Why they’re great: The retro-style, bloat-friendly Thinx Hi-Waist period panties are worthy of both Fashion Week and Leak Week. This pair features a highly absorbent, opaque middle panel flanked by super-stretchy and breathable mesh panels, which put the “fun” in functionality.

The Thinx pair is one of the chicest and most comfortable pairs we’ve tested (the style is, as one tester put it, “a period-sex-worthy panty”). These underwear are also among the most leakproof styles we’ve tested. When devoid of fluid, the Thinx Hi-Waist panties feel almost like wearing regular underwear. When full, they feel heavier but not soggy, and the gusset does not become puffy like on some other pairs we tested.

At $35 a pair, this underwear is fairly pricey, but it’s also high-quality and long-lasting: Over two years, one of our testers ran this pair through the dryer on high heat at least 50 times after washing in cold water. And when this pair was placed next to a brand-new pair, the washed pair still looked almost new, with no color fading or snags in the mesh and very few frays to the gusset.

All Thinx underwear is Oeko-Tex–certified, meaning it has been found to be free of “harmful substances,” per the Switzerland-based independent research organization.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: In early 2023, many Thinx customers were eligible to file for compensation as part of a class-action settlement pertaining to Thinx marketing, after independent lab testing found that samples of the company’s garments contained, among other things, polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Citing Thinx’s marketing claims at the time, the class-action complaint alleged that Thinx misrepresented its period underwear as being “free of harmful chemicals.” The company denied the allegations (PDF) and said PFAS had “never been a part of its product design,” but as part of the settlement it agreed to take steps to help ensure that PFAS are not intentionally added to its products.

Price per pair: $35 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: full (front waistband to rear waistband)
Sizes: XS (from 35-inch hip) to 4XL (up to 59-inch hip)
Fit: mostly true to size
Options: three colors (dusk, spicy, and black)
Care instructions: Wash on cold on a delicate cycle, no softener or bleach; hang to dry. Do not iron.
Return policy: Thinx underwear can be returned within 45 days of purchase.
Claimed absorbency: equivalent to five tampons
Gusset materials: PU (polyurethane) fabric, polyester, Agion, and Lava XL-N

Why they’re great: The Aisle Boost Boxer is ridiculously comfortable, so much so that many testers confess to wearing their pair even when not on their periods.

These boxer briefs are also extremely absorbent: They’re one of the few pairs we’ve tested that no one leaked through—even our self-proclaimed “volcano flow” tester.

They are designed to look like traditional boxer briefs, with a wide elastic waistband and body-hugging legs. However, unlike traditional boxer briefs, these can hold a ton of menstrual fluid, especially when paired with the optional reusable absorbent liner (included) tucked into the gusset. Even without the liner added, this style’s gusset has generous absorbency coverage that extends from under the belly button almost to the lower back. And in our experience, these boxer briefs far exceed their “two tampon” absorbency rating in real-world testing.

At about $48 a pair at this writing, the Aisle Boost Boxer is tied with Dear Kate Ada Full Briefs for being the second-most-expensive among our recommendations. However, Aisle is the only brand we tested that says its period underwear can be machine-dried. One tester, who washed and dried the Aisle Boxer Brief on high heat more than 30 times, found that even though the Aisle pair’s color faded with time, its performance did not.

All Aisle underwear is Oeko-Tex–certified.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: When full, the Aisle Boost Boxer can feel heavy and soggy (especially after wearing overnight). Still, in our experience, this pair did not leak.

The reusable liner included with Aisle underwear is easy to lose (extras are $5 each), and it takes a few tries (and carefully reading the instructions) to insert the liner correctly (you need to tuck the ends into the gusset slits). The liner can also be a plumbing hazard: More than once, one of our testers had to fish their booster out of the toilet bowl. Another tester reported that the liner slipped around, occasionally giving them a mini-wedgie; they therefore found it to be more of a burden than a boost.

Price per pair: $48 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: full (front waistband to rear waistband)
Sizes: XXS (from 33-inch hip) to 5XL (up to 62-inch hip)
Fit: runs slightly large
Options: five colors (black, beet, ginger spice, green, sea glass) and kelp forest print
Care instructions: Rinse in cool water, then machine-wash and -dry with like colors.
Return policy: New customers can use one pair of period underwear for up to 60 days and still be eligible for a refund. Existing customers can return unworn and unwashed pairs for 60 days.
Claimed absorbency: equivalent to eight tampons with booster, four tampons without
Gusset materials: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) laminate, recycled polyester, organic cotton

Why they’re great: If you’re okay with buying something that will start to look a little raggedy after about 15 washes, the Bambody High Waist Panty is a highly effective and very comfortable budget period-underwear option.

We found that this style absorbs fluid just as well as many of our pricier picks. The Bambody High Waist is also one of the most comfortable pairs of panties we tried—and it’s the one many of us reached for most often on our more-bloated days, thanks to its soft and stretchy spandex-infused bamboo fabric.

Overall, this underwear feels like you’re wearing slightly thicker-than-average regular panties. One of our testers is still pleased with their initial pairs after three years and machine-washing them over 100 times, as well as always drying them on high heat (even though the care instructions specify to hang-dry).

Bambody underwear is Oeko-Tex–certified.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The gusset’s absorbent core does “puff up” in the crotch when full, and this underwear does get a little soggy—but no more so than our other picks with visibly absorbent gussets.

This style shows wear more quickly than our other picks, fading or becoming discolored sooner. The discoloration does not hamper effectiveness.

Unlike those of our other picks, Bambody’s liner does not go all the way up to the front waistband (the absorbent core stops just north of the front of the gusset). So stomach-sleepers and those who tend to “pool” menstrual fluid at the front of a pad or pair of underwear should probably consider other options.

Finally, Bambody pairs run small, and they shrink in the wash even more. Although some Bambody styles go up to a 6XL, the hip measurement for the 4XL is around the same as for Thinx’s 2XL (up to 49.5 inches—several inches smaller than the upper limit of many other brands).

Price per pair: starting at $16 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: partial (not quite front waistband to rear waistband)
Sizes: XXS (from 31.5-inch hip) to 6XL (up to 53-inch hip)
Fit: tends to runs small
Options: eight colors (black, dark blue, violet, light blue, white, cream, turquoise, pink, gray)
Care instructions: Rinse, then machine-wash in warm water; hang to dry
Return policy: Bought through Amazon, Bambody undies can be returned for free within 30 days.
Claimed absorbency: equivalent to two tampons
Gusset materials: PUL (polyurethane laminate) bamboo, nylon, polyester

Why they’re great: For those who don’t want a plasticky liner in their period underwear, or who want a pair that’s less conspicuously “period underwear” and are comfortable with a higher probability of breakthrough leaking, we recommend the Dear Kate Ada Full Brief. This soft, silky, stretchy panty feels very much like “regular” underwear.

Because Dear Kate employs multiple layers of absorbent fabric (instead of a plasticky waterproof lining) in the gusset to prevent leaks, this pair doesn’t feel crinkly or rigid in the crotch, as some other period underwear does. Nor does the Ada Full Brief gusset become puffy or soggy when full.

We found that Dear Kate period underwear held up well after dozens of washes, avoiding shrinkage and maintaining vivid hues with very little fabric pilling.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unlike most of our other picks, whose absorbency seemed to be higher than suggested by company estimates, we’ve found it imperative to stick to Dear Kate’s “up to two regular tampons” rating to avoid leaks. Among our picks, these panties have the greatest tendency to shift around during wear, making them feel less secure overall.

They’re among the most expensive underwear we recommend. But we think they’re the best of their kind available.

Dear Kate panties tend to run small, especially the leg holes. We’ve found that ordering up a size for comfort does not affect absorption.

Price per pair: $46 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: full (front waistband to rear waistband, though there is no leakproof plastic layer)
Sizes: XS (from 32-inch hip) to 3XL (up to 58-inch hip)
Fit: tends to run slightly small
Options: six colors (black, beige, cobalt, watermelon, green, and ruby)
Care instructions: Machine-wash in cold water (no fabric softeners); hang to dry.
Return policy: Unworn Dear Kate panties can be returned within 30 days (exchanges are free, but you have to pay return shipping for refunds).
Claimed absorbency: equivalent to “up to two regular tampons”
Gusset materials: micropolyester, elastane

Why they’re great: Aesthetically, Modibodi’s Sensual 24-Hour Hi-Waist Bikini is the antithesis of sensual. But that’s the only part of this bulky bikini’s name that is a misnomer—it miraculously lives up to its promise of leak-free wear for up to 24 hours, one intrepid tester found (on three separate occasions).

The Sensual 24-Hour Hi-Waist Bikini’s enormous lining is unique among any other period underwear we tested because it contains a substantial amount of merino wool, which makes this panty extremely puffy. It’s the most diaper-like of any of our picks. Although its sizable silhouette may be off-putting at first (this is probably not the pair you want to wear under leggings, for example), the Sensual 24-Hour Hi-Waist Bikini more than makes up for its frumpy form with its phenomenal functionality.

Unlike other Modibodi styles we tried (all of which leaked and/or were uncomfortable), the Sensual 24-Hour Hi-Waist Bikini washes well, with very little fabric pilling. However, one tester experienced fading after 10 washes, especially in the gusset. This panty doesn’t shrink in the wash, and it is also the only one we recommend that seems to run true to size.

Modibodi underwear is Oeko-Tex–certified.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: When full of blood, this underwear puffs up like a wet diaper.

Price per pair: $35 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: full (front waistband to rear waistband)
Sizes: XS (from 35-inch hip) to 6XL (up to 58-inch hip)
Fit: true to size
Options: five colors (black, gray, orange, blue, beige) and wildflower print
Care instructions: Rinse, then machine-wash in cold water, avoiding fabric softeners or stain removers; hang to dry.
Return policy: New Modibodi customers can use one pair of period underwear for 60 days and still be eligible for a refund or credit, minus shipping. Existing Modibodi customers can return unworn and unwashed pairs for 30 days.
Claimed absorbency: 10 tampons or 24 hours of bleeding, whichever comes first
Gusset materials: merino wool, polyester, polyamide

Why they’re great: The Trendix Hooked On You menstrual underwear is the best in terms of security and absorbency of the three side-opening styles of menstrual panties we tested, including ones from Modibodi and Period Co. People who can’t or prefer not to pull their menstrual panties up and down (like when changing underwear while wearing pants or tights, for example) are likely to appreciate this beautifully designed panty.

The Hooked On You has the widest and longest absorbency panel (from waistband to waistband) of any of the side-opening underwear we tested. And this pair’s hook-and-eye latches are extremely secure and impossible to open without effort (unlike the Velcro fasteners on the side-opening Period Co. pair, which busted open within minutes of putting them on).

When devoid of blood, the Trendix Hooked On You panty feels like a swimsuit bottom (it looks like one, too). When full, this pair feels slightly heavy but not soggy; the gusset does not get puffy when saturated.

Trendix underwear is Oeko-Tex–certified.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This panty is not as comfortable as our other picks, due to hardware at the side openings that can dig into skin. This slight discomfort, however, is a reasonable trade-off for security, since this pair won’t fall down unexpectedly (which is good news for people who need or want to wear underwear they don’t have to pull up and down).

Trendix panties run very small. Ordering up a size—or perhaps two—may help with the side-hardware discomfort.

At $50 a pair, Trendix underwear costs much more than other side-opening menstrual panties we’ve considered. But the higher price is reflected in the underwear’s superior craftsmanship, absorbency, and security.

Also, the style may not be as flattering as that of our other picks, with multiple testers calling it a “muffin top magnet” under clothes.

People with dexterity challenges may find the hook-and-eye mechanism difficult to manage.

Price per pair: $50 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: full (front waistband to rear waistband)
Sizes: XS (from 28-inch hip) to 3XL (up to 42-inch hip)
Fit: tends to run very small
Options: available only in black
Care instructions: Machine-wash cold; hang to dry.
Return policy: New customers can use one pair of period underwear and still be eligible for a refund within 30 days of the order date. (Trendix does not accept returns on more than one used pair.)
Claimed absorbency: up to 31 ml, which is equivalent to about six tampons
Gusset materials: PUL (polyurethane laminate) polyester, cotton, spandex

Why they’re great: Goat Union’s Overnight Briefs look and feel like a hybrid of our gorgeous Thinx pick and our Bambody budget pick. This underwear fits and performs well, is impressively comfortable, and costs just $17 per pair.

The Overnight Briefs, named for the claimed absorbency rating, are made from a soft bamboo fabric similar to that of the less expensive Bambody High Waist Panty. But the Overnights have a wider and longer absorbent panel that reaches all the way to the brief’s Thinx-esque mesh waistband decoration.

This underwear can hold quite a lot of menstrual fluid. And though its gusset is slightly puffy by design, it does not expand much more when full (though, like most period underwear, this pair does get a little heavy).

In our few months of testing it, the panty has performed well after 10 washes and wears, with no fading or rips to the mesh.

Goat Union underwear is Oeko-Tex–certified.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Goat Union is a new brand, so we cannot speak to the company’s or the panty’s longevity. We’ll continue to test this pick and report our findings.

Goat Union underwear runs slightly small, but we have found that ordering up a size worked well for most testers.

Price per pair: $17 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: full (front waistband to rear waistband)
Sizes: 2XS (from 21-inch hip) to 6XL (up to 55-inch hip)
Fit: tends to run small
Options: available only in black
Care instructions: Machine-wash cold on gentle cycle; hang to dry. Avoid the dryer, bleach, and fabric softener.
Return policy: Bought through Amazon, Goat Union undies can be returned for free within 30 days.
Claimed absorbency: equivalent to three or four tampons
Gusset materials: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), polyester, nylon, cotton, spandex

Why they’re great: Like our pick from Modibodi, Goat Union Overnight Shorts can soak up a ton of menstrual fluid. Unlike the Modibodi pair, however, this “boy shorts” style somehow mitigates the puffy silhouette caused by its extremely wide, long, and thick absorbent panel. And though these shorts feel bulky, they look just like regular black bike shorts both on and off the body.

At $27, these are one of the least expensive shorts-style period panties. And they are the second-most-comfortable legged style we tried (the first being our Aisle pick, which is nearly twice the price). They’re made from a bamboo fabric similar to that of our beloved budget pick, and they feel smooth, soft, and stretchy all over.

These shorts have held up well after 25 washes and wears, with no rips or fading thus far.

Goat Union underwear is Oeko-Tex–certified.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: These shorts are likely too thick and bulky to wear under leggings or a rear-hugging dress. Like our Modibodi pick, this Goat Union pair is best worn under loose, flowy clothing.

These shorts do get heavy, puffy, and soggy when full of blood, but discreetly so—they look like classic black bike shorts, even when full.

We found that the entire Goat Union line runs slightly small, but ordering up a size has worked well for most testers.

Price per pair: $27 at the time of publication
Absorbent coverage: full (front waistband to rear waistband)
Sizes: 2XS (from 21-inch hip) to 6XL (up to 55-inch hip)
Fit: tends to run small
Options: available only in black
Care instructions: Machine-wash cold on gentle cycle; hang to dry. Avoid the dryer, bleach, and fabric softener.
Return policy: Bought through Amazon, Goat Union undies can be returned for free within 30 days.
Claimed absorbency: equivalent to three or four tampons
Gusset materials: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), polyester, nylon, cotton, spandex

We consulted two experts who know a lot about periods and absorbent hygiene, respectively: San Francisco–based obstetrician-gynecologist Jen Gunter, MD; and Mandy Fader, RN, PhD, a professor of continence technology at the University of Southampton in the UK. We also spoke with Rolf Halden, director of the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University, and University of Notre Dame nuclear physicist Graham Peaslee—whose lab in 2023 tested menstrual and incontinence products for Wirecutter—about chemicals found in treated garments, including some period underwear.

Nancy Redd, Wirecutter’s senior staff writer for health, for years has cycled in and out of the menstrual industry: as a spokesperson for the tampon brand UbyKotex; as the New York Times best-selling author of the photographic puberty book Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers; and as a world-traveling speaker championing the eradication of vaginal shame.

Though period underwear can hold more than a tampon’s worth of fluid, if you’ve never free-bled into underwear, it may take some getting used to. Some people prefer to use period underwear as a backup method of leak control, rather than as a first line of defense in managing menstrual flow. If you find yourself experiencing or worrying about leaks during your period, or if you’re anticipating the start of your menstrual cycle but you’re not sure of the exact date, a pair of absorbent undies can provide peace of mind and will be more comfortable to wear than most pads or panty liners.

If you dislike pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup, period underwear may be right for you as a primary collection method. But because period underwear is roughly $15 to $50 a pair—and since most people would need to use two to four pairs per day—using just period underwear could get expensive (if you want to avoid having to do laundry every day of your period). And it could mean having to carry bloody underwear around with you. In 2019, menstrual products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear, were reclassified as qualified medical expenses, meaning that you can now use health care flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funds to buy them.

Despite its absorbency, period underwear isn’t a good solution for urinary incontinence. Menstrual fluid flows at a lower volume and a slower rate than pee, and most pairs of period underwear aren’t absorbent enough to handle urine from a leaky bladder (there are specialized underwear for that purpose, including an option from Thinx, though we haven’t tested these). Commenters on Reddit have reported mixed results when using period underwear for postpartum bleeding.

There are more than three dozen period-underwear brands (r/PeriodUnderwear has a growing Google Sheets document highlighting most of the main players). First, we eliminated brands or retailers that do not offer free returns (in case of poor fit or quality). We specifically focused on absorbent underwear—no leggings, swimwear, or yoga pants, for now.

From there, we considered styles based on the following criteria:

• Leak prevention: We focused on period underwear designed to collect (and contain) menstrual fluid, rather than pairs designed to just hold a menstrual pad in place. We looked for styles with higher units of absorbance and larger absorptive-panel coverage areas, generally finding styles with at least “above mons to top of buttocks” coverage to be most secure, especially while sleeping.
• Wide range of sizes: We chose brands that offer underwear in sizes XXS through 6XL, favoring brands that offer a wide size range for all their styles. Sizing varies significantly from brand to brand, and even within lines, so we used waist and hip measurements to compare selected styles.
• Comfort: We preferred styles that felt comfortable on our bloated, bleeding bodies.

Including the author of this guide, a total of nine testers (who wear sizes ranging from XS through 3XL) tried multiple styles of period underwear from a variety of different brands. All testers wore and laundered their pairs multiple times to evaluate comfort, fit, absorbency, and overall garment quality.

Independent investigations in 2020, 2022 and 2023 identified potentially harmful chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in pairs of Thinx period underwear. Experts we consulted regarding PFAS in treated garments—including Graham Peaslee, the University of Notre Dame professor whose lab identified PFAS in Thinx underwear sent in by a Sierra Club magazine columnist in 2019 and in other hygiene products Wirecutter sent in 2023—said that findings of such substances in period underwear do not in and of themselves mean the garments are unsafe to use.

PFAS are essentially unavoidable in everyday life. “It’s virtually impossible to escape them,” said Peaslee, who said almost every fabric that is designed to resist water, stains, or wrinkles contains them. And these substances aren’t just in clothing: “These chemicals are in everything from drinking water to dental floss,” said Rolf Halden, who runs Arizona State University’s Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering.

And singling out period underwear for potential health risk isn’t entirely fair—even given its proximity to genitalia, said obstetrician-gynecologist Jen Gunter. “Yoga pants, for example, are worn by millions more women on a near-daily basis. If we’re going to look at dermal absorption, something like yoga pants, which are made from similar materials as menstrual underwear, would be a better bet to scrutinize.”

While you may choose to avoid period underwear for both personal and environmental health reasons, there’s no strong evidence to suggest you should throw away pairs you might already own.

“Simply put, if you’ve already washed your period underwear a few times, you’ve probably washed the PFAS out, and now they’re poisoning everything downstream instead of you,” Peaslee told us.

The various styles available from a single period-underwear brand are not created equal. Most of the brands we tested have many styles that feature wildly differing absorption levels and materials.

Beyond the pairs that became our picks, we tried numerous other styles from Thinx, Aisle, Dear Kate, Bambody, and Modibodi, and we found that no other underwear from these companies compared with our picks in terms of combining security with style.

The less-expensive Thinx for All Super Absorbency High-Waist Brief fits true to size and is made of a comfortable cotton-elastane blend. However, unlike the sleek Thinx Hi-Waist pair we recommend, this pair has far less absorbent coverage. And the Super Absorbency High-Waist Brief’s gusset is far thicker, even when fully dry. (It’s not quite as padded-feeling as the gusset on the Modibodi Sensual 24-Hour Hi-Waist Bikini we recommend, though the Modibodi offers more coverage overall.) Compared with most Thinx styles, Thinx for All period underwear is more reasonably priced. But we think that the Bambody High Waist Panty is a better budget option.

Lilova’s Second Skin High Waist period underwear look almost like a dupe for Thinx Hi-Waist, and they’re just as chic and comfortable. However, the absorbent lining in the Lilova pair offers far less coverage compared with the Thinx.

The TomboyX Firstline Leakproof Trunks are well designed and comfortable. But they are much less absorbent and not as cozy as Aisle’s boxer briefs, and we found that they did not live up to their leakproof promise.

Evawear’s bikinis, hipsters, briefs, and shorts are lower cut than most period underwear we tried. We found that they were not leakproof.

Proof’s “leakproof” collection was also not leakproof, in our experience.

Saalt makes some of the most gorgeous period underwear we’ve seen. But most of our testers found that this underwear leaked, and the delicately stitched waistband on one tester’s pair began to unravel after about 15 washes.

The cut and fit of the Aerie Real Period Underwear felt off. And they have a thick, conspicuous lining that does not go high up enough in the front.

The Period Co. styles we tested ran extremely tight and felt like wearing a loaded diaper, even when devoid of blood. These menstrual shorts had the most padding of any brand we’ve ever tested; this caused intense heat to build up and create what one tester called a “coochie furnace.” However, at just $24 for sleeper shorts, these are the least expensive high-absorbency menstrual shorts we’ve seen. If you’re on a serious budget, you may find them suitable for sleeping. Just purchase a size or two larger, and be prepared to waddle and sweat.

The period underwear we tried from Joyja, Pure Rosy, Sustain, and Hesta/Rael all felt flimsy and were less absorbent compared with our picks.

The following brands did not offer free returns at the time of publication: Knix, Ruby Love, and Cora.

Shannon Palus contributed reporting in 2017.

This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.