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No doubt, to those who have never tried them before, period pantiessoundlike diapers for blood.

A closeup body shot of a toned woman wearing matching beige sports bra and underwear

Getty Images

But rest assured: Menstrual underwear is far sexier and less obtrusive than diapers.

Period panties won’t noticeably bulk up your crotch the way most diapers do.

Ahead, check out some of the best period panties, briefs, and even sleepwear designed toempower peopleofallgenders.

Thinx Everyday Comfort Lace Brief in black variant on a light gray background

(And don’t be surprised if some styles look no different than your regular underwear.)

This pair comes in two pretty colors and is available in sizes ranging from XS to XL.

Thinx also offers a45-day trialfor all orders, so what do you have to lose?

Knix Ultra Leakproof Zones+ Bikini in black branded component on a light gray background

Maybe briefs are your jammies of choice.

Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more full-coverage.

No surprise given the brand’s ethos of inclusivity, these trunks are available in sizes XS to 5X.

Rael Period Underwear for Women in black variant on a light gray background

Psst: If you’re a new customer shopping attomboyx.com, enter promo codeNEWTBX15for 15% off.

The Bambody Absorbent Panties are made with a bamboo-based fabric that helps keep things cool and breathable.

Enjoy those ZZZs for us.

Saalt Leakproof Comfort Thong in black variant on a light gray background

They can be hand-washed or machine-washed in cold water.

Proof’s Everyday Super Light Absorbency Underwear is what you want to wear on those days.

We also love the scalloped edges and that won’t give you dreaded panty lines.

First Line Leakproof Trunk in black and rainbow color way on light gray background

Speaking of washing, you’ll want to pre-rinse these in cold water before you wear them.

Sizes range from XS/S to XXL/3X, but if you’re in between sizes, size up.

Simply put, period underwear absorbs menstrual blood and prevents leaking.

Absorbent Panties in black on model on light gray background

How much menstruation can period underwear hold?

It depends on the pair.

All the products in this story disclose how much liquid they can hold on the product description pages.

Savvi Wear Menstrual Leakproof Bikini Bottoms in black variant on a light gray background

The rest fall somewhere in the middle.

How do I wash period underwear?

All the pairs featured here include washing instructions.

Cora The Free-to-Flow Period Sleep Short in black variant on a light gray background

Some can go in the dryer on a low setting.

Whatever the case, carefully read through the instructions, generally available on the brand’s website.

Is it okay to wear period underwear all day?

Saalt Period & Leakproof Light Absorbency Lace Hipster Panties in quartz blush variant on a light gray background

Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that with period underwear.

Yes, it is okay to wear period underwear all day, confirms Dr. Grover.

In fact, it was designed for that.

Proof Period & Leak Resistant Everyday Super Light Absorbency Underwear in black variant on a light gray background

Do gynecologists recommend period underwear?

More options to fit a variety of lifestyles and needs is a good thing!

Some people may want to use both menstrual products and period underwear for peace of mind during heavy days.

Washable Period Underwear in black on light gray background

As Dr. LoPiano points out, whatever option works for you is the best one.

Meet the experts

Want more period product discourse?

Knix Leakproof Corelove High Rise in black variant on a light gray background

Proof Teen Period & Leakproof Moderate Absorbency Boyshorts in black variant on a light gray background