What Is Period Underwear & How Does It Work?

Your complete guide to underwear that helps absorbs your period

The body goes through a lot during the cycle of menstruation… and it sure doesn’t let us forget it.

The average menstrual cycle is 21 to 35 days, and a typical period lasts 2 to 7 days, but cycles can vary. To better understand what a normal cycle is for your body, you can start keeping a calendar. Log events like the first day of your flow, the last, and any spotting. This can help you better prepare for when your period might come, but mother nature is mother nature. Wearing period underwear can help you protect against all kinds of leaks, while wearing underwear that looks and feels like your basic underwear. So, just how does period underwear work? And, what other types of protection can protect against leaks? Welcome to your complete guide to leakproof underwear.

What Are All The Period Products?

There might be more protection products than what you thought. Here’s a brief overview of protection products designed for periods.

• Single-use period products: This category includes single-use period protection products designed for use and disposal, such as tampons, sanitary pads, and panty liners.
• Menstrual cups: As reusable protection products become more popular, we are hearing more about menstrual cups. These are silicone or latex cups that are folded and inserted vaginally to catch period blood. 
• Leakproof underwear: Leakproof underwear are designed to look and feel like your basic underwear. Our period underwear is made with Leak-Loc® technology to pull moisture away from the body and lock leaks in. It’s buttery soft and super comfy and stretchy! Oh, and it’s machine washable, too. 

So, what’s the safest period product?

Using products properly, especially those inserted inside of you, is important for your safety. To maintain safety and good feminine hygiene, check product use recommendations. Period underwear are a natural way to protect against leaks. Our period underwear is available in various absorbencies, ranging from super light to overnight. If you opt for period underwear, find your flow and change underwear as needed.

What is an alternative to tampons?

Tampons are designed to collect period blood. They are inserted vaginally using an applicator and should be changed every 4-6 hours, or as needed.

So, What Is Period Underwear?

Period underwear is a washable and reusable period protection product. Our period underwear features a multilayer design and Leak-Loc® technology. Each pair is labeled with a different absorbency, for example, our moderate absorbency underwear can hold up to 3 or 5 regular tampons, depending on the style. Available in styles like High-Rise Lace Brief and Thong, our buttery soft period underwear can make you feel dry and confident. Slip them on just like your regular underwear and take on the day or night. When you’re done, give them a quick rinse with cold water (if you can) and store them in a laundry bag until it’s laundry day. Our period underwear are machine washable. Follow our care instructions to get the maximum use of your new favorite undie!

How is period underwear different from regular underwear?

Period underwear is just like regular underwear, but made better. Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear, with the exception of heavy and super heavy absorbency panties. Heavy and overnight absorbency underwear offers more intense protection. They are made with buttery soft materials designed to move with you. Our collection of leakproof underwear features leakproof thongs, briefs, hipster undies, and more. Choose your favorite pair and wear and wash, over and over again.

How Does Period Underwear Work?

The main idea of period underwear is to protect against period leaks. However, each brand can make them differently. Therefore, exactly how they work can vary. Our period underwear features Leak-Loc® technology that pulls moisture away from the body and locks leaks in. With 4 Leak-Loc® layers and bonded no-show edges, slip on discreet yet powerful protection.

Do You Wear Pads With Period Underwear?

Period underwear can be worn as a first line of solo defense against period leaks. It’s key to wear the right absorbency level that matches your flow. If you still prefer to wear another form of protection with your period underwear, you can.

What about wearing tampons or menstrual cups with period underwear?

You can wear period underwear as a form of backup protection, but with the right absorbency, it’s not necessary. Whatever gives you the most peace of mind, though, is what you should do. Additionally, if your flow is super-heavy, shop our super-heavy collection. If you feel you need backup protection with it, then by all means you can wear a tampon or menstrual cup.

How Long Does Period Underwear Last?

Period underwear can last a long time, provided you wash, dry and treat them right.

Our period underwear are made to last, and can last longer with proper care. They’re machine washable on a delicate cycle with cold water and gentle detergents. Always hang them or lay them flat to dry. Visit our care page for more information on how to care for your period underwear.

Can You Wear Period Underwear All Day?

Period underwear can be worn day or night. You can wear it all day (similar to your regular underwear), but your personal comfort and hygiene should be taken into consideration. Similar to regular underwear, you should change them once a day (at the least) or every 8-12 hours. Again, pay attention to how you feel down there. 

You may also want to consider your flow. Our period underwear is available in various absorbencies. The stronger the protection, the thicker the feel of the underwear. To determine if your period underwear will last you all day, consider your expected flow

What Are The Major Benefits Of Using Period Underwear?

Now we’ve covered period underwear in detail, let’s recap the major benefits of swapping to period underwear or using it in addition to your normal routine:

• Reusable: Period underwear is washable and reusable, just like your regular underwear. 
• Moves with your body: Our period underwear is buttery soft and designed to move with your body. Let the thought of your period drift away as you focus on everyday life instead. 
• Protects against period leaks: Period underwear can help protect against your whole flow cycle: from super light to overnight flows.
• Machine-washable: We recommend rinsing period underwear with cold water after each use, and storing it in a laundry bag. However, when it’s time to wash, it’s machine-washable. Use a delicate cycle, cold water, and gentle detergents. To dry, hang or lay flat. 
• Plenty of styles available: Shop Proof® for various styles of buttery-soft, leakproof period underwear. 

When you're on your period, it might feel like everyone knows. But, with discreet yet powerful period underwear finished with no show edges, you can keep your flow on the down low. 

Are there different types or styles of period underwear available?

Yes, to both. We offer a variety of types and styles. Our period underwear is designed to protect against all kinds of leaks, including, period leaks, postpartum leaks, workout leaks, bladder leaks, and more. Learn more about our absorbency levels to find the period underwear options that match your flow. You can also shop by style and reference the absorbency level highlighted under each product or on each product page. 

Have questions? Call, chat, or email us - we’ve got your back.

Are period underwear reusable?

Period underwear is a reusable alternative to traditional single-use period and incontinence products. Simply wear and wash, not use and toss.

Is period underwear leakproof?

Our leakproof underwear is really (really) leakproof. Our patented Leak-Loc® Technology has multiple layers that draw in moisture and help lock in leaks. As you shop for your new lineup of MVPs, note that absorbency level plays a role in the pair that will work best for your flow. Learn more about our absorbency levels and order your first pair(s) backed by our 60-Day Leak Free Guarantee. Keep your flow on the down low. Shop Proof® today.

Are there different absorbency levels available for period underwear?

Absorbency levels are key when choosing period underwear to purchase or wear. Menstrual flows can vary, so you’ll want the right absorbency level. At Proof®, we know you’ll love period underwear so much that we offer discounts for bundling. Explore our variety of absorbency levels and stock up. Bet you never thought you’d be excited about period underwear. 

• Proof® Super Light Absorbency Period Underwear 
  • Holds up to 1 light tampon
  • Alternative to panty liner or backup to a tampon or cup
• Proof® Light Absorbency Period Underwear 
  • Holds up to 1 regular tampon
  • Alternative to panty liner or backup to tampon or cup
• Proof® Moderate Absorbency Period Underwear 
  • Holds up to 3 or 5 regular tampons (depending on style)
  • Alternative to pad or backup to a tampon or cup
• Proof® Heavy Absorbency Period Underwear 
  • Holds up to 4 regular tampons
  • Alternative to pad or tampon
• Proof® Super Heavy Absorbency Period Underwear 
  • Holds up to 5 or 7 regular tampons (depending on style)
  • Alternative to pad or tampon
• Proof® Overnight Period Underwear
  • Holds up to 9 regular tampons 
  • Alternative to pad or tampon

Can period underwear be worn overnight?

We all love our sleep, and need it during our period. Our Overnight Period Underwear is designed for overnight use with the ability to hold up to 9 regular tampons. Our other styles can be worn day or night, but make sure you have adequate absorbency for the nighttime duration. Period underwear is a dream come true for women on their period. Panties with protection, finally.

Are there specific washing instructions for period underwear?

Our leakproof period underwear is machine washable, but are best left to air dry. Here are a few tips to be mindful of when washing our period underwear.

• Wash on a delicate cycle with cold water.
• Use delicate detergents.
• To sanitize, run them in the rinse cycle with a few drops of tea tree oil or vinegar.
• Hang or lay flat to air dry. 

How do I choose the right size of period underwear for me?

Choosing the right size in anything is about choosing what feels best. Refer to our size chart for sizing guidance. All of our items come with a 30-day return policy. If you need to exchange for a different size, we’re happy to help, as comfort is a top priority for us.

Can period underwear be used by people of all ages?

We have to learn to live with periods for most of our lives. From teens to adults, period underwear can make periods a little less stressful and more comfortable, too. We proudly offer a line of teen period underwear designed specifically for teens and tweens. Our leakproof underwear can work to protect against various  types of leaks, so don’t be sad when menopause hits. Your favorite underwear can live on.

Can period underwear be worn during intense physical activities or sports?

There are two scenarios to consider here; exercising on your period or exercising not on your period. Leaks can apply to both scenarios. Move with confidence and peace of mind that our leakproof underwear can protect against various  types of leaks. Plus, they’re designed to fight odor, too. Built with multi-way stretch fabric that moves with your body, our underwear is ideal for movement. Period or not, you can wear our leakproof underwear during exercise or physical activity.

Can period underwear be worn by people with heavy menstrual flow?

Heavy menstrual flows can leave you extra concerned about embarrassing leaks. For added protection, shop our heavy, super heavy, and overnight underwear. With our leakproof underwear, you can be ready for anything, day or night.

Can I wear period underwear during pregnancy or postpartum?

Period underwear can protect against all kinds of leaks. Our period underwear features Leak-Loc® Technology that pulls moisture away from the body and locks leaks in. Hence to the word moisture, not just blood.

Closing thoughts

Period underwear is changing the way we experience life during our period. It’s modern and forward-thinking, made with technology designed to protect against leaks while keeping us as free as a bird. They’re buttery-soft, breathable, cute, and really (really) leakproof. Try your first order backed by our 60-Day Leak-Free Guarantee & learn firsthand why women love period underwear.

 

 

Sources:

Mayo Clinic. Menstrual Cycle: What’s Normal, What’s Not, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186

 

International Planned Parenthood Federation. Period Products: What Are The Options?, https://www.ippf.org/blogs/period-products-what-are-options

 

Nemours Teen Health. Tampons, Pads, and Other Period Supplies, https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/supplies.html#:~:text=After%20washing%20your%20hands%2C%20follow,when%20it%27s%20saturated%20with%20blood

 

Department of Health. Periods (Menstruation), https://www.nj.gov/health/womenshealth/reproductive-health/periods-menstruation/period-products/tampons.shtml

 

AllMatters. How Often To Change Period Underwear: A Comprehensive Guide, https://allmatters.com/en-us/blogs/blog/how-often-to-change-period-underwear-a-comprehensive-guide#:~:text=But%20if%20you%27re%20wondering,hygiene%20should%20always%20take%20precedence

 

Flowcup. Do Period Pants Smell?, https://flowcup.com/blogs/blog/do-period-pants-smell#:~:text=The%20answer%20to%20this%20question,menstrual%20cup%2C%20tampon%20or%20pad

 

Healthline. Why Does My Period Smell?, https://www.healthline.com/health/why-does-my-period-smell#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

 

Planned Parenthood. How Do I Use Tampons, Pads, Period Underwear, and Menstrual Cups?, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/menstruation/how-do-i-use-tampons-pads-and-menstrual-cups#:~:text=You%20can%20also%20wear%20period,usually%20can%27t%20feel%20it