What Are Period Panties And Do They Really Work?

Period panties are panties with a body-hugging fit that soak all the menstrual blood and prevent leakage without causing irritation. Period panties are more like diapers that feel like normal underwear. They have a special layer of fabrics and materials that prevent the menstrual blood from seeping through. There are two types of period panties – panties that need to be used with pads or tampons and standalone panties that are specially designed to soak menstrual blood and prevent leakage. There are panties available for different sizes and medium to high flow for better absorption. Some panties are designed to deal with light flow and leakage, while some panties can replace tampons and are super absorbent. The layer of special fabrics pulls the liquid away and traps the blood inside the panties, which results in zero leakage. Period panties can hold up to three teaspoons of liquid at a time and offer great protection. Here are the 11 best period panties you can try out.

11 Best Period Panties

1. Best Overall:YOYI FASHION Women Menstrual Period Briefs

This set of menstrual briefs from Yoyi fashion offers relief during the days of heavy flow. These briefs are to be used with pads to prevent leakage and spills. Women who get heavy periods or are experiencing postpartum bleeding can use these leakproof, easy to clean, and comfy briefs that can protect from overflow. The body-hugging briefs do not irritate the skin. They are made of a nylon, cotton, and spandex blend for better support and comfort. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review. Pros

Come with a water-resistant lining for better moisture absorption Leakproof Body-hugging and comfortable

Cons

Should be used with pads or tampons and not on their own

2. Best For Heavy Flow:Hesta Women’s Organic Cotton Menstrual Panties

These period protective panties are specially designed for days with heavy flow, so you can get extra protection from leakages and overflow. If you have to deal with heavy blood flow during the initial days, wear these panties with your menstrual cup, pad, or tampon to prevent leakage. They are available in two colors (Black and Nude) and offer the perfect fit for all sizes from XS to 4XL. Pros

Extended front area protection Offers great bedtime protection when used with tampons, cups or pads

Cons

Don’t offer full leakage prevention from the front.

3. Best Full-Coverage:Anigan EvaWear Period Panties 

If you are looking for a highly absorbent and a full-coverage panty, this one is for you. The Evawear Period Panty can be used alone without tampons or pads and is designed for daytime/night time and  front/back sleepers. It offers coverage from front to back and is great for women during their menstrual cycle and postpartum recovery. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product. Pros

Absorbency is equal to 2 tampons Breathable Lightweight Leakproof Moisture-wicking, highly-absorbent fabric Hypoallergenic Easy to wear for hours Body-hugging

Cons

Lace on the side might irritate the skin if the panty is too tight.

4. Best Leakproof:Funcy Women Menstrual Period Protective Panties

If you worry about leakage and stains while you are on your period, try the Funcy Menstrual Period Panties. These panties are black and work well for heavy bleeding days or postpartum bleeding. It has a water-resistant lining that uses three layers of regenerated cellulose fiber to prevent leakage. The protective brief must be used with tampons, pads, or menstrual cups. Pros

Broad and long hemline prevents side leakage. Leakproof Moisture absorbent Mid-rise design protects the abdomen Relieves dysmenorrhea

Cons

Stains if not worn with pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.

5. Best For Sporty Activities:Bambody Period Panties

These leakproof briefs are great for medium to light flow during periods. You can combine these panties with sanitary wear for maximum protection and leakage prevention. These are sporty briefs that you can wear for workouts, sports, and rigorous activities while on your period. The briefs are for girls who perform sporty activities and are active sleepers. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product. Pros

Back and front protection Feels like regular underwear Breathable

Cons

No extra protective layer or absorbent lining to prevent leakage.

6. Best Breathable:4period High Absorbency Period Panties 

This set of five highly absorbent and leakproof panties will keep you dry and safe through the day and night while you are on your period. The panties are front and back absorbent, moisture-wicking, and offer leak protection for menstruation, postpartum, and urinary incontinence. These are hipster style panties with no ride-up elastic bands and full back coverage.  Pros

Breathable, comfortable, and light fabric Leakproof High absorbency Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

Should be used with pads, menstrual cups, or tampons

7. Best Moisture-Wicking:Tansan 3 Pack Menstrual Protective Underwear 

These leakproof briefs are not only super absorbent but also stylishly designed. They are made using cotton and spandex and are great for menstrual cycle heavy flow, postpartum bleeding, fecal and urinary incontinence, postnatal recovery, and weak bladder control. The panties are designed to hold sanitary pads and prevent leakage. The inner lining is made of cotton fiber and polyester, which provide leakage protection in the center and rear of the underwear.  Pros

Leakproof Breathable Hypoallergenic Moisture-wicking fabric

Cons

Must use along with sanitary napkins, tampons, panty liners, maternity pads, or incontinence pads.

8. Best Value For Money:INNERSY Women’s Period Panties

These maternity hipsters by Innersy are designed to absorb heavy menstrual flow during periods, postpartum, or C-section. The hipsters are made of 95% natural cotton and 5% spandex, while the cotton lining is made of 100% premium cotton. The extended crotch lining and broad surface make them more absorbent and prevent messy stains on the sheets.  Pros

Offers food front to back coverage Extended crotch lining prevents leakage Improved 2 layer core helps on heavy flow days

Cons

Slightly tight around the thighs Need to be used with pads, cups, or tampons.

9. Best For Teenage:Intimate Portal Sensation Leak Proof Period Panties

These fancy period panties are ideal for teenage girls and women and offer great protection against unexpected leaks during periods. The leakproof layers on the front and back catch and absorb leakage. They have a built-in absorbing layer up to 20ml capacity. You can wear them directly for light days, spotting, postpartum bleeding, and stress leaks.  Pros

Ultra-soft High absorbency 4-layered protection

Cons

Need to wear it with menstrual cups, pads, or tampons if you have regular/heavy flow.

10. Best Fat-Absorbing:Shero LeakProof Thong Period Underwear

The Shero LeakProof Thong Period Underwear is designed with fast-absorption fabric technology. These thongs have 5 layers and the body is made of nylon and polyester, while the gusset has a blend of polyester, spandex, and polyolefin to prevent leakage. Moreover, the gusset fabric is infused with bamboo charcoal and a coffee blend that helps in odor control. The brand claims that it can hold up to 1 tampon worth of blood. Pros

Machine washable Soft and strong Reusable Easy to wash Breathable

Cons None

11. Best Hypoallergenic:UndiePads Disposable Menstrual Underwear With Built-in Pad

These disposable period panties come with a built-in pad and offer up to 12 hours of leakproof protection. They absorb 3X more than any pad or tampon and are made with a special spandex thread that offers a comfortable and curve-hugging fit. The pad is sewn into the panties, and it stays in place without shifting and protects against leakages. You can use these panties during your menstrual cycle, menopause, postpartum, mild incontinence, and while traveling. Pros

Comfortable Breathable Hypoallergenic Biodegradable

Cons

Don’t offer full back coverage for protection while sleeping.

Before purchasing a period panty, there are certain things you need to know. A single panty doesn’t work for everyone, and thus, you need to analyze certain features, like the fabric, size, leakproof ability, and certain other things that are mentioned below.

Important Things You Should Consider Before Buying Period Panties 

Fabric

Period panties are generally made of cotton. Premium cotton-based panties offer more comfort and prevent leakage. Panties with double or triple cotton layering offer better absorption and thus are great for preventing stains. Most period panties are made with 90% cotton and other blends like spandex or polyester for better stretchability.

Leakproof

Most of the period panties are highly leakproof. They come with double or triple absorbent layers that prevent leaks and stains. However, the panties that are to be worn without tampons, cups, or pads are more leakproof and offer better absorbency.

Size

Most of the period panties, be it thongs, briefs, hipsters, or normal panties, are available in a range of sizes, from XS to 4XL. Choose the size that keeps your pad in place and fits your body without hurting or irritating your skin.

Style

The period panties are available in different styles. From printed to plain panties and from lacy thongs to classic briefs, there are plenty of patterns and styles available. Pick one that you feel comfortable in.

Wash

Most period panties are machine-washable as well as perfect for hand wash. These panties are generally reusable, and thus, you can reuse them after washing. Here are answers to a few more questions.

Which Type Of Panties Should Be Used In Periods?

While you are on your first period, you can choose panties with a double or triple lining that prevents leakage and can be worn without any menstrual cup or pad. For light to medium flow, you can stick to these panties. However, if you have a heavy flow during your periods or are recovering from postpartum bleeding, try the extra­absorbent panties that can be worn with pads, tampons, and menstrual cups to prevent leaks and stains. These panties are generally eco-friendly and body-hugging and offer a great fit. 

What Are The Benefits Of Period Panties?

Most period panties are eco-friendly. The ones with absorbent layers prevent the use of pads and tampons. You can bleed freely without worrying about leakage or stains while wearing period panties. Most period panties fight odor and prevent the foul smell from going out. Period panties offer extra protection as compared to normal underwear. Also, if you are wearing a pad or tampon, using it with a period panty will give you peace of mind. Period panties can absorb more liquid than normal panties. If you experience leakage after wearing a tampon or a pad, the period panties will absorb the leaked blood and prevent stains. Period panties are ideal for traveling and help keep the pads in place. These are body-hugging, flexible, and versatile panties that will help you sleep, workout, or play sports conveniently.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

With the help of extensive research and analysis, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best period panties. We have also read many customer reviews to understand how effective they are and have gone through several product details to ensure that the listed items are safe for use. These items on the list are comfortable and will keep your sanitary napkin in place. Are period panties reusable? Most of the period panties are reusable. They are made using cotton and are used along with tampons, menstrual cups, or pads. You can use them after cleaning. Some period panties are disposable. These panties arrive with an inbuilt pad and are for one-time use. How often do you change period panties? Consider the period panties as panty liners. Change the period panties as often as you change your panty liners. Most period panties can absorb up to 20 mL of liquid, so if you often get heavy flow on the first few days of your periods, change the panty after 4-5 hours for better hygiene. If you are wearing a pad or tampon, you don’t need to change the period panty every 4-5 hours; you can change it at the end of the day. Can you swim in period panties? Wearing only period panties in the pool is not recommended as it can absorb water and cause stains and leakages in water. If you want to swim during periods, wear a tampon or a menstrual cup and double your protection with a highly absorbent period panty. You can also wear a leakproof swimsuit to prevent any leakages. The best option is to wear a menstrual cup with a period panty. Can you wear period underwear with a heavy flow? Yes, period panties are good for days with heavy flow. These panties keep you comfortable and offer a 12 to 14 hours protection during heavy flow days. How do you clean period panties? Soak the period panties in cold water and rinse them well using a mild detergent. Wash them in the machine using the gentle cycle. Are period panties FSA/HSA eligible? Yes, period products including period panties are FSA and HSA-eligible.

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