It’s the most wonderful time of the year… I mean, month! That wouldn’t be bad though, if we had our periods once a year, just like Christmas.
Yes, let’s talk about that time of the month where we paint the town red (like literally!)… period days!
One word can describe me when I’m on my period, I’m a total b@#$h. And who wouldn’t? You get this feeling of being ripped from within, cramps, the emotional whirlwind, having weird food cravings (and a food baby afterward), feeling uncomfortable and icky with your menstrual product of choice.
Nothing feels right! While there’s not much I can do with the moodiness and food cravings, I know I can tweak some things in my routine to make my period a little bit more bearable and comfortable.
How? Through Yoga, healthy eating, iron supplements and… guess what? … the best period panties!
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Contents
How Do Period Panties Work?
Wait, firstly, what the hell are period panties?
A period panty is the Wonder Woman of the underwear world.
This menstrual sanitary product disguised as a cutesy (even sexy) underwear works by trapping wetness within its padded core (aka the crotch area), while its double layer ensures leakproof protection all over.
Depending on the brand and the type you buy, it can keep you dry and comfortable for a good amount of time.
Period panties come in different shapes and sizes. The most common one is the hip-hugger style. Some brands also offer bikini, thong, sports, boy shorts, and brief styles to fit a woman’s underwear style.
What Makes Period Panties Different from Regular Panties?
If there’s a world championship for period absorbency and staying leak and stain free, period panties would’ve bagged the title.
The key to what makes them superior over regular panties lies in the material used to create these panties. Thus, period panties can be worn on its own or as a supplement to other period products such as pads or tampons.
The best period panties are:
- Highly absorbent and discreet (Read: doesn’t feel and look like a diaper).
- Comfortable and cool to wear.
- Made of leakproof material.
- Easy to wash and doesn’t stain.
- Bonus points if they are fashionable too!
How Do You Use Period Panties?
Period panties are worn like regular underwear. You can wear it on its own on the week that your period is due to start.
If you have a pretty heavy flow then you could wear it on its own on days 1, 6 and 7, as we usually have a lighter flow.
Then I’d wear it with a good organic tampon or organic pad on the heaviest days (days 2-5). At night, a good choice could be the Intimate Portal panty alone (no tampons nor pads).
How Do You Wash Period Panties?
Period panties are not cheap. Therefore, you’d want to give them your best care (like what you’re giving your finest lingerie) to get the most use out of it.
Make it a habit to read the washing instructions as some panties can be washed in the washer while some can’t.
As with regular panties that can stain going over a pad or tampon, or when a menstrual cup runs over, I think that it’s best to wash these specialized period panties by hand with mild detergent and warm water rather than just dumping them in the washer.
I’d also advise to air dry your period panties than tossing them in the dryer as airdrying can help preserve the quality of the fabric and its layers.
Tips and Tricks When Using Period Panties
- One period panty is definitely not enough to last you your entire period, it’s best to have 2-3, so you can change them while the other one is being washed or dried.
- If you know that you are a heavy bleeder, supplement the panty with a tampon or pad. If you want to use the panty alone, make sure to bring an extra panty so you can change into a new one in case the one you’re wearing gets soaked.
- While there are thong style period panties available, these are only good for super light days. Don’t live dangerously and wear them on your heaviest days, unless you want leaks.
- These panties can mask a good amount of period odor. For your peace of mind, you can spray the outer side of the panty with some feminine deodorant/spray.
- No matter how thin these panties are, the double layer can feel quite hot especially if you’re wearing them with jeans. Wear it with light, comfortable clothing (especially during summer).
Being a pad-menstrual cup combo user for years, I thought of maybe living on the edge a little bit and giving period panties a try. I must admit I was really skeptical at first.
Like seriously, how can a panty do such a good job in absorbing blood without me waking up to a crime scene or literally painting the town red? Is that really possible?
After a night of sleeping in one, I concluded that yes, these really do work. No leaks, no blood-stained sheets, yay! (OK, I meant blood-stained towel, I couldn’t completely trust the panties from the get-go)
I felt really comfortable and dry (not Egyptian desert dry though, but not soaking wet in my own blood either!).
This is a really great alternative to wearing pads and tampons and probably cheaper in the long run! So which brands are out there? Which should you buy? Read on to find out!
The 7 Best Period Panties on the Market
Luna Panties Period Panties
Definitely one of the best period panties brands out there. Luna panties are super comfortable and cool to wear.
No plastic-y noise like other panties with plastic linings, just 95% pure cotton goodness.
Luna panties can be worn on its own during light days or with a pad or tampon during heavy days. Guaranteed to wick away moisture leaving you dry, fresh and confident.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Keeps you dry and comfortable.
- Maximum leakage protection.
- Breathable and stainproof fabric.
- Absorbency Level: 1 to 1 ½ tampon’s worth.
Cons
- Gray inner lining makes blood more visible (compared to a black lining) which is gross, in my opinion.
- They need to put up more sizes.
Anigan Period Panties Review
EvaWear 2 Pack by Anigan is another favorite of mine. What’s not to love? I can choose the style I want (Hi bikini!) and can be guaranteed the same comfort and absorbability as its full coverage sisters.
Perfect to stash in your emergency kit so you can change into a new pair midday. Definitely the best leakproof underwear in my book!
Pros
- Affordable.
- Keeps you dry and comfortable (the fabric is really soft and feels amazing to touch!).
- Maximum leakage protection.
- Breathable and stainproof fabric.
- Absorbency Level: 2 tampons worth.
Cons
- They’re a little bit thicker than you would expect, but it’s ok (just don’t wear them with body-hugging clothes).
Yoyi Fashion Women Menstrual Period Briefs
If you’re just starting out in using period panties, Yoyi Fashion is the best period underwear, to begin with.
It’s affordable yet has high quality comparable to that of a well-known period underwear brand.
Yoyi Fashion comes in 2, 3 and 4 multipacks perfect for completing your period underwear stash (you know you’ll need more than 1 to last you an entire cycle, right?).
Each panty feels amazingly comfortable and cool while it catches accidental spurts and protects you from leaks and stains. Perfect to use with a tampon or pad.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Multipack offers an assortment of color options.
- Keeps you dry and comfortable.
- Breathable, soft and stainproof fabric.
- Absorbency Level: For light flow only.
Cons
- Gray inner lining makes blood more visible (compared to a black lining).
Modibodi Period Underwear in Heavy Absorbency
Looking for the best absorbent period panties? Want to sleep or work in peace without constantly worrying about leaks and stains? Don’t fret girl, Modibodi is here to save our (red) day(s)!
These panties don’t sacrifice comfort for its’ mega absorbing power. You can go through your day and not feel like you’re restricted to move, or worse, feel like you’re a baby in diapers.
Modibodi lets you be you on and off your period, truly one of the best period panties for heavy flow.
Pros
- Keeps you dry and comfortable.
- Breathable and stainproof fabric.
- Super slim (3mm thick).
- Absorbency Level: 20 ml (2 tampons worth).
Cons
- Quite expensive.
- They need to put up more sizes for my curvalicious sisters.
- Wish there would be other colors aside from black.
Intimate Portal Sensation Absorbent Protective Briefs
Sexy underwear is like a woman’s secret weapon to feeling sexy within. This period undie’s lace trim surely brings the sexy back even when you’re bleeding.
But don’t be fooled by its sexy, feminine look, these babies are packed with the absorbency power that you need to go on with your day without constantly worrying of leaks and stains. You’ll feel dryer and fresher sans the chemical-packed tampons and pads.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Multipack offers an assortment of color options.
- Soft, cool and comfortable.
- Stainproof fabric.
- Absorbency Level: 15-20 ml (equivalent to 2 liners or 2 lite tampons).
Cons
- The waterproof layer could make a slight noise when you walk.
Hesta Period Panties
If you’re looking for a period underwear to back up your tampons or pads, look no further cause Hesta is here to take away your fear. Plus I’d put these under one of the best period panties for plus size!
You can wear it on its own on lighter days or as a back-up for heavy days, whichever way you choose to wear it you can be assured that these undies are uber comfortable and cool to wear thanks to its 95% organic cotton mixed with 5% spandex.
Pros
- Multipack offers an assortment of color options (mostly black and nude).
- Breathable, hypoallergenic and stainproof fabric.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Absorbency Level: < 1 tampon worth.
Cons
- The crotch area could be a bit too wide.
- Quite thin and not enough to be worn alone on heavy flow days (use as a supplement to other menstrual products).
Intimate Portal Total Leakproof Protective Briefs
Period panties never looked and felt this good. These puh-rettyyy panties are a great supplement to your pads and tampons during heavy days and can be used on its own on lighter days.
Either way, the frontal and full rear leakproof protection won’t fail you nor your clothing, so you can keep strutting your stuff even on your heaviest days!
Pros
- Affordable.
- Keeps you dry and comfortable.
- Breathable and stainproof fabric.
- Comes with a frontal pocket to store extra pads or tampons.
- Absorbency level: <10 ml.
Cons
- The waterproof layer may make a slight noise when you walk.
Putting It All Together
Period panties are such a lifesaver for women. Whether you’re looking for a more natural approach in dealing with period blood (fewer chemicals that come in contact with your body and less environmental impact) or something to back up your regular period products, the products mentioned above are there to fill the void and do the nasty job that our regular panties can’t.
Imagine, you won’t have to throw away stained undies anymore, just wear these period panties around during your period week and you’re good. No more worrying about getting leaks or stains that are hard to remove nor tote around bulky pads or tampons.
My personal favorites are the Luna and Intimate Portal undies. I believe they’ll make your period week more bearable and comfortable.
Have you tried period panties before? Which of the products mentioned above piqued your interest? Let me know how period panties changed your life in the comments box below.
Looking forward to hearing from you girls! Ciao!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
