Why Period Underwear is Worth Buying (2024)

Testers were impressed with this pair's breathable nylon/Lycra material that felt just like regular underwear with a cotton gusset and a barely-there feel. This style is available in five nude shades to match a variety of skin tones and fifteen other fun color and pattern options. We tested the lightest absorbency level, but this pair is now available in medium absorbency.

Lab results: This pair easily soaked up liquid at various angles and aced all of our Lab evaluations. They showed no signs of wear after we laundered them multiple times, and GH analysts appreciated the lightweight fabric similar to athletic wear that stays hidden under clothes — no more panty lines.

Tester notes: Testers were surprised by how thin the pad was, and one said that these are the "perfect backup to tampons on heavier flow days." They're also ideal for lighter days on their own. Another tester said they were "the most comfortable period underwear I've ever tried." Another especially liked that they were "soft and stretchy and not bulky."

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. There's a leakproof barrier that extends from the front all the way through the back.

Lab results: This pair washed beautifully with no shrinkage or changes in appearance after five wash cycles. The absorbent core proved to be decently absorbent, though when the pair was held at an angle, it showed more leaks than other tested styles. Just note that these claim to be made with "bamboo fabric," which is really rayon.

Tester notes: Calling them "hassle-free," testers liked wearing this period underwear instead of pads. One tester said, "These don't feel bulky and I didn't worry about leaking," while another noted, "The fabric was nice and smooth." Multiple testers reported that this pair ran small and opted to size up.

Thinx is probably the most popular brand on this list, and that's for two good reasons: Its marketing campaigns are everywhere and our testers love the product. One user thought they would never find period panties that were stylish, comfortable and functional — until they tested out a pair of Thinx.

Lab results: We applied our test fluid at an angle, and the absorbent core quickly trapped it with only minimal runoff. The underwear showed no signs of wear after laundering, and the mesh detailing stayed in prime condition.

Tester notes: Multiple testers were especially impressed with this pair's impressive absorbency. One tester said this pair was "absorbent and didn't leak at all." Another tester reported, "They really stayed in place which gave me more confidence than another pair I tried." However, some testers noted that the band was a bit snug.

Take note: Thinx recently settled a class action lawsuit claiming its underwear contains man-made "forever chemicals" per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), though the brand denies these claims. Get more information on the settlement here.

This style from TomboyX has the most inclusive size range out of all the styles we tested — from 3XS to 6XL. Our pros love that this brand features a variety of gender-inclusive options too.

Lab results: With a longer liner and wide waistband, this pair stayed in place securely and absorbed fluid quickly in our tests. GH analysts also note that the full coverage design would be great to use as overnight protection.

Tester notes: Made with a cotton/spandex blend, testers said the "fabric was super soft." One tester shared that it's "high wasted, comfortable and I felt confident with the protection it was providing." While testers did note this option was visible under some clothing items, they especially appreciated its high absorbency when worn at home or overnight.

Your first period can be exciting but overwhelming too. KT by Knix provides comfy options that can make this new stage easier for tweens so they can worry less about leaks. Available in light and medium absorbencies too, this best-selling super absorbency bikini style offers ample coverage and is available in a variety of fun shades. The brand also offers a starter set with two pairs of underwear and sleep shorts. Because this pick features teen sizing (which is inconsistent from brand to brand), some online reviewers found it tougher to find the best size for them.

Lab results: The brand's original leakproof underwear aced Lab evaluations for quickly absorbing fluid at a variety of angles without leaking. The sleep shorts have a much larger pad for full coverage that also held onto an impressive amount of fluid in our test.

Tester notes: In our extensive testing of period underwear, Knix styles continue to be top performers. "They have held out on her heaviest days and she absolutely loves them," said one online reviewer about her 11-year-old daughter. "So grateful for this fantastic solution for my little one." Another online reviewer said her 13-year-old daughter "goes all day at school without anxiety and leaks. Phenomenal." She even added, "Where were these when I was in middle school and high school?"

Starting at $20, this period underwear from Aerie feels similar to the brand's best-selling traditional underwear. This pick is available in seven style options, including bright shades, neutrals and stripes.

Lab results: Made with a cotton/polyester blend, Aerie's period undies had a soft feel and didn't shrink after machine washing. It absorbed fluid quickly and showed no run-off when fluid was applied at an angle.

Tester notes: Out of all the pairs we tested, GH analysts rated this one as the softest — and testers agreed too. One tester said, "They were very comfortable and provided good protection." Some online reviewers note that the leg holes are tight.

If you don't like the look of typical period underwear, you may love this overnight option. They look just like loose shorts from the outside, but this pick from Thinx has super-absorbent built-in period underwear for the ultimate loungewear option.

Lab results: This pick features a larger pad that absorbed fluid quickly and held onto it, showing no leaks during testing. It didn't shrink after laundering either — GH analysts also noted that the fabric stayed just as soft after multiple cycles.

Tester notes: Testers loved that they "offered excellent protection while looking like a typical pair of sleep shorts." Raving that the outer fabric is "super soft," multiple testers noted that the pad is on the bulky side and best for heavy flow days.

Featuring seamless construction with silky materials, Saalt's period underwear thongs look and feel just like everyday underwear. It's perfect to wear under leggings or other form-fitting clothing to avoid any panty lines.

Lab results: The discreet liner absorbed fluids well and held onto them to keep you dry. The liner is smaller than other styles, so it did show some leakage during our evaluations. This pair is best to be worn as backup protection or on very light days.

Tester notes: Testers especially loved the thinness of Saalt period underwear and agreed that they should be worn alongside other menstrual products. One tester said, "This thong feels like my favorite lingerie while giving me peace of mind during my period."

Aisle period underwear works a bit differently than the other picks on this list. The underwear has a removable insert that absorbs your period (along with an absorbent liner) instead of the protection being built-in, so it's kind of like wearing a reusable pad with your underwear.

Lab results: The pad quickly absorbed fluid and held onto it, showing only minimal runoff leaks on the sides. GH analysts appreciated that this style is available in sizes XXS–5X.

Tester notes: Not all of our testers liked the concept, but they still found them "comfortable to wear" with a "soft feel." Multiple testers did note leaks.

✔️ Wash and wearability: After a pair was washed twice, we evaluated runoff, which refers to how much fluid will roll off the underwear when it’s tilted to a 45-degree angle. Since no one just sits still when on their period, this test determines if the period underwear will be absorbent at different angles too. Our pros also evaluated shrinkage after one and five washes.

✔️ Comfort and fit: In addition to all our Lab evaluations, every pair was sent to five testers of different sizes and menstrual flows to receive feedback on leaks, comfort, fit, absorbency and more.