Reliable and comfortable period underwear (designed to absorb menstrual blood) can make your period easier. Today, many styles are both stylish and effective.
But over the past six years, we’ve tried more than 40 pairs of period underwear from 20 different brands and found that some styles are cute but prone to leaking, while others have the durability of the Hoover Dam but the panties look like diapers. The best style for you depends on your flow volume and personal preference.
Our picks include super-absorbent boxer briefs, budget briefs that are perfect for sleeping in or wearing as stockings, silky briefs that feel like regular underwear, adjustable briefs that open at the hips (for easy panty changes), and a thick brief that one tester bled heavily for 24 hours but never leaked.
We look for period underwear that provides full coverage and has multiple layers of absorbent (or fluid-retaining) fabric.
We wash underwear according to the manufacturer’s instructions and monitor how the washing process affects the products.
Shop for stylish, comfortable and effective lingerie from the era. We’ve tried on over 40 styles.
Why They’re Great: Aisle Boost boxer briefs are so comfortable that many testers admitted to wearing them even when they weren’t on their periods.
These boxer briefs are incredibly wicking: They were one of the few pairs of briefs that didn’t leak—even on our self-proclaimed “volcanic flow” tester.
They look like traditional boxer briefs, with a loose elastic waistband and fitted legs. However, unlike traditional boxer briefs, they can hold a lot of menstrual blood, especially when paired with the reusable absorbent pad (included). Even without the extra padding, the pad in these boxer briefs provides ample absorbency, extending from the belly button almost to the waist. In our experience, the absorbency of these boxer briefs, tested in real conditions, far exceeds that of “four tampons.”
At the time of writing, Aisle Boost boxer briefs cost more than $50, making them the most expensive of our recommendations. However, Aisle was the only brand in our test group that claimed its period underwear was machine washable. One tester washed and dried Aisle boxer briefs more than 30 times on high heat and found that while the color of the Aisle boxer briefs faded over time, their performance remained the same.
Cons, but not fatal: Aisle Boost boxer briefs feel heavy and wet when stuffed (especially after wearing them all night). However, in our experience, these briefs did not leak.
The reusable pads that come with the Aisle panties are easy to lose (extra pads cost $5 each), and it took a few tries (and careful reading of the instructions) to get the pads inserted correctly (you need to tuck both ends into the gap between the gusset). The pads can also be a plumbing hazard: One of our testers had to work hard to get the pad off the toilet more than once. Another tester said the pad slips and sometimes gets stuck in the toilet, so they felt it was more of a nuisance than an added cushion.
Price per pair: $52 at time of publication. Absorbency: Full (front waistband to back waistband). Sizes: XXS (33″ and up hips) to 5XL (62″ and up hips). Fit: Runs a little big. Options: Seven colors (black, cobalt, kiwi, espresso, silver, beetroot, green). Care instructions: Rinse cold, machine wash and tumble dry with like colors. Return policy: Customers may return unworn, unwashed sanitary pads within 20 days for store credit. Absorbency claim: Equivalent to eight tampons with reinforcements, four tampons without reinforcements. Lining materials: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) laminate, recycled polyester, organic cotton.
These simple period panties are much cheaper than most of the panties we recommend. They are just as effective, but not as durable or pretty.
Why They’re Good: If you don’t mind buying underwear that starts to look a little worn after 15 washes, Bambody’s high-waisted panties are an affordable period underwear option that’s both effective and super comfortable.
We found these briefs to be just as wicking as many of our more expensive underwear. The Bambody High-Waisted Briefs are some of the most comfortable we’ve ever tried, and the soft, stretchy spandex and bamboo fabric makes them our go-to panty when we’re feeling bloated.
Overall, this pair of underwear feels a little thicker than usual. One of our testers is still happy with the original briefs after three years of wear, hundreds of machine washes, and constant high-heat drying (even though the care instructions say to hang dry).
There are some downsides, but they are not critical: the absorbent core in the crotch area tends to “swell” when the crotch fills with liquid, and the panties get a little wet, but not more than other panties we have chosen with a noticeably absorbent crotch area.
This style wears faster than our other styles and may fade or change color faster. But color change will not affect the effect.
Unlike other products we recommend, the Bambody liner does not extend all the way to the waistband in the front (the absorbent layer only extends to the northern part of the crotch). So stomach sleepers and those who tend to have menstrual blood pooling on the front of their sanitary pads or underwear may want to consider other options.
Lastly, Bambody runs small and shrinks even more after washing. Please check your hip circumference carefully against the Bambody size chart and even then consider going up a size.
Price per article: Starting at $15 (at time of publication). Absorbency: Partial (not full from front waistband to back waist). Sizes: XXS (up to 33-inch hips) to 3XL (up to 53-inch hips). Rise: Small. Options: Our recommended style is currently only available in black. Care instructions: Rinse, then machine wash with warm water; hang to dry. Return policy: Bambody underwear purchased on Amazon can be returned free of charge within 30 days. Claimed absorbency: Equivalent to four tampons. Lining material: PUL (polyurethane laminate) bamboo fiber, nylon, polyester
The Dear Kate bra doesn’t have a plastic waterproof gusset, so it feels very soft but not very secure.
Why They’re Great: For those who don’t want to stuff their period panties with plastic inserts, or want a less noticeable “period panty” and are willing to live with a higher chance of leaking, we recommend the Dear Kate Ada Full Brief. These soft, silky, stretchy panties feel and act just like “regular” underwear.
Dear Kate uses multiple layers of absorbent fabric (rather than a plastic waterproof lining) to prevent leaks, so the crotch of these panties won’t feel puckered or hard like some other period panties. The crotch of the Ada Full Brief won’t swell or get wet when filled with water.
We’ve found that Dear Kate period bras can withstand dozens of washes without shrinking, retaining vibrant colors, and have virtually no pilling in the fabric.
Cons, but not cons: Most of the underwear we recommend seems to be more absorbent than the companies suggest, but we found it was important to keep a close eye on your period to avoid leaks. Of all the underwear we recommend, this pair shifts the most when worn and feels less secure overall.
This is one of the most expensive briefs we recommend, but we think it’s the best in its class.
The Dear Kate panties run small, especially in the legs. We found that sizing for comfort did not affect the suction.
Price per pair: $46 at time of publication Absorbency: Full coverage (waistband from front to back, but no sealed plastic layer) Sizes: XS (hips up to 32 inches) – 3XL (hips up to 58 inches) Fit: Slightly smaller Options: Three colors (black, beige, and ruby ​​red) plus a mystery color option Care instructions: Machine wash cold (without fabric softener); Return policy: Unworn Dear Kate panties can be returned within 30 days (exchanges are free, but refunds will incur a return shipping fee). Claimed absorbency: Equivalent to “three regular tampons.” Gusset material: Micropolyester, elastane.
The gaiters are lined with thick, durable merino wool for comfort and durability. But it’s only available while supplies last.
Pros: Aesthetically, Modibodi’s sexy high-waisted bikini is the opposite of sexy. But somehow, it soaks up more period blood than any other underwear we tested.
The plus-size padding on the Sensual High Waist Bikini is unique among all the historical bikini bottoms we reviewed because it contains a large amount of merino wool, making the bottoms really fluffy. Of all our recommendations, this is the most diaper-like. While its loose silhouette may seem a little off-putting at first (you wouldn’t want to wear it under leggings, for example), the Sensual High-Waisted Bikini makes up for its bulkiness with functionality.
Unlike other Modibodi styles we tried (all of which had issues with leaking and/or were uncomfortable to wear), the Sensual High Waist Bikini washes well and the fabric is virtually pilling-free. However, one tester’s product did start to fade after just 10 washes, especially on the lining. These underwear don’t shrink in the wash, and are the only styles we recommend that are true to size.
The flaw is minor but not fatal: when blood gets on these underwear, they stick out like a wet diaper. In 2024, Modibodi informed us that the panties would be discontinued once the existing stock was sold out.
Price per piece: $42 at time of publishing; Absorbency coverage: Full coverage (front waist to back waist); Sizes: XS (up to 35″ hips) to 6XL (up to 58″ hips); Fit: True to size; Options: We recommend the absorbency size in beige (largest size) only; Care instructions: Machine wash cold after rinsing, do not use fabric softener or stain removers; Line dry. Return policy: New Modibodi customers can get a refund or credit (excluding shipping costs) after 60 days of purchasing a pair of period panties. Existing Modibodi customers can return unworn or unwashed panties within 30 days. Admitted absorbency: 10 tampons or 24 hours of bleeding, whichever comes first; Lining material: merino wool, polyester, polyamide
These adjustable panties have the best fit and most secure side closure construction we could find. Perfect for those who have a hard time putting on and taking off their underwear or who don’t like doing it.
Why they’re great: The Trendix Hooked On You period panties were the best in terms of security and absorbency among the side-vent period panties we tested, including ones from Modibodi and Period Co. Those who can’t or don’t want to pull their period panties up and down (like when changing panties while wearing pants or leggings) may appreciate these beautifully designed panties.
Of all the side-zip panties we tested, the Hooked On You had the widest and longest absorbent panels (from waistband to waistband). And the hook-and-loop closure on these panties is so secure that they’re nearly impossible to undo easily (unlike the Velcro closure on the Period Co. side-slit panties, which ripped after just a few minutes of wear).
When not stained with blood, the Trendix Hooked On You Briefs feel (and look) like a speedo. When filled with blood, they feel a little heavy but not wet; the crotch won’t bulge when filled with blood.
Drawbacks, but not drawbacks: These briefs aren’t as comfortable as our other recommendations, as the metal parts on the sides can dig into your skin. However, this minor discomfort is worth it for safety reasons, as these underwear won’t fall off accidentally (good news for those who need or want underwear that doesn’t require lifting and lowering).
Trendix panties run small. It is recommended to go up one or two sizes to reduce discomfort caused by the metal parts on the sides.
Trendix panties are priced at $50 a pair, which is much more expensive than other side-cut period panties we reviewed. However, the higher price also reflects the superior quality of construction, absorbency, and safety of these panties.
Additionally, its cut may not be as flattering as some of the other styles we’ve chosen, with many testers calling it a “bun magnet” under clothing.
Price per pair: $50 (at time of publishing) Absorbency: Full coverage (front waist to back waist) Sizes: XS (from hip measurement 28 inches) – 3XL (from hip measurement 42 inches) Sizes: Runs small Options: Available in black only Care instructions: Machine wash cold; Return policy: New customers may use one pair of period panties for a refund (less shipping and return shipping costs) or a free size change within 30 days of order. (Trendix does not accept returns of more than one pair of used underwear.)
Claimed absorbency: up to 31 ml, equivalent to approximately six tampons Lining material: PUL (polyurethane laminate) polyester, cotton, spandex
Pros: The Goat Union Nightwear is cute and comfortable. This underwear fits and functions perfectly, is comfortable to wear, and is only $19 a pair.
Named for their supposed absorbency, these night briefs are made from soft bamboo fabric, similar to the less expensive Bambody High Waist Briefs. However, the night briefs have a wider, longer absorbent panel that extends to the mesh waistband of the briefs.
These panties can hold a fair amount of menstrual blood, and while the gusset is a little fluffy, it doesn’t stretch too much when filled (though like most period underwear, it does feel a little heavy).