Amongst the many inventions the 21st century has witnessed, the introduction of new options for dealing with our periods has to be one of the most sensical. For goodness’ sake, around 1.8 billion people worldwide menstruate every month, so it’s about time to see some innovation in that space.
While many period-related products have been around for decades (for example, the menstrual cup was invented in 1937), it feels like alternative methods for managing our cycles only became mainstream within the last few years. One example of a product we’re particularly pleased to see is rising in popularity? Period panties.
What are period panties and how do they work?
Period panties are a special kind of underwear designed to absorb menstrual blood. Typically made from thick, moisture-wicking fabric, period panties can be worn on their own if you’re adopting the “free-bleeding” method or as an added layer of protection against leaks. Plus, they’re designed to look and feel like everyday underwear, so you don’t have to worry about being discreet.
What are the benefits of using period panties?
Comfortable and convenient, period panties are perfect for days when your flow is light or nights when you want to avoid tending to your tampon, pad, cup, or disc. And because you can wash and reuse period panties, they’re a more sustainable option than disposable products like tampons and pads. Plus, they’re a great thing to have on hand for post-partum care if you’re pregnant.
How We Found The Internet’s Best Period Panties
There’s nothing worse than an ill-timed leak, which is why each of the products featured below was vetted with the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm. Using data from reviews, best-seller lists, and other sources, this tool scored each top-rated pair of period panties in order to determine which 10 options are in a league of their own. So, grab your heating pad and DoorDash your favorite kind of ice cream, because your next period is going to be the most comfortable one to date.
June 15, 2023
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Aisle Boost Boxer Brief
Overall Score
4.25
10
Aisle Boost Boxer Brief
4.5
590 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Period Boxer Briefs
THE DETAILS
Aisle's Boost Boxer Briefs have enough absorbency to hold eight tampons' worth of liquid. And as if that's not enough good news, these briefs come in sizes from XS to 5XL.
PROMISING REVIEW
"My go-to is a menstrual cup, but I experience very heavy flows that lead to constant leaks. Pads were uncomfortable and something always had to go wrong. I never had a cycle where I didn't bleed on something. But the very first time I tried out the Boost Boxers and I've never been so impressed in my life. They're comfortable and have great coverage leaving me confident that I'll never have to deal with a mess, no more running to the bathroom in an emergency. Just throw these on during heavy days or even days where there's no real need for a cup and I'm still secure and good to go."
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Inclusive
Dear Kate Ada Full Brief
Overall Score
4.35
09
Dear Kate Ada Full Brief
4.73
32 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Full-Coverage Period Panty
THE DETAILS
With a lace-trimmed, high-rise fit, these period panties are delightfully feminine and fun. They're made with three layers of breathable fabric and can hold up to three teaspoons of blood.
MORE TO KNOW
Who says periods can't be cute? These underwear come in six different colors, from Intense Green to Ruby Red. Not to mention, they're stain-resistant—so go ahead and get the beige.
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Inclusive
The Period Company The High Waisted Period. In Organic Cotton
Overall Score
4.35
08
The Period Company The High Waisted Period. In Organic Cotton
4.2
1565 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Postpartum Period Underwear
THE DETAILS
Got a heavy flow? The High Waisted Period Panties from Period Co have you covered. With two absorbent layers and an additional leakproof one for good measure, these underwear are also a reliable option for those dealing with postpartum or perimenopause.
CARE TIP
Before throwing these in the washing machine, give them a good rinse and wring them dry.
Inclusive
INNERSY Hipster Period Underwear 3-Pack
Overall Score
4.4
07
INNERSY Hipster Period Underwear 3-Pack
4.3
15784 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable Period Underwear
THE DETAILS
In addition to having an impressive 10,000+ 5-star reviews, these are the fourth best-selling product on Amazon in the category of hipster panties. That said, it's worth mentioning that INNERSY suggests pairing these period panties with other menstrual products for a truly leakproof cycle.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I honestly was a little skeptical when buying these. I thought there was no way they were going to be able to handle my flow for a whole day. These panties definitely proved me wrong. They absorbed more blood than any other pad ever has. On top of that, they are comfortable and didn’t bleed through during my time of the month. I definitely will be buying more."
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TomboyX First Line Period Bikini
Overall Score
4.4
06
TomboyX First Line Period Bikini
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Period Bikini-Style Panty
THE DETAILS
Cheeky with a high leg line, it's extremely difficult to tell these are period panties at first glance. However, they're designed with a built-in absorbent pad that can handle your cycle and incontinence too.
MORE TO KNOW
We love to see size inclusivity, and we're happy to share that TomboyX made their First Line Period Bikini available in sizes from 3XS to 6XL.
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Inclusive
Saalt Leak Proof Thong
Overall Score
4.45
05
Saalt Leak Proof Thong
4.7
128 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Period Thong
THE DETAILS
Saalt is a leading name in the world of non-traditional menstruation management methods, so it's no surprise to see their Leak Proof Thong made the list. If you're averse to panty lines, this mid-rise, lightly-absorbent thong is definitely the style for you—and guess what? There are four delightful colors to choose from.
MORE TO KNOW
This particular pair of period panties is best for light flow days or as a second line of defense against leaks.
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Modibodi Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini
Overall Score
4.45
04
Modibodi Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini
4.9
3182 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best High-Waist Period Underwear
THE DETAILS
We'll start with this: One reviewer claimed that these panties made it feel like she wasn't even on her period. That's cause enough to hit "add to cart," but if you need more, they're also made with ModiBodi's award-winning, patented Modifier Technology that absorbs blood, urine, sweat, and other bodily fluids.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I always used pads and could not get into the idea of using a menstrual cup as I never even used tampons. I was getting very tired of pads, not even from the cost but because of the guilt towards the environment. I did a bit of research and went for ModiDodi as I found them to be the more attractive looking period undies. I have to say I’m just completely blown away by the comfort of these lovely underwear, how much they hold and how they don’t even smell!"
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Inclusive
Proof Period & Leak Proof Light Absorbency Thong
Overall Score
4.45
03
Proof Period & Leak Proof Light Absorbency Thong
4.78
92 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight Period Underwear
THE DETAILS
Simple and sleek, Proof's Leak Proof Light Absorbency Thong probably looks a lot like the rest of your unmentionables. Even so, these underwear are shockingly functional, with a multilayer Leak-Loc™ system that pulls in moisture and protects from spotting and an invisible leak-resistant lining.
MORE TO KNOW
Because this thong only holds one tampon's worth of liquid, it's best used on light flow days.
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Thinx Classic Hiphugger
Overall Score
4.6
02
Thinx Classic Hiphugger
4.78
2836 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Period Hipster Underwear
THE DETAILS
If you've been using period panties for some time now, you've likely heard of Thinx. A leader in the space, Thinx makes products for those who menstruate or experience incontinence. The Classic Hiphuggers are one of their most popular styles, having amassed thousands of perfect 5-star reviews.
MORE TO KNOW
These period panties are highly absorbent, which is why they're recommended for moderate and heavy flow days. Also, Thinx frequently releases their Classic Hiphuggers in seasonal colors and materials, so if you love these, check back regularly to see what's new.
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Knix Leakproof Bikini
Overall Score
4.75
01
Knix Leakproof Bikini
4.6
4895 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Period Underwear Overall
THE DETAILS
Here they are: the internet's best period panties. One reason why Knix's Leakproof Bikini underwear are so beloved is that they're made from the brand's PermaStretch fabric (a soft, stretchy, quick-drying material). Beyond that, they can hold up to three tampon's worth of blood and won't bunch up or look bulky under your pants.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I like these panties for two reasons: 1) It feels like you have nothing on and there are no panty lines to be seen under your clothes, and 2) With the crotch protection from leaks, you can have confidence that no accident will embarrass you. I will be trying different styles of these panties with and without the crotch protection."
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