The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate any period products, so there is no way to know if period underwear or other menstrual products contain PFAS or other chemicals. I especially appreciated that these period shorts weren’t puffy despite being super absorbent (not the case with all the period underwear I’ve tried). They do not feel bulky or like you’re wearing padded bike shorts. When it comes to a balance of comfort and absorption, cotton is a hard fabric to beat. If you’re a cotton lover, Rael Reusable Period Underwear should be at the top of your list. The underwear is 95% cotton, with a small amount of spandex for stretchiness. The gusset is 95% rayon for an extra absorption boost. The underwear also features a leak-proof polyester barrier to keep you dry. This thong offers all the benefits of a thong (by virtually eliminating panty lines) with the added protection of period underwear. It absorbed a teaspoon of liquid without seeping through to the outer layer. When our tester accidentally spilled liquid on the outer material, it also absorbed right in. Our tester also noted that despite the slightly rigid gusset, the underwear feels “soft and stretchy” with a seamless look. On days you need minimal protection without the harsh seams, this is an absorbent option.

We rated Thinx For All Women’s Super Absorbency Brief period underwear a perfect 5 for overall value and comfort. This period underwear also features amazing absorbency (five tampons or 2.5 pads worth). If you need period underwear with super absorbency, you won’t be disappointed. However, this underwear is so comfortable that it’s also a great choice for light and medium-flow days. The Hiphugger Menstrual Underwear binds to the body comfortably and securely with its built-in leak protection. As your flow is contained, it also provides a leak-resistant moisture barrier to keep you feeling dry even during the most active part of your cycle. These panties can hold up to 5.5 teaspoons, which is equivalent to three tampons. Once full, simply machine wash with cold water, then hang them to dry before reusing.Period underwear works,” explains Dr. Goodall McDonald. “Period underwear is made from material that is very absorbent and able to hold the standard 30–80 cubic centimeters of blood.” They’re advertised to hold five tampons’ worth, and I found I could wear these just about as long as the Goat Union shorts below. Starting your cycle can be daunting at first, but with the help of Thinx BTWN Teen Period Underwear, teens can feel comfortable and secure. These period undies are specifically designed for developing bodies, so they come in smaller proportions for a perfect fit and to prevent leakage. While these boxers have impressive absorption capabilities and soft fabric, they didn't successfully absorb eight tampons' worth of liquid without leaking, per the brand's claims.

That said, there are a number of lesser expensive options that are designed to supplement pads and tampons. We've made sure to note those options on our list. How Do You Clean Period Underwear? These work best as added protection with other period products, but may not offer enough protection on their own. Because period products are unregulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), there are currently no definitive ways for consumers to know if the period underwear or menstrual products they use contain PFAS. underwear can hold up to 50mL worth of fluid. The material the company uses to make the body and top inside layer is viscose and bamboo-derived spandex.If you prefer a low rise fit, Thinx Hiphugger is also a reliable option. In my experience, they have more poof around the booty compared with the Hi-Waist but not so much that it’s a deal-breaker.

After a class-action settlement by Thinx that pertains to allegations made about the presence of (PFAS) in their period underwear, many people who use period underwear wonder if PFAS should be a concern, but the exact health significance of these products, when used on period underwear, remains unclear. "The true effect of PFAS exposure on female reproductive health remains unknown," says Dr. Johnson-Arbor. She adds that all people are exposed to PFAS daily and avoiding these compounds is virtually impossible. It’s very hard to guarantee there are no PFAS in the finished product, despite a brand’s best efforts to keep them away. Avoiding certain materials and designs can come down to personal preference. Some of our testers found materials like lace details and mesh panels to be scratchy and uncomfortable. Others didn’t like the overuse of elastic waistbands, which can dig in and cause discomfort. Menstrual tampons and pads: Information for premarket notification submissions (510(k)s) — guidance for industry and FDA staff. (2018). The materials that work best for you may also come down to personal preference and flow. “When made properly, all period underwear is effective and comfortable,” says Dr. Spencer. “Certain materials, such as nylon and cotton, in the outer layer may be more comfortable, however.”Cora was started with the intent to help people with menstrual cycles around the world and relieve them of the stigmatized shame they may feel when it comes to periods. The 100% cotton Cora Period Underwear includes transparently sourced materials that make it perfect for period protection, especially for those who are UTI-prone or have sensitive skin. These period briefs are advertised as holding up to three teaspoons’ worth of liquids, but our tester found that the gusset can hold up to five. Our tester found no leaks or dampness on the outside of the gusset, earning this pair a perfect 5 for absorbency. While some period underwear should be reserved for your lighter days, these may be able to withstand heavier flows. Wilkinson said that menstrual cups can still be appropriate for people with IUDs since they generally sit a little lower in the vaginal canal than where the IUD strings would reach, but most cups (and doctors) still advise consulting your physician before using. It's no secret that traditional menstrual products like tampons and pads have a negative impact on the environment. Between production, consumption, and disposal of these items, they're not the easiest or friendliest on Mother Nature. So, if you're all about living a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly life, period panties are a natural fit. Washable and reusable, quality period underwear is long-lasting and can be used over an extended period of time. On average, and if cared for properly, period panties can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. I can't use tampons/cups/discs for medical reasons and have been struggling to find good nighttime options for awhile. Everything I tried was either uncomfortable/no stretch or not enough coverage. These are my favorites so far.