13 best period pants 2025, tried and tested by GLAMOUR editors
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
I've long been a lover of period pants, choosing the wearable option over single-use tampons for years. But I was even more sold on the idea after reading that one tampon may contain the same amount of plastic as five shopping bags. Over a lifetime, that’s the equivalent of 57,000 supermarket shoppers. Yikes.
Okay, so we've established they're the more sustainable option. But my reason for skipping single-use pads and tampons actually came to me during a (sub-par) date. My companion was lecturing me on why men should ‘always’ pay, and while I disagree — I'm a strong, independent woman and can pay my way — he did make one valid point: “You choose to pay for makeup, skincare and sanitary products every month, so let me buy you a glass of wine.”
I did the maths, and, sadly, it seemed I was spending more than £84 a year on what ends up as non-recyclable rubbish. So, I started looking into my options — specifically, absorbent period-proof underwear. Previously, lingerie of this kind was shunned for being smelly, ugly and prone to leakages. But today, things have progressed, and according to menstrual health expert and CEO of WUKA, Ruby Raut, “The reality is quite the opposite."
“We’ve found that many love period underwear — simply because they can put it on in the morning like regular underwear and go about their day without having to worry about leaks, Toxic Shock Syndrome, smells, or discomfort,” she details.
So, for the last four years, we — a team of dedicated GLAMOUR writers and editors — have seen every cycle as an opportunity to test a variety of period pant styles. Cue our curated edit of the very best reusable period underwear on the market, as well as answers to all your common FAQs.
SKIP TO: What are period pants? | Do period pants really work? | What are the disadvantages of period pants? | Do period pants last all day? | How do you wash period pants? | How we test the best period pants
The best period pants for 2025, at a glance:
After more wellness content? Shop the best period swimwear, the best period pants for teens, the best probiotics, the best supplements, the best collagen supplements, the best magnesium supplements, the best hay fever remedies, and the best vibrators. We've also tried and tested the latest Loop Earplugs, the Drowsy Sleep Mask, and the CurrentBody LED Fash Mask Series 2.
- Ruby Raut, CEO and co-founder of WUKA.
What are period pants?
“Period pants are just like your day-to-day underwear but with the added benefit of them being able to absorb your period blood, so you can be free to get on with your day,” Raut said. Period underwear often has an absorbent, moisture-wicking and odour-eliminating gusset and is available in a plethora of styles to suit your flow. You can bleed freely in them for up to 12 hours, whether you're going to work, to the gym — even for a swim, thanks to the development of period swimwear.
78% of teenage girls have stopped playing sports because of their periods.
How we test the best period pants:
At GLAMOUR, it is of utmost importance that we provide our readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews. We're committed to bringing our readers unbiased and accurate information, recommending not only the best period pants overall but also the best for your needs.
GLAMOUR team members Sophie Cockett and Sophie Donovan – along with others – trialled each pair of bestseller period pants over several months at various points in our cycles. Some have even been tested for well over a year.
We worked out in them, went to actual work in them, and lounged in them. From midi briefs to thongs, we scored each pair based on functionality and period protection: factors like comfort, absorbency during heavy periods, what they’re made from (organic cotton or elastane for extra sustainability creds), how well they washed, whether they keep that clean feeling and how they felt under normal clothes. We’re confident this edit of the best period pants will serve you. Fill your boots.
Ahead, the best period pants for women and people who menstruate in 2025:
When to wear them: Overnight.
Absorbency: Moderate; 15ml = 2-3 tampons.
Sizes: 2XS – 2XL.
Colours: Beige, black or desert floral pink.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Lucy Smith.
"As someone who's woken up to that dreaded crimson stain on my white bed sheets more times than I care to admit, finding a solution to Aunt Flo's monthly crimes was top of my shopping list. Enter Modibodi. We're three years into my switch from tampons and pads to period pants, and I can say with complete honesty that Modibodi period pants have transformed the quality of my sleep.
"I no longer wake up in a panic that I've leaked at 2 am, I don't need to set an alarm to change my tampon through the night, and I can even wear white jeans in the day, stress-free. So long, my period support pal, performing an honourable "you're good" check as required. These will not let you down, even if you're a super plus extra tampon girl (or transgender man). The breathable bamboo make-up means no more sour period odour, and the extended absorbent pad up towards your tailbone provides extra security.
“If you were on the fence about making the switch, let this be the review that tips you in favour of period pants. Sincerely, a shameless heavy-flow girlie.”
Save when you shop the best period pants with these Modibodi discount codes.
When to wear them: At any point in your cycle.
Absorbency: Medium = three tampons' worth of blood.
Sizes: XS (UK 8) – XXL (UK 20-22).
Colours: Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
"I never want to feel sluggish – or like a grandma – when I'm on my period, and these lace period panties prevent that from ever happening. They look just like the normal cotton underwear I'd wear when I'm not bleeding (my boyfriend couldn't tell the difference), yet they protect me for up to ten hours, holding three tampons' worth of blood.
"I've tested them on long-haul flights, overnight, in the office and on my work-from-home days, and honestly? They’ve come up trumps since the first time I wore them. I love how lightweight they feel in comparison to period pants from other brands, how stretchy they are and how high they sit on my waist.
“If you need further convincing from outside of my glowing review, 86% of Fluxies reviewers said they avoided leakages in these period pants and felt comfortable at night. They absorbed fluid efficiently and dried in a flash in a lab test. You can wear them up to 50 times, too, making the £26 price tag (including VAT) very good. I couldn't rate them more highly.”
Boux Avenue Medium Flow Modal Period Pants
When to wear them: Day or night.
Absorbency: Medium flow; 18ml = 3 tampons.
Sizes: UK 6 — 18.
Colours: Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Donovan, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Writer.
"Boux Avenue has long been my go-to for everyday thongs and (less frequently worn but just as loved) lace numbers. But the brand has now launched two styles of period pants — a heavy-flow high-wasted brief and a medium-flow cheeky.
"Having worn the latter on days three and four of my last cycle, I can confirm they're ideal for those days of intermittent, lightweight bleeding. And despite housing absorbent layers, they're super thin — there's no way they can be fairly compared to a nappy. I'd say they fit true to size, but I did size up once to give me a little extra room around my thighs and waist.
“The modal fabric is soft to the touch, plus the lace detailing made them feel even less like period pants — in fact, on the days I want nothing but big, comfy knickers, I'll likely be calling on these.”
Save when you shop the best period pants with these Boux Avenue discount codes.
When to wear them: Working from home or on really heavy days.
Absorbency: Super heavy; up to 60ml worth of blood.
Sizes: XXS – 6XL.
Colours: Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
"WUKA's Ultimate High Waist period pants were the first pair of period pants I ever tried. To be honest, they're not my go-to, because my flow isn't quite heavy enough to justify needing a pair of panties with super-heavy absorbency – but on the days I do need a little extra protection, I'll reach for them.
"I like that they sit really high on the waist (it's the perfect antidote to period-induced bloat or to hold my period heating pad in place), plus I appreciate that they always felt dry (even after I had bled into them for upwards of six hours). The gusset is extra long for extra peace of mind, and the mesh panels make me feel a little bit sexier (when I'd otherwise feel anything but).
“They're also super stretchy (there's an up-to-45% stretch at the waist). It's also worth noting that they're crafted from sustainably sourced and manufactured Lenzing Modal fabric, which is three and a half times softer than cotton (I can confirm this to be true). Your heavier flow never felt so manageable.”
Save when you shop the best period pants with these WUKA discount codes.
Puma X Modibodi Seamfree Active Thong
When to wear them: At the gym or on a run.
Absorbency: Light flow; 20ml = 4 tampons.
Sizes: XS – 2XL.
Colours: Garnet rose pink, mist pink or onyx grey.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
“Part of an ongoing collaboration between Modibodi and Puma, this leak-free, period-proof thong is ideal for wearing under activewear when you're working out (and even when you're not, tbh).
“That outer also has a sustainable moisture-wicking treatment to keep you feeling fresh and dry, while the Merino wool liner naturally controls odours. And they're seam-free; yep, bid goodbye to VPLs once and for all. I suppose I now have no excuse not to work out when I'm bleeding…”
When to wear them: At the tail-end of your period.
Absorbency: Light = one tampon's worth of blood.
Sizes: XXS – 6XL.
Colours: Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
"The first thing I noted when ordering WUKA's light flow period pants is that they're available in sizes XXS to 6XL — making them incredibly inclusive to all body shapes. Love. On the fabric front, they're made from eco-friendly and luxurious Tencel fabric, which is softer than cotton and vegan-friendly. They also feature a super-absorbent, hi-tech moisture barrier to keep them odour-free and dry.
“If you're after something which feels secure for up to 10 hours and is genuinely stretchy and breathable, I'd absolutely recommend these popular period pants from WUKA.”
Understatement Lace Period Cheeky
When to wear them: When you're spotting or on the last and lightest day of your period.
Absorbency: Light = spotting and discharge.
Sizes: XS – XL.
Colours: Candy Pink, Fiery Red or Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Donovan, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Writer.
"My granny pants have a special place in my heart (and my underwear drawer), but that doesn't mean I don't sometimes want to feel sexy — even when I'm on my period.
"Now I hate to have to rely on an age-old cliché here, but on opening my Understatement delivery, it really was love at first sight. I couldn't believe how PRETTY my new period pants were. Crafted from bubblegum pink lace and mesh, they look just like my best lingerie sets from the likes of Boux Avenue and Lounge — except, thanks to that four-layer gusset, these hold up to three tampons worth of menstrual fluid.
“In terms of comfort (because that's key when you've got a bloated belly), I had no complaints. The mid-rise cheeky cut sat comfortably under joggers or jeans, and the lace didn't irritate my sensitive skin. My only request: Can we have more options, both in terms of style and absorbency, so I can wear them throughout my entire cycle?”
When to wear them: For sleeping, snoozing and lounging around the house.
Absorbency: 15ml = 2-3 tampons or 3 teaspoons.
Sizes: XS – 3XL.
Colours: Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
“All hail Modibodi for the release of these period-proof shorts, which have been designed to be worn under dresses, loose-fitting clothes or pyjamas when lounging around the house. The brand's also launched period pants for teens, designed for wear under school uniforms.
"They offer full cover while remaining discrete and prevent leaks or messy bed sheets. They feature a breathable patented 3mm lining, which is absorbent and antimicrobial to fight odour, stains and bacteria. Plus, they also double as anti-chafing shorts. Hurrah!”
Modibodi Swimwear Shimmer Tie-Back Bandeau Top & Hi-Leg Cheeky Bottom Set
When to wear them: While swimming on medium to heavy days.
Absorbency: Super; 50ml = 10 tampons.
Sizes: XS – 4XL.
Colours: Espresso.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
“Period-proof bikini bottoms? Really? I was sceptical. Nervous, actually. I was on holiday with my friends in the South of France, begrudgingly on my period, and desperate to get involved in water sports/swimming races without fear of leaking. The perfect time to put them to the test, some might say, but that didn't stop the fear.
"The first thing I noticed was that they're so lightweight and thin — and they have a really high leg. The glittery design and option of a matching bikini top means they quickly began to compete with my former favourite swimsuit, too. They have a hidden two-layer lining which absorbs light period or pee, both in and out of the water. I even wore them while swimming when I returned to the UK. They dry quickly, have a two-way stretch for a flattering fit, plus are chlorine and pilling resistant.
“Modibodi actually stocks a plethora of other swimwear styles, from one-piece swimsuits to Brazilian bikini bottoms, which you could wear, for a bit of extra coverage, beneath your normal bikini. No need to miss out on all those trend-led designs from your favourite swimwear brands, after all.”
Modibodi Seamfree Hi-Leg Cheeky
When to wear them: Regular cheeky-style wearers can choose to wear these day or night.
Absorbency: 15ml = 2-3 tampons or 3 teaspoons.
Sizes: 2XS – 3XL.
Colours: Black or cashew.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
“When I'm not on my period, I’m not a fan of a hipster cut. I always wear underwear which sits high on my legs – to make me feel sexier, if nothing else. That's why I loved this new style from Modibodi, which is cut in a hi-leg, cheeky style with no VPL. They're lightweight, super soft (they feel like spandex and you could easily wear them under gym leggings, cycling shorts or leotards,) and have a super-absorbent lining to replace pads and tampons. I actually wore the nude pair under a white summer dress on holiday and felt totally protected."
Nike Pro Leak Protection: Period Biker Shorts
When to wear them: When working out, in the gym, on a run, or running errands.
Absorbency: Light = spotting and discharge.
Sizes: XS (UK 4-8) – XXL (UK 24-26).
Colours: Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Donovan, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Writer.
“Like everyone else, I caught the running bug during the pandemic. Fast-forward four years, and I've just signed up for my third race and second half-marathon. And while I'm super excited to (hopefully) smash my PB, thanks to a combo of consistent training and adrenaline, I have one concern: What do I do if Mother Nature decides to join me? So far, I've been lucky that my runs haven't fallen during the follicular phase of my period, but I want to be prepared just in case.
"Enter: period shorts, the best underwear for working out during that time of the month. From the outside, there's no knowing the black eight-inch shorts hold an ultra-thin liner that works as a backup to your usual eco-friendly period products (AKA reusable sanitary pads or menstrual cups). And that they do — really blooming well. Once secured around that liner, my Dame Washable Period Pad doesn't budge. And neither do the shorts — not once have they rolled up or down mid-sweat sesh.
“But even when I'm not ‘on’, the shorts still hold a regular place in my gym clothes rotation — mainly because that liner gives me a little extra protection from an unwelcome camel toe.”
Save when you shop the best period pants with these Nike discount codes.
When to wear them: When you're spotting.
Absorbency: Light = spotting and discharge.
Sizes: XXS – 6XL.
Colours: Black.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Editor.
“I'm obsessed with wearing my WUKA light flow thong at the very beginning and tail-end of my period, when I don't need quite such a high absorbency but need a bit of spotting protection. Available right up to 6XL in size and available in packs of both three and five, they're a sustainable panty liner replacement that's made from Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified cotton. They're also great for wearing under tight clothing and workout gear.”
When to wear them: Day.
Absorbency: Heavy flow; up to 4 tampons worth of blood, urine or sweat.
Sizes: XXS — 4XL.
Colours: Blue.
Machine washable? Yes.Tested by: Sophie Donovan, GLAMOUR Senior Commerce Writer.
"In a bid to break the stigma surrounding menstrual health — why do we insist on discussing it in hushed tones?! — Snuggs has launched the first period underwear partnership of its kind, collaborating with Manchester City WFC. And, as part of the initiative, Snuggs will donate period underwear to all players in the Girls' Academy.
“But the pants perform too, offering a quick-drying first layer, a highly absorbent second and an impermeable third. Coming in at 1.5mm thick, these are thinner and lighter than most of my normal underwear, plus that wrap-style elasticated waistband made them comfortable to wear for hours on end."
Do period pants really work?
Yes! Period pants have many advantages. You can wear the best period pants all day without worrying about changing a tampon. You can also wear them to give you extra protection alongside a pad or menstrual cup on heavy flow days, to protect against incontinence, or for peace of mind postpartum.
When ordered from reputable brands like Modibodi, Bodyform, Thinx and Wuka, period pants don't smell since their super-absorbent and sweat-wicking fabric works to avoid leaks, avoid any nappy-like scenarios and keep you fresh and dry. Most period pants are made with a patented design that neutralises bad odours and bacteria, and you can pick a style to suit you.
Switching to period pants saves money. “Whilst they require a bigger initial investment, the average woman will spend around £120 on disposable period pads in just two years, but with reusable period pants, the cost is no more than £75,” Ruby added.
Leak-proof pants are also a sustainable choice. “We’re in the midst of an environmental emergency when it comes to the impact of single-use plastic,” Ruby said. “In fact, around 91% of the 380 million metric tons of plastic that is produced globally every year isn’t recycled” Single-use menstrual products are a huge contributor to this plastic pollution, with one pack of sanitary pads containing the equivalent of five plastic bags, and the average woman using over 11,000 disposable products in her reproductive lifetime (which each take over 1,000 years to decompose). “The environmental saving of switching to a more sustainable period product like reusable pants or pads is vast. Each of us has the power to divert 9,600 plastic-filled sanitary waste.
What are the disadvantages of period pants?
Since you're buying something reusable and washable, period pants require quite a high initial investment. They're also still, at the time of writing, classified as a “clothing” product – rather than a menstrual one – which means they're subject to 20% tax. Marks and Spencers' Say Pants To The Tax campaign aims to change that – and some retailers like TESCO now cover the tax for you.
expensive upfront compared to disposable products, and they require regular washing and proper care to maintain their effectiveness. Additionally, some users may find them less convenient for heavy flow days or extended wear.
Endometriosis is still taboo in the workplace — and it needs to change.
Do period pants last all day?
"This depends on how heavy your flow is,” Ruby said. “You can wear our pants for up to 12 hour,s but we always say, you know your flow best.” Take WUKA's High-Waisted Stretch Seamless Heavy Flow pants, for example.
They are designed to hold three tampons' worth of blood, so consider how long it takes you to get through three tampons and go from there. Personally? I have a medium flow and manage around eight hours in one pair of period pants before I start feeling uncomfortable.
The duration that period pants can be worn depends on the individual's flow and the specific product's absorbency level. On lighter flow days, the best period pants can last all day without needing to be changed. However, on heavier flow days, they may need to be changed more frequently to prevent leaks and maintain comfort. It's important to choose period pants with the appropriate absorbency level for your needs to ensure optimal performance throughout the day.
How do you wash period pants?
“Caring for your period pants isn’t much different to looking after any other underwear,” Ruby said. First, rinse them in cold water, then “pop in the washing machine at 30 degrees with your usual laundry detergent and air dry. Try to avoid using fabric softener and tumble drying as, over time, this can impact the product’s absorbency.”
