11 Best Period Panties That Work For Heavy And Light Flows

Stay comfortable and leak-proof with the right period-care essentials at hand.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Swati Chitnis, MS, DNB Dr. Swati Chitnis Dr. Swati ChitnisMS, DNB facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MSc Pratima Ati MSc linkedin_icon
Edited by , MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijita De MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Fact-checked by , MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant Srijani Roy Chowdhury MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Menstruating women can relate to the experience of slipping pads during the heaviest period flow. The best period panties are specially designed to hold the sanitary napkins in place and do so firmly. This is why, when compared to tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, period panties are the most comfortable option. These are wide enough and not too tight on your skin. Here are the 11 amazing period panties that work for heavy and light flows!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall:YOYI FASHION Women Menstrual Period Briefs
Price on Amazon
Best For Heavy Flow:Hesta Women’s Organic Cotton Menstrual Panties
Price on Amazon
Best Full-Coverage:Anigan EvaWear Period Panties
Price on Amazon
Best Leakproof:Funcy Women Menstrual Period Protective Panties
Price on Amazon
Best For Sporty Activities:Bambody Period Panties
Price on Amazon
Best Breathable:4period High Absorbency Period Panties
Price on Amazon
Best Moisture-Wicking:Tansan 3 Pack Menstrual Protective Underwear
Price on Amazon
Best Value For Money:INNERSY Women’s Period Panties
Price on Amazon
Best For Teenage:Intimate Portal Sensation Leak Proof Period Panties
Price on Amazon
Best Fat-Absorbing:Shero LeakProof Thong Period Underwear
Price on Amazon

What Are Period Panties And Do They Really Work?

Period panties are panties with a body-hugging fit that soak all the menstrual blood and prevent leakage without causing irritation. Period panties are more like diapers that feel like normal underwear. These claims often align with real-life results and user experiences shared by individuals who have incorporated period panties into their menstrual care routine. They have a special layer of fabrics and materials that prevent the menstrual blood from seeping through.

There are two types of period-proof panties – panties that need to be used with pads or tampons and standalone panties that are specially designed to soak menstrual blood and prevent leakage.

There are panties available for different sizes and medium to high flow for better absorption. Some panties are designed to deal with light flow and leakage, while some panties can replace tampons and are super absorbent. Users’ first-hand knowledge often guides the choice between these types, based on personal comfort and convenience. The layer of special fabrics pulls the liquid away and traps the blood inside the panties, which results in zero leakage. Period panties can hold up to three teaspoons of liquid at a time and offer great protection.

Here are the 11 best period panties you can try out.

11 Best Period Panties

1. Best Overall:YOYI FASHION Women Menstrual Period Briefs

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This set of menstrual briefs from Yoyi fashion offers relief during the days of heavy flow. These briefs are to be used with pads to prevent leakage and spills. Women who get heavy periods or are experiencing postpartum bleeding can use these leakproof, easy to clean, and comfy briefs that can protect from overflow. The body-hugging briefs do not irritate the skin. They are made of a nylon, cotton, and spandex blend for better support and comfort. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review based on the tester’s experience. Also, the reviewers online upon testing the product were quick to commend the product’s seamless blend of flexibility and comfort, making it a standout choice.

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Pros
  • Come with a water-resistant lining for better moisture absorption
  • Leakproof
  • Stay-put design
  • Body-hugging and comfortable

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Cons
  • Should be used with pads or tampons and not on their own

2. Best For Heavy Flow:Hesta Women’s Organic Cotton Menstrual Panties

These period protective panties are specially designed for days with heavy flow, so you can get extra protection from leakages and overflow. If you have to deal with heavy blood flow during the initial days, wear these panties with your menstrual cup, pad, or tampon to prevent leakage. They are available in two colors (Black and Nude) and offer the perfect fit for all sizes from XS to 4XL.

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Pros
  • Extended front area protection
  • Offers great bedtime protection when used with tampons, cups or pads

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Cons
  • Don’t offer full leakage prevention from the front.

protip_icon Fun Fact
It was generally accepted in the 1700s and 1800s that ladies should wear crotchless underwear and let their blood freely stream into their dresses as hoop skirts became more and more popular and as they found themselves encircled and protected by layers upon layers of clothes.

3. Best Full-Coverage:Anigan EvaWear Period Panties 

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If you are looking for a highly absorbent and a full-coverage panty, this one is for you. The Evawear Period Panty can be used alone without tampons or pads and is designed for daytime/night time and  front/back sleepers. These seamless period panties offer coverage from front to back and are great for women during their menstrual cycle and postpartum recovery. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product based on the reviewer’s experience.

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Pros
  • Absorbency is equal to 2 tampons
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Leakproof
  • Moisture-wicking, highly-absorbent fabric
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Easy to wear for hours
  • Body-hugging

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Cons
  • Lace on the side might irritate the skin if the panty is too tight.
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 1,050 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

YOYI FASHION Women Menstrual Period Briefs
Best Overall
Hesta Women's Organic Cotton Menstrual Panties
Best For Heavy Flow
Anigan EvaWear Period Panties
Best Full-Coverage
Material Styes--
Color Original Version--
Dimensions 3.54 x 1.97 x 0.39 inches--
Weight 3.53 Ounces--
Rating
Reviews17,112111,050
Price$17.3$18.54$39.95
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

4. Best Leakproof:Funcy Women Menstrual Period Protective Panties

If you worry about leakage and stains while you are on your period, try the Funcy Menstrual Period Panties. These panties are black and work well for heavy bleeding days or postpartum bleeding. It has a water-resistant lining that uses three layers of regenerated cellulose fiber, which gives it the title of perfect leak-proof underwear. The protective brief must be used with tampons, pads, or menstrual cups. Also, this product has received glowing reviews for its innovative approach to providing a comfortable and leak-proof experience during menstruation.

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Pros
  • Broad and long hemline prevents side leakage.
  • Leakproof
  • Moisture absorbent
  • Suitable for plus-sizes
  • Mid-rise design protects the abdomen
  • Relieves dysmenorrhea

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Cons
  • Stains if not worn with pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.

protip_icon Pro Tip
If your period panties still smell after being washed, try soaking them in vinegar or baking soda overnight. This will help to remove any odors.

5. Best For Sporty Activities:Bambody Period Panties

These leakproof briefs are great for medium to light flow during periods. You can combine these panties with sanitary wear for maximum protection and leakage prevention. These are sporty briefs that you can wear for workouts, rigorous activities, sports, and light exercises while on your period. The briefs are for girls who perform sporty activities and are active sleepers. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product.

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Pros
  • Back and front protection
  • Feels like regular underwear
  • Breathable
  • Durable

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Cons
  • No extra protective layer or absorbent lining to prevent leakage.

6. Best Breathable:4period High Absorbency Period Panties 

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4period High Absorbency Period Panties Image: 4period

This set of five highly absorbent and leakproof panties will keep you dry and safe through the day and night while you are on your period. The panties are front and back absorbent, moisture-wicking, and offer leak protection for menstruation, postpartum, and urinary incontinence. These are hipster style panties with no ride-up elastic bands and full back coverage. 

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Pros
  • Breathable, comfortable, and light fabric
  • Leakproof
  • High absorbency
  • Quick-drying
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

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Cons
  • Should be used with pads, menstrual cups, or tampons
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 3,392 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

7. Best Moisture-Wicking:Tansan 3 Pack Menstrual Protective Underwear 

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These leakproof briefs are not only super absorbent but also stylishly designed. They are made using cotton and spandex and are great for menstrual cycle heavy flow, postpartum bleeding, fecal and urinary incontinence, postnatal recovery, and weak bladder control. The panties are designed to hold sanitary pads and prevent leakage. The inner lining is made of cotton fiber and polyester, which provide leakage protection in the center and rear of the underwear. 

Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 3.53 Ounces

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Pros
  • Leakproof
  • Breathable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Moisture-wicking fabric

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Cons
  • Must use along with sanitary napkins, tampons, panty liners, maternity pads, or incontinence pads.

8. Best Value For Money:INNERSY Women’s Period Panties

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INNERSY Women’s Period Panties Image: Innersy

These maternity hipsters by Innersy are designed to absorb heavy menstrual flow during periods, postpartum, or C-section. The hipsters are made of 95% natural cotton and 5% spandex, while the cotton lining is made of 100% premium cotton. The extended crotch lining and broad surface make them more absorbent and prevent messy stains on the sheets. 

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Pros
  • Offers food front to back coverage
  • Extended crotch lining prevents leakage
  • Improved 2 layer core helps on heavy flow days

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Cons
  • Slightly tight around the thighs
  • Need to be used with pads, cups, or tampons.

9. Best For Teenage:Intimate Portal Sensation Leak Proof Period Panties

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These fancy period panties are ideal for teenage girls and women and offer great protection against unexpected leaks during periods. The leakproof layers on the front and back catch and absorb leakage. They have a built-in absorbing layer up to 20ml capacity. You can wear these stylish panties directly for light days, spotting, postpartum bleeding, and stress leaks.

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Pros
  • Ultra-soft
  • High absorbency
  • 4-layered protection

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Cons
  • Need to wear it with menstrual cups, pads, or tampons if you have regular/heavy flow.

10. Best Fat-Absorbing:Shero LeakProof Thong Period Underwear

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The Shero LeakProof Thong Period Underwear is designed with fast-absorption fabric technology. These reusable period thongs have 5 layers and the body is made of nylon and polyester, while the gusset has a blend of polyester, spandex, and polyolefin to prevent leakage. Moreover, the gusset fabric is infused with bamboo charcoal and a coffee blend that helps in odor control. The brand claims that it can hold up to 1 tampon worth of blood.

Item Weight: 1 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Machine washable
  • Soft and strong
  • Reusable
  • Easy to wash
  • Odor-resistant
  • Breathable

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Cons

None

11. Best Hypoallergenic:UndiePads Disposable Menstrual Underwear With Built-in Pad

These disposable period panties come with a built-in pad and offer up to 12 hours of leakproof protection. They absorb 3X more than any pad or tampon and are made with a special spandex thread that offers a comfortable and curve-hugging fit. The pad is sewn into the panties, and it stays in place without shifting and protects against leakages. You can use these panties during your menstrual cycle, menopause, postpartum, mild incontinence, and while traveling.

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.25 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 5.6 Ounces.

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Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Biodegradable

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Cons
  • Don’t offer full back coverage for protection while sleeping.

Before purchasing a period panty, there are certain things you need to know. A single panty doesn’t work for everyone, and thus, you need to analyze certain features, like the fabric, size, leakproof ability, and certain other things that are mentioned below.

Important Things You Should Consider Before Buying Period Panties 

  • Fabric

Period panties are generally made of cotton. Premium cotton-based panties offer more comfort and prevent leakage. Panties with double or triple cotton layering offer better absorption and thus are great for preventing stains. Most period panties are made with 90% cotton and other blends like spandex or polyester for better stretchability.

  • Leakproof

Most of the period panties are highly leakproof. They come with double or triple absorbent layers that prevent leaks and stains. However, the panties that are to be worn without tampons, cups, or pads are more leakproof and offer better absorbency.

  • Size

Most of the period panties, be it thongs, briefs, hipsters, or normal panties, are available in a range of sizes, from XS to 4XL. Choose the size that keeps your pad in place and fits your body without hurting or irritating your skin.

  • Style

The period panties are available in different styles. From printed to plain panties and from lacy thongs to classic briefs, there are plenty of patterns and styles available. Pick one that you feel comfortable in.

  • Wash

Most period panties are machine-washable as well as perfect for hand wash. These panties are generally reusable, and thus, you can reuse them after washing.

Here are answers to a few more questions.

Which Type Of Panties Should Be Used In Periods?

While you are on your first period, you can choose panties with a double or triple lining that prevents leakage and can be worn without any menstrual cup or pad. For light to medium flow, you can stick to these panties. However, if you have a heavy flow during your periods or are recovering from postpartum bleeding, try the extra absorbent panties that can be worn with pads, tampons, and menstrual cups to prevent leaks and stains. These panties are generally eco-friendly and body-hugging and offer a great fit.

What Are The Benefits Of Period Panties?

  • Most period panties are eco-friendly. The ones with absorbent layers prevent the use of pads and tampons.
  • You can bleed freely without worrying about leakage or stains while wearing period panties.
  • Most period panties fight odor and prevent the foul smell from going out.
  • Period panties offer extra protection as compared to normal underwear. Also, if you are wearing a pad or tampon, using it with a period panty will give you peace of mind.
  • Period panties can absorb more liquid than normal panties. If you experience leakage after wearing a tampon or a pad, the period panties will absorb the leaked blood and prevent stains.
  • Period panties are ideal for traveling and help keep the pads in place. These are body-hugging, flexible, and versatile panties that will help you sleep, workout, or play sports conveniently. They are perfectly ideal for individuals with an active lifestyle.

The Bottom Line

Menstruation is the time when you need clothes that are comfortable for you. If you are looking for reliable period panties, the Anigan EvaWear is a great choice with its moisture-wicking soft, breathable fabric. The 4period High Absorbency Period Panties are the most suited for those with heavy periods, while the INNERSY Women’s Period Panties are a budget-friendly option. Some period panties are available on the market that work the best for every kind of flow. These panties have been specifically created to hold sanitary napkins in place. These panties offer little to no leakage and absorb the blood while offering immense protection. They are body-hugging, comfortable, and affordable. These period panties take good care of your skin and protect it from irritation while managing the flow. However, steer clear of the ones that don’t offer full leakage protection.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

With the help of extensive research and analysis, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best period panties. We have also read many customer reviews to understand how effective they are and have gone through several product details to ensure that the listed items are safe for use. These items on the list are comfortable and will keep your sanitary napkin in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are period panties reusable?

Most of the period panties are reusable. They are made using cotton and are used along with tampons, menstrual cups, or pads. You can use them after cleaning. Some period panties are disposable. These panties arrive with an inbuilt pad and are for one-time use.

How often do you change period panties?

Consider the period panties as panty liners. Change the period panties as often as you change your panty liners. Most period panties can absorb up to 20 mL of liquid, so if you often get heavy flow on the first few days of your periods, change the panty after 4-5 hours for better hygiene. If you are wearing a pad or tampon, you don’t need to change the period panty every 4-5 hours; you can change it at the end of the day.

Can you swim in period panties?

Wearing only period panties in the pool is not recommended as it can absorb water and cause stains and leakages in water. The best option would be to wear a menstrual cup with your routine swimsuit.

Can you wear period underwear with a heavy flow?

Yes, period panties are good for days with heavy flow. These panties keep you comfortable and offer a 12 to 14 hours protection during heavy flow days.

How do you clean period panties?

Soak the period panties in cold water and rinse them well using a mild detergent. Wash them in the machine using the gentle cycle. Make sure your panties are completely dry before storing/reusing them.

Are period panties FSA/HSA eligible?

Yes, period products including period panties are FSA and HSA-eligible.


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Dr. Swati Chitnis
Dr. Swati Chitnis is a gynecologist and endoscopic surgeon with over 8 years of extensive experience in high risk pregnancies with very low complication rates. She is an alumnus of BJ Medical College & Sassoon Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital.

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Srijita DeCommerce Writer
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

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Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

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