5 Types of Menstrual Undergarments That You Need to Know About

I’ll never forget how humiliated I felt when I saw red all over the back of my pants.

At that moment, I swore to myself that I would never let it happen again. But just a few years later, it happened yet again. This time, though, I was prepared because I had a pair of period panties in my backpack.

If you’re not using some type of menstrual wear, you probably should be. For starters, it can help keep your monthly period more comfortable and carefree (the last thing you need is a surprise leak.) But beyond that, it can actually improve your health and wellness. (Yes, really!)

So, what are they? They’re like the undergarments you already own, just specially designed to manage your period. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes — from underwear to pads to tampons — and are made for specific situations. For example, you might wear one kind when exercising and another kind when you’re sleeping.

Here’s the lowdown on 5 types of menstrual underwear that you need to know about — plus some tips for choosing the right ones for you.

1. Menstrual underwear

Menstrual underwear by Modibodi is specifically designed to be worn during menstruation. Unlike pads, menstrual underwear is reusable and can hold up to five tampons’ worth of blood. This makes it ideal for those with heavy flows, since they don’t need to worry about leaks when wearing this kind of undergarment.

2. Period panties

Similar to menstrual underwear, these panties are designed to be worn during menstruation and are usually made from cotton fabric like regular undergarments. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, which makes them popular among women with different preferences.

3. Leak-Proof Period Panties

Leak-proof period panties are perfect for those days when your period flow is incredibly heavy. These panties are similar to normal underwear in their style, but they are made from a special fabric that prevents leakage onto your clothing.

The best thing about leak-proof period panties is that they allow you to wear them by themselves rather than using them in conjunction with tampons or pads. They also come in a variety of styles and can look just like regular underwear.

4. Menstrual Pads

Menstrual pads are another type of menstrual undergarment that you need to know about. These pads have been specially designed to keep the blood away from your body and make sure that it does not cause any discomfort at all times of the day or night.

5. Briefs

Briefs are an excellent choice for those with an active lifestyle. Running, jumping and other activities can cause a pad or tampon to move out of place. This can lead to embarrassment in public places if you’re not careful.

The brief’s strong yet stretchy fabric holds everything in place, no matter what you do during your period. They also come in many different colors, making them easy to match with any outfit.