Finding the perfect period underwear for your flow might seem simple at first… until you're faced with dozens of different styles, cuts, and flow indicators. Light, medium, heavy, or ultra flow? Shorty, high-waisted, or classic? And how many pairs do you need for a full cycle?
Like many, you may have already experienced one of these situations:
– Underwear that's too light for your second-day flow.
– A pair of “abundant” panties that could ultimately have been replaced with thinner ones.
– A model whose cut does not suit your comfort.
– Or the constant hesitation between shorty, high-waisted, nighttime absorbency…
Good news: choosing your period panties doesn't have to be a headache.
This comprehensive guide is here to help you understand your flow, your needs, and finally find what really suits you — whether you are a novice or already an expert.
1. Understanding your flow: the foundation for choosing the right period underwear
Before we talk about models, let's talk about the heart of the matter: your menstrual flow .
It varies from person to person… and from day to day! Identifying your actual flow will allow you to avoid unnecessary leaks, but also to avoid overly absorbent models for light days.
Lightweight flow:
– Beginning or end of periods
– Small losses
– 5 to 10 ml/day approximately
Common in adolescents or at the end of their cycle.
Recommended underwear: light flow models, slim fit, everyday comfort.
Average flow:
– The majority of women are located here
– 10 to 20 ml/day
– Regular periods, no heavy or sudden bleeding
Recommended underwear: medium flow models, perfect for daytime.
Abundant flow:
– 20 to 30 ml/day
– Need to change frequently with disposable pads
– A feeling of “emptiness” sometimes
Recommended underwear: heavy flow models, shorty or high-waisted absorbent.
Very heavy/hemorrhagic flow:
– > 30 ml/day
– The need to protect oneself at night
– Common cases in young adults, postpartum, or during periods of hormonal imbalance
Recommended underwear: “ultra flow” models, Night shorty, full reinforcement.
(Perfect for taming those difficult evenings).
2. Choose the right underwear according to the DAY of your cycle
It cannot be stressed enough: your flow is not the same from day 1 to day 5 (or 7).
To optimize comfort and safety, here is a simple diagram:
DAY 1: Start
For many, the flow starts out light, then increases quickly.
👉 Medium flow period panties if your period is starting slowly
👉 Heavy flow underwear if your period starts coming on strong right away
DAYS 2 and 3: the most intense
This is where the majority of leaks occur.
👉 Shorty or high-waisted style for heavy flow
👉 Ultra flow if periods are heavy
DAY 4: The flow begins to decrease
Welcome to the “medium that becomes light”.
👉 Medium flow panties
DAYS 5 to 7: the end of the cycle
Much gentler flow, residual losses.
👉 Light flow panties
This system allows you to build a smart “menstrual pack” adapted to your reality, without overconsumption.
3. Shorty, high-waisted, classic: which cut should you choose based on your comfort?
The fit influences comfort and the feeling of security. Here's how to find your way around it.
Classic underwear (basic and effective)
Benefits :
• is worn like normal underwear
• discreet under clothing
• Perfect for light to medium flow
Ideal if you are a beginner and want to try it out “without taking any risks”.
Menstrual shorts (maximum security)
Benefits :
• covers more on the back
• sensation of being enveloped
• excellent for the night
• Perfect for heavy flow
Many quickly adopt it for days 2 and 3.
High waist (comfort + support)
Benefits :
• ultra comfortable
• warmth in the abdominal area (great for cramps)
• flattering look
• absorption often more extensive
If you suffer from menstrual pain → this is the queen of haircuts.
The special Night model
Benefits :
• enhanced absorption
• protection that extends higher
• Goodbye to nighttime leaks
For very heavy flow, this is THE essential model.
4. How can you tell if a pair of underwear is truly suitable for your flow?
Here are the 5 key criteria:
1. Indication of flow (light, medium, heavy, ultra)
A simple foundation, but not sufficient.
2. The absorption zone
The longer it is, the more protection the underwear provides.
👉 For light flow: compact area
👉 For heavy flow: elongated front-to-back area
👉 For ultra flow: area extending almost to the waist
3. The thickness of the panties
Just because it's thin doesn't mean it's not effective, but:
• fine = light to medium flux
• Thicker = heavier flow
4. The outer material
Ideal: cotton, soft polyamide, breathable fabrics.
Avoid: overly synthetic materials if you sweat easily.
5. The desired sensations
Some people prefer very slim models.
Others want something “reassuringly padded”.
👉 The important thing: how you feel in it.
5. What size should I choose to avoid leaks?
Menstrual underwear that's too small = compression
→ the blood may run down the sides.
Underwear that's too big = fabric that "floats"
→ same consequences.
Golden rule: refer to the size guide accompanying each product description.
Except :
• if you are between two sizes
• if you have very pronounced hips
→ Choose the larger size.
6. How many menstrual panties are needed for a complete cycle?
Here's the simple truth:
👉 between 4 and 7 models , depending on your flow and washing habits.
MINIMALIST PACK (4 panties)
• 1. Heavy flow
• 2 average flow
• 1 light flow
To begin.
COMFORT PACK (5 to 6 pairs of underwear)
• 2 abundant flows
• 2 average flow
• 1 or 2 light streams
The most popular.
SERENITY PACK (7 panties)
• 3 abundant flows
• 3 average flow
• 1 light flow
Ideal if:
– you hate dealing with laundry during your cycle
– or if you have a changing feed
7. Specificities depending on the situation
For teenagers:
More irregular flow → perfect medium flow shorty.
For postpartum:
Many choose ultra-absorbent shorty underwear.
To do sports:
Elastic cups, anti-friction, medium flow.
For sleeping:
Always shorty or Night model.
For hemorrhagic flow:
Option to double up with a washable towel on extreme days.
8. Good to know: signs that you're not wearing the right underwear
• Leaks with each cycle → poorly assessed flow
• Discomfort → unsuitable cut
• Irritation → non-breathable material
• Feeling of heaviness → model too absorbent for the chosen day
• Perspiration → opt for a different cut or breathable fabric
9. Why choosing the right period underwear really changes your daily life
When you wear the right underwear , you win:
• freedom of movement
• zero leakage
• zero odor
• zero waste
• unparalleled comfort
• peace of mind
A well-chosen pair of underwear → a cycle that is easier to experience, simply.
The best period underwear is the one that truly suits you.
Not to your neighbor.
Not a standard table.
Not a “universal model”.
Your flow, your body shape, your sensations, your activities: these are what dictate the choice.
And when you find the right ones… you never go back.