Guide: Which menstrual panties should I choose?
Once upon a time, there was only one pair of Flow panties on the shelf (we're looking at you, Period Flow Brief – High Rise).
Since then, the range has grown with more fits, materials, and absorbencies – and that also means it can be a bit harder to choose.
If you're unsure about which period panties to choose, this guide is for you.
Here we review our different styles, so you can more easily find the panties that suit:
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your body
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your period
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your everyday life
At Flow, our panties primarily differ in three things:
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fit
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material
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absorbency
Once you have these in mind, it becomes much easier to find the right model.
If you just want a quick recommendation
If you're starting from scratch, many choose this combination:
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Period Flow Brief – High Rise for regular period days - three years after launch, it's still our most popular panty - 1 in 4 of you buy it
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Period Flow Shorts – High Rise is loved by many for night-time or heavier flow
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Everyday Flow Thong for spotting or the last days
Then you're covered for your entire cycle.
👉 See all period panties here.
How to choose period panties?
If you have time, we'll go a little deeper now. When choosing period panties, three things are particularly important:
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Absorbency – how much you bleed
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Fit – which type of panty you feel most comfortable in
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Material – e.g., cotton, mesh, or lyocell
Most people actually end up with several different styles that they use on different days of their cycle.
Fits: brief, cheeky, shorts and thong
Period panties come in several different fits – just like regular underwear.
At Flow, we primarily work with four styles.
Brief
The classic brief shape with good coverage.
A favorite for many because it feels stable and comfortable all day long.
We have both:
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High rise
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Low rise
Cheeky
Cheeky has a high-cut leg, which gives a more sporty and feminine look.
It feels a bit lighter than a classic brief, but still offers good protection.
Shorts
Our period shorts have short legs and a high waist, providing extra coverage and security. It's a style many love:
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for night-time
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on heavy period days
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if you just want to feel extra secure
Thong
An absorbent thong with light absorbency.
Perfect for:
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spotting
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discharge
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the last days of your period
Those days when you just need a little extra protection.
Materials: cotton, mesh, and lyocell
The material plays a big role in how the panties feel on the body. At Flow, we primarily work with three different materials.
Organic cotton
Soft, breathable, and natural. Many of our period panties are made primarily from organic cotton because it feels comfortable against the skin and works well in everyday life.
Mesh
Mesh is a light and airy material that gives the panties a more feminine and elegant look. It feels almost weightless against the skin and also provides flexibility in the fit.
Lyocell
Lyocell is a silky soft and breathable material made from wood fibers (often from eucalyptus), which has the same composition as Tencel. The material is known for being:
- extremely soft against the skin
- very breathable
- moisture-wicking
- temperature-regulating
This makes lyocell perfect for discreet everyday styles like our Everyday Flow Thong.
Absorbency: light, moderate, moderate+ and heavy
At Flow, we work with four different absorbencies.
Light 🩸–🩸🩸
For spotting, discharge, or the last days of your period.
Moderate 🩸🩸🩸
For regular menstruation.
Equivalent to approximately 1–2 regular tampons (approx. 5–10 ml of blood).
Moderate+ 🩸🩸🩸🩸
For those who want a little extra security or bleed a bit more.
Heavy 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸
For heavy menstruation, night-time, or postpartum bleeding.
If you bleed very heavily (e.g., change pads every hour), we recommend combining your period panties with a cup or disc.
If you bleed a lot, absorbency is important to pay attention to. But if you bleed light to moderate, you can freely choose between all styles. Many, for example, use Period Flow Shorts at night, even if they don't necessarily have a heavy flow.
Our different period panties
Here is a brief introduction to our different period panties.
Period Flow Brief – High Rise
Our original style and still a bestseller. A high-waisted brief with moderate absorbency that provides good coverage and comfort all day long. The mesh panels on the side provide flexibility and a flattering fit.
Absorbency: Moderate
Material: Cotton, mesh and polyamide
Period Flow Brief – Low Rise
A low-waisted version of our classic brief. Sits discreetly on the hip and feels like regular underwear – just with built-in protection.
Absorbency: Moderate
Material: Organic cotton
Period Flow Cheeky – Mid Rise
A sporty period panty with high-cut legs and an extra long absorbent panel that provides extra protection – especially if you bleed forwards or sleep on your stomach.
Absorbency: Moderate+
Material: Organic cotton
Period Flow Shorts – High Rise
Our most absorbent style. Shorts with short legs and a high waist that provide extra coverage and security – especially for night-time, heavy period days, or postpartum.
Absorbency: Heavy
Material: Organic cotton
Everyday Flow Thong – High Rise
An absorbent thong with light absorbency. Perfect for spotting, discharge, or the last days of your period.
Absorbency: Light
Material: Lyocell
Everyday Flow Brief – High Rise
A lightly absorbent everyday panty in soft mesh. A comfortable and reusable alternative to panty liners.
Absorbency: Light
Material: Mesh
Everyday Flow Brief – Low Rise
The same light protection as our high rise version, but with a low waist. Discreet under low-rise pants and close-fitting clothes.
Absorbency: Light
Material: Mesh
👉 You can see the full range of period panties for moderate and heavy flow here.
👉 You can see the full range of period panties for light flow here.
How many period panties should you have?
We often get that question – and the answer is a bit boring:
It depends.
Four things, in particular, play a role:
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how much you bleed
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how long your period lasts
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how often you do laundry
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whether you want to use period panties alone or with other products
Most people change morning and evening, and with heavier bleeding, perhaps an extra time during the day.
If you have easy access to a washing machine, you can manage with fewer pairs and wash along the way.
However, if you want enough for your entire period without washing, you'll need more.
A good starting point could be 3 pairs, so you can test what works for you.
The more you bleed, the more often you need to change your underwear. Most people change them morning and evening – and during heavier bleeding, e.g., on days 2-3, an extra time in the afternoon. Think of it as needing to change them roughly as often as a pad.
If you have easy access to a washing machine, you can get by with fewer pairs and wash them as needed. If, on the other hand, you want enough underwear for your entire period, you'll naturally need more.
Remember: You always get 10% off 3-4 pairs of absorbent underwear, 15% off 5 pairs, and 20% off 7 pairs or more. We have customers who have 10-12 pairs in their drawer. The more pairs – the more comfortable the experience.
Can you use period underwear alone?
Yes, you can. Many people only use their period underwear for their bleeding – no pads or tampons. But if you bleed very heavily, we often recommend a disc or a cup along with your underwear.
👉 Unsure if you bleed heavily? Read more about menorrhagia here.
How to best get started with period underwear?
Starting with period underwear can feel a bit like being 13 again and trying to figure out which way the pad goes.
It's a new period product you need to get to know.
Once you've found the styles that suit you, the next step is just to choose the right size.
It's important that the underwear fits snugly against your body so the absorbent layer can function optimally.
Many start by using them at home or at night, because it feels safe to test them in a calm environment.
Some end up only using them at night, while others use them throughout their entire cycle. Many also combine them with other products – for example, a cup on the heaviest days.
There is no single right way to use period underwear. The most important thing is that it feels comfortable for you – and suits your cycle.
Enjoy.
