These Are the 9 Pairs of Period Underwear We’re Wearing With White Jeans

Having a heavy flow can be a real pain (both figuratively and literally). Women are often faced with using multiple period products to keep leakage at bay, not to mention managing the stress and constant worry of a dreaded leakage accident. So, finding a heavy-absorbency period product is key. That’s where the Saalt Leakproof Cotton Brief comes in.

It features a patented gusset — an extra layer of fabric in the crotch area — designed to replace three to four tampons, so women with heavier flows will feel more at ease. Throughout testing, this pair handled my heaviest days and even nights. I tested the absorbency claim with water, and this pair easily absorbed 7 teaspoons of water without any leakage. The underwear is made from lightweight cotton treated without harmful perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” and I liked how soft and breathable it felt.

While this pair is comfortable, the brief style hits high on my shorter torso frame. It’s also not seamless. After multiple wears, the waistband hem rolled rather than lying flat, so this pair may be better for lounge days rather than going out.

Saalt recommends rinsing before hand-washing or machine-washing on a cold, delicate cycle. Just make sure to avoid the dryer, as high heat can affect the fabric. The company also sells its own delicate laundry mesh bag.

Women will appreciate the variety in options. The cotton briefs are available in inclusive sizing from XXS to 4XL and come in four shades, including black, pink, and lavender. Plus, with three absorbency levels — super, heavy, and regular — Saalt’s Cotton Briefs can tackle any day of your cycle.

Le Mystère Smooth Shape Leak Resistant Brief is designed specifically for those medium flow days, and our editors are happily slipping them on. This pair features an extended soft gusset with an antibacterial, odor-control finishing layer, plus an absorbent layer to prevent leaks and absorb excess moisture. The underwear is lightweight and sleek with a matte, microfiber finish and a touch of spandex to naturally hug the body. The bonded flat edging creates a seamless look and feel.

Ziegler loved wearing this pair. “I felt totally comfortable and was not worried that I’d bleed through these; it’s supposed to offer leakproof protection for medium flow days, which I think it does.” She also loved the feel and texture. “They feel really good on without being overly snug,” she says, “and the fabric feels like typical seamless underwear.” However, she notes that this pair ran a little big and high. “I found they sit higher on my waist and stomach than I anticipated for a brief,” she says, so consider sizing down.

For care, hand-wash and air-dry only. Le Mystère Smooth Shape Leak Resistant Brief comes in one absorbency and runs from S to XL with three color options: black, natural, and currant. 

As someone experiencing perimenopause, my cycle can be erratic, which is why I loved donning Le Mystère Smooth Shape Leak Resistant Hipster for my lighter days. This hipster style touts the same gusset with an antibacterial and anti-odor finishing layer that sits against the skin with a light to medium absorbency. The extended rear gusset helps prevent leakage, especially at night, and they feel buttery-soft and seamless.

On a recent summer swimming excursion toward the end of my cycle, I wore these under my bathing suit bottoms for extra protection. Despite getting soaked, they protected me as needed, were virtually seamless under my bathing suit, and didn’t feel uncomfortable wet.

Like the brief style, this pair must be hand-washed and air-dried. The hipster style is available in sizes S to XL and comes in four colors: black, natural, currant, and caramel. With excellent construction and design, this is a perfect pair for light flow days, especially if you prefer a more seamless and discreet look. Ever since testing, I happily wear them daily, especially with leggings or high-waisted jeans.

When it comes to spotting, I often struggle with what to wear for protection; it’s why we’re recommending The Period Company’s thong. It features several soft, stretchy layers and an organic cotton gusset for light absorption — the equivalent of two tampons — plus leak-resistant coverage. It’s worth noting that some customers find the gusset on the shorter side, so we suggest wearing these on spotting days only.

This discreet thong pairs well with leggings and tighter-fitting clothing. It’s optimal for light coverage without the feel or texture of a panty liner. If a thong style isn’t for you, don’t fret; there are plenty of other styles and cuts to choose from.

A single pair is one of the most affordable on our list, and the two-pack option for a few dollars more is a great bargain. Sizes range from XS to 2X and come in numerous colors, including tried-and-true neutrals or bright hues, such as citrus, plum, or coral.

For maintenance, this pair is washing machine– and dryer-friendly with a few caveats: The Period Company recommends rinsing after wearing, air-drying, washing on a warm cycle without bleach, and tumble drying on low. Just skip the iron to keep your pair in tip-top shape.

I basically lived in disposable underwear after giving birth; it provided the protection and reliability my body craved as it healed. While we love reusable period products, sometimes you just need a disposable option, like Rael Organic Disposable Period Underwear, especially for overnight coverage or postpartum care.

The Rael period underwear comes in packs of 12 single-use, disposable pairs that can be worn for up to 12 hours. Each pair offers heavy protection, equivalent to the absorbency of four pads. The underwear has four absorbent layers and contoured cuffs for extra leak coverage. It’s easy to slip on, and the sides tear easily for a simple, mess-free removal.

It comes in two sizes: S to M (0 to 14 pants size) and L to XL (14-plus pants size). Rael offers a subscribe-and-save discount, so you can stock up whenever you need 360-degree protection. 

Whether your teen is at school, sleeping, or participating in extracurricular activities, give them the gift of a worry-free period with the Saalt Leakproof Teen Brief. Designed specifically for young girls and teens, this pair has heavy absorption with a soft and sleek feel, so your teen will feel confident no matter what their flow is like.

“These were my daughter’s favorite out of the three she tried,” says Ziegler, whose daughter gravitated toward the soft, stretchy, and comfortable feel. Ziegler adds that the buttery-soft material and comfy fit may appeal to “kids who have sensory sensitivities.”

During testing, the thin gusset absorbed well without feeling or looking bulky, which is ideal for anyone in search of a discreet period product. “They also wash nicely,” she adds.

While they are pricey, Saalt offers discounts on the three- and five-pair packs, so consider stocking up. The Saalt Leakproof Teen Brief is available in youth sizes ranging from S (9 to 10) to XL (15 to 16), but Ziegler found the sizing to run on the small side.

Like the other Saalt products on our list, this pair can be cleaned in the washing machine in cold water and air-dried. When it comes to color options, Ziegler’s daughter appreciated the numerous choices, which include 10 playful hues and patterns, like Aqua Painted Confetti, Blue Surf, Pink Pearl, and Midnight Sky. “Any teen or young girl could benefit from this pair,” says Ziegler, who plans on keeping these for her daughter’s period kit. 

The Tomboyx First Line Period 9-inch Boxer Briefs meet the mark for inclusive sizing — 3XS up to 6X — and gender inclusivity. The super-soft boxer briefs provide heavy protection equivalent to four to five tampons. They have a high-rise fit with a 9-inch inseam and a floating gusset, but they’re still roomy enough to layer with a pad if needed.

The boxer briefs are made from cotton with a touch of spandex for stretch. They’re also PFAS-free and OEKO-TEX certified, so they meet high ethical textile sourcing standards.

While Tomboyx recommends hand-washing and air-drying, you can wash this pair on a delicate cycle and tumble dry on low if you’re in a rush. The boxer briefs are available in seven hues, including solid black and solid black with rainbow logos on the waistband. Sizing varies by color. The solid black comes in 3XS to 6X, whereas the Black Cherry Heather is slightly limited, from XS to 6X. That said, the diverse range of sizes is quite impressive. 

Feel confident in your snug-fitting clothing during your cycle with the Knix SuperPlus Leakproof No-Show Bikini. From workout leggings to white jeans, this pair is discreet and reliable. It features three layers of protection to wick away moisture and keep odors at bay. It’s quick-absorbing to prevent leaks and has a patented bonded interior edge that helps prevent side leaks.

This is one of my favorite pairs I tested. The Knix bikini underwear is lightweight, breathable, discreet, moisture-wicking, and incredibly comfortable. It has an attractive bikini silhouette with a mid-rise fit and medium hip and bum coverage that gave me support. I happily wore this silky, soft pair during my cycle and on any day (or evening). Plus, it’s washing machine–friendly on a cold cycle and can be tumbled dry on low.

Knix has a buy more, save more option so you can stock up. The No-Show Bikini is available in five absorbency levels from essential to ultra, with seven sizes and five color options, including Dark Cherry and Twilight Navy. If you’re looking for a seamless pair of period underwear that feels virtually weightless, this is an excellent choice.

There’s nothing worse than waking up to stained sheets during your period, which is why we’re recommending the Saalt Leakproof Comfort CloudShort. This buttery-soft boy short kept my fears at bay, allowing me to catch a solid night’s rest without staining my bedding.

The CloudShort is ideal for high absorbency cycles. It comfortably withstood up to 5 teaspoons of water during my liquid-water testing, and it dried quickly, too. It’s made from PFAS-free Tencel modal, a sustainably regenerated cellulose fiber that comes from renewable beech wood, and it boasts an extra-long and wide front and back gusset for added protection, which is key at night, especially for us back sleepers.

It took me a while to adjust to sporting a period short, so if you’re looking for a discreet pair to wear under jeans, these probably aren’t it. Rather, this period underwear is perfect for nighttime, lounging around the house, or under flowy clothes. I personally loved wearing this as my pajama bottoms at night.

The Saalt Comfort CloudShort is available in super or heavy absorbency with sizing ranging from XXS to 4XL. It comes in five hues, such as Seaspray Green and Rich Ruby. Like the Saalt products above, rinse this pair in water before hand-washing, wash in the washing machine on cold, and always air-dry. For a comfortable period short that can tackle any time of the day (or night), this is it.