Best Period Underwear: What to Look for…
Period underwear (and indeed alternative period products) have exploded in recent years. It’s great news for those of us who want to minimize our environmental impact and find reusable products to manage menstruation.
But more choices can also mean more confusion... You might be overwhelmed by the number of products out there, or unclear what to look for in the period underwear that will be right for YOU.
We’re here to help you navigate the world of period underwear and find the best Knix option for your individual flow.
3 Things to Look for in Period Underwear
Before we look at specific product recommendations, let’s chat more generally about what to look for in period underwear—no matter what brand you’re shopping...
1. The Absorbency Level You Need
Every person has a different period… different flow, different duration, heavy and light days... Whatever your unique experience, you’ll want to make sure you have the absorbency level you need to manage your period.
If you’re just using period underwear as a backup with other products, you won’t necessarily need them to have the full absorbency level you need. Most companies break down their products in terms of “tampon’s worth” absorbency (because let’s face it: most of us don’t measure our period blood in teaspoons).
That makes it easier to reflect on what you typically use and translate it into the appropriate absorbency level for your day. Just getting started? Try using period underwear as a back-up while you gain confidence and find that right level.
2. Moisture Wicking Fabrics with Anti-Odor Technology
Nobody wants that feeling of sitting around in a wet swimsuit. So, pay attention to the fabric technology used to make your period underwear. The key term to look for is “moisture-wicking”. This essentially means that the fabric will pull the moisture (i.e. blood) away from your skin and trap it in an inner layer of fabric.
To complement moisture-wicking fabric, you can look for anti-odor technology. This will ensure that not only do you stay dry, but also fresh.
For this technology to work, you’ll also want to ensure you have the right absorbency level (see the point above!)
3. The Style & Size Options You Crave
Just because you’re wearing functional, performance underwear does not mean you should have to compromise on your style. Period underwear should feel as natural as your everyday undies—no matter what your style.
That means whether you’re a thong, brief, boyshort etc. fan, you should be able to find your style, size and even favourite color/the right nude shade in your period underwear.
Indeed, period underwear absorbs more than just blood - it can also absorb sweat and light bladder leaks. So, find the style you love and you may just find yourself wearing it all month long!
Find The Best Period Underwear for…
Now that we’ve covered the different things to look for in the best period or leakpoof underwear, let’s look specifically at the best Knix models for certain uses or styles!
Overall Best Period Underwear: Leakproof Bikini
The comfortable, machine-washable Leakproof Bikini is perfect as backup protection during your cycle’s heavier days, on its own for lighter ones, or for helping you deal with light bladder leaks.
How it Fits:
A classic mid rise silhouette with medium coverage through the hip and bum. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 7.5-8.5” long, providing confident coverage in front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.
What Reviewers Say:
“I love my leakproof panties. They are comfortable and I have so much more confidence that I will stay comfortable with no damp feeling all day. They also don’t leave a line like other bikinis. Love them!”
“These are amazingly comfortable and very necessary. Not only for that "time of the month" as an added layer of protection, but for everyday wear. I have already made additional purchases and will be wearing these every day! HIGHLY RECOMMEND”
Size Options:
XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best for Sleep: The Dream Short
The Dream Short is a super-comfy sleep bottom with built-in coverage featuring patented leakproof technology.
How it Fits:
The Dream Short is designed to comfortably hug your body and stay in place overnight, you can wear it as a pyjama bottom or underneath your regular sleep get-up.
What Reviewers Say:
“These are fantastic! Such a great investment. Super comfortable and a huge comfort for nighttime sleeping when I have my period. No leaks.”
“I ordered these because my period loves to come during the night and I have white sheets. BEST DECISION EVER! These are beyond comfortable and give me the confidence to sleep soundly knowing my sheets won't get ruined. Love them so much I ordered more and paid to have them shipped overnight, just so I had multiple pairs while on my period. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
Size Options:
XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best Period Thong Option: Super Leakproof Thong
Switch from relying on disposable products to wearing incredibly comfortable and machine-washable underwear like our Super Leakproof Thong.
How it Fits:
The thong provides a mid rise silhouette with minimal bum coverage. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 8-9” long, providing confident coverage in front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.
What Reviewers Say:
“Since switching 100% to the period panties I have yet to be disappointed. I went skating with them on expecting a leak but was pleasantly surprised that there were none!”
“I can't believe I waited so long to give these a try. They work great, they look good, and they're super comfortable -- absolutely NO bulky pad/diaper feeling & NO soggy feeling between your legs. I purchased a few super leakproof thongs & a few regular leakproof ones, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well these did their job. I was able to get thru my entire workday without having to think about my period, and that's a beautiful thing. I will NEVER be going back to disposables, that's for sure!”
Size Options:
XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best for Physical Activity: Super Leakproof High Rise
The Super Leakproof High Rise is great for sports and physical activities, when the last thing you need to distract you is fear of leaking. This is also an incredibly comfortable and machine-washable cheeky underwear that will protect you every day of your cycle.
How it Fits:
Our high rise underwear sits at the natural waist and provides medium coverage through the bum with no VPL through your workout gear. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is 9” long, providing confident coverage in front and behind. The fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.
What Reviewers Say:
“I got some to move on from reusable pads, and I was worried they wouldn't work because it does cost quite a bit...I use these with nothing else, and my period is pretty damn heavy. I love the high waisted ones, I feel super supported. Just.. get these. I have no regrets.”
“These panties are...so comfortable to wear. They have great body coverage and no seams to show through.”
Size Options:
XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best for Heavy Flow: Cotton Modal Super Leakproof Bikini
The Cotton Modal Super Leakproof Bikini is incredibly soft, naturally breathable, and washes just like normal undies.
How it Fits:
A classic mid rise silhouette with medium coverage through the hip and bum. The ultra-thin & absorbent gusset is ~9” long, providing confident coverage in front and behind.
What Reviewers Say:
“They are really comfortable! the pad feels good in the front. I always leak more in the back in my sleep, and honesty the back comes pretty far.”
Size Options:
XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best for Spotting / Light Flow: Knixy Lace Leakproof Thong
The Knixy Lace Leakproof Thong looks so amazing, you'll want to wear it every day of the month! We've combined our patented leakproof technology with ultra soft and stretchy lace for the ultimate in comfort and confidence.
How it Fits:
The thong provides a mid rise silhouette with minimal coverage. You'll barely notice the ultra-thin, built-in liner, and the fabric is designed to feel snug at first but relax with wash and wear for a perfect fit.
What Reviewers Say:
“I’m super happy with these thongs. They help control sweat, small amounts of leakage and odor. Wearing them daily!”
“I love how the lace feels stronger than the lacey underwear I've gotten elsewhere. I'm not worried about fraying in the wash or accidentally ripping it on a hangnail. The underwear themselves feel cool, almost silky. With my IUD I only get spotting-light bleeding and these worked well for me!”
Size Options:
XS to XXXXL, and everything in between.
Best Shaping Period Underwear: CoreLove High Rise
Beauty meets function with the CoreLove High Rise, an innovative high rise leakproof underwear. Velvet contouring bands help give your core some extra love, support, and stability. And an extended gusset featuring our patented leakproof technology.
How it Fits:
Sits at the natural waist and provides medium coverage through the bum. Features an extra long gusset.
What Reviewers Say:
“These period panties are absolutely incredible! I got my period today and I normally have fairly bad cramps the first day. I put these on and they have helped my cramps so much I have not even needed to take medicine to get through it today! So good. They are less stretchy and a little harder to get on because of the core love band but so so worth it! 10/10 would recommend!”
“I’m 6 weeks post-partum and ordered 2 pairs of these based on my friend’s recommendation. These panties are amazing! They are the only panties that hold my tummy in and make me feel somewhat normal again! The leak proof feature was much needed, as I was wearing panty liners that were causing some irritation due to them not being breathable. I would highly recommend these for other mommas!”
Size Options:
S to XXXL, and everything in between.
Advantages of Period Underwear
Reusable Underwear Saves You Money💰
Disposable period products are notoriously expensive. Indeed, according to the Canadian Public Health Association, “It is estimated that Canadian women spend up to $6,000 in their lifetime on menstrual hygiene products (Craggs, 2018). Women in rural communities can pay double the price for the same products found in larger cities, such as Toronto (Brown, 2017).”
And while the initial expenditure for period underwear is more, over time you can make significant savings.
They’re Just More Comfortable 😊
Many women find tampons uncomfortable and pads bulky. Period underwear can offer you a comfortable “second skin” feeling.
Don’t take our word for it! We’ve heard it from multiple reviewers and fans, including this one:
“When I first received the package, I was really surprised with the quality of the underwear. I thought it was really well made, beautiful fabric and I loved the print on one of the panties I got. However, I was still quite skeptical about how comfortable it would be given that the lining on the super leakproof undies seemed a bit thick to the touch. And mostly, my concern was if it would actually work.
I finally used it on the first day of my period and I must say, I was thoroughly surprised by how comfortable it was! I used it the entire day and it really just felt like wearing a regular underwear. It was absorbent, but I was still a bit unsure about how it would hold up since my heaviest flow is usually on the 2nd day. The next day comes and I put on a fresh pair of the super leakproof undies.
I decided to use just my Knix (with no other menstrual product) to put it to the test since this is usually my heaviest day. I went about my regular work day, went for a half hour walk in the afternoon and worked out later that night (for almost an hour) in the same underwear and I was honestly so pleased with how well it held up! Not a single leak, I felt comfortable even when working out, no chafing (which is the most annoying thing about pads) and there was no odor! That's when I knew that I made the best investment ever!”
How Do You Care for Period Underwear?
It’s natural to think that such technical undies will require special care. A lot of lingerie is “hand wash only”. But period underwear isn’t necessarily so fussy.
Again, different manufacturers will have different care instructions. And it’s definitely worth paying attention when you’re making a choice. After all, nobody wants to get home and realize they’ve got some high-maintenance undies on their hands!
Knix Leakproof Underwear is as low maintenance as it gets. You simply machine wash them on a cold water cycle, with mild detergent. We advise against using bleach and then laying flat to dry.
It’s important to note that undies are not completely stain proof! So, we also recommend giving them a quick rinse before tossing them in the washing machine.
Ready to Try Period Underwear?
If you’re ready to discover the best period panties for YOU, check out our selection here.
We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.