Period underwear: are they worth it?

By Alma Fabiani

Published Nov 3, 2020 at 02:25 PM

Reading time: 3 minutes

10868

If until now you’ve solely relied on disposable menstrual supplies such as tampons, pads or liners while on your period, then we understand why period underwear might sound like a miracle solution to you. Period panties look and feel just like normal underwear, only they have an added protective layer that helps prevent blood from seeping through, instead absorbing it completely. What are the positives of period underwear, and do we think they’re the best period product to use? Here’s everything you need to know.

No more leaks? It depends

Period underwear is often advertised as ‘unleakable’. But according to many early adopters (me included), compared to disposable pads, tampons or even menstrual cups, period panties are not the best for those with heavy periods. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab even tested the absorbency of several pairs and found that the panties couldn’t absorb liquids as well as other period products.

So, the first thing you should keep in mind when looking to buy period underwear is that they’re best for lighter days or as a backup on heavier days. Usually, they can hold around 2 tampons worth, which means that if you thought you could just rely on your period underwear for the first day of your period, think again, because it will leak in no time.

Period underwear is comfortable

This one cannot be denied: simply wearing panties is definitely more comfortable than any other kind of period product. Potential leaks put aside, there isn’t much difference between being on your period or not when you find the right type of period underwear.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

You asked. We listened. Starting today, you can shop Dusk in styles that hold up to 4 regular tampons’ worth. Our best-selling Super styles, Hi-Waist and Hiphugger, are now available in our most luxe, dreamy color. 🔮 🌙

A post shared by Thinx (@shethinx) on

What about the way they look?

On your search for the perfect period underwear, you might have stumbled upon some serious grandma-style ones. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can actually find period panties that are really stylish too. The most famous brand for these is probably Thinx, which offers comfortable, cute and functional underwear in a wide range of colours.

If you’re looking for underwear that looks less ‘mature’, then Thinx BTWN period panties have the same functionality of the originals, except the styles, colours and styles are designed specifically for younger women. My advice? Start with the brand’s Fresh Start Period Kit for $59, which includes one pair of each of the three different styles.

How sustainable are period panties?

In terms of sustainability, period underwear is one of the best options you could go for, just after menstrual cups. That’s because although you might end up using your new period panties for a few years, I doubt you’ll be using it for 10 years, like you can with a menstrual cup. On top of cutting back on waste, period panties can also be cost-effective as you won’t need to buy a new pair every month.

But keep in mind that if you have to add an extra period product to your period underwear in case you’re worried about a leak, then this might not be the best choice for you.

Should I go for it or not?

As listed above, period underwear have some positives as well as some negatives. While I would not recommend them as someone’s first option for period care (my number one will always be menstrual cups), I would advise you to buy one pair just to see how you like them for yourself. On heavy days, just forget about period panties, but towards the end of your period, why not treat yourself with one of these above? The time to wear them is when you’re light enough to avoid using another product, and where you can toss them straight into the wash after you wear them. You wouldn’t want to stuff a used pad into your bag for the rest of the day now, would you?

They do definitely come in handy, especially when you want to avoid the risk of a leak in a white party dress. I would personally recommend the Dream Short by KNIX just because I like their tomboy look and because they’re probably the most absorbent period panties. They’re slightly pricier than other pairs, but trust me, just try them for one night when you’re nearing the end of your period—you’ll thank me.

Keep On Reading

By Abby Amoakuh

Single White Female remake starring Jenna Ortega and Taylor Russell hit with racist backlash

By Abby Amoakuh

Celebrity Big Brother: JoJo Siwa’s partner Kath Ebbs turns off comments amid Chris Hughes romance rumours

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Could the next pope be Black? Peter Turkson’s papal bid could rewrite over 1,500 years of Vatican history

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Asteroid 2024 YR4 might be heading to Earth, and Gen Z have a lot to say about it

By Abby Amoakuh

Everything there is to know about the third and final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

ICE under fire for allegedly deporting people identified by Jordans,  tattoos, and Nike gear

By Charlie Sawyer

Australian actor Joseph Zada cast as Haymitch Abernathy in upcoming Hunger Games prequel

By Charlie Sawyer

Did Tim Cheese murder John Pork, and how is Simon Claw involved? The lore, explained

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Jeffree Star makes inappropriate comment after Kanye West posts disturbing incest confession

By Charlie Sawyer

We asked men on the street: Would you rather share your emotions with a tree or a woman? Their answers said a lot

By Eliza Frost

Hailey Bieber’s new hands-free lip tint holder has everyone divided 

By Abby Amoakuh

What is Red Tuesday and how is it threatening relationships right before Valentine’s Day?

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

What is going on with Sky News Australia? Conspiracy theories, plagiarism, and Selena Gomez drama explained

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Was Adam Sandler kicked out of the 2025 Oscars or was it staged? Fans speculate after his fiery outburst

By Abby Amoakuh

Julia Fox reveals her ex-husband secretly baptised her son and warns women of loser fathers

By Kit Warchol

Is Dry January sexist? A look into the gendered politics behind Gen Z’s favourite wellness trend

By Charlie Sawyer

Here’s why Coca Cola is the most boycotted brand on the planet

By Abby Amoakuh

Lewis Hamilton and Sharon Stone support Millie Bobby Brown after she calls out disgusting media misogyny

By Charlie Sawyer

How Emily Bhatnagar transformed her father’s cancer battle into a lifeline for sick children

By Abby Amoakuh

Francesca Farago reveals that influencers are being paid to participate in trend mocking Hailey Bieber