I’m on a hot mission to help you balance your hormones & live your best life.
Recipe key
Become a SFNSG insider to get my monthly newsletter packed with the latest hormone-healthy recipes + tips. No spamming or junk mail, EVER.
With looming tampon shortages and women looking for more sustainable period care options (that don’t come with nasty chemicals that can disrupt hormones) it’s no wonder period panties are trending, as they’re a relatively non-toxic, safe, effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to keep you leak-proof and dry.
But if you’re new to the period panty notion, it might seem a little weird, off-putting or intimidating (trust me, I’ve been there) and there are certain questions that NEED to be answered first (do they work? are they sanitary? worth the hype?)
Which is why I’m here as both a hormone health coach who helps women have better periods AND a personal period panty user to break it all down for you in this guide on the best period panties on amazon in 2023.
Pro-Tip: Before you add to your amazon cart, there are some things you should know to help make the transition to a period panties as smooth and comfortable as possible. Read below to help you choose the best period panty for your specific needs.
While period panties look just like regular underwear, they include moisture-wicking, highly absorbent and anti-odor layers of fabric around the crotch area to keep you leak-proof, comfortable and dry during menstruation (much like tampons, pads or menstrual cups).
Not only are period panties much less expensive overall than single-use disposable period products (think $30 once every 2-5 years vs. $15 a month), but they’re free of toxins found in conventional period products, including aluminum, alcohol, fragrance and bleach that lead to cramping, painful periods and hormonal imbalances like endometriosis.
Add on the fact that they also help to majorly cut down on environmental waste (the average menstruating person uses between 5,000 and 15,000 disposable pads and tampons in their lifetime) and are extremely low maintenance and it’s pretty much a no-brainer. That being said, the type of period panties you select can make a huge difference in your overall experience (read more on that below!)
There are a few things to consider before choosing your first pair of period panties on amazon, which will help to optimize your overall experience.
Just like tampons, period panties are available in different absorbencies (i.e. heavy flow vs. lighter days) so I recommend selecting a few different pairs in a range of absorbencies to cover your entire flow.
Just like regular underwear, period panties are designed in a wide range of styles (high-waist, thong, bikini, brief, hipster, etc.) so I encourage you to opt for the style of underwear you regularly wear and feel most comfortable in.
Kind of a no-brainer, but you want to make sure the brand you select offers sizing suitable for your needs.
It’s important to consider your unique menstruation flow and preferences before purchasing period panties (i.e. do you have an extra heavy flow, are you looking for period underwear post c-section, are you super active and worried about leaking, etc.) Most brands offer a range of styles so you can have a good idea upfront, however if you’re new to period panties or unsure to start you can try an overnight style for nighttime protection and branching out from there.
If you’re new to a brand or period panties altogether, I recommend looking up the return policy before purchasing in the case they’re not the right pair or style for you.
Super comfortable, with a high-waist that helps mask period bloat and a highly absorbent gusset (holds four tampons worth) perfect for a heavy flow or the first few days of your period. While it’s a bit pricier, it’s also super high quality and lasts for years. It’s also Oeko-Tex Certified, meaning it’s free of harmful substances. Snag it here.
I’m a big fan of Saalt (they make my fave menstrual cup!) and their leakproof mesh hipsters are super flattering (designed in Paris!), with a thin and breathable but still absorbent material (up to three tampons worth) that make them a great choice for lighter days (i.e. the tail end of your period). Get ’em here.
Made of soft and stretchy spandex-infused bamboo fabric, these period panties are super comfortable and come in a wide range of sizes, from xxs to 6XL (56.5 inch hip). Also a more budget-friendly option, but to tend to wear more quickly than some of the more pricy brands. A great first-time option that can be returned on Amazon for free within 30 days. Try them out here.
When wearing period panties overnight, you want something that’s comfortable and reliable, and these boy shorts do both, with a fit that feels like your fave pair of sweats and a full-coverage, leak resistant barrier that can hold up to five tampons worth. Super high quality and a great first-time option if you’re nervous about wearing period panties during the day/out and about. Get them here.
Cute, comfortable and budget-friendly, these briefs come in wide range of colors (and a pack of six!) with extended crotch linings to make them more protective and prevent embarrassing leaks. It’s important to note they should still be used in tandem with a menstrual cup and organic pads or tampons. Try them here.
If the idea of reusable period panties is something you’re still getting used to, this disposable organic (no toxins, pesticides or synthetic chemicals) option by Rael is a great alternative. Get them here.
Love this option for days when you know you’ll be swimming or in water on your period. The material is breathable, leak-proof and odor-proof and can be used sans tampons/cups or pads on lighter days or used in tandem when your flow is heavier. Try it here.
This pair is my personal fave, as they’re incredibly comfortable, flattering and effective, with extra-absorbent fabric that holds up to four tampons worth (making them a great option for heavier days/overnight). They’re also extremely high quality, and mine have legit lasted for years! Get them here.
These briefs come in packs of three at only $19.99, making them a great budget-friendly option to start with, however they still need to be used in tandem with a menstrual cup, pad or tampon. I really like them as a protective postpartum option to help with leaks, stains and odor. Try them here.
Speaking of postpartum, I also love this brand, which created a line of underwear specifically designed for postpartum and c-section recovery (they sit above your c-section lining and don’t dig into your skin!). They’re also a much more comfortable and beautiful alternative to the hospital-grade mesh granny panties. Get them here.
Super flexible and comfortable with a moisture-wicking core and stretchy elastane that make it a preferable option for those that are move around a lot or active during their periods. Also holds three tampons worth and made with non-toxic material. Try them here.
This answer depends on the brand’s specific instructions, which you’ll want to read before purchasing. Most brands (such as Thinx, Saalt, etc.) use super absorbent fabrics that are meant to replace pads, while others like Innersey are meant to use in tandem with them. If you want to use pads along with your period panties, you totally can, however it’s usually not necessary.
This will depend on your unique menstrual flow as well as the type of period panties you purchase. If you have a heavier flow, you can most likely go the whole day or night without changing your period panties if they have super absorbent technology (i.e. holds 4-5 tampons worth). Again, it’s a good idea to follow each brand’s specific instructions.
Most likely, yes, period panties can ben worn for 10-12 hours at a time, but this again depends on your individual flow. If you have a super heavy flow, you may want to have another pair on hand as a backup just incase.
Yes, period panties are completely sanitary, as long as they are cared for and washed properly (i.e. you’ll want to wash them after each use following the brand’s specific instructions).
Yes, most period panties are designed to be leakproof with the inclusion of ultra-absorbent layers and moisture-wicking technology via the gusset (aka crotch lining). That being said, in order to avoid any leakage it’s important to select a pair of period panties that compliments your flow (i.e. if you know you have a heavier flow you’ll want to select a pair that can hold 4-5 tampons worth per use).
With anything new, period panties do have a bit of an adjustment period, as you learn how to wear them in tandem with your flow. This is why spending a little extra time upfront to select period panties that meet your unique flow, fit and style preferences can make a big difference in your overall experience (and why I went to great lengths to do the research for you!)
You’ll also want to pay special attention to return policies and care instructions, especially if you’re new to the brand, as some may not allow returns or include more high maintenance wash and dry routines (i.e. hang dry only).
Most period panties are designed to last two years, but this also depends on the specific brand. Typically the higher the upfront investment, the higher the quality, and the longer they last. I’ve found this to be true especially with my Thinx period panties.
This also depends on each period panty brand’s individual instructions, however I’ve found in general the best way to care for your period panties is to wash immediately after each use on a cold, delicate cycle and hang dry.
This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links. Thank you for your support!
I’m honored to support you on your journey to optimal hormone health + happiness. Thanks for being here babe.