What Is The Point Of Period Panties?
With looming tampon shortages and women looking for more sustainable period care options (that don’t come with nasty chemicals that can disrupt hormones), it’s no wonder period panties are trending. They are relatively non-toxic, safe, effective and an environmentally friendly alternative to keep you leakproof and dry.
But if you’re new to the period panty notion, (it might seem a little weird, off putting or intimidating) (trust me, I’ve been there) there are certain questions that NEED to be answered first:
- Do they work?
- Are they sanitary?
- Are they worth the hype?
- Etc.
Which is why I’m here as a personal period panty user to break it all down for you in this guide on the best period panties on Amazon in 2023.
How Do Period Panties Work?
While period panties look just like regular underwear, they include moisture wicking, highly absorbent and anti-odor layers of fabric around the coochie area to keep you leak-proof, comfortable and dry during that time of the month (much like tampons, pads or menstrual cups).
Are Period Panties A Good Idea/Worth It?
Not only are period panties much less expensive overall than single-use disposable period products (I think $40 once every 2-5 years vs. $20 a month) but you’re free of toxins found in conventional period products, including aluminum, alcohol, fragrance and bleach that lead to cramping, painful periods and hormonal imbalances like endometriosis.
And the fact that they also help to majorly cut down on environmental waste (the average menstruating person uses between 5,000 – 15,000 disposable pads and tampons in their lifetime, WOWZA! THAT’S A LOT!!) and are extremely low maintenance, it’s pretty much a no-brainer. That being said, the type of period panties you select can make a huge difference in your overall experience (read more on that below).
What To Look For When Purchasing Period Panties On Amazon
There are a few things to consider before choosing your first pair of period panties on Amazon, which will help to optimize your overall experience.
Absorbency
Just like tampons, period panties are available in different absorbencies (i.e. heavy flow vs. lighter days. So I recommend selecting a few different pairs in a range of absorbencies to cover your entire flow.
Style
Just like regular underwear, period panties are designed in a wide range of styles (high-waist, thong, bikini, brief, hipster, etc.) so I encourage you to opt for a style of underwear you regularly wear and feel most comfortable in. My personal fave is the high-waist for heavy flow days, then a bikini style on those lighter days.
Size
Kind of a no brainer but worth mentioning. You want to make sure the brand you select offers sizing suitable for your needs.
Use
It’s important to consider your unique menstruation flow and preferences before purchasing period panties (i.e. do you have an extra heavy flow, are you looking for period underwear post c-section, are you super active and worried about leaking, etc.) Most brands offer a range of styles so you can have a good idea upfront, however, if you’re new to period panties or unsure where to start you can try an overnight style for nighttime protection and then branch out from there.
Return Policy
If you’re new to a brand of period panties altogether, I recommend looking up the return policy before purchasing in case they’re not the right pair or style for you.
11 Best Period Panties On Amazon For Purchase in 2023
Best Period Panties For Heavy Flows/Leakproof – THINX HI-WAIST
Super comfortable, with a high waist that helps mask period bloat and a highly absorbent gusset (holds four tampons worth) perfect for heavy flow or for the first few days of your period. While it’s a bit pricier, it’s also super high quality and lasts years. It’s also Oeko-Tex Certified, meaning it’s free of harmful substances. Snag it here.
Best Period Panties For Lighter Days – SAALT LEAKPROOF MESH HIPSTER
I’m a BIG fan of Saalt (they make a great menstrual cup as well) and their leakproof mesh hipsters are super flattering (designed in Paris! Oh La La!), with a thin and breathable but still absorbent material (up to three tampons worth) this makes them a great choice for lighter days, i.e. the tail end of your period. Get em’ here.
Best Period Panties For Plus Size – BAMBODY ABSORBENT PANTY
Made of soft and stretchy spandex-infused bamboo fabric, these period panties are super comfortable and come in a wide range of sizes from XXXS – 6XL (56.5-inch hip) Also a more budget friendly option, but they tend to wear more quickly than some of the pricier brands. A great first time option that can be returned on Amazon for free within 30 days of purchase. Try em’ out here.
Best Period Panties For Overnight – THINX COTTON BOYSHORT
When wearing period panties overnight you want something comfortable and reliable, and these boy shorts do both, with a fit that feels like your fave pair of sweats and a full coverage, leak resistant barrier that can hold up to five tampons worth. Super high quality and a great first time option if you’re nervous about wearing period panties during a day out and about. Grab a pair here.
Best Period Panties For Teens – NALWORT TEEN GIRLS PERIOD UNDERWEAR
Cute, comfortable and budget friendly, these briefs come in a wide range of colors (and a pack of six!) with extended crotch lining to make them more protective and prevent embarrassing leaks. It’s important to note they should still be used in tandem with a menstrual cup and/or organic pads or tampons. Snag your six pack here.
Best Period Panties That Are Disposable – REAL ORGANIC OVERNIGHT UNDERWEAR
If the idea of reusable period panties is something you’re still getting used to. This disposable organic (no toxins, pesticides, or synthetic chemicals) option by Real is a great alternative. Try em’ here.
Best Period Panties For Swimming – SAVVI PERIOD SWIMWEAR
Love Love Love this option for days when you know you’ll be swimming or in water on your period. The material is breathable, leakproof and odor-proof and can be used sans tampons/cups or pads on lighter days or used in tandem when your flow is heavier. Just be careful of sharks!!! Snag your suit here.
Best Period Panties For Overall Comfort And Style – THINX HIPHUGGER
This pair of my personal fave, as they’re incredibly comfortable, flattering and effective, with extra absorbent fabric that hold up to four tampons worth (making them a great option for heavier days/overnight) They’re also extremely high quality, and mine have legit lasted for years! Plus hubby calls them my SuperHero panties, Win! Win! Grab em’ here.
Best Period Panties For a Tight Budget – INNERSY PERIOD UNDERWEAR
These briefs come in packs of three at only $19.99, making them a great budget friendly option to start with, however, they still need to be used in tandem with a menstrual cup, pad or tampon. I really like them as a protective postpartum option to help with leaks, stains and odor. Try them here.
Best Period Panties For Postpartum – KINDRED BRAVELY POSTPARTUM UNDERWEAR
Speaking of postpartum, I love this brand which I personally used after giving birth to my daughter. They have created a line of underwear specifically designed for postpartum and c-section recovery (they sit above your c-section lining and don’t dig into your skin!) They’re also a much more comfortable and beautiful alternative to hospital grade mesh granny panties. Get your postpartum style on here.
Best Period Panties For An Active Lifestyle – CORA PERIOD UNDERWEAR
Super flexible and comfortable with a moisture-wicking core and stretchy elastane that makes it a preferable option for those that move around a lot or are active during their periods (good on ya girl!). Also, they hold three tampons worth and are made from non-toxic material. Get your active pants on here.
PERIOD PANTY FAQ’s
CAN PERIOD PANTIES REPLACE PADS?
This answer depends on the brand’s specific instructions, which you’ll want to read before purchasing. Most brands (such as Thinx, Saalt, etc.) use super absorbent fabrics that are meant to replace pads, while others like Innersey are meant to use in tandem with them. If you want to use pads along with your period panties, you totally can, however, it’s usually not necessary.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY PERIOD PANTIES?
This will depend on your unique menstrual flow as well as the type of period panties you purchase. If you have a heavier flow, you can most likely go the whole day or night without changing your period panties if they have super absorbent technology (i.e. holds 4-5 tampons worth). Again, it’s a good idea to follow each brand’s specific instructions.
CAN PERIOD PANTIES BE WORN ALL DAY?
Most likely, yes, period panties can be worn for 10-12 hours at a time, but this again depends on your individual flow. If you have a super heavy flow, you may want to have another pair on hand as a backup just in case (and maybe a large ziplock to put them in in case of on-the-go changes).
ARE PERIOD PANTIES SANITARY?
Yes, period panties are completely sanitary, as long as they are cared for and washed properly (i.e. you’ll want to wash them after each use following the brand’s specific instructions).
ARE PERIOD PANTIES LEAKPROOF?
Yes, most period panties are designed to be leakproof with the inclusion of ultra-absorbent layers and moisture-wicking technology via the gusset (aka crotch lining). That being said, in order to avoid any leakage it’s important to select a pair of period panties that compliment your flow (i.e. if you know you have a heavier flow you’ll want to select a pair that can hold 4-5 tampons worth per use).
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF PERIOD PANTIES?
With anything new, period panties do have a bit of an adjustment period, as you learn how to wear them in tandem with your flow. This is why spending a little extra time upfront to select period panties that meet your unique flow, fit and style preferences can make a big difference in your overall experience (and why I went to great lengths to do the research for you!)
You’ll also want to pay special attention to return policies and care instructions, especially if you’re new to the brand, as some may not allow returns or include more high maintenance wash and dry routines (i.e. hang dry only).
HOW LONG DO PERIOD PANTIES LAST? WHEN DO THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED?
Most period panties are designed to last two years, but this also depends on the specific brand. Typically the higher the upfront investment, the higher the quality, and the longer they last. I’ve found this to be true, especially with my Thinx period panties.
HOW DO I WASH/CARE FOR MY PERIOD PANTIES?
This also depends on each period panty brand’s individual instructions, however, I’ve found in general the best way to care for your period panties is to wash them immediately after each use on a cold, delicate cycle and hang dry.
Let It Flow…
And there you have it, 11 of the best period panties you can get your hands on straight from Amazon. Better yet, if you’re feeling uncomfortable about purchasing period panties for the first time or just don’t feel like grabbing them out in public, Amazon is a great way to keep it discreet.
Personally, I’m super happy about being a period panty wearer and I actually find it to be much more comfortable, not to mention there are so many good options to keeping pads and tampons out of the landfill. Ya Us! Doing our part!
Let it flow ladies!
This post contains affiliate links meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission if you purchase through my links
