Top 5 features for period underwear

Name: Donate a Cup!
Brand: Asan
SKU: DONATE
Price: 12.5 GBP
Availability: InStock

October 14, 2025

Have you ever considered switching to period underwear but felt unsure about what to look out for?

Period underwear is a reusable menstrual product designed to absorb blood and prevent leaks. It looks and feels like regular underwear. However it’s usually made with layered, high-performance fabrics.

Depending on the brand and style, one pair can hold several hours of flow and be washed and reused for years. This makes it both a practical and an eco-friendly choice for your period.

With multiple brands out there it can be confusing to know what actually matters.

So here’s a quick guide to the top five features of period underwear that matter most for your comfort, health and confidence.

1. Fabric

The fabric is everything!

Most period panties in the market use synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or spandex. These fibres tend to trap heat and moisture, creating a warm environment where bacteria and yeast can thrive. Over time, this can lead to irritation, rashes, and even infections.

That’s why natural fabrics like cotton are much more ideal for innerwear.

Cotton is soft, breathable and hypoallergenic, allowing airflow to regulate moisture. It absorbs sweat and lets your skin stay dry, which means less chafing and irritation.

For breathable fabric period underwear, using natural and sustainable materials is essential, it keeps you feeling fresh even during heavier days.

2. Waistbands and seams

When it comes to comfort, the smallest details make the biggest difference.

A carefully designed comfortable waistband can determine whether your seamless period underwear feels like your second skin or something you can’t wait to take off. The waistband should sit comfortably against your body without digging in, rolling down, or feeling overly tight.

During your period, your body can naturally experience bloating or water retention, so it’s important that the elastic stretches and moves with you rather than constricting you.

3. Gusset layers

The gusset is the heart of every pair of period underwear - it’s where all the protection, comfort, and technology come together.

On average, a gusset has three to four layers, depending on the required absorbency levels of period panties. Each one serves a specific function and works in with the others:

Top Layer: This is the layer that touches your skin. It should feel soft, breathable, and act as a moisture-wicking layer that instantly draws liquid away from your body to keep you dry. A good top layer also helps reduce the “wet” feeling that cheaper synthetic options can leave behind.

2. Middle Layer: This layer absorbs fluid and holds it securely without feeling bulky or heavy. It’s often made of quick-drying technical fabrics or natural absorbent blends that can hold the equivalent of several tampons’ worth of flow.

3. Bottom Layer: This layer creates a leak-proof and an anti-odour barrier, ensuring nothing seeps through onto your clothes.

Breathability is key. A well-designed gusset lets air circulate while still locking in moisture, reducing the chance of bacterial growth or odour.

4. Safety

When it comes to something as personal as period care, safety isn’t optional but essential.

That’s why make sure that you check for a OEKO-TEX certification from the company you plan to buy from. This globally accepted certificate ensures that your period underwear is tested for toxic substances - making it completely safe for your skin and body.

OEKO-TEX certified fabrics are not only gentle and hypoallergenic, but also environmentally responsible. They’re designed to be breathable, soft, and irritation-free, perfect for sensitive skin and long hours of wear.

5. Durability

The true sustainability of eco-friendly period panties lies in its longevity. A high-quality pair of period underwear should last you at least 2 to 3 years. It should comfortably hold 8–12 hours of flow during your cycle without losing.

While period underwear now comes in a range of beautiful colours and patterns, black remains the most practical choice. It hides stains, looks sleek, and stays timeless, making it the perfect balance of function and style.

Choosing the right period underwear can be tricky but remember it’s about comfort, health, and sustainability. Choose natural fabrics, seamless construction, certified protective layers, and durable quality.

Once you ensure you select the right product, quick dry period pants can be one of the simplest and most empowering swaps you can make.

It’s also a great product to use before your period starts and towards the end when your period is lighter.