Guide: Which menstrual panties should I choose?
Once upon a time, there was only one pair of beloved 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 absorption capabilities – and that also means that it can be a little more difficult to choose.
If you are unsure about which menstrual panties to choose , then this guide is for you. Here we guide you through our different styles, so you can more easily find the panties that suit your body, your period and your everyday life.
At Flow, our panties differ primarily in three things:
- fit
- material
-
absorbency
Once you have them under control, it becomes much easier to choose the right model.
How to choose menstrual panties?
When choosing menstrual panties, there are three things in particular that are important.
1. Suction power
How much you bleed during your period.
2. Fit
What type of panties do you usually feel most comfortable in?
3. Material
Whether you prefer cotton, mesh or an extra soft material like lyocell.
Most people actually end up having several different styles that they use on different days of their cycle.
Fits: brief, cheeky, shorts and thong
Menstrual panties come in several different fits – just like regular underwear.
At Flow we work with four different styles.
Brief
The classic panty shape with good coverage. A favorite with many because it feels stable and comfortable all day long. We have both high rise (high waist) and low rise (low waist).
Cheeky
Cheeky has a high-cut leg, which gives a more sporty and feminine look. It feels a little lighter than a classic brief, but still provides good protection.
Shorts
Our period shorts have short legs and a high waist, which provides extra coverage and security. It's a style many love for nighttime , heavy periods or if you just want to feel extra secure.
Thong
An absorbent g-string with light absorbency. Perfect for spotting, discharge or the last days of your period when you just need a little extra protection.
Materials: cotton, mesh and lyocell
The material plays a big role in how the panty feels on the body. At Flow, we primarily work with three different materials.
Organic cotton
Soft, breathable and natural. Many of our menstrual 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 at the same time provides flexibility in the fit.
Lyocell
Lyocell is a silky soft and breathable material made from wood fibers (often from eucalyptus). The material is known for being:
- extremely soft against the skin
- very breathable
- moisture-absorbing
- 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 suction capabilities.
Light 🩸 - 🩸🩸
For spotting, discharge or the last days of menstruation.
Moderate 🩸🩸🩸
For regular menstruation. Moderate flow is approximately equivalent to 1–2 regular tampons (approximately 5–10 ml of blood) .
Moderate+ 🩸🩸🩸🩸
For those who want a little extra security or tend to bleed a little more.
Heavy
🩸
For heavy menstruation, nighttime or postpartum bleeding. If you bleed very heavily, i.e. for example need to change a pad every/every two hours, we recommend that you combine your menstrual panties with a disk or cup.
If you bleed a lot, absorbency is important to pay attention to. But if you bleed lightly to moderately , you are free to choose from all styles. For example, many people use Period Flow Shorts at night , even if they don't necessarily bleed heavily.
Our different menstrual panties
Here is a brief introduction to our styles.
Period Flow Brief – High Rise
Our original style and still a bestseller. A high-waisted brief with moderate absorbency that provides good coverage and all-day comfort. Mesh side panels provide flexibility and a flattering fit.
Suction power: 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.
Suction power: Moderate
Material: Organic cotton
Period Flow Cheeky – Mid Rise
A sporty menstrual panty with high-cut legs and an extra-long absorbent panel that provides extra protection – especially if you bleed forward or sleep on your stomach.
Suction power: 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 nighttime, heavy periods or postpartum.
Suction power: Heavy
Material: Organic cotton
Everyday Flow Thong – High Rise
An absorbent g-string with light absorbency. Perfect for spotting, discharge or the last days of menstruation.
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
Same lightweight protection as our high rise version, but with a low waist. Discreet under low-rise pants and tight-fitting clothing.
Absorbency: Light
Material: Mesh
👉 You can see the entire selection here
How many menstrual panties should you have?
“ How many pairs of menstrual panties should I have? ”
We get that question often – and the answer is a bit boring: it depends.
There are four things in particular that come into play:
- how much you are bleeding
- how long is your period
- whether you have access to a washing machine during your cycle and how often you wash
- whether you want to use menstrual panties exclusively
The more you bleed, the more often you need to change your panties. Most people change their panties in the morning and evening - and if you're bleeding heavily, for example on days 2-3, an extra time in the afternoon. Think of it this way, you need to change them about as often as you would a pad.
If you have easy access to a washing machine, you can make do with fewer pairs and wash them as you go. However, if you want enough panties for your entire period, you will of course need more.
At that point, a start could be 3 pairs (you always get 10% on 3-4 pairs). Then you can test how the day goes.
But the more pairs, the easier and more comfortable the experience. We have customers who have 10-12 pairs in their drawer. And you always get 15% on 5 pairs or more.
What's the best way to get started?
Starting out with menstrual pads can feel a bit like being 13 again and trying to figure out which way to put the pad on. It's a new menstrual product that you need to get to know.
Once you have decided which styles are right for you, simply click them into the right size. A fit where the absorbent pad sits tightly along your abdomen is essential for optimal absorbency.
Many people start by trying them at home in a safe environment because it feels like a safe way to test them out. Using them at night is also a safe way for many to get the new habit started.
Some then use them only at night, while others end up using them throughout their cycle. Many also combine them with other products – for example, a cup on the heaviest days and menstrual panties the rest of the time.
There is no one right way to use them. The most important thing is that it feels good for you during your cycle.
