“In the postpartum period, women face a combination of bleeding and possible mild urinary incontinence,” says Dr. Ambardjieva. “In the early weeks after birth, some patients use Always for comfort, ease of use, and soft support. Disposable options can be especially practical during the immediate recovery phase.”
OK, so you’re not wrong: these disposable period panties are, as one Amazon reviewer puts it, giving off major “diaper vibes,” but postpartum is a time when comfort and absorbency come first. Plus, the rest of her review is overwhelmingly positive: “I basically live in these now during my periods,” she writes. These overnight disposables are made from a soft, stretchy material that’s designed to fit and feel like regular underwear. They might be a little noisy when you first put them on, but you shouldn’t notice it after a few minutes. They’re also ideal for women with PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and heavy or irregular periods.
It’s worth noting that these are scented (Always has yet to release an unscented version), so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, they may not be the best fit for you.
Best for Teens: Aerie Real. Period. High Rise Boybrief Underwear
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Aerie Real. Period. High Rise Boybrief Underwear
- What we love: Super comfortable fit; provides full coverage; great for daytime or overnight wear; ideal for light leaks
- Worth noting: Only available in high-rise; often excluded from Aerie’s promotions and discounts
Dr. Ambardjieva recommends these for teens because they “feel like regular underwear, are lightweight, low-profile, and easy to change.”
They’re made from a soft, breathable cotton material that’s leakproof and designed to keep you comfortable all day long. The moisture-wicking gusset holds up to two tampons’ worth of fluid. And if odor is on your mind (totally normal!), the underwear uses odor-reducing and anti-bacterial properties to help keep things feeling fresh and hygienic.
These features align well with Dr. Ambardjieva’s general advice for this age group: “For adolescent users, the most important factors are comfort, discretion, and ease of use,” she says. “A soft cotton or cotton-blend material with minimal seams tends to work best for sensitive skin and comfort under clothing.”
Best for Plus Size: Ruby Love High-Waist Period Underwear
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Ruby Love High-Waist Period Underwear
- What we love: Offers full coverage; has a three-layer cotton gusset; great for daytime or overnight wear
- Worth noting: For a snugger fit, size down; availability of largest sizes may vary by specific style/color
Ruby Love’s inclusive sizing is top-notch: the brand offers options up to 8XL on its website, and it has several styles designed with additional coverage and support.
These period panties have a three-layer cotton gusset to hold up to three tampons’ worth of fluid. The Dri-Tech Mesh helps stop leaks and provides max coverage while the built-in proprietary Super Absorbent Layer wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.
Crystal Etienne, the founder and CEO of Ruby Love, also recommends this style for postpartum comfort and support. “Its high-rise design offers full coverage and a secure fit, while the built-in absorbent gusset provides reliable leak protection, making it suitable for postpartum needs,” she says.
Best Organic: Aisle Essential Period Hipster
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Aisle Essential Period Hipster
- What we love: Ultra-soft and breathable material; made from TENCEL lyocell and organic cotton; ideal for sensitive skin; available in multiple sizes
- Worth noting: Pricier than other options
A handful of the women we spoke to said Aisle (formerly Lunapads) period underwear is their go-to. (The brand has a long history in sustainable menstrual care, originally gaining popularity for its reusable pads before expanding into this category.)
“Aisle makes the most comfortable cotton options I’ve tried,” says Charbonier. “The material is thick enough to feel secure but not suffocating, and, unlike some cotton options, these don’t lose shape after washing.”
This hipster style is made from a blend of TENCEL lyocell and organic cotton, which is ultra-soft, breathable, and absorbent. (TENCEL lyocell is a biodegradable fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp; it’s supposed to be 50% more absorbent than cotton.) The no-chafe seams are designed to help eliminate irritation, and the extended gusset provides additional coverage and protection. This makes them a great option for low-impact workouts or yoga and Pilates classes.
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
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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.”
