I Tested Tons of Period Underwear—This Pair Offered the Best Leak Protection

Dr. Ambardjieva points out that Aisle tends “to be gentler on the skin” and may “reduce the risk of irritation, especially for those with recurrent infections or vulvar sensitivity.”

Best Cotton: Saalt Leakproof Cotton Brief

• What we love: Made from soft and biodegradable natural cotton fiber; super thin; runs true to size; no visible panty line
• Worth noting: May not hold up as well on heavier days

While Saalt first gained popularity for its reusable menstrual cups, the company has expanded to include period underwear too. And tons of our readers swear by them. “I’ve had them for more than a year and they still look brand new,” says fashion designer Ira Lysa.

Another Glamour tester echoed her rave review: “I’m a mom of three and after three vaginal births, I have a deep aversion to tampons, therefore I went on a period underwear quest. Saalt is the best; [they’re] so comfy and absorbent, [they have the] longest wear time, and they hold up very well. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing period underwear.”

Made from soft and biodegradable natural cotton fiber, Saalt’s briefs feel just like your regular underwear (the company says they’re the “thinnest” leakproof underwear you’ll ever wear, making them a great everyday option, whether you’re lounging at home or running errands).

They hold up to three tampons’ worth of liquid and offer full coverage, so you don’t have to worry about leaks. If you have a heavier flow, Saalt also sells Heavy and Super Heavy absorbency cotton underwear.

Best on Amazon: Bambody Absorbent Brief

• What we love: Provide full coverage without feeling like “granny panties”; highly absorbent gusset; stretchy waistband; great for tweens, teens, and adults
• Worth noting: Hang to dry (do not put in dryer)

If you’re trying period underwear for the first time and don’t want to spend a fortune, the Bambody Absorbent Brief is a good lower-cost option to consider. You can also save more by purchasing the underwear in packs of three or five.

“They’re not as fancy as the premium brands, but for basic protection, they do the job,” says Charbonier. “I use these as my backup pairs or for lighter days.”

They’re made from breathable bamboo material with a three-layer absorbent gusset that can hold up to four tampons’ worth of liquid—enough for reliable backup or lighter days, and potentially sufficient for moderate-flow days. And, as far as leaks go, you can wear them for about eight hours without worry, depending on your flow.

They’re not as bulky as some period underwear, so you can feel confident wearing them under leggings or other fitted clothing.

Best Disposable: Rael Disposable Period Underwear

• What we love: Made with a 100% certified organic cotton top sheet; super-absorbent core keeps you feeling dry; offer full coverage
• Worth noting: Not as environmentally friendly as reusable options; not discreet; bulky

Disposable period undies aren’t exactly sexy, but they are convenient.

“I especially love these when I’m on vacation so that I don’t have to think about wringing out the blood, hanging it to dry, and then packing it back in my suitcase—these are like a vacation for the period-underwear girlies,” says Michelle Agudelo, certified fertility awareness educator and menstrual health practitioner at Haus of Flow.

Each pair is made with a 100% certified organic cotton top sheet that’s soft and gentle on the skin and a super-absorbent core that locks in liquid to keep you feeling dry and comfortable all day or night. They’re ideal for women with a heavier flow or overnight use, as they hold as much as four regular pads.