This page may contain affiliate links – they are marked with a *. Making a purchase via my affiliate means I receive a small share of the sale.
As someone who has heavy flow days during my period, and having tried a number of brands of period underwear, I feel I’m somewhat of an expert when it comes to choosing the best period underwear. I actually now own more period panties than regular, in a variety of different styles to suit my flow.
I switched my period products so long ago now and it was one of the best period decisions I’ve ever made. I used to use regular underwear with regular tampons (not too often though ‘cos the media scared my generation about Toxic Shock Syndrome) and disposable pads.
I started dabbling in period pants and menstrual cups and now I’ve nailed my sanitary products. I am super keen to try menstrual discs but they’re not as widely used or available to me in the UK.
Choosing The Best Period Underwear For Heavy Flow
These days there are so many period underwear brands to choose from. I can speak from experience of having tried WUKA, Modibodi, Saalt and Fluxies (previously known as Flux Undies).
My all time favourite are WUKA – you can read about all the different styles I’ve tried here – and when it comes to a heavier flow day, my current goto’s are from WUKA and ModiBodi. I’ve built up quite a collection featuring a range of styles, but in this post, I’m specially gonna be talking about the best period underwear for heavy flow days during your menstrual cycle.
How I Choose Period Undies For The Heaviest Days Of A Period
When it comes to my heavy days, I like to be comfortable and feel like I have additional protection. Most brands will have versions of each product with different absorbency levels. For example, WUKA products range from Light absorbency (10ml = holds up to 2 tampons or 1 day pads), through to Super Heavy (60 ml of period flow or light leaks / 12 tampons’ worth).
What I like about the heavy and super heavy is the increased length of the absorbent panel, which offers more protection against leaks especially if you’re exercising, on your back or just not sitting upright for the whole day.
WUKA Ultimate™ High Waist – Super Heavy
The WUKA Ultimate™ High Waist – Super Heavy are my all time favourites – I’m wearing them right now as I type this paragraph. The high waist and full coverage built-in pad make for a more comfortable fit. Yes, the panty lines are ridiculous, lol, but at this point in my period, I couldn’t care less.
The pad holds up to12 tampons worth of flow which means I can worry less about leaks and don’t have to rush to change my period-proof underwear too often especially on days I’m in the office.
And yes, 98% of my period pants collection is black. I have one pair with an animal print, a blue pair and a light nude pair, and honestly, they are some of my last picks as I worry about getting them stained.
The majority of WUKA reusable period underwear is made with comfy organic cotton which can be added to your regular wash (don’t use fabric conditioner, but you know that right?)
You can get 10% off ALL collections from WUKA – excluding Basics – using the code SIMPELLE10 at checkout!
Being Out & About On Days With Heavier Flows
If I know I won’t have access to a bathroom for a while – i.e driving long distances, or out cycling – I’ll double up a menstrual cup with a super heavy pair of period pants.
The issue with a menstrual cup though is you need a bathroom that has a sink so you can clean your cup and your hands etc after emptying your cup. I believe this is where is a disc is a better choice as you can “auto-dump” or “self-empty” to empty your disc.
When I know I might not have the access I need, I’ll pack some normal underwear and sanitary pads as a back up with some wet toilet paper / wipes too. I carry a wet bag to for used period underwear (rinsed or not) until I get home to rinse with cold water and put in the washing machine.
What To Sleep In On Your Period
When is someone gonna invent a period bedsheet or something along those lines?!
What I wear for sleeping isn’t much different to my regular heavy days but the difference is ideally I want to be able to get my full 8 hours of sleep and a little extra without having to change in the middle of the night, or leaking on my sheets.
Even if I’ve been using a cup during the day, I light to take a break during the night and solely use menstrual underwear. For an extra layer of security, I often put a towel down on my side of the bed, especially if I’m not sleeping in my own bed.
WUKA Ultimate™ Boxer Shorts – Medium
The WUKA Ultimate™ Boxer Shorts – Medium were the pair of period pants I had that were suitable for sleeping in. These boy shorts are only suitable for medium days as the only absorbency they come in is medium. If your menstrual flow is up to 2-3 tampons’ worth then these will work for you. I usually save these for the 3rd or 4th night of my period.
WUKA Ultimate™ Midi Brief – Super Heavy
If you like more bikini-style underwear, then the WUKA Ultimate™ Midi Brief – Super Heavy are for you. They have a lower waist compared to the high waist ones which go over my belly button. You still get the super absorbent pad with these though, perfect for the heaviest days of your cycle.
WUKA Ultimate High Waist – Heavy Overnight
The WUKA Ultimate High Waist – Heavy Overnight* are my favourite for the first day / first night of my cycle. They have a really high back gusset so I can sleep on my back as well as my side and worry less about leaks. The made with super stretchy and breathable materials that keep me comfortable throughout the night.
Modibodi Classic Full Brief Heavy-Overnight Black
The Modibodi Classic Full Brief Heavy-Overnight Black (20ml = 3-4 tampons or 4 teaspoons) are the latest addition to my collection. I’ve worn them for two cycles now and they’ve been great. The breathable bamboo fabric is a lot softer than my WUKA ones but that might change over time.
They also come in a Super-Overnight version which absorb 40ml = 8 tampons, or 8 teaspoons.
Swimming With Heavy Periods
Now, when it comes to period swimwear, this is not my area of expertise, but it is something I’m looking more into as I’ve recently started swimming regularly (with swimming lessons) again. I’m booked in for Swim Serpentine (just the 1/2 mile this time) and if it coincides with my time of the month, I’m gonna need a solution.
I’ve got one pair of bikini bottoms from WUKA which are for light flow days, but I’ve never needed to use this for swimming to this day.
I think my go to would definitely be a period cup and period swimwear combination. The period swimwear that WUKA make is for moderate flow (15ml = 3 tampons or 2 day pads) or less only. The outer fabric is water-repellent to prevent water from entering the gusset and protects against leaks whilst the absorbent layer locks in your period blood.
WUKA says “WUKA period swimwear is recommended for use on light to medium flow days. If you are using them to swim for long periods of time, they are best for lighter days. If however, you’re spending the day lounging by the pool with only the occasional light swim then they can also be worn on medium flow days. We do not recommend them for heavy flow days.”
Reducing my use of disposable products was such a good choice for me and I also love knowing it’s yet another way to avoid putting toxic chemicals into / on my body (never noticed that tampons can make your period pain worse?!).
It’s also a pretty great feeling knowing that the menstrual products you choose are doing something good for the planet as well as for your body.
From a fellow heavy flow girlie, I hope this post has helped you to choose the best period underwear for heavy flow days!
Any brands or underwear style you’d recommend I try next?!
Elle
#Choosing #Period #Underwear #Heavy #Flow #simpElle
.JPG)
