Most period underwear isn’t cheap, but it can save you money in the long run by not having to stock up on lots of tampons and pads. Start with a pair and find the style you like. Eventually, you will be able to consume enough to continue the entire cycle. Period underwear is rated on its absorbency level. Some brands list these in teaspoons of liquid or compare them to the number of tampons you replace. I have noted them down here.
our favorite pair
The first thing I do is reach for Knix in my period underwear in my dresser drawer. Pairs range in price from $20 to $42, and there are many bundles available. The nylon pair is so sleek and cool that it feels like you’re wearing a high-end skivvies, and they don’t dig in anywhere. If you prefer cotton, this brand also has cotton. Even the super absorbent pair doesn’t feel thick or even padded. I regularly wear the Dream Shorts ($42) to bed, even when I’m not on my period.
Knix has five absorption levels: Lightest (0.5-1 tampons), Light (1-3 tampons), Medium (2-3 super tampons), Heavy (3-6 super tampons), and Ultra (7-6 super tampons). 9 super tampons). We also have maternity and postnatal collections and kits for teens. I also tried on the swimsuit ($55). Although well made, the size appears to be much smaller than his Knix underwear, so I recommend checking the size chart carefully (the brand also does virtual fittings). The larger size, which was the same size as my other swimsuits, was uncomfortable because it dug into my skin.
cheapest pair
The problem with most period underwear is that they are expensive and unaffordable. He needs a few pairs to complete a cycle, but Knix’s favorite shoes alone cost him $34, so they add up quickly. Hanes now has its own line of light-absorbing period underwear (equivalent to one or two tampons), available in packs of three for about $16 to $20. The brand also has packs specifically for young girls. It’s the cheapest we’ve tried, but not the best.
It’s supposed to keep you dry and safe, but it’s a much coarser material than the others on this list, and it has a seam along the back, so it feels like your underwear is sliding down to the middle of your butt. I feel it.
more affordable underwear
Goat Union also makes solid, affordable underwear, especially this “Boyleg ($16)” style. In addition to the soft texture of organic cotton, it feels just like regular underwear. Unlike others, you won’t feel the padded gusseted seams across the bottom of your butt.
Boylegs are highly absorbent and hold as much blood as one or two tampons. The brand also has boy shorts ($27) and overnight briefs ($17) that are the equivalent of three or four tampons. It’s not that expensive and you can order it on Amazon.
For an even cheaper brand, consider The Period Company. The brand’s standard underwear costs just $9 and $12 (boxers are $22 and sleeper shorts are $24). At this price, you can get a week’s worth of outfits without spending nearly as much as other brands on this list.
I tried the high-absorbency version, which can hold as much liquid as 9 tampons. This is the thickest of any pair I’ve tried and most noticeably felt like I was wearing really thick padding. If you’re used to it, it won’t feel weird, but if you wear it under tight clothing, it might feel uncomfortable (and it’ll look a little weird). Perfect for sleeping on a busy day. There’s also a sporty line with the same absorbency, but with sweat in mind and made with more stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric. There is also a light version and junior, which have one less absorbent layer and are thinner overall.
Not ready to commit?
We love that period underwear can be washed and reused, but if you don’t want to spend money on one cycle’s worth of underwear, or you’re just not sure if they’re right for you yet, consider Always disposable period underwear. Why not take a look?
WIRED reviewer Brenda Stolier hates tampons and always sleeps with two thick night pads during her period. “I wake up every morning and pray to the gods that my pads won’t leak and stain my sheets,” she says. “But blood often seeps through napkins, underwear, and sweatpants and onto sheets.” She didn’t want to change or wash sheets and period underwear multiple times a week, so she I tried out the Always ZZZ period underwear that I saw on TikTok. Stolyar will never go back to the double pad combination, she says.
While some of the underwear on this list may look cute and pass as regular underwear, these are clearly not. Unfortunately, they resemble adult diapers. Although it is a little bulky, it is soft, stretchy, and has excellent breathability. Inside is what appears to be an overnight pad built into the underwear, and Always says he can absorb up to five ultra-thin pads. Although Stolyar was skeptical of the claim, not a single drop of blood leaked onto the sheets during the night. And importantly, it doesn’t feel unpleasant or sticky.
