Most period underwear isn’t cheap, but you can save money in the long run by not having to stock up on as many tampons or pads. Start with a couple to see what styles you like; Eventually, you will be able to get enough for the entire cycle. Menstrual underwear is rated according to its absorbency levels. Some brands express them in teaspoons of liquid or compare it to the number of tampons they replace; We have noted them here.
Our favorite pair
Of all the vintage underwear in my dresser drawer, I look for knix first. Pairs range from $20 to $42 and there are many packs. The nylon pairs are so silky and cool, like you’re wearing fancy underwear, and they don’t dig in anywhere. If you prefer cotton, the brand has them too. Even the super absorbency pairs don’t feel thick, they don’t even feel like a sanitary pad. I carry the Dream Shorts ($42) go to bed regularly, even when I’m not on my period.
Knix has five absorbency levels: Lightest (.5-1 tampon), Light (1-3 tampons), Medium (2-3 super tampons), Heavy (3-6 super tampons), and Ultra (7-9 super tampons). ). There is a maternity and postpartum collection and period kits for teens. I also tried a swimsuit ($55). It is very well made, but I suggest checking the size chart carefully (the brand also makes virtual accessories) because the sizes seem to be much smaller than Knix underwear. A size large, which matches the size of all my other swimsuits, was uncomfortable to wear because it dug into my skin.
The cheapest pair
The problem with most menstrual underwear is that the price makes them unaffordable. You need several pairs to complete a cycle, and since our favorite pair from Knix is only $34, that adds up very quickly. hanes now has its own menstrual underwear for light absorbency (1 or 2 tampons’ worth), and you can get a three-pack for around $16 to $20. The brand also has specific packs for younger girls. They are the cheapest we have tried, but they are not the best.
They should keep you dry and safe, but the material is significantly rougher than anything else on this list, and the seam across the back makes it look like your underwear has reached halfway up your butt.
More cheap underwear
Goat Union also makes solid, affordable underwear, particularly this one”child’s leg ($16)” style. Organic cotton is soft and comfortable, so it feels like regular underwear. Unlike some, you can’t really feel the seam of the padded gusset area that runs across the bottom of your butt.
The boyleg has light absorbency and holds blood for one or two tampons. The brand also has shorts ($27) and overnight briefs ($17) equal to three or four tampons. They are not very expensive and you can order them on Amazon.
An even cheaper brand to consider is The vintage company. The brand’s standard underwear costs only $9 and $12 (the the boxers cost $22 and the Sleep shorts are $24). For that price, you can kit out all week without spending as much as other brands on this list.
I tried the high-absorbency versions that contain nine tampons’ worth of liquid. These are the thickest pair I tried and they feel more obvious, like I’m wearing a very thick sanitary pad. It doesn’t feel strange if you’re used to it, but if you wear them under tight clothing it will probably be uncomfortable (and look a little weird). They are great for sleeping on heavy days. There is a sport line with the same absorbency but are made of a more elastic moisture-wicking fabric to also account for sweat. There’s also Light versions made of one less absorbency layer, which are therefore thinner throughout, and youth.
If you’re not ready to commit
We like that menstrual underwear is washable and reusable, but if you don’t want to splurge on underwear for a full cycle or just aren’t sure if it’s right for you yet, you might want to consider Always disposable menstrual underwear.
WIRED reviewer Brenda Stolyar hates tampons and used to sleep with two bulky pads on at night when she was on her period. “Every morning, I wake up and pray to the gods of the season that I don’t lose my pads and ruin my sheets,” she says. “But blood finds a way to seep through my pads, underwear, sweatpants, and my sheets, more often than not.” She didn’t want to have to change and wash her sheets or menstrual underwear several times a week, so she tried the Vintage underwear always ZZZ after seeing them on TikTok. Stolyar says that he will never use the double pad combo again.
While some of the underwear on this list looks cute and passes as regular underwear, it clearly isn’t. Unfortunately, they look like adult diapers. Despite being a little bulky, they are soft, stretchy and breathable. Inside, you’ll find what looks like a sleep pad built into the underwear, which always says it can absorb up to five of its ultra-thin pads. Stolyar was skeptical of her claims, but not a drop of blood was spilled between her sheets during the night. And most importantly, they don’t feel gross or soggy.
