Even when you embrace that periods are neither bad nor shameful, at the end of the day they can still be pretty rough. Whether you’re a lunar-loving demiurge who luxuriates in their own divinity with each cycle of the moon, or (like me) you’re the kind of uterus-haver who becomes a Bloaty Fart Gremlin shrouded in a den of blankets and Dove chocolate wrappers, the fact is that shedding your uterine lining can be inconvenient.
Don’t get me wrong — menses is a natural and beautiful process — it just also happens to be messy as hell, and I find most of the options on the market severely lacking: Pads are either so thick I’m reduced to waddling like a crinkly duck in a diaper, or they’re so thin that they’re about as absorbent as a post-it note (They can also lead to contact dermatitis, and an itchy vulva is not my idea of a good time). Tampons, on the other hand, are the Goldilocks conundrum of menstrual products: if you pick an absorbency level that’s too light, they’ll leak, but a tampon that’s too absorbent can lead to a higher risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Finding an absorbency level that’s “just right” is a weird math equation with too many variables that lead to blood-stained underwear.
Cue heavenly choir music — enter Proof Period panties.
Leak Proof High Waisted Lace Brief
Leak Proof® High Waisted Lace Brief
shopproof.com
$49.00
What are Proof leak-proof panties?
The period panty is not technically a new invention: lining underwear with something absorbent is literally where the phrase “on the rag” comes from, and women have been doing a variation of it for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. But there has been a noticeable rise in the period panty trade over the last decade, and in a sea of newly competitive products, Proof has one of the sexiest options on the market.
Although I consider myself to be an extremely sex-positive person, when my uterus is throwing a temper tantrum that is as painful as a heart attack, sex is the very last activity I want to engage in. But orgasms are an excellent pain reliever, and what is menstrual blood if not a vibrant natural lubricant, and I received my Proof panties just in time for Valentine’s Day — and just in time for my menses. What a romantic coincidence.
I tried out three different pairs, all medium in size, and all black in color:
- High Waisted Lace Brief
- Lace Back Bikini
- Lace Cheeky
First impression of Proof Panties
This underwear is cute. If I didn’t know its true purpose, I honestly don’t think I would suspect this lingerie had any objective other than covering my privates and attracting a sexual partner. The material is smooth and comfortable, the lace details are very pretty, and the absorbent layers in the crotch are subtle (much subtler than those of a competitor I happen to own). The material used in Proof Panties is so flexible and thin that I had serious doubts it would live up to its leak-proof promises. In fact, I wore it with my oldest and ugliest pajama bottoms on the first day of my period because I simply did not believe it would do what the Proof website claimed it could.
Dear reader, a believer was made of me.
How effective are Proof Panties?
This underwear works (and I promise you, I tested it thoroughly). The first day of my flow is like if Paul Thomas Anderson directed the elevator scene from "The Shining" — i.e., "There Will Be (a lot of) Blood." But the undies took it like a champ. Proof boasts Leak-Loc® edges and a moisture-wicking Quick-Wick liner, and these powers combined did their duty well.
The proof website states Proof panties are machine washable, recommending they be washed on the delicate cycle with cold water... but just to be a stinker, I tossed a pair in with my regular drop-off laundry service, and they handled it impressively. I saw no difference in deterioration of condition when compared to the other two pairs, which I responsibly hand-washed with care.
Proof Panties styles
Leak Proof High Waisted Lace Brief
The Leak Proof® High Waisted Lace Brief in moderate absorbency is by far my favorite of the three. Retailing at $49 a pair, it’s definitely on the pricier end of the period-panty spectrum. But a cursory Google search doesn’t present any comparable competition when it comes to form and function.
Leak Proof® High Waisted Lace Brief
shopproof.com
$49.00
I am low-key obsessed with this underwear.
As a professional burlesque performer, I know a thing or two about sexy lingerie. This underwear is flattering enough that I would pair it with a black bra for a pin-up photo shoot. The lace detail on the sides is gorgeous (it has an almost art-deco design to it) and strong, so I’m not fearful it will tear and look worn out too quickly. They also have an adorable extra lip of lace hem that extends flirtily down the outer thigh only, giving you a cute detail without it chafing in the inner thigh or crotch.
More importantly, it’s comfortable. I love the high waist, which is honestly some kind of design miracle. On the first day of my period I am bloated and normally don’t want anything constricting my mid-section, but these panties ride high in the best way, gently hugging my swollen stomach with just the right pressure to make me feel safe. You couldn’t wear them with low-rise jeans — but I wouldn’t be caught in low-rise jeans anyway, so the point is moot. I was astonished to discover that I could feel comfortable and sexy and protected, even as I dutch-ovened myself through a binge session of “Bridgerton.”
Leak Proof Lace Back Bikini
My next favorite was the Lace Back Bikini, coming in at $43 a pair. This style drew a thumbs up (accompanied by a longing gaze and a wistful sigh) from my current partner. Well duh, the back is entirely lace, tastefully leaving nothing to the imagination! Sorry, Boo,not today. Leave your offering of chocolate-covered pretzels at the mouth of my Bloat Den and retreat from whence you came.
Leak Proof® Lace Back Bikini
shopproof.com
$43.00
What shocked me was that this pair was also incredibly comfortable. Usually, I can’t stand big swaths of lace across the derriere; it looks good, but is often impractical because it leaves an itchy imprint if you sit on it for longer than 20 minutes, and it’s hard to maintain sexy vibes when you’re struggling not to scratch your butt in polite company.
But somehow, this lace is both strong and soft enough that I was able to sit at my desk for hours on end and forget that I was wearing it. Smaller feats have been declared miracles.
Leak Proof Lace Cheeky Style
Last and (for me) least favorite, was the Lace Cheeky style, which rings in at $37. To be fair, I think my lack of enthusiasm is borne from the fact that as a general rule I never enjoy a cheeky cut. I have a rather full booty that spills out of that style in a way that means they just don’t fit me right in the crotch, no matter what the brand. The previous two styles were a perfect and accurate fit for my body type, so online sizing was accurate. This cheeky pair looked very sexy, but did not fit me snugly between the legs, which allowed the crotch to shift around. Proof’s Leak-Loc® edges and the Quick-Wick liner held true: I did not leak, despite wearing this shifty pair overnight, but the lack of snug fit was just enough to make me subconsciously anxious I’d blot the bed. I’m certain that they’re perfect for anyone who likes a cheeky cut — I’m just not that girl.
Leakproof Lace Cheeky
shopproof.com
$37.00
When it comes to cost, proof underwear is pricier than its period-absorbing competitors. When it comes to sexy, lacey, high-quality absorbent underwear, I haven’t found a comparable product that comes anywhere close. In my opinion, for the quality it’s absolutely worth it either way. And if you “bundle” your purchase (that is, buy 3 or more pairs at once) you get 25% off, and will most likely meet the $50 minimum to qualify for free shipping. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want more than three pairs anyway.
They’re not just sexy and effective: wearing proof underwear can save you money on single-use sanitary products. Each year, approximately 19 billion pads and tampons are discarded each year, creating an environmental hazard and putting wildlife in danger. Save a turtle, wear a panty.
Can period panties completely replace pads and tampons?
Yes. In a short answer, yes.
Tampons come with a non-negotiable time limit — as a rule of thumb you shouldn't leave them in any longer than 8 hours, but most experts agree that 4-6 hours is a safer number. Period panties, however, can be worn all day without posing a drastic risk to your health. Depending on the strength of your flow and the absorbency level of the panty in question, you maybe won't WANT to keep the same pair on all day...but it won't potentially threaten your life to do so. Personally speaking, I had to switch out the first pair within 4 hours. I suggest switching pairs when you can actively feel wetness — that's a sign that the panty has absorbed all that it can.
But will period panties completely replace pads and tampons for me, forever? Almost. I'm pretty sure I'm done with pads, barring an emergency situation. Personally speaking though, on my heavier flow days, if I am forced to do something active like working out, I'll probably still use a tampon for the duration of the activity. But this is purely because a tampon prevents that unique squicky sensation that occurs when the lining of my womb slides down the inner wall of my vagina. I have full faith that proof panties would prevent any leaks, but the feeling itself is very distracting in the middle of, say, a game of tennis. Barring heavy physical activity however, it's period panties all the way.
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