Laundry Lab Wear And Tear
We also sent one pair of each period undie to our laundry laboratory to find out what effect washing and drying would have on their condition over time.
“Overall, each pair largely held up well with no major failures and all in good functional condition,” says Ashley Iredale, CHOICE’s laundry and whitegoods expert.
Several are now a rather pleasing shade of royal purple, as opposed to black
Ashley Iredale, CHOICE’s laundry and whitegoods expert
But there was some wear and tear many of the cotton based products demonstrated slight piling by the end of the test.
“There was also significant colour fade on most pairs, starting with the Bonds at around 20 runs but worsening, and spreading to other brands as the test continued,” says Ashley.
“Several are now a rather pleasing shade of royal purple, as opposed to black.”
From a visual point of view, both Modibodi briefs showed virtually no signs of wear and tear, which is probably due to their fabric composition .
Bonds’ moderate and heavy period briefs, before our wear and tear test and after.
Eco Period’s moderate and super period briefs, before our wear and tear test and after.
Love Luna’s light/medium and medium period briefs, before our wear and tear test and after.
Modibodi’s moderate-heavy and heavy-overnight period briefs, before our wear and tear test and after.
Thinx’s moderate and super period briefs, before our wear and tear test and after.
Who Is Ashley Hall
Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in multiple medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process. Ashley Hall. on November 26, 2020. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products you can learn more about our review process here .
How Period Underwear Works
In essence, period undies work the same way as regular underwear doesbut with the added absorption setting them apart. Expertly designed menstrual underwear shouldn’t feel different to the touch or on the body, but they should include an added layer of fabric that can either work in lieu of a pad or tampon or provide extra protection to avoid leakage.
Just like each woman, period underwear types are unique and serve different purposes, says ob-gyn and pH-D Feminine Health adviser Ruth Arumala, D.O. Some create an extra barrier of protection from leakage others take the place of other feminine hygiene products. Different brands use various patented technology to ensure optimal absorption, and every company in this roundup is backed by real women who swear by the products.
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What Are The Benefits Of Using Period Panties
Lori Caden, cofounder of period underwear company Proof, agrees with Dr. Robbins and says that period underwear can help take away a lot of the worry and fear around wearing pads or tampons. Plus, they are also more environmentally friendly since, unlike the aforementioned disposable options, they are reusable.
Why You Should Trust Us
We consulted two experts who know a lot about periods and absorbent hygiene, respectively: San Franciscobased obstetrician-gynecologist Jen Gunter, MD, who used to write a column for The New York Times called The Cycle 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 we spoke with University of Notre Dame nuclear physicist Graham Peasleewhose lab tested period underwear sent in by a columnist for the Sierra Club magazineabout chemicals found in treated garments, including some period underwear.
Nancy Redd, Wirecutters senior staff writer for health, for years 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 a photographic puberty book called Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers and as a world-traveling speaker championing the eradication of vaginal shame.
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Best Period Underwear Brands You Can Buy Online
All products featured on Teen Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Raise your hand if some of your favorite underwear has been victimized by your period. Whether it’s because your period catches you by surprise, because your menstrual flow is heavier than expected that month, or because you foolishly believe its all over before it really is, our underwear tends to get stained one way or another. But thanks to leakproof technology, theres now a way to save all your favorite panties. Enter: Period underwear.
The concept might sound too good to be true, but trust us, it is tried and true. Compared to tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, period underwear can be a more fashionable and even a more comfortable option. At first, being bare and feeling that all-too-familiar sensation of your underwear being ruined might throw you off, but once you remember that these panties are designed for your period, the anxiety will fade away.
After you throw period underwear into the washing machine, they’ll come back as good as new. How magical does that sound? To explain the magic behind these undergarments, Teen Vogue reached out to Cynthia Robbins MD, PA, and an experienced ob-gyn.
Best Period Underwear Picks Thatll Seriously Change Your Life
They help save the planet, too.
Period underwear or underwear designed to absorb menstrual fluid and completely replace pads, tampons, and menstrual cups has been having quite the moment. For those slightly behind the curve, period undies are meant to have the look and feel of regular everyday underwear, without the bulk or inconvenience typically found in old-school incontinence products like adult diapers.
Although they can definitely seem counterintuitive at first for decades, the whole point was to keep our undergarments blood-free, after all the reusables boom now has thousands rethinking their approach to menstrual hygiene. And its about time!
There are many reasons to make those who menstruate decide to finally go for a pair of period undies. It can be an issue of comfort and convenience, or a move towards eco-consciousness. For a few, its about price . But for nearly everyone embracing this innovation in period care, making that switch is a leap of faith. And with the best ones weve surveyed below, its also a no-brainer.
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Best For Every Day Of Your Period: Heavy Flow Period Kit
Get confident protection for your whole cycle – even your heaviest days – with our Heavy Flow Period Kit. This kit includes:
- 4 pairs of Super Leakproof Underwear – the most absorbent period underwear ever, absorbing the same as about 8 regular tampons.
- 1 pair of Dream Shorts – our comfy and confident sleep short designed for overnight period protection.
Fun And Cute Protection Against Leaks
Aerie
- Absorbency: Light to medium
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
AerieREAL Period panties come in brief styles in a variety of bright colors and patterns that are fun, not boring. The stretchy and breathable cotton makes them just as comfortable as the brands other underwear, but the leak-proof finish makes them perfect for period wear.
The gusset is absorbent enough to hold up to two tampons worth of fluid, so these are ideal for light to medium flow days when your tween or teen doesnt want to worry about leaks showing through. Theyre also antibacterial with odor-reducing layers, plus theyre low-maintenance to wash.
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So What Should You Buy
In this article, we have already shown you some of the best period underwear for heavy flow. And all these period panties that we have shown all are absorbent and made with leak-proof technology and they will provide you leakage-proof protection after wearing. Also, these period underwear are healthy and breathable and you can use them as postpartum underwear or as C-section recovery underwear.
After researching many brands for a long time we have selected all these healthier period underwear. Here we have also shown some plus size period underwear for plus size women. But if you are in a hurry and dont have enough time to read the whole article then no problem because now we will recommend the best period underwear of all.
Bambody absorbent panty is the most-selling and best-rated period panty of all and it is made with 4-layers which will provide you maximum protection. And INNERSY womens period pantie is another best period panty so if you are in a hurry then you can buy these panties without any worries.
What Are The Best Period Panties For Heavy Flow
1. Lavos Antibacterial Period Panties. Check Latest Price. As suggested with the name, antimicrobial panties resist the growth of bacteria during your menstrual and provide you with a better experience throughout your bleeding panty fabric is treated with anti-microbial agents to neutralize bacterial growth.
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Best Period Underwear For Everyday Wear
Period underwear for everyday wear and an average flow should be seriously comfortable. Weve found a few options that fit the bill and are comfortable for work, play, and everything in between.
- Absorbency: up to 2 regular tampons worth
- Pros: mostly cotton , very comfortable
- Cons: dont fit like traditional briefs, so you may need to size up
Based on reviews, these panties rival your favorite pair of sweats when it comes to comfort.
Theyre made from 95 percent organic cotton and 5 percent elastane, so theyre breathable with just enough stretch to prevent sagging. Cottons also the way to go if you sweat a lot or have sensitive skin.
If youre looking for a higher cut brief, these dont cover as much belly and booty as traditional briefs.
Best Period Underwear With Extra Protection
Aisle underwear sets itself apart from the rest with a removable insert that makes it even more absorbent.
While the insert was a bit tough to get into the gusset and have it lay flat, the underwear felt way less bulky on my body than I expected it to. With the insert, you’re going to have some bunching in the crotch, but the extra absorbency makes it worth it, especially for wearing at night.
Without the insert it still holds about two tampons worth of fluid. The pair I tested had a sport design and was soft thanks to the organic cotton and Tencel — a fabric made from wood that wicks away moisture. This one came in second for the award of underwear I didn’t want to take off.
Advertised absorbency: Bikini style holds two regular tampons , four tampons with optional absorbency booster .
Test results: Aisle’s underwear performed well during the water test — it absorbed all of the fluid quickly without leaks. However, it took a while to dry and was still wet to the touch after 30 minutes.
Size range: XS to 5XL
Price range: $32 to $46
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Knix Super Leakproof High Rise
Knixs period underwear falls into two categories light-medium and heavy-super coverage. The brands most absorbent underwear is equivalent to eight tampons and this pair is among its most top-rated: It boasts an average 4.6-star rating over more than 850 reviews. The pair features an extended gusset thats 9 inches long and 4-way stretch thats meant to relax with washes for a more comfortable fit, the company claims. In terms of fit, this period underwear sits at the natural waist. You can choose between sizes XS to XXXXL and 14 colors that are currently in stock.
To understand the common period care products youll come across, heres the difference between pads, tampons and menstrual cups as described by Cross which will help in knowing what period underwear can do.
- Pads are disposable napkins that are placed on your underwear
- Tampons are an absorbent piece of cotton inserted inside you that amass blood
- Menstrual cups are small silicone cups that also collects blood
Period underwear stands out from tampons, pads and menstrual cups because of its absorbency, according to all the experts we talked to. Hauschka even went as far to say that its the most absorbent period protection available. Period underwear can usually absorb more blood than the average pad or tampon because they can be worn for longer periods of time, explained Heather Irobunda, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist based in New York City.
How To Use Pads
Pads come in different sizes they can be thin for when youre not bleeding much , regular, or thick for heavier bleeding . You can use whichever kind feels most comfortable to you.
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Stick the pad in your underwear using the sticky strip on the back. Some reusable pads are held in place with snaps or the elastic in your underwear.
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Change your pad every few hours, or when it’s soaked with blood.
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Wrap used pads in the wrapper or toilet paper and throw them in the trash. Flushing used pads or wrappers down the toilet will clog it up.
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What Causes Heavy Periods
Sometimes, heavy periods are simply caused by a variation in your hormone levelsnamely estrogen and progesterone. Other times, you may experience heavy flow due to factors like endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, or even birth control/other medications. Your doctor will be able to help you uncover the reasons behind your heavy flow.
How To Not Leak On A Heavy Period
If you know your period is going to be very heavy and youre determined not to leak, its best to take a three-pronged approach:
Most women have one or two heavy period days during their cycle. But if you have several heavy days, you should bring it up with a doctor and find out what, if anything, is going on and what you can do about it. Heavy periods dont have to mess up your life.
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Best Period Underwear For Tweens And Teens
Comfort and cuteness can be just as important as avoiding the kind of period mishaps thatll make you dread walking across the quad.
These are the crème de la crème of period underwear for tweens and teens.
- Absorbency: 1 to 3 teaspoons
- Pros: seamless, comfortable, affordable
- Cons: standard gusset length doesnt offer extra back or front protection
Knixteen is Knixs teen-friendly line, and its awesome. Word has it they really do let you move and do your thing, all while looking cute.
The panties are seamless and insanely comfortable so you can wear them under anything. Based on reviews, theyre easy to wash and dry fast.
The absorbent gusset is roughly the same length as a regular liner, which can be a pro for some, but not for overnight protection if you sleep on your back.
- Absorbency: 2 to 3 tampons worth
- Pros: affordable, available in different absorbencies
- Cons: some users say they can feel a bit bulky when soaked
Yay for options! Modibodi also has a line of cute, comfy period underwear for younger menstruators.
They look and feel like regular underwear and come in moderate to heavy absorbency. This is especially important because puberty often means all-over-the-place periods with ever-changing flows.
Theyre mainly made of organic cotton so theyre super breathable.