6 Best Period Panties to Use Instead of Pads and Tampons
They look and feel *just* like normal underwear.
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If you're used to relying on disposable menstrual supplies like pads, tampons, and liners for your period, then you can imagine why period panties are such a big deal. Period panties look and feel just like normal underwear, but they have a special layer that helps prevent blood from seeping through. We've selected the picks below that were top performers in our tests as well as popular styles with rave reviews from users.
Thinx is probably the most popular brand on this list, and it's for two good reasons: 1) its marketing campaigns are everywhere and 2) our testers loved the product. One person thought they would never find period panties that were stylish, comfortable, and functional — until she tested out a pair of Thinx. While they scored the overall highest in our tests, we found that they still took longer to absorb than a maxi pad.
Absorbency: 2 regular tampons
Styles: Hiphugger, super hiphugger, sport, super hi-waist, hi-waist, boyshort, cheeky, thong, cotton brief, cotton bikini, cotton thong, super cotton brief, air hiphugger, and air bikini
Period Panties can get expensive, but this pair is more affordable and a popular choice on Amazon. Plus, they have free two-day shipping for Prime members in case you need them quickly. Users rave about how comfortable they feel, and there's a leakproof barrier that extends from the front all the way through the back. Just note that these claim to be made with "bamboo fabric," which is really rayon.
Absorbency: 2 regular tampons
Styles: Hipster, bikini, and high waist
Thinx BTWN period panties have the same functionality of the originals, except the colors, sizes, and styles are designed specifically for younger women. You can even purchase a Fresh Start Period Kit that includes one pair of each of the three different styles.
Absorbency: 2 regular tampons
Styles: Shorty, brief, and bikini
These super cute, full-coverage shorts from Knix are meant for comfortable sleeping during your period. There are other period panties to choose from in the brand's Leakproof collection, but this one has the best protection against leaks with a built-in pad that's longer than the other styles. The brand also says that you can wear them alone as a pajama bottom because of the snug fit.
Absorbency: 3 tampons
Styles: Dream short, bikini, thong, boyshort, cheeky, and high rise
This newer period underwear brand has styles in absorbencies that range from super light (1/2 tampon) to super heavy (5 tampons). On top of that, the smooth, lightweight fabric is super comfy and fits like second skin, so you'll actually look forward to wearing them.
Absorbency: 2 regular tampons
Styles: Brief, hipster, thong, and bikini
Lunapads work a bit differently than the other period panties on this list. The underwear has removable inserts that absorb your period (along with an absorbent liner) instead of the entire protection being built-in, so it's kind of like wearing a reusable pad with your underwear. Not all of our testers liked the concept, but our Lab tests found that these period panties absorbed even faster than Thinx!
Absorbency: 2 regular tampons
Styles: Bikini, boxer brief, hipster, and brief
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