Having your period is a normal part of life and womanhood, no matter how annoying it may be. But worrying about leaky pads and tampons and messy menstrual cups shouldn't be a thought. So, to subside the fear of aunt flow making a guest appearance on your white jeans and running them, take comfort in knowing that period underwear—underwear worn during 'that time of the month'—is your saving grace. Cute and comfy, these panties replace the need to wear a tampon or pad, absorbing your flow (no matter how light or heavy it is) and leakage without mortifying mishaps. Whether you use them on their own or double down as an extra layer of protection, they wick away moisture that collects, so it doesn't sit up against your skin, making them a win-win. These are the cutest and most reliable ones in our underwear drawer.
By Elise Tabin
Color Pop
KT by Kinx Super Leakproof Underwear Bikini, $22
Underwear shouldn't be boring—period underwear included—and these fun prints promise to improve your undergarment game. A special three-layer built-in leakproof technology holds up to an OMG eight tampons or pads worth of blood to keep you feeling fresh and dry all day without wearing a pad for backup. Leaks won't happen here, no matter how heavy your period may be.
Ready, Set, Protect!
Rael Reusable Period Underwear, $20
Great for light to heavy flows, these soft, breathable underwear will have you second-guessing that they hide a secret layer of absorbent cotton. With its ultra-comfortable design, there’s no feeling of undies that ride up throughout the day. Plus, each pair of zero-waste underwear has up to a two-year life cycle or 24 periods, whichever comes first.
The Power Pair
Lola Washable Period Underwear, $30 per pair
Bikini-cut undies with powerful leak protection built-in sound like our kind of underwear. Nothing is leaking through these babies, which hold the equivalent of three tampons, whether you wear this simple pair on its own or as a double layer of protection on heavier flow days.
Vintage Vibes
Proof Teen Leakproof Hipster Underwear, $43
With varying absorbency levels, these leakproof undies (also in bright solids) provide serious protection yet modest coverage. Excellent for girls with a heavier flow (it has the absorbency of five tampons), the extended coverage and absorbent material keep you covered from front to back. We give this reusable and sustainable pair bonus points for its odor-reducing technology.
Save the Planet one Period at a Time
Saalt Comfort Boyshort Period Underwear, $40
From the makers of the popular Saalt menstrual cup comes their brand new boyshort with extra coverage for maximum protection. Perfect to wear to sleep, these hipster briefs are made from a soft, stretchy fabric sourced from regenerated cellulose fibers. So, when you wear these cute shorties, not only are you doing good for your body, but you’re also helping the planet.
Say Bye to Boring!
Tampon Tribe Tweenie Bikini, $48
The Tampon Tribe, an LGBTQ+ woman-owned feminine hygiene brand, is getting in on the period panty action with their new The Ashers line. These silver-infused, antibacterial organic period undies won't leak or let you down. The best part? A portion of each pair sold is donated to Project Code Red to help end period poverty.
Water Proof
KT by Kinx Period Swim, Starting at $40
You don't need to freak out over your period on beach and pool days. Leakage and the slip-up of a tampon string making a surprise visit are a thing of the past when you wear these figure-flattering styles. Jump, swim, dive and splash until your heart is content in these full-absorbency suits, which soak up your flow but repel water.