Period Panties: Benefits, Tips, & More

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Thinking about making the switch to period underwear, but not sure where to start? This absorbent underwear that many are using to replace pads, tampons, and menstrual cups is all the rage—but how does it work? And is period underwear really worth it? In this article, we’ll answer all of your period underwear questions so you can make the right choice for you and your menstrual cycle.

Things You Should Know

Period underwear looks like normal underwear, but the microfiber polyester inside absorbs menstrual blood during your cycle.
Period underwear is budget-friendly and easy to use. Plus, it’s great for the environment since it’s reusable.
Change your period underwear every 10 to 12 hours, and wash it using cold water on the delicate cycle.

Section 1 of 5:

What is period underwear?

Period underwear absorbs menstrual blood during your period. Instead of grabbing a tampon or a pad to wear during your period, you can pull on a pair of period underwear. Period underwear looks like normal underwear, but it’s made to absorb menstrual blood and prevent it from leaking onto your clothes.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 5:

How do period panties work?

Period underwear absorbs menstrual blood with microfiber polyester. The multiple layers of this fabric ensure that blood stays trapped inside of the material instead of leaking through.^{[2]
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Research source} Typically, they hold about 1 to 2 tampons worth of blood.
- Period underwear keeps you feeling dry, similar to a pad. And as long as you change them every 10 to 12 hours, you don’t need to worry about odors or smells.

Section 3 of 5:

Benefits of Period Underwear

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They’re budget-friendly. The average pair of period underwear ranges from $24 to $64. Within a couple of menstrual cycles, the underwear essentially pays for itself: since you aren’t re-buying tampons and pads every month, you’re saving tons of money throughout the year.^{[3]
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- In general, a pair of period underwear will last for about 2 years.
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They’re easy to use. Younger people may have a harder time inserting tampons or menstrual cups. Period panties don’t need any special instructions to put on, so they’re great for people having their first period.^{[4]
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They’re comfortable. No more bulky, awkward pads or annoying, uncomfortable tampons. Period underwear is made to feel like a regular pair of underwear—with the right fit, you won’t feel like you’re wearing anything different at all.^{[5]
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They’re low-maintenance. Depending on how heavy your flow is, you only need to change your period underwear every 10 to 12 hours. Plus, you can easily throw a pair in your purse or backpack to keep with you whenever you need it.^{[6]
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They’re environmentally friendly. Since period underwear is reusable, they’re better for the environment than pads or tampons, which have to be thrown away. In fact, many people make the switch to period underwear specifically so they can live more sustainably.^{[7]
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Section 4 of 5:

Period Underwear Tips

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Buy 5 to 7 pairs to last your entire cycle. The last thing you want to do on your period is worry about washing your underwear every single day. Experts recommend buying enough underwear to last your entire cycle; that way, you can wash it when you have time, not every night.^{[8]
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Purchase the right size for a comfortable fit. Many period underwear brands will offer multiple sizes so you can find the right one for you. To avoid feeling that awful diaper-like sensation, be sure to check the size guide and get the underwear that fits you best.^{[9]
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Try the underwear overnight to test it out. Worried about leaks? You’re not alone—many people who try out period panties for the first time wear them overnight to see how they are. If you experience any leakage, you’ll be at home in your own bed to deal with it.^{[10]
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Wear a tampon or menstrual cup with the underwear on heavy flow days. Period underwear doesn’t have to be worn on its own. If you know you’re going to have a heavy flow, try inserting a tampon or your menstrual cup, then use the underwear as extra leak protection.^{[11]
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Section 5 of 5:

How to Wash Period Underwear

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Soak or rinse the underwear in cold water. Cold water helps rinse out blood and remove odors. Before you throw your underwear in the wash, either rinse it in cold water or leave it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.^{[12]
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- Worried about odors? While most period underwear don’t smell after washing, you can add a few drops of white vinegar to the cool water for extra odor-fighting power.
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Wash the underwear on a delicate cycle. You can throw your period underwear in the washing machine like all your other clothes. Set it on a cold water delicate cycle for best results, and use a mild detergent.^{[13]
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- You can wash your period underwear along with other delicate items, or you can wash it on its own. Don’t wash your period underwear with white clothing, as the menstrual blood could stain the light fabric.
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Air dry the underwear. The heat from the dryer can damage and warp the material of period underwear. Instead, leave them out to hang dry, then fold them and put them away.^{[14]
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