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Save money on tampons and pads by investing in period underwear.

Side-by-side selection of three different pairs of period underwear we recommend on a silk background

Byrdie / Jhett Thompson

Anyone who’s ever gotten a period has something to say about the inconveniences of menstruation.

A public visit from Aunt Flow without a tampon?

Flabbergasted by the price of pads?

Modibodi Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini

PHOTO: ModiBodi

Favorite underwear ruined due to anirregular period?

What if we told you there’s a way to ease yourperiod anxiety?

Period underwear is exactly what it sounds likepanties worn during your period.

Amazon Bambody Absorbent Panty

PHOTO: Amazon

Plus, after regular wear and washing, the underwear are still in tip-top shape.

The blend of rayon and spandex hold up well in the wash.

The hiphugger style gives you more coverage, with the leak-proof gusset going all the way to the back.

Goat Union Overnight Period Underwear

PHOTO: Amazon

But given the absorption capabilities and affordable price tag, this underwear has our stamp of approval.

Tight, restrictive clothing is an absolute no-no during that time of the month.

These ultra-comfy briefs are made of soft cotton and feature an elastic waistband.

Goat Union Overnight Period Underwear

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

They absorb liquid quickly and are dry to the touch once everything soaks up.

Although the gusset remained dry, we’d prefer if it was slightly longer for added leak protection.

Thebrand statesits underwear doesn’t contain PFAS, and they regularly test for it.

Cora Period Underwear

PHOTO: Target

Be sure to handwash and lay flat to dry.

TomboyX underwear ranges from 3XS to 6X, meaning most people with periods can find the right fit.

Keep these undies long lasting by machine washing cold in a mesh bag and line drying.

Cora Period Underwear

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

We will say the absorbency advertised for this underwear is a bit confusing.

Since we tend to move around more, leakage can be more of a problem.

Theboxer stylegives you full coverage from front to back.

Tomboy X underwear

PHOTO: tomboyx

The blend of lyocell and organic cotton is soft and breathable.

Thebrand statesall materials are Oeko-Tex certified and lab tested for PFAS.

The material is breathable, the design is simple and effective, and the absorbance capability is solid.

Hand spooning blue liquid onto TomboyX First Line Leakproof Bikini

PHOTO: Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

The Knix Leakproof Thong absorbed one teaspoon of liquid quickly and without leaking.

We love that this period thong comes in a wide range of sizes and colors.

Knix isn’t Oeko-Tex certified but it doestest for PFASand doesn’t intentionally add PFAS to its products.

TomboyX First Line Leakproof Bikini with absorbent panel displayed

But this pair from Dear Kate is different.

This underwear successfully absorbed three tampons full of fluid without leaking.

Thebrand statesthere are no PFAS in the materials they use, though they are not Oeko-Tex certified.

Hand spooning blue liquid onto TomboyX First Line Leakproof Bikini

“They make fabrics waterproof and stain-resistant, which is why they might be included in period underwear.

Dr. Montes recommends looking for period underwear brands that test for PFAS and are certified by independent companies likeOeko-TexandGots.

Most period underwear products are machine-washable for easy cleaning.

TomboyX First Line Leakproof Bikini with absorbent panel displayed

However, there are things you’re able to do to make them last longer.

To play it safe, we always recommend looking at the care instructions on the tag.

Once the underwear feels wet and uncomfortablesimilar to when wearing a padit’s best to change it.

Aisle Leakproof BOOST Boxer Short

PHOTO: Aisle

Meet Our Experts

Byrdie interviewed the following two doctors for this story:

Why Trust Byrdie

Rael Reusable Period Underwear

PHOTO: Nordstrom

Rael Reusable Period Underwear

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Knix Leakproof Thong

PHOTO: Knix

Knix Leakproof Thong

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida

Dear Kate Ada Full Brief

Dear Kate.

Dear Kate Ada Brief Full

Byrdie / Leticia Almeida