Shop the most absorbent and affordable period panties for your flow.
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Period underwear fits just like regular underwear but features a special absorbent gusset that helps prevent blood from leaking through. They're a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable menstrual products like pads, tampons and liners. Because not everyone is sold on these ingenious products, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab's fiber scientists tested period underwear in our Lab using cough syrup to mimic period flow and sent styles to consumer testers with a range of body shapes, flow levels and underwear style preferences to find the best buys.
While there are now plenty of stylish and comfortable options available, you'll want to steer clear of any styles that aren't absorbent enough or add unnecessary bulk. To find the best period underwear, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab checked the absorbency of top-rated pairs using red cough syrup. (Manufacturers use it to test pads and tampons too!) We also sent 21 different styles to 100 testers to get feedback on comfort, leaks and more. We reviewed over 1,500 data points before making our recommendations.
If you're new to wearing period underwear, one word of caution: In our Lab tests, we found that even the most effective styles couldn't absorb the cough syrup as well as traditional pads. So if you have a heavy flow, you may want to wear period underwear as a backup to a menstrual cup or other disposable menstrual supplies rather than relying on it alone.
Keep reading to shop our top-performing picks and to find more information about period underwear materials, safety and sustainability at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to improve your period experience? Check out our top picks for the best period swimwear and the best heating pads to soothe cramps.
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.
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 hipster and boyshort styles too, this best-selling 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 trendy lace detailing and made with silky materials, Saalt's period underwear thongs look and feel just like everyday underwear. The brand recently launched a seamless version to stay hidden under leggings and other fitted clothing.
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.
In the Lab, we evaluated absorbency speed, surface wetness, shrinkage and runoff to ensure that each product we recommend will perform. Then we sent each style home with consumer testers to evaluate comfort and style.
✔️ Absorbency speed: We used cough syrup to mimic the viscosity of menstrual flow just as manufacturers do to test pads and tampons. To measure absorbency speed, we applied cough syrup to the underwear with a syringe and timed how long it took for it all to completely absorb into the pad.
✔️ Surface wetness: After the absorbency speed test, we placed filter paper on top and then added a 5-pound weight. We evaluated the filter paper to see how well the period underwear held onto the fluid (i.e., to see if the period underwear will keep you dry!). This test was completed when each pair was brand new then again after one and five washes.
✔️ 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.
With more and more period underwear styles available on the market, finding the right pair can be challenging. GH underwear pros found the key features to look for when shopping:
✔️ Absorbency: Period underwear is available in different absorbencies. Some styles are meant to be worn without any other period products while others are intended as back-up protection. We recommend having styles with a few different absorbencies to suit different days of your period.
✔️ Styles: Just like regular underwear, period underwear is available in different cuts like high-waisted, bikini, hipster and thongs. Opt for period underwear styles that are similar to the regular underwear you like.
✔️ Use: Period underwear is designed to absorb menstrual flow, so most styles aren't well suited for incontinence (except for a featured style from Knix). Look for styles that suit your needs. If you're new to period underwear, try an overnight style for nighttime protection — this was a favorite among our testers.
✔️ Fit: Period underwear needs to fit properly to prevent leaks while feeling comfy all day. Some testers found that period underwear can run small to ensure a snug fit. Some testers between sizes opted to go up a size for a more comfortable fit, but most went with their usual size in underwear.
Designed to look and fit just like your everyday underwear, period underwear has an added absorbent gusset that holds onto menstrual flow to keep you dry and comfortable. The absorbent core features multiple layers of fabric for varying levels of absorbency depending on the brand and style. Pads and tampons are disposable products, but period underwear can be washed and re-worn, making it a more sustainable purchase long-term.
You can wear period underwear on its own or as a backup with other menstrual products like a tampon or menstrual cup. It has become an increasingly popular option among teens and tweens because period underwear is less bulky compared to traditional pads.
There have been some concerns recently around perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) being found in period underwear. PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals that are found in waterproof and nonstick products. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to negative effects on the immune system and an increased risk of certain cancers. Many brands claim that there are "no measured PFAS" in their products, but this type of testing is relatively recent and companies may not know what to look for as there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals. Therefore, it is unknown whether period underwear has more risk of exposure than any other consumer product that makes skin contact.
"This issue speaks to broader challenges with how toxic chemicals are produced and used in our world today," says Alissa Cordner, Ph.D., co-director of the PFAS Project Lab based at Northeastern University. "It is quite possible that a product manufacturer would be unaware of PFAS in some of their component materials because the global supply chain lacks transparency when it comes to chemicals. But this is still a problem, and product manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe for consumers and for the environment."
Period underwear, specifically, faces another hurdle: There has been long-term bias in scientific testing around products aimed at women and people of color. "So this may be part of why we don’t know a lot about exposure to toxics through period products," says Cordner.
To make sure you have the best experience with period underwear and that each pair lasts long term, make sure to follow the brand's care instructions closely.
Generally, you should rinse out your period underwear in the sink or shower before laundering it to avoid any stains on your other clothing items. Using a mesh garment bag when laundering and air drying helps delicate items last longer. Many testers said they preferred to hand-wash their period underwear with a mild detergent. Read our guide to the most effective way to hand-wash your clothes.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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