Best period underwear: Options for every flow (2026)
In This Article
There are many things to be aware of when looking for the right pair of period underwear. But, throughout the years, I have truly found the best period underwear options!
Not only do they need to work, but you don’t want them to be overly bulky, and the materials they are made of matter. Additionally, some underwear brands contain really harmful additives like PFAS, synthetics, and other harsh chemicals that you don’t want near your sensitive areas.
Below, I have researched for you so you can choose the right period underwear for your needs!
At a glance: Best period underwear
- Best overall: Pixie Cup, 100% cotton gusset
- Best underwear made from bamboo: Boody, bamboo materials, OEKO-TEX certified
- Best disposable period underwear: Rael, made from organic cotton
- Worst period underwear (please avoid): Thinx (PFAS lawsuit in the past), Knix (no certifications), and Always (all polyester, very little safety testing)
Disclaimer: Upfront, I usually do not recommend polyester or synthetic fabrics near the genital areas (or really anywhere), as there is evidence that microplastics can absorb into your skin, and chemical additives (like phthalates), possibly disrupting hormones, with some studies suggesting links to fertility issues. So, you really don’t want non-natural fibers in your underwear. However, for period underwear, your options are a bit more limited. The underwear needs to be absorbent; cotton doesn’t work as well. That’s why the options I recommend may contain polyester.
And if you are looking for 100% cotton or bamboo underwear, I recommend Pact or Boody to start.
Why choose period underwear?
Luckily, today, we have so many options! The type of period care product you use, whether it’s tampons or pads, discs or cups, or period underwear, is up to you and your personal preference. But there are some solid reasons for choosing period underwear.
First, anything that isn’t disposable is a win for the environment (I am also a fan of using a disc or cup as well). The average woman disposes of 10k+ feminine care products into the trash in her lifetime. That’s a lot of waste. Second is the cost. Buying a pack of period underwear once, versus pads and tampons each month, is much cheaper. Another reason is convenience. A lot of women enjoy the fact that they just put their underwear on, and it also serves as their period protection!
Period underwear is also a great choice for you to use as backup protection, especially if you have a heavy flow or during postpartum.
What to look for in your period underwear
If you hadn’t already heard about this lawsuit, Thinx, a popular underwear company that also makes period underwear, settled a major class-action lawsuit in 2023 for up to $5 million over claims its period underwear contained undisclosed PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) ("forever chemicals") and Agion anti-microbial treatment. These chemicals are highly toxic and should be nowhere near you. So, what should and should not be in your period underwear?
Look for:
Natural gusset materials:
- 100% cotton gusset = is the gold standard (breathable, chemical-free)
- Bamboo/modal = antimicrobial naturally
- Why: vulva mucous membranes absorb chemicals easily
The gusset is the strip of fabric, often triangular or diamond-shaped, sewn into the crotch area of underwear.
Safe certifications:
The underwear should have these certifications.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (tests 100+ harmful substances)
- GOTS organic
- Made Safe
Transparent materials listing:
- All layers disclosed (top, middle, leak-proof)
- If vague about "technology" = that’s a red flag to me
Avoid:
PFAS "forever chemicals”:
- Stain/liquid resistance treatments
- Linked to hormone disruption and even cancer
Synthetic fabric gussets:
- Polyester/nylon touching skin = no breathability + PFA exposure
Chemical treatments:
- Chemicals can disrupt the vaginal microbiome
- "Stays fresh 12+ hours" = probably added chemicals
- Unspecified "moisture-wicking" = often fluorochemicals
Best period underwear options
Best options
Pixie Cup
- Price: $18-25+
- Materials: Body: 79% polyamide, 21% elastane, gusset: 1st layer - 100% Organic cotton, 2nd layer - 100% polyester, 3rd layer - 100% polyester + TPU, 4th layer - 79% polyamide, 21% elastane
Pixie Cup’s period underwear is made with a 100% organic cotton gusset cover! And, made with no PFAS or other harsh chemicals, and replaces 5-7 tampons! This is a fantastic option for period underwear.
Boody
- Price: $25-35+
- Materials: 80% bamboo viscose, 13% nylon, 7% spandex
The underwear is primarily made of bamboo viscose, which is naturally antimicrobial and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified. Their bamboo fiber is EcoCert certified, and the bamboo is harvested from FSC-certified fields. I have a pair from this brand, and they are very absorbent and soft.
EcoPeriod
- Price: $30+
- Materials: 80% nylon, 20% elastane leak-proof layer, gusset: 95% cotton, 5% Polyester, mid-crotch area: 80% polyester, 20% nylon
I love that the gusset area is made of mostly cotton, and they are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified and PFAS-free.
The Period Company
- Price: $20-28+
- Materials: Brushed microfiber and an organic cotton gusset
The organic cotton gusset is a big plus for me. Their underwear is also not made with PFAs and tested for harmful chemicals.
Better options
These are not my top choices, as the gussets are not made with cotton, but they still follow quality materials and safety standards.
Lola
- Price: $22-32+
- Materials: Body: 90% cotton, 10% lycra, gusset: 100% polyester, core: 87% polyester, 13% polyamide, leakproof Barrier: 100% polyester with TPU layer
The polyester gusset isn't ideal—body cotton is nice, but the gusset matters most. However, Lola’s products are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, meaning that they have been tested for over 1,000 harmful substances.
Saalt
- Price: $28-38+
- Materials: 62% nylon, 38% spandex
I don’t love that they use no natural fibers, but they are very transparent with their materials, do not treat their underwear with PFAs, and source their fabrics sustainably.
Disposable period underwear option
Rael
- Price: $8-12+ for pack
- Materials: Organic cotton topsheet
These disposable period underwear are great for emergencies, postpartum, or when washing isn't feasible. The topsheet is 100% certified organic cotton, made with OCS-certified, non-GMO cotton, grown without the use of toxins, pesticides, or synthetic chemicals.
Finding your best period underwear
When choosing your period underwear, choose safe materials first, absorbency second. Boody and Saalt lead for non-toxic options, and both are worth the investment!
FAQ
What is period underwear?
Period underwear is reusable underwear with built-in absorbent layers designed to replace or supplement pads and tampons during menstruation. They typically have 3-4 layers: a moisture-wicking top layer, absorbent middle layers, and a leak-proof barrier, all sewn into regular underwear.
How does period underwear work?
Period underwear works through multiple fabric layers that absorb menstrual blood and lock it away from your body. The top layer wicks moisture away from skin, the middle layers absorb and hold fluid (like a tampon), and the bottom layer prevents leaks through a waterproof barrier like TPU.
How does period underwear work for heavy flow?
For heavy flow, choose period underwear rated for 4+ tampons of absorbency and change every 6-8 hours. Many people use period underwear as backup with a menstrual cup or tampon on their heaviest days, then switch to underwear alone as flow lightens.
How long can you wear period underwear?
You can safely wear period underwear for up to 12 hours, but change sooner if you feel wet or uncomfortable. For heavy flow days, change every 4-6 hours. Overnight wear (8-10 hours) is generally safe if you choose appropriate absorbency.
How to wash period underwear?
Rinse period underwear in cold water immediately after wearing until the water runs clear. Then, machine wash cold ona gentle cycle with regular detergent. Hang dry or tumble dry low—never use fabric softener, bleach, or high heat as these damage absorbency and materials.
How to clean period underwear?
Clean period underwear by rinsing in cold water first, then washing in cold water on a gentle cycle. For stains, soak in cold water with oxygen cleaner for 30 minutes before washing. Always hang dry to extend lifespan.
How to get period blood out of underwear?
Rinse immediately in cold water (hot sets stains). Gently rub the fabric together under running water. For set stains, soak in cold water with oxygen cleaner or soap for 30 minutes, then wash as normal. Never use hot water or bleach on period stains.
Can you swim in period underwear?
No, period underwear is not designed for swimming. The absorbent layers will soak up pool/ocean water and become heavy and ineffective. Use a menstrual cup, disc, or period-proof swimwear specifically designed for water instead.
Is period underwear safe?
Period underwear can be safe if you choose brands with natural materials and certifications like OEKO-TEX and choose brands that make their underwear out of primarily natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. However, some brands (like Thinx) were found to contain PFAS "forever chemicals." Look for 100% cotton or bamboo gussets and avoid brands without material transparency or certifications.
What is period underwear made of?
Safe period underwear is ideally made of cotton or bamboo layers for the gusset (touching skin), absorbent natural or synthetic middle layers, and a leak-proof TPU barrier. Avoid brands using only polyester gussets or those with undisclosed "antimicrobial technology," which often means chemical treatments.
Are Thinx period underwear safe?
No, I don't recommend Thinx. A class-action lawsuit found PFAS "forever chemicals" in their underwear despite marketing them as safe. While they've changed formulas, the trust is broken. Choose certified non-toxic brands like Boody or Saalt instead.
What's the difference between implantation bleeding vs period?
Implantation bleeding is light spotting (pink or brown) lasting 1-2 days when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus, occurring 6-12 days after conception. A period is heavier, bright red bleeding lasting 3-7 days on a regular cycle. Period underwear works for both, but implantation bleeding typically needs only light absorbency.
Can you wear period underwear all day?
Yes, you can wear period underwear all day (up to 12 hours) if you choose appropriate absorbency for your flow. For heavy flow, change after 6-8 hours. Most people wear one pair to work/school and change to a fresh pair in the evening if needed.
How much blood can period underwear hold?
Period underwear absorbency ranges from 1-6 tampons’ worth of blood (5-30ml). Light absorbency holds 1-2 tampons (5-10ml), moderate holds 2-3 tampons (10-15ml), and heavy holds 4-6 tampons (20-30ml). Check product labels for specific capacity ratings.
Can period underwear replace tampons?
Yes, period underwear can replace tampons for most people on light to moderate flow days (80-90% of your cycle). On your heaviest 1-2 days, you may prefer using period underwear as backup with a tampon or menstrual cup, or simply change your underwear more frequently (every 4-6 hours).
Can you wash period underwear with other clothes?
Yes, you can wash period underwear with other clothes after rinsing out the blood first. Rinse until water runs clear, then add to your regular dark/colored laundry on a cold, gentle cycle. Avoid washing with delicates or light colors that could stain.
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