Fashion
There are no rules when it comes to handling your menstrual periods. Whether you choose to wear tampons, pads, menstrual cups, or nothing at all, there's no shame in our period game. For those of us who want added protection, the best underwear for periods includes everything from organic cotton panties that provide incredible coverage to pairs that you can actually wear in place of a pad or tampon.
With ongoing efforts to erase the stigma of menstruation, there has never been an easier time to deal with your flow — without any stress or embarrassment. The most effective and highly-rated underwear for periods includes those that feature gussets made from anti-bacterial materials like natural bamboo, or pairs that are seamless, tagless, and won't show under clothing. Many boast leak-proof linings that can catch and hold accidental spills so that you don't stain your favorite jeans.
Having your period doesn't have to mean taking a hiatus from comfort and style. These seven great underwear options, below, provide protection and a secure fit, whether your flow is light, medium, or so heavy, there's no pad on earth that can contain it. Where feminine hygiene products fail to come through, these panties get the job done.
1
Organic Cotton Panties That Provide Full Front And Back Coverage
Hesta Organic Cotton Menstrual Sanitary Protective Panties (XS-4XL), $38-43, Amazon
Made from 100 percent organic cotton, these protective panties are cut so that they provide full coverage, both in the back and front. This design prevents period accidents from happening while you sleep or work out. They come in an incredible range of sizes, are available in black and nude, and are made with a soft fabric that's safe (and comfortable) on sensitive skin.
2
Fancy Panty Briefs In Jacquard Designs
Yoyi Fashion Menstrual Period Briefs (XXS-4XL), $9-27, Amazon
Who said period panties have to be old-fashioned or ugly? These adorable jacquard briefs have a leak-proof inner lining to keep leakage from pads or tampons in place. They also come in colors like lotus, red, and purple – and you can choose among value packs of two, three, and four.
3
A Four-Pack Of Panties Made From Thick Material That Have An Extended Leak-Proof Lining
Phennie's Menstrual Period Briefs (S-XL), $15 (Pack Of 4), Amazon
It's impossible not to feel well protected in these menstrual brief panties, and that's all thanks to the incredibly thick cotton and spandex material. A water-resistant lining extends from the gusset all the way to the waistline so there's no chance of having to endure spills and leaks. Make sure you only hand wash and air dry them so that they retain their quality.
4
Seamless Panties Made From Breathable Bamboo
Yoyi Fashion Bamboo Viscose Briefs (XXS-3XL), $9-30, Amazon
Breathable and eco-friendly bamboo fabric is used to make these period panties naturally waterproof and even more comfortable. The seamless style stays hidden under clothing and you can choose among three value packs and a variety of bright and neutral shades. A warning: Though you can wash them in a machine, they can only be air-dried, so as not to damage the special lining.
5
High-Waist Panties With A Pocket For Cramp-Relieving Heating Pads
Andyshi Physiological Panties, $14 (3 Pack), Amazon
These period panties boast three layers of leakproof material and a very high waist for the ultimate coverage. But the real star feature here is an ergonomic pocket on the front that can accommodate a small heating pad to relieve cramps. Choose between two three-pack options that come in colors like red, lavender, and grey.
6
Panties You Can Wear In Place Of A Pad Or Tampon
Modibodi Period Leak-Proof Panties (4XL-5XL), $33, Amazon
Period panty technology is still a new and growing field. But there are actual pairs of menstrual underwear, including these lace, high-waist panties, that can take the place of your pad or tampon. This underwear is made from sustainable viscose derived from bamboo, spandex, merino wool, and polyester, and is designed with a moderate lining that can be used alone on light period days or as a backup for leakage protection on heavier days.
7
Tagless, Seamless, No-Show Panties Made From Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Barbra Lingerie Invisible No-Show Seamless Panties (S-4XL), $8-25 (6 Pack), Amazon
Since thongs aren't the most comfortable panties to wear during your period, here's the next best thing: full-coverage, seamless panties that are completely hidden under your clothing, but boast the high waist and bamboo cotton gusset needed for optimum period leakage protection. There are no panty lines to deal with here and the value you get — six pairs in a variety of shades — is nothing short of amazing. Moisture-wicking nylon material keeps you feeling cool and collected throughout your period (or anytime, really), and they dry in a flash after a hand wash or machine spin in a laundry bag.
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