We chose our picks based on the following:

• Absorbency. We all have different flows, so we wanted to include absorbency options for every flow.
• Materials. Some feel and, let’s face it, smell better than others.
• Comfort. We all deserve to be as comfortable as can be on our periods, so we looked at reviews for how people felt while wearing them.
• Specific uses. Some activities need extra period protection, like sleeping, working out, or sitting in class.
• Customer reviews. We combed through and evaluated the good, bad, and ugly customer reviews.

Healinggeeks’s picks for the best period underwear

Whether your period is heavy one day or all period long, these options are designed to handle it all.

Best period underwear for a heavy flow

Modibodi Classic Bikini

• Price: $$
• Absorbency: up to 3–4 tampons’ worth
• Pros: absorbent enough for heavy days, longer gusset
• Cons: longer drying time after washing

Modibodi’s Classic Bikini takes honors as the company’s most reviewed high absorbency underwear. It can be worn without any backup on moderate to heavy flow days. Freedom!

It’s comfy and its liners are odor-fighting, moisture wicking, and stain resistant. The gusset goes all the way up the back to the waistband, which is perfect for people who sleep on their backs. No more waking up to stained sheets!

Thinx Super Hiphugger

• Price: $$
• Absorbency: up to 4 tampons’ worth
• Pros: very absorbent, stylish, comfortable
• Cons: front protection doesn’t extend far enough for some “front bleeders”

The Thinx Hiphugger is the brand’s bestselling style and it’s finally available in heavy absorbency.

The style’s already a fave for everyday wear because it’s insanely comfortable and moves with you. The high absorbency option means people with heavy flows can finally see what all the hype’s about.

If you’re looking for pretty period panties, these look more stylish and less utilitarian than other styles.

Best period underwear for everyday wear

Period underwear for everyday wear and an average flow should be seriously comfortable. We’ve found a few options that fit the bill and are comfortable for work, play, and everything in between.

Bambody Period Panties Hipster

• Price: $
• Absorbency: light to medium flow
• Pros: affordable, comfortable, breathable
• Cons: sizes run a bit small

This bamboo period pantie has everything you want in daily undies. It’s made of breathable bamboo, it’s comfortable, and it’s affordable.

Based on reviews, it’s an all-ages fave for people with light to medium flow. A leakproof layer extends all the way from front to back, so you get lots of protection no matter how you sleep. The pantie offers good coverage without compromising style.

Thinx Cotton Brief

• Price: $$
• Absorbency: up to 2 regular tampons’ worth
• Pros: mostly cotton (read: breathable), very comfortable
• Cons: don’t fit like traditional briefs, so you may need to size up

Based on reviews, these panties rival your favorite pair of sweats when it comes to comfort.

They’re made from 95 percent organic cotton and 5 percent elastane, so they’re breathable with just enough stretch to prevent sagging. Cotton’s also the way to go if you sweat a lot or have sensitive skin.

If you’re looking for a higher cut brief, these don’t cover as much belly and booty as traditional briefs.

Best period underwear for tweens and teens

Comfort and cuteness can be just as important as avoiding the kind of period mishaps that’ll make you dread walking across the quad.

These are the crème de la crème of period underwear for tweens and teens.

Knixteen Leakproof Proof Underwear Bikini

• Price: $
• Absorbency: 1 to 3 teaspoons
• Pros: seamless, comfortable, affordable
• Cons: standard gusset length doesn’t offer extra back or front protection

Knixteen is Knix’s teen-friendly line, and it’s awesome. Word has it they really do let you move and do your thing, all while looking cute.

The panties are seamless and insanely comfortable so you can wear them under anything. Based on reviews, they’re easy to wash and dry fast.

The absorbent gusset is roughly the same length as a regular liner, which can be a pro for some, but not for overnight protection if you sleep on your back.

RED by Modibodi Hipster Bikini

• Price: $
• Absorbency: 2 to 3 tampons’ worth
• Pros: affordable, available in different absorbencies
• Cons: some users say they can feel a bit bulky when soaked

Yay for options! Modibodi also has a line of cute, comfy period underwear for younger menstruators.

They look and feel like regular underwear and come in moderate to heavy absorbency. This is especially important because puberty often means all-over-the-place periods with ever-changing flows.

They’re mainly made of organic cotton so they’re super breathable.

Best gender-neutral period underwear

You probably already know that menstruation products can be a bit — OK, a lot — gender-centric. An increasing number of companies are starting to offer more gender-neutral styles.

Aisle Boxer Brief

• Price: $$$
• Absorbency: up to 4 tampons’ worth (or up to 8 with absorbency booster)
• Pros: super absorbent, option to double absorbency with booster insert
• Cons: some people say they can feel the front and back seams

This crowd favorite is a basic boxer brief that comes in neutral colors with a lined leakproof inner panel and a reusable insert pad.

They hold up to four tampons’ worth of blood. If you need more protection, you can purchase absorbency boosters for a whopping eight tampons’ worth!

They fit like a true boxer brief and stay put whether you’re chilling or working out.

Modibodi Classic Boyshort

• Price: $$
• Absorbency: up to 3–4 tampons’ worth
• Pros: neutral style, breathable, gusset extends up the back
• Cons: reviewers say these dip a bit low in the back over a bigger bottom

This basic boxer brief style is snug but stretchy, allowing for all kinds of movement. It’s a moderate to high absorbency option in a gender-neutral style that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, according to reviews.

It’s made mostly from bamboo viscose. The gusset goes all the way up the back to help protect against dreaded sitting and sleeping leakage.

Given the quality, they’re pretty affordable, too.

Best period underwear for overnight wear

The key to picking the right period pantie for sleeping is to look for something with extra coverage and enough stretch to be snug but comfortable.

For a better night’s sleep, these should do the trick.

Knix Super Leakproof Dream Short

• Price: $$$
• Absorbency: up to 3 tampons’ worth
• Pros: 4-way stretch, comfortable, full coverage, absorbent
• Cons: some users reported the panties roll up over the thighs

These super-absorbent sleep shorts do double duty as period underwear that can be worn under your jammies or sleep shorts that you can rock as they are.

They have a built-in pad that’s extra long for added protection while you snooze. Being seamless and having snug-but-comfy four-way stretch means you could probably get away with these by day under your clothes.

Aisle Hipster

• Price: $$$
• Absorbency: up to 4 tampons’ worth, or 8 with the absorbency booster
• Pros: super absorbent, option to add absorbency booster insert
• Cons: pricier than other brands

People love these for sleep and everything else because they’re so comfortable. Even though they’re a hipster, you get plenty of side and rear coverage. The breathable fabric and nonelasticized leg openings make them ideal for sleep.

As far as protection from nocturnal nastiness, they hold up to four tampons’ worth — or up to eight if you add one of their absorbency boosters.

Best period underwear for working out

Raise your hand if you’ve skipped a workout because of your period!

The right period underwear can make or break your workout. These options let you move your body and bleed free without leaving anything more than sweat behind.

Thinx Training Shorts

• Price: $$$
• Absorbency: up to 5 tampons’ worth
• Pros: very absorbent, comfortable, moves with you
• Cons: less stretch than some period shorts, so you may need to size up

There’s no way around it — these are pricey. If you like to work out in shorts without the added bulk of underwear, it’s hard to find something that fits the bill as closely as these.

They look like cute athletic shorts but are actually period-proof shorts with built-in, super-absorbent underwear. Some reviewers find them so comfy that they wear them even when they’re not on their period. Another bonus? They have a zip pocket for your keys, and users say they prevent chub rub.

Thinx air Bikini

• Price: $$
• Absorbency: up to 2 tampons’ worth
• Pros: lightweight, comfortable
• Cons: very light protection, can only be air dried

The Thinx air line of period underwear is a gym fave because they’re made of ultra-thin micromesh and keep you dry (or as dry as you can be on your period, anyway).

Like other Thinx products, they’re pricey, but reviewers rave about the quality.

These are definitely better saved for lighter days or used as backup protection.

Best period underwear for swimming

Can we take a moment to give thanks for period-proof swimwear? What a time to be alive.

Ruby Love Swimwear

• Price: $$$
• Absorbency: up to 3 tampons’ worth or up to 6 tampons’ worth with extra liner
• Pros: absorbent, lots of style options, inserts for extra protection available
• Cons: pricey, some reviewers found the liner bulky

Ruby Love has a huge selection of period-proof swimwear, including bikini bottoms, sets, and one-piece suits.

As far as leak protection, they seem to excel there, too, holding up to three tampons’ worth of blood. Plus, you can add liner inserts for additional coverage.

Best period underwear for postpartum bleeding

Bleeding, bladder leaks, and discharge are standard fare after giving birth. While those mesh undies and ginormous hospital pads are functional, they’re, well, hideous.

Most high absorbency period briefs will do for postpartum bleeding, but there’s one pair that seems to stand out.

Knix CoreLove Hi-Rise

• Price: $$
• Absorbency: not specified
• Pros: absorbent, tummy and low back support
• Cons: compression bands can create a “lumpy” appearance

These are made specifically with postpartum life and leaks in mind. They’re made from a nylon and Lycra combo with gentle, velvet compression bands to support your tummy and low back.

There’s also an extra-long, leakproof liner for extra protection no matter what you’re doing.

Best period underwear for thong lovers

A thong and your period may seem like a disaster waiting to happen, but as long as your flow isn’t too heavy, these options should work just fine.

Knix Leakproof Thong

• Price: $
• Absorbency: light flow
• Pros: affordable, lots of style options
• Cons: some users report that sizing runs small

The Knix thong is seamless, fast-drying, and ridiculously comfortable, say reviews. Adaptive four-way stretch lets them move with you no matter what you’re up to.

Some reviewers even report working out in them during lighter-flow days.

Thinx Thong

• Price: $
• Absorbency: up to 1 tampon’s worth
• Pros: comfortable, seamless
• Cons: some users report the new waistband frays easily

If you prefer a thong with a little more flair, consider this lacy option from Thinx. Wearers love the look and feel of it for ultra-light days or as backup on heavier days when wearing a cup or tampon.

The polyamide and elastane combo makes them easy to move in, and the cotton gusset helps keep you dry and fresh.

Comparing period underwear

How to shop for period underwear

Shopping for period underwear is personal with a capital P, and at the end of the day, it comes down to your preferences and what feels best for you. That said, there are a few considerations to keep in mind that can help you narrow your choices down.

Consider these factors when shopping for period underwear:

• Your budget. There’s no sense in wasting time on $$$ options when your budget will only allow for $. You can save money by getting on your favorite brands’ email lists and following their socials for sales info and discount codes.
• Your flow. Flow matters, especially if yours leans to the heavier side. Are you hoping to swap out your usual protection for period underwear, or do you just want some backup for your period products? If you have very heavy periods, consider that period underwear alone may not be enough to accommodate your flow.
• Your lifestyle needs. Are you super active? Do you often leak overnight? Some are better than others for meeting certain needs.
• Your comfort. Some styles are bulkier than others, and that’s an important consideration if you like to wear form-fitting clothes, have a petite frame, or just can’t stand the feeling of bulk *down there*. You’ll also want to look at features like the rise and width of the gusset because, well, wedgies.

How to make them last

Once you’ve found the perfect pair, make them last by following the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Most recommend using cold water and mild detergent. While machine washing seems to be fine for most, the delicate cycle is preferred.

Machine drying is a no-go, so lay flat or hang to dry depending on what the tag says.

As for stains, most period undies are stain resistant, but soaking them in cold water as soon as you take them off can give you some extra reassurance.

Frequently asked questions about period underwear

Is period underwear sanitary?

Absolutely, as long as you wash them — and yourself — as needed. Multiple layers and moisture wicking fabric keep blood (and odors) trapped beneath the surface, so you’re not stewing in your flow.

Is period underwear comfortable?

Like with any underwear, comfort comes down to choosing a cut and size that fits you properly. Think of it as your favorite jeans; some brands and styles just feel better than others. Samesies for period panties.

Different brands absorb differently as well. You may find that one feels a little wet sooner than others, in which case, aim for higher absorbency.

How do you clean period underwear?

Always follow the care instructions on the tag, but typically, all you do is rinse them under cold water when you take them off and toss them into the washing machine. Many brands recommend against machine drying period panties, but some brands are dryer-friendly.

Does period underwear really work?

They really do work. Thousands of people who wear them are happy to shout it from the rooftops. That said, bodies are different and so are periods, and what works for many doesn’t necessarily work for all.

If you have a very heavy period, then period panties might be better used as a backup to other period products.