The best period underwear for 2024, tested and reviewed

Sizing: XS-4XL | Style: Bikini | Absorbency levels: High | Fabrics/materials: Recycled fabric | Colors: Black

The best period underwear overall based on our testing was the Diva Reusable Period Underwear. From style and comfort to absorbency and material, these period panties checked all of the boxes. For starters, they look and feel very similar to traditional underwear, though the seams are pretty harsh. I washed them before the first use and looked carefully at the gusset, which seemed rather thin, but I could definitely tell it had multiple layers for increased fluid absorbency. I might have benefited from ordering a size up since they were on the smaller side, but it wasn't too big of a deal.

According to the brand's website, this period underwear can hold up to nine regular-size tampons' worth of blood and is made without added PFAS. It was a little odd not wearing any sort of period protection aside from the underwear, but I didn't experience leakage or notice any smell thanks to the zinc-infused gusset. Even on the heaviest days of my period, this underwear caught everything and kept me protected all day long. When it came time to wash it, I didn't have a laundry bag as suggested by the website, but I rinsed it with cold water and put it in the washer on a standard cycle and left it to air-dry. I didn't notice any significant staining either, which was probably due in part to washing them directly after use and also due to their color — black makes it easier to hide potential staining.

Sizing: XS-XXXXL | Style: High-rise | Absorbency levels: Heavy/ultra | Fabrics/materials: Nylon, spandex| Colors: Black, warm sand, rose water and dark teal

As someone with a heavy flow, finding period underwear suited for a large amount of fluid was a high priority. I tried the Knix Ultra Leakproof Zones+ High Rise with ultra absorbency and was not disappointed. The gusset is longer and wider than most, extending from front to back to catch liquid from practically every angle, leaving little room for leakage. I was able to sit at my desk all day and not leak through a pair of pants.

Of all the options I tried, this pair of menstrual underwear felt the most diaperlike since they were high-rise and slightly bulky. Frankly, the bulkiness didn't bother me since I had more peace of mind that they'd catch any wayward bleeding better than a thinner pair; however, wearing these with leggings might not be the best idea. In terms of cleaning, I tossed them in the washing machine with the rest of my clothes and they were ready for the next wear, stainless and odor-free.

Sizing: XXS-5X | Style: Hipster | Absorbency levels: High | Fabrics/materials: Tencel lyocell, organic cotton, spandex | Colors: Purple, green and black

Aside from absorbency, comfort is key when it comes to finding the best period underwear. One reason period panties are appealing is because they can be more comfortable than wearing pads or using tampons, assuming they're not overly bulky. 

The Aisle Boost Hipster panties are medium-rise and provide full booty coverage suitable for everyday wear. I wore these toward the end of my cycle when I had a lighter flow. The brand advertises that the underwear can hold up to four regular-size tampons' worth of blood (and eight with the optional absorbency booster) thanks to its Truetex fabric technology. I wore them with the booster and still found the pair to be comfortable — not obtrusive — they stayed put and didn't move around or bunch. They also effectively prevented leakage; however, I did notice a slight odor after all-day wear — nothing foul, but it was present.

The only other issue I found was that the booster was a bit hard to reinsert into the gusset after washing. You can wear the underwear without the booster, of course, but that reduces the amount of absorbency you'll enjoy — not ideal on heavier days of your cycle.

Sizing: XXXS-XL | Style: Hipster | Absorbency levels: Moderate and heavy | Fabrics/materials: Nylon, elastane and organic cotton | Colors: Black

The average age for the onset of menstruation is 12 years old, although some girls start having their period as young as 10. Girls and teens this age are still growing and may not be able to use period panties that are sized for adults. Period underwear is also a good way for young women to get used to taking care of their menstrual cycles without worrying about the leakage that often accompanies tampon and pad use during inconsistent or unpredictable cycles. 

I may not be a teenager, but the Awwa Teen Hipster Brief is available in adult sizes, so I decided to put it to the test. It's very stylish, with the brand's signature detailing. While it's not full coverage through the bottom, it offers some rear coverage and has a wide gusset to catch period blood. It comes in two absorbency options — moderate or heavy — promising to absorb the equivalent of two or five tampons' worth of blood, respectively.

I wore these briefs toward the end of my cycle when I was lightly spotting, and they worked perfectly. They didn't leak, there was no smell and they had a barely there feel when worn.

When it came to washing them, I put them in the laundry with my normal load after rinsing with cold water. They came out of the wash looking brand-new, with no signs of staining or smell. While I don't have kids, parents in the reviews say these are a great option for their school-age children who are on their period since they are comfortable, effective and stylish.

Sizing: S-XXL | Style: Bikini | Absorbency levels: Regular | Fabrics/materials: Polyester, cotton and polypropylene | Colors: Black

I've been using period products from Rael for quite some time, but it wasn't until a few weeks ago I came across the brand's period underwear. After I received my pair, I followed the product's instructions and washed them before wearing them. I found them to be extremely comfortable, with a soft cotton body, and highly absorbent, with a polyester and polypropylene gusset.

This pair of underwear is only designed to hold three tampons' worth of blood, placing them on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of absorbency volume. That said, I liked how I never felt moist or wet down there. Additionally, they offer more full coverage through the backside, which was an added benefit to me as a plus-size individual. For additional peace of mind, Rael works with suppliers to ensure they don't add PFAS to the fabrics, which is important when it comes to reducing exposure to these "forever chemicals."

Unfortunately, if you are a size that's larger than XXL, you won't be able to wear this menstrual underwear. I wish they had more inclusive sizing, but that's a story for another day.

Sizing: XXS-4XL | Style: Boyshorts | Absorbency levels: Super and heavy | Fabrics/materials: Tencel Modal, elastane, polyester, polyurethane | Colors: Volcanic black, olive grove, midnight sky, soft lavender, rich ruby and deep marine

Boyshorts are designed to provide fuller coverage to the backside and are often a top pick for nighttime wear, with added coverage through the crotch and thighs. This style can also prove particularly comfortable when you're on your period and bloating is at an all-time high. If you like boyshorts, then you'll like how the Saalt Leakproof Comfort Boyshort is soft to the touch and has a barely there feel, thanks to the modal fabric. 

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that while this is period underwear, the "super" version is also marketed toward postpartum mothers and individuals with urinary incontinence who may experience higher levels of fluid leakage. This means that the gusset is more absorbent than many pairs of period underwear — replacing six-plus pads or eight-plus tampons — but it also means it's bulkier too. 

I thought they were comfortable for everyday wear, but because they were bulkier than some other styles, I couldn't wear them with leggings as it looked like I had a diaper on. I'd say these are more suitable for nighttime wear or lounging around the house. That said, I did leak a little bit onto my thighs initially when the panties shifted, but once I figured out how to keep them positioned correctly, I didn't have that problem again.

Sizing: S-3XL | Style: Hipster | Absorbency levels: Ultra | Fabrics/materials: Cotton | Colors: Black

Unlike the other period underwear I tried, which were solid colors, the Flo Period Pants had a vibrant waistband with pink, yellow and blue stripes that I loved. While the style makes them more inviting to wear, it's really how they perform that makes them a keeper. The cotton underwear has an absorbent layer that can hold up to four regular tampons' worth of liquid. I found the gusset on these to be quite absorbent and I didn't experience any leakage even on the heaviest days of my period. Plus, they were high-waisted, which earned them extra brownie points since I like to be supported and covered, especially during my period.

Although they are machine washable, I decided to hand-wash this pair since they're thinner and smaller than some of the others I tested. Also, because they're on the smaller side, I wanted to prevent unwanted shrinkage from the washing machine by hand-washing them on my own. 

Sizing: XS-6X | Style: High-waist | Absorbency levels: Medium | Fabrics/materials: Cotton and microfiber | Colors: Black

Most of the period panties on this list cost $20 or more, with some coming in just under $50. If those prices seem a little too high, there are solutions. The Period. High Waist Absorbent Underwear comes in at just $12 a pair and still delivers on functionality, absorbing up to four regular tampons' worth of fluid.  

This pair has a look and feel similar to traditional underwear, but you can feel the organic cotton liner built into the gusset. It was definitely more noticeable than some pairs, but not so bulky that it felt uncomfortable. I wore these overnight and was able to sleep through the night without worrying about leakage.

In terms of design, I appreciate the high waist and light compression that helps keep everything "tucked in" for support. The slightly bulkier gusset doesn't lend itself to being worn with leggings, though, so this is a pair you'll want to reserve for when you're wearing jeans or other pants. 

You may assume that the lower-cost underwear might require hand-washing to make up for any potential corner-cutting in terms of quality or durability, but this is actually designed to be thrown in the washer. I noticed no fraying or other damage after washing and wearing. 

Sizing: XXXS-6X | Style: Bikini | Absorbency levels: Up to 8 tsp. of liquid | Fabrics/materials: Cotton and spandex | Colors: Solids and prints

As a plus-size individual, finding underwear that provides ample coverage and is comfortable can be a challenge. That said, the Tomboyx First Line Period Bikini is designed for those with larger bodies, going all the way up to a size 6X. My favorite part? The price didn't rise, regardless of size, which isn't something I see very often in the plus-size fashion space.

According to the brand, this underwear is designed to hold 8 teaspoons of blood. I can't say how much I bled exactly, but I didn't leak in this underwear even on the heaviest days of my period. The gusset was thinner than many of the other pairs I tested, which lends itself to comfort, but I could still tell the difference between the thickness of this gusset and gussets in traditional underwear. 

My only complaint is that the waistband is pretty thin. Usually the waistband on a pair of plus-size underwear is thicker to help prevent rolling or pinching, but this one seemed average-size to me.

Sizing: S-XL | Style: Briefs | Absorbency levels: Maximum | Fabrics/materials: Polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester | Colors: Black

The purpose of many period underwear companies is to cut down on waste and reduce the use of disposable menstrual products like pads and tampons. So it seems to fly in the face of reason to use disposable period underwear. That said, some people may want to enjoy the benefits of period underwear — like comfort and simplicity — without wanting to wash and reuse their period products. The Always ZZZs Overnight Disposable Period Underwear is designed more like a diaper, with 360-degree coverage made from polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene. It can hold up to five pads' worth of blood. 

Although not made from a cotton and spandex blend, this underwear is still comfortable and fit similar to other traditional panties. I didn't experience any leakage with it or feel like it got weighed down as it was absorbing liquid. In terms of price, the box of 14 cost me roughly $20, which breaks down to more than $1 per pair. It's not terribly expensive if you're using them occasionally as a supplement or backup for other period products, but the price adds up if you're relying on them as your primary women's hygiene product. 

I'd recommend these for new moms after childbirth, young teens for overnight use or anyone who may prefer a backup method for other women's hygiene products on heavy flow days.