Okay, so you've been curious about period underwear, but aren't 100% sure about incorporating them into your period routine yet. HONESTY HOUR: We've been there too.
Pads and tampons have been the go-to since your first period, so why disrupt the good thing you already got going? But with period panties becoming more of a mainstream option, it's time to see how they stack up to the classics.
Let's take a closer peek at how pads, tampons, and period underwear compare, and figure out what might work best for you and your flow.
Convenience: Ease and Accessibility Showdown
Pads and Tampons: Your tried and true since day one, a box of either are easy to grab at any drugstore and don't require much prep. Toss one in your bag, pack a bunch on vacation, and you're good to go! The downside? You've gotta remember to restock your bathroom (and your bag). There's nothing worse than realizing you're out at the worst possible moment. We all know that public washrooms are never the most reliable when it comes to supplying emergency back ups.
Period Underwear: These absorbent Leakproof underwear are ready to wear when you are. They're washable and reusable, which means no frantic emergency tampon runs—just a trip to your local underwear drawer. If you're not a fan of frequent laundry loads, these may feel like more of a chore since you need to machine wash cold and hang dry between uses. But having a few on hand makes it easier to switch on and off throughout your cycle. Plus you can wash em' with the rest of your regular underwear too.
🏆 Winner: It's a tie! Pads and tampons win for grab-and-go ease, but period undies shine when it comes to easy all-day wear and avoiding waste associated with disposable menstrual products.
Comfort: The Feel Good Factor
Pads and Tampons: I mean… Miss Pad tries her best (and we definitely love her for that). But we can't deny that her diaper-esque quality can leave much to be desired in the comfort department. TLDR: she's BULKY. And tampons? While convenient, they're not everyone's idea of comfort, particularly on super light or heavy days. Not to mention, wearing them overnight isn't the safest bet either, with risks associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Period Underwear: Designed with soft, stretchy fabrics, period underwear feels just like… regular underwear. Plus they also come in a bunch of styles, so it's easy to wear them seamlessly, comfortably, and discreetly with any outfit (like these invisible Leakproof No-show Boyshorts). Because they're so comfy and designed to be worn for long stretches, period undies are also a safer choice for overnight use.
🏆 Winner: Period underwear takes this round! If comfort is your priority (and why wouldn't it be during your period!), these are worth a try.
Security: Can They Handle Your Period Flow?
Pads and Tampons: Pads can be great for heavy flow days, providing a wide surface area to catch leaks. Tampons, when used correctly, offer pretty reliable internal protection, though they can sometimes lead to leaks depending on how heavy your period is, or how long you've been wearing one. Both offer a solid range of protection levels depending on your flow—although you may have to keep a variety on hand and adjust based on what flow day you're on.
Period Underwear: These undies are engineered with an absorbent core and multiple layers that help to wick away moisture and lock in liquid—all while preventing spotting on your clothes. Like their period protection predecessors, period underwear also come in a variety of absorbency levels—from Light absorbency (holds about 1-3 tampons) to Ultra absorbency (absorbs about 7-9 super tampons).
When it comes to the question of if you can wear period underwear solo, the answer is simple: it's totally up to you and your period. Check out Knix's absorbency guide to learn more about which period underwear is perfect for your flow.
🏆 Winner: It's up to you! Pads and tampons offer customizable protection depending on your flow, but there's always a possibility of leaking. Meanwhile period underwear provides all-in-one reliability solo or worn alongside a pad or tampon.
Sustainability: Reducing Waste, One Cycle at a Time
Pads and Tampons: Did you know that on average, a person will use over 10,000 period products in their lifetime? Considering that pads and tampons are single-use products, that's a lot to end up in the landfill. Not to mention all the plastic packaging too.
Period Underwear: These are reusable and multi-use for YEARS with proper care, making them a great eco-friendly choice. While they require water and energy to wash, they're more environmentally friendly, while allowing you to ditch disposables.
🏆 Winner: Period underwear. If cutting down on waste matters to you, this is a big win. You can also get the best of both worlds with reusable pads. Menstrual cups also deserve an honorable mention when it comes to sustainability, and can be used in tandem with menstrual underwear.
Cost: Splurge or Save?
Pads and Tampons: On the surface, these are cheaper. A box of tampons or pads can run you anywhere from $10 onward. But over the years, the costs add up. (Remember those 10,000 products we mentioned above?) In fact, research shows that the average menstruator spends around $6000 on disposable period products throughout their lifetime.
Period Underwear: The upfront investment is higher. A single pair can range from $20 to $40, depending on the style and absorbency. But since they're reusable, they'll likely save you money in the long run—if you're committed to using them regularly.
🏆 Winner: It depends. Pads and tampons win for short-term affordability, but period underwear is a smarter choice if you're playing the long game!
Beauty Rest: Overnight Protection
Pads and Tampons: Pads can provide decent overnight coverage, especially if you go for those maxi or extended-length options. But let’s be honest—they’re not exactly the pinnacle of comfort. And tampons? They’re a no-go for overnight wear. Wearing one for more than 8 hours can increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition caused by bacteria. If you’re team tampons, just make sure to change them regularly. Bottom line: pads might do the job, but they don’t always feel great doing it.
Period Underwear: For overnight protection, comfortable period underwear is genuinely hard to beat. With full coverage and super-absorbent styles like the Super Leakproof Dream Short (holding about 5 tampons’ worth), these are the best period underwear for handling heavy menstrual flow while keeping things cozy. No shifting pads, no TSS worries—just reliable overnight protection that lets you enjoy Saturday morning sleep-ins.
🏆 Winner: Period underwear takes the crown for beauty rest. With full coverage, overnight protection, and no safety concerns, it’s a game-changer for leak-free sheets.
The Verdict: Should You Make the Switch?
Ultimately, as the old (and ever-important adage goes)—your body, your choice!
If you're all about convenience and keeping your routine simple, pads and tampons still have your back. But if comfort, sustainability, and long-term savings appeal to you, period undies might be your next favorite thing.
There's no right or wrong answer. But in our opinion—why not give period underwear a try and see how it fits (literally and figuratively)? At the very least, you'll have another option in your period toolkit. Let's be real! The more ways to tackle your period, the better.