Periods aren’t something we look forward to. Every month, they drop in, and we tolerate and endure them. Sometimes they like to surprise us with an extra encore long after we thought they left the stage. If you’re tired of uncomfortable, leaky pads and tampons, or you need a little extra protection to prevent leaks and unexpected spotting, period panties might just be your salvation.
Within the last decade, plenty of period underwear brands have arrived on the scene as a solution to these common problems. Over the past few years, they’ve been perfecting the period underwear experience and have more women ditching their disposables in favor of this washable garment.
- What You Need to Know Before Buying Period Panties
- Top 10 Best Period Panties 2026
- 1. Best Overall Period Panties: Bambody Absorbent Period Panties
- 2. Best Budget Period Panties: Yoyi Fashion Menstrual Leakproof Panties
- 3. Best Premium Period Panties: Thinx Hiphugger Period Underwear
- 4. Best High-Waist Period Panty: Funcy Menstrual Protective Panties
- 5. Best Period Panty With a Pocket: Intimate Portal Period Panties
- 6. Best Cotton Period Panty: Hesta Organic Cotton Protective Underwear
- 7. Best Period Panties for Teens: Anna & Eric Leak Proof Menstrual Underwear
- 8. Best Period Panty for New Moms: Innersy Postpartum Protective Cotton Panties
- 9. Best Boyshort Period Panty: Anigan EvaWear Period Panties
- 10. Best Removable Option: Teamoy Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads
- Frequently Asked Questions About Period Panties
- Parting Words
What You Need to Know Before Buying Period Panties
To help you select the right period panties for you, we’ve gathered the must-know info for you so that you can be well-prepared.
What Are Period Panties?
Period underwear differs from other feminine hygiene products in several ways. They are a full self-contained pair of underwear much like you normally wear. In fact, from the outside, most look like any regular pair of underwear. However, unlike a normal pair of underwear, period panties will have several layers of absorbent material around the crotch and butt to serve as a sort of built-in pad.
Some women will wear them as an extra backup on heavy days along with a tampon or menstrual cup. They can also be worn on their own. Some brands will feature pairs with different levels of absorbency to see you through your entire cycle. But on light days (or when just spotting), you can wear most of these styles alone with no issues.
It’s important to note that most period underwear are not designed for bladder incontinence, and while some people may use them as protection for that, they may not perform as well.
Criteria for Choosing Period Underwear
There are a few things that you should consider when choosing the period underwear that works best for you. Here are the criteria we considered when choosing our list:
Sizing
Comfort is key, especially if you suffer from cramps and bloating during your period. So, picking a pair of underwear that fits properly will be essential to your period panty experience. Our top-rated picks all offer a wide range of sizes to help you find one that’s perfect for you. The range of tag sizes will be noted in each product’s details.
Style
Underwear comes in a variety of cuts, and you probably have a favorite one. Fortunately, period panties also offer some variation on that front. Not all period underwear looks like granny-panties; you can find a pair that suits the way you dress and the way you feel the most comfortable. Our list has everything from high-waisted briefs to skimpy bikinis so you can pick your favorite cut.
Material
When you’re wearing something so close to your body, you want it to be comfortable. For comfort, breathability is key. Most underwear includes some spandex to give it a flexible stretch, but the bulk of the material will either be cotton or bamboo fiber material. Cotton is one of the most common natural materials in our modern wardrobe and has many benefits.
Bamboo fiber material is a type of rayon that’s made from the cellulose fibers of the bamboo plant. While this is a semi-synthetic material, it’s much more sustainable and breathable than materials like polyester. It also gives a somewhat silky feel to garments.
Absorbency
If you’re choosing a period product, you probably want to know how it stacks up when compared to your usual hygiene products. We’ll be using the terms light, medium, and heavy to describe what each pair can handle. Of course, these are just shorthand. You know your body and your cycle best, so it’s up to you to decide how much protection you need at various phases of your cycle.
Light means that a pair of underwear is more like a pantyliner as backup for a tampon or menstrual cup, or for protection for lighter days or spotting at the beginning or end of your period.
Medium means that the underwear can be worn by itself on days when your flow isn’t too heavy. It can hold maybe 1-2 tampons worth of blood.
Heavy absorbency underwear can hold 3+ tampons worth of blood and can be worn by itself at almost any phase of your period.
Now that you know how we chose the items on our list, have a look at what we chose. These ten different options all have different strengths and weaknesses so you can find one that works for you.
Top 10 Best Period Panties 2026
1. Best Overall Period Panties: Bambody Absorbent Period Panties
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Sizing: xxsmall-5xl
- Style: full coverage hipster
- Material: 95% bamboo, 5% spandex
- Absorbency: medium
Product Overview
These period underwear are made out of a breathable bamboo material with a design that looks smooth and discreet under any clothing. They feature a higher, hip-hugging waist and full bottom coverage.
Four layers of material provide about two tampons’ worth of absorption, meaning these panties can be worn on their own or used as added protection on extremely heavy days. They absorb fluid quickly and the protective material prevents odor. The full-back coverage makes them ideal for sleep so that no matter what position you like to lie in, you won’t wake up to stained sheets.
The waistband is comfortable and won’t dig in, making this style ideal for new mamas. The wide range of sizes means that almost anyone will be able to find a comfortable and secure fit and the neutral color palette keeps things simple and versatile.
The Downsides
Despite these being called “high-waisted,” the front rise isn’t as high as you would expect from a pair of briefs. It falls a few inches below the belly button, which many people prefer. But if you’re looking for a true pair of high-waisted underwear, you might prefer our pick from Innersy.
The sizing is also a little inconsistent between pairs, with the underwear generally running 1-2 sizes smaller than you may expect. The leg openings in particular can be tight if you have thicker thighs.
Who It’s For
If you struggle with overnight leakage, these are a great pick. You can toss and turn as much as you like with peace of mind. If your flow isn’t super heavy, you could even use these in lieu of a standard pad or tampon during the day.
While they run a bit small, they have a wide range of larger sizes so you have the ability to scale up and find your ideal fit. For most people looking to work a little extra protection into their wardrobe, these are a great way to try out period underwear.
Pros
- Wide range of sizes
- Full bottom coverage
- 4 absorbent layers to keep you dry
- Reduces risk of odors
- Great for overnight use
Cons
- Not a lot of front coverage
- Tends to run small
2. Best Budget Period Panties: Yoyi Fashion Menstrual Leakproof Panties
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Sizing: xsmall-3xl
- Style: hip hugger
- Material: 95% bamboo, 5% spandex
- Absorbency: light to medium
Product Overview
These menstrual briefs are available in a multipack that might actually get you through your entire period (depending on your flow). At one moderate price, you can get 5 pairs of leak-proof panties. This makes them affordable enough that you can invest in more pairs to wear throughout your period and on spotting days.
These panties offer full crotch coverage and full bottom coverage with an absorbent, leak-proof material that is suitable to protect against overnight leaks, postpartum bleeding, and pad or tampon overspill. On lighter days, they might offer adequate absorbency to be worn on their own all day.
The fuller crotch coverage these offer is greater in area than your average pad, making these perfect for catching overflow or protecting you as you move around in your sleep or during exercise. From the outside though, these look like normal underwear.
The Downsides
These won’t be absorbent enough to wear on their own for most days of your cycle unless you have a consistently light flow. After absorbing their maximum, they won’t wick moisture away as much and will feel a little damp, which can be uncomfortable.
One other issue with these panties is their sound. Due to the waterproof material in the crotch, they can sometimes make a slight rustling sound when you first put them on. This worsens if you machine dry them, so air-drying is a must for more discreet wear.
Who It’s For
If you have a lot of spotting or lighter days that have you constantly reaching for panty liners as a backup, these are a great, affordable, and more environmentally friendly option. They also make a great companion to wear with menstrual cups or even with pads and tampons if you have a very heavy flow. The wider protective area prevents you from leaking over the edge of a pad and staining your clothes or seat.
Pros
- Full crotch coverage
- Good for exercise or sleep protection
- Can wear alone on lighter days
- Low cost, so you can have multiple pairs
Cons
- Lower absorbency may create a damp feeling
- Can have a crinkly sound
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Sizing: xxsmall-3xl
- Style: hip hugger
- Material: bamboo, spandex
- Absorbency: heavy
Product Overview
Thinx has become a major player in the period underwear world thanks to their wide range of styles, body-positive message, and high absorbency levels. This pair of hip hugger underwear is rated to absorb about 4 tampons worth of fluid. For most women, that means you can wear these on their own during most stages of your period.
These have a stylish look with a lower rise front and some lace detail on the band which makes them look and feel more like normal underwear. No one would assume they are period panties just by looking at them, and their slim fit is discreet under almost any clothing.
Their range of underwear is versatile and reliable, even offering the unicorn find of thong period underwear. All of their underwear feature four layers of anti-microbial and moisture-wicking fabric with an absorbent core and leak-resistant outer layer. This helps prevent feelings of dampness and reduces odor-causing bacteria.
The Downsides
The first downside to buying Thinx is that they are quite expensive. Most people will find it cost-prohibitive to use Thinx for every day of their period. Unfortunately, these also take a long time to dry, so if you hand wash them and hang them to dry, they likely won’t be ready to wear again the next day, so if you want to wear them throughout your period, you’ll need at least two pairs to switch on and off.
The particular bamboo/spandex blend these use is a little more bathing suit-like than some of the other period panties. This can make them feel a little damper throughout the day, particularly if you get sweaty around the groin area. They aren’t as breathable as a cotton pair would be, or even some other bamboo blends.
Who It’s For
If you want to experience the freedom of going without any pad, tampon, or cup, at least some of the days you’re on your period, this super absorbency rated pair from Thinx could give you that freedom. They give you some peace of mind and reliability that most of the other pairs on this list don’t.
They are designed to be used on their own rather than as backup, making them much more absorbent than most. If you want to invest in a future with fewer disposables, this will help you take a leap in that direction.
Pros
- Can be worn alone at times
- Looks like normal, attractive underwear
- Anti-microbial layer
- Reliably leak-resistant
Cons
- Very expensive
- Long time to dry
- Not as breathable
4. Best High-Waist Period Panty: Funcy Menstrual Protective Panties
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Sizing: small-3xl
- Style: full brief
- Material: bamboo, spandex
- Absorbency: light
Product Overview
These protective panties are meant to be used along with your regular menstrual products or for days when you only have spotting. They don’t feature an absorbent layer, but rather have a light mesh moisture-wicking layer around the crotch and bottom to catch leaks or spotting and keep it from bleeding through.
These have a high waist and are snug to keep the leak-proof material in place, but not uncomfortably so. The snug fit can give a mild smoothing effect, helping you to look less bloated under fitted clothing.
These can help save your sheets from overnight stains and prevent your clothing from getting stained as well. They are easy to hand wash and air dry pretty quickly.
The Downsides
Since these don’t feature extra absorbent layers, once the moisture-wicking layer becomes saturated, they can feel quite damp. While the outer layer is leak-proof, it can be quite messy if you end up bleeding a lot into these overnight. Your sheets will be safe, but you’ll need to wash up very thoroughly in the morning.
They also fall victim to the diaper-noise that many period underwear does. Despite the fewer layers, they can still sound a bit crinkly during physical activities.
They also tend to be a little warm. The leak-proof material lacks breathability. A pair with a cotton body, like our choice from Intimate Portal, might be a better choice if you live in a hot climate or tend to run warm,
Who It’s For
If you like to have full coverage during your period, these are a high-waisted, full-back pair of briefs that make you feel tucked in and secure during your period. It gives you a smoother look that can help you feel confident.
You can also feel confident in the fact that this underwear does a great job at keeping any excess liquid contained. It really is resistant to leaks, though it’s not absorbent. So to fully enjoy the benefits, pair it with another hygiene product.
Pros
- Smoothing high waist
- Keeps any liquid from bleeding through
- Moisture-wicking layer
- Full back coverage
Cons
- Can feel damp and messy if you bleed into them too much
- Crinkly noise
- Lack breathability
5. Best Period Panty With a Pocket: Intimate Portal Period Panties
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Sizing: small-6xl
- Style: brief
- Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
- Absorbency: light
Product Overview
These simple panties are not meant to be worn on their own. That’s very clear. However, they do have a couple of features to recommend them to anyone who wants a little extra protection. The main body of the underwear is breathable, hypoallergenic cotton, making them light and comfortable even on hot days.
The crotch and back area is reinforced with three layers of moisture-wicking and leak-proof material to keep any overflow locked down and contained while keeping you from feeling unpleasantly damp.
Uniquely, these panties also feature a small pocket at the front where you can discreetly stash an extra pad or tampon or two. This is handy because women’s clothing is notoriously bad at providing usable pockets. And you’ll never be stuck in a public bathroom without a pad because you left your bag in the office or classroom.
The Downsides
The sizing for these panties seems to be a bit off. They tend to run small in the waist, but the plus sizes have very large leg openings which make them less effective at preventing leaks in that area. The top tends to roll down a bit as well, perhaps because the waist runs small.
These also have that distinct “period panty sound”– a rustling noise that can sometimes be heard while walking as the leak-proof layers rub together from the movement. This can make you feel like you’re wearing a diaper.
And while these have full back coverage, the front coverage is a little lacking. If you want a pair of period underwear that gives more coverage in the crotch area, our pick from Yoyi may be a better choice.
Who It’s For
If you always seem to leak, even if you double up with a pad and a tampon or cup, choosing a pair of underwear with a built-in leak barrier like these can help give you peace of mind. If you’re wearing white on the bottom, these are a must.
And for young girls who may be just getting to know their menstrual cycle, the extra protection plus the discreet storage pocket could go a long way to making them feel more comfortable when they go to school on their period days.
Pros
- Made from comfortable cotton
- Full back coverage
- Leak-proof layer for backup protection
- Small pocket for hygiene products
Cons
- Sizing is off in some areas
- Make a rustling sound during movement
- Lacking in front coverage
6. Best Cotton Period Panty: Hesta Organic Cotton Protective Underwear
Editor’s Rating: