When people consider switching to period underwear, they always ask one question in particular: “How long can I wear period panties for?”
It's a fair question! Menstrual cycles vary in length and flow from person to person, but they can even look different for each of us every time we get them.
Planning ahead can feel paramount—especially when you factor school, work, commuting, sports, and going out into the mix. At any given time, you probably have extra tampons, pads or panty-liners in your bag on the off-chance you might need them.
It's for this reason people are always shocked when we tell them that period underwear is designed for everyday wear and meant to be worn all-day long!
*Pause for gasps*
Yes, you heard that right. This may require you to better understand your cycle, and read up on absorbencies, and learn to listen to your body. Fear not! We have a helpful list of how you can do these things just below.
Know Your Flow
One of the most important things to remind yourself of, when searching for period underwear, is that every body bleeds differently. Spotting, clotting, and bleeding frontwards or backwards really depends on the individual and the time of the month.
Take notes on your own periods and how they've (historically) been for you. Do you have light or heavy periods? How long do your heavy days last? Do you typically look for protection in the front, back or both? What absorbency level do you prefer?
It's important to answer these questions so that you can find the perfect pair of period underwear to suit your unique flow. In this scenario, you should be Goldilocks: not too light, not too heavy, but just right.
Find the Right Period Underwear
I speak from experience, of course! When my IUD reduced my periods to (mostly) spotting, I found that Leakproof UltraThin No-Show Underwear (which absorbs around 2 super tampons worth of liquid) was the perfect period underwear option for me.
Period underwear have multiple layers of absorbency without having too thick a gusset—I still wear one pair for a full day (and as overnight protection) whether I'm on my period or not. If you're looking for an entry point into period underwear, this is the perfect candidate. And the best part is, it feels just like wearing regular underwear.
For heavy days when you need super absorbent period protection, the best period underwear is Super Leakproof Underwear, which absorbs about 3-6 super tampons worth of menstrual fluid for when you need full coverage. This style is perfect for heavier flow days and overnight absorbency.
For super absorbent front-to-back leak protection (from both period and bladder leaks), Zones+ Ultra Leakproof Underwear has got you covered. For your heaviest days, these period underwear absorb the same amount of menstrual fluid as about 9 super tampons worth of blood—so you can spend your day watching trashy TV, eating mint chocolate chip ice cream or just, ya know, living your normal, everyday life without worry.
If you're looking for all-day protection for lighter days when you're spotting (or are unsure if you're period is actually over), Light Leakproof No-Show Underwear is an ideal go-to. On medium flow days, they can also be worn in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon for backup leak protection.
Remember, if you're wearing light absorbency period underwear and expecting it to do the work of a heavy, it simply won't. Get to know your period flow and go with a style and absorbency level you think will work best for your needs.
Washing Your Period Underwear
You've worn your period underwear for a full day—and maybe even forgotten you're on your period altogether. Now comes one of the best parts of purchasing a reusable pair of period underwear: the easy-breezy machine wash process.
While some people like to rinse the gusset of their underwear before a machine wash, others (like myself) toss them into the machine on cold during laundry days. Either are fine. Once clean, you can lay flat or hang dry and VOILA! They're ready to use again and again.
If there's anything to avoid, it's fabric softener and high-heat dryers. But for a more detailed breakdown of how to wash period underwear, check out our definitive guide to washing your period panties.
Listen to Your Body
When it comes to figuring out your period routine and go-to period care, listen to your body. Perhaps you'll want to pair Light Leakproof Underwear with your usual menstrual cups to prevent leaks, or maybe you'll find you want to swap out your period underwear mid-day.
Regardless of how long our period underwear are designed to be worn for, do whatever feels right. And remember: sometimes finding the right combination of period care comes down to a little experimenting.
For some, slipping on a pair of period underwear and going about their day is a blessing—especially if you grew up tossing disposable pads and worrying about using tampons as overnight protection. But you're the only one who knows what menstrual product and absorbency works best for you.