If you’re itching to swap out your pads and tampons for a more comfortable alternative, period underwear might be right for you. They’re a lower-waste—and lower cost—alternative to traditional period products. While period underwear is a bigger investment than a box of tampons, you’ll save money on disposables over time.
All that said, period products are all about personal preference, and the best option is what’s most comfortable and works best for you. In this post, we’ll explain how to know if period underwear is right for you.
The Pros of Period Underwear
First, let's look at the perks of choosing underwear for periods over your typical pads and tampons:
Period Panties are Reusable
While pads, tampons, and other disposables have you running to the store every cycle, your period panty purchase is pretty much a one-time deal. You’re also not at the mercy of ever-fluctuating drugstore prices, since you’ve already got your stash at home.
With period panties, you’re also never at risk for running out just when you need them; all you have to do is pop them in the wash and lay them flat to dry. Whether you’re out on the go or at home just hanging out, you don’t need to worry whether you’ve got enough left. However, it’s worth mentioning that you may want multiple pairs in different absorbencies, especially if you want to avoid doing laundry daily during your cycle.
Comfortable
Have you ever been super itchy from wearing a pad, or even noticed a rash down there? Sometimes referred to as “pad rash,” that awful feeling is usually contact dermatitis. If you're more of a tampon person, there are about a billion reasons they could become uncomfortable, including vaginal dryness and endometriosis.
Leakproof period underwear can provide relief for both pad and insertable users, offering a softer, smoother alternative that won’t irritate the skin. They’re also less bulky than pads, so they won’t shift or bunch—or even be visible—underneath your clothes.
Less Worry, More Confidence
Between their snug fit and customizable absorbency, period underwear gives you an extra layer of confidence as you go about your day. While you might have to experiment a bit to find the right absorbency at first, once you’ve chosen the right pair, you’re set.
Unlike pads, period undies stay put during sports or other activities, and unlike tampons, you can see when they’re getting full. That means no more questioning when it’s time for a change or whether you might be leaking through to your clothes.
The Cons of Period Underwear
Are there downsides to period underwear? We’ll be honest, it’s really all about personal preference:
Initial Cost
A pair of period panties typically costs between $20 and $40, depending on the brand and style. Assuming you need at least 2-3 pairs for each period, that cost can add up to over $100 for your initial purchase. Don’t forget, though, that you’ll use those same pairs every month.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., the average pack of pads or tampons only runs you roughly 7-9 bucks—at least as of this writing. Here’s the thing, though: with inflation in the mix, who knows where that cost is headed over the next few years? Plus, you’re spending that money every month, versus the one time cost of Leakproof period underwear.
Requires Washing and Maintenance
One nice thing about tampons and pads is that when you’re done, you’re done. As soon as a pad or tampon is used, you just wrap it up and chuck it in the trash (please, not the toilet). While that’s not great news for the planet, it can be a real time-saver—even a lifesaver for folks with disabilities.
Period undies, on the other hand, need a bit of extra cleaning and care. To keep them in great shape, you’ll need to wash cold and air-dry them after every use.
You May Need a Higher Absorbency for Heavy Flow Days
On extra heavy days, some users may need a higher absorbency pair of period underwear. Or, some may want or need to pair their period underwear with another product, for extra absorbency. They may choose to layer on a reusable pad, or use an insertable, like a tampon or a menstrual disc or cup.
All that said, Knix Ultra absorbency styles absorb about 7-9 tampons’ worth of flow, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to double up. Still, some people feel more comfortable using a backup, or using a lighter absorbency panty with a heavier-duty insertable.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs
Ultimately, whether and when you use period underwear depends on your unique needs. For longer work days when you’re too busy to change your tampon or pad, they can be a lot less of a headache. For those who travel often and don’t always have laundry access, on the other hand, disposables might be the easier choice.
Period underwear often are a great option for active folks—they won’t shift or show under your gym leggings. (Plus Leakproof activewear is now an option, too!) They can also be the best choice for outdoorsy types who don’t want to pack out a bunch of period product waste. (FYI: The one place you probably shouldn’t wear a period panty is in the pool—that’s what period swimwear is for.)
Finally, many people love wearing period panties overnight—they last up to 12 hours, so you can sleep in without a half-awake early morning change. Period boxers and shorts are popular favorites, as they can provide a bit of extra coverage against leaks.
Remember that, in many cases, it can help to mix and match: a period panty with an insertable can provide some extra comfort and security. For those with long, busy days, heavy flows, or active lifestyles, a pad plus a cup or disc might be the way to go. Doubling up can also offer you even more hours in bed, if you really like to laze on the weekends.
Final Thoughts: Is Period Underwear Right for You?
Like everything else you do down there, period undies are a personal choice. Whether you use them on their own, combine them with insertables, or forgo them all together is up to you.
You can use them for some days of your period, skip them for others, or only wear them at night. You can also wear them every day of the month if you want to, for discharge, light bladder leaks, sweat, spotting or just because they’re comfy. It’s all totally your call.
Shop the Leakproof collection to learn about all the different types, styles, and ways to wear period panties.
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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.