Menstrual Cup vs. Period Underwear: Which Protection Should You Choose?

Pads, tampons, panty liners, washable pads, menstrual discs, and now period underwear and menstrual cups—women and teens today have lots of options to stay comfortable during their periods! 


This time of the month and menstrual cycle, often dreaded and feared, is undergoing a real revolution! With the arrival of durable, washable period products on the market, everything has changed!  


Women and girls can now invest in quality menstrual products that they can reuse again and again, cycle after cycle. This is great news for both their wallets and the planet!  


But which one should you choose? Cup or underwear? Menstrual cup or absorbent underwear? With so many eco-friendly innovations and ultimate comfort options, it’s a real question: menstrual cup or period underwear? Choosing the right menstrual product that fits your personal needs and preferences is important. With this comparison guide, you’ll find all the information you need on our two flagship products at Louloucup: the panty and the cup.

In this article

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🌷 The menstrual cup

Menstrual cups have made a strong comeback in recent years. Yet this feminine, intimate protection has been around for a long time. Practical, reliable, and comfortable, the cup has plenty of advantages!

🩷 What is a menstrual cup?

The menstrual cup, also known as a “cup,” is an internal menstrual protection. Designed to be inserted into the vagina, it collects menstrual blood without exposing it to air. This small, bell-shaped device is made of medical-grade silicone, is flexible, and folds for easy insertion. Once in place, it stays put and you won’t even feel it. 


At Louloucup, two models are available: the classic pink menstrual cup and the soft turquoise menstrual cup. Each model comes in two sizes (small and medium) to suit everyone’s needs, from young girls who are still virgins to more experienced women who have given birth vaginally, for example.

🩷 How does the cup work?

A menstrual cup works very simply: after it’s been sterilized (either in a sterilizer or in boiling water for 5 minutes), it’s inserted into the vagina.

Once in place, its unique, patented shape creates a natural seal that prevents leaks while discreetly and hygienically collecting menstrual flow. This solution provides effective protection for all your daily activities—even swimming!

You should empty and rinse your cup about every 6 hours. At the end of your period, be sure to clean, sterilize, and store it in a pouch away from dust.

🌷 The benefits of menstrual cups

🩷 Eco-friendly and budget-friendly


By choosing a menstrual cup, you can say goodbye to disposable tampons and pads that generate a lot of non-recyclable, polluting waste. Made from high-quality medical-grade silicone, the cup is reusable for several years, making it an eco-friendly solution. In short, it’s a great investment! 


🩷 Comfort and discretion


Once properly positioned, the menstrual cup is unnoticeable. It offers complete discretion, especially for those who want to play sports or swim without worrying about their protection. Whether under tight sports leggings or a swimsuit, no one can tell you’re wearing a cup! 


High absorbency


Suitable for both normal and heavy flows, the Louloucup menstrual cup has a generous reservoir. So even on your heaviest days, you’re well protected for long hours at a stretch.


🩷 Adaptability

Available in two sizes, the Loulou cup adapts to different body types and each woman’s sensitivity, whether you’re young or have already experienced several menstrual cycles.


🌷 The drawbacks of menstrual cups

🩷 Learning and insertion


Inserting and removing the cup can be a challenge for some, especially at first. It takes some time to get used to the technique and find the right position to prevent leaks or discomfort.

🩷 Not suitable for extended overnight use


For safety reasons (especially to avoid toxic shock syndrome), it’s recommended not to wear a cup for more than 6 hours at a time, which limits its use overnight. For a peaceful night’s sleep, other options like period underwear can be considered.


🩷 Individual sensitivity


Some women may feel initial discomfort due to their anatomy. It’s important to take the time to find the model and size that work best for you.

🧶 Period underwear

You absolutely can’t tell a regular panty from a period panty. But washable underwear has a real advantage: inside the lining, there’s an ultra-absorbent membrane sewn in. This dense, high-tech fabric captures menstrual flow extremely efficiently. It’s like having a super sanitary pad sewn right into your underwear.

🌿 What is period underwear?

The period underwear is an incredibly practical hygiene product. It’s worn during your period, but that’s not all. Many women use period panties to catch vaginal discharge, light bladder leaks, or even postpartum to absorb lochia. 
Period lingerie comes in a wide variety of styles and cuts to suit everyone: briefs, boxers, tangas, thongs, high-waisted panties, boyshorts, and more. 

🌿 The different styles available at Louloucup

At Louloucup, a French brand known for quality period products, several styles of period underwear are available to suit different menstrual flows—and user preferences. 


For heavy or very heavy flow, discover a range of varied, well-cut, elegant, thin, and ultra-absorbent underwear. Our favorite? Definitely the Clara period underwear! This black high-waisted lace period panty is irresistible and super effective, even for managing heavy bleeding caused by a copper IUD. 


For medium or normal flow, discover a wide and varied range of women’s underwear for every taste. Our personal favorite? The Margot menstrual underwear model. Available in sizes XS to XXXL, Margot is high-waisted and features a beautiful fine black lace waistband. Its detailed, delicate lace ensures both comfort and support, while enhancing your figure. It’s very discreet (with flat seams and fine nylon fabric) but still absorbs normal menstrual flow effectively (equivalent to 2 to 3 tampons). You can go through your day stress-free, with no leaks or discomfort. The inner fabric is made of 95% organic cotton, offering unmatched softness against your skin.


For light flows or vaginal discharge, we recommend our range of menstrual thongs. Thin, delicate, and lightweight, these styles use minimal fabric—they're irresistible and stunning! Our favorite? The Mia menstrual panty for light flow, available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL. 


Among these, the Margot model stands out for medium flows. The Margot underwear is made from quality materials, combining elegance and effectiveness.

🧶 The benefits of period underwear

🌿 Easy to use


Unlike the cup, period underwear is used just like any other underwear. No complicated learning curve: just wear it and change it as needed.


🌿 All-day comfort


Period underwear offers effective protection without the need for any adjustments during the day. You don’t have to worry about inserting or removing anything, making it an ideal solution for daily use or long outings.


🌿 Versatility


It’s perfect for active women, teens, and even those who play sports. For women with a moderate flow, it lets you enjoy your day to the fullest without compromising on comfort or safety.


🌿 Eco-friendly solution


Just like menstrual cups, period underwear helps reduce waste from disposable products. It’s part of a zero-waste, sustainable approach.


🧶 The drawbacks of period underwear

🌿 Initial investment


The purchase price of period underwear can be higher than that of a cup. Plus, to cover a full cycle, you often need several pairs, which can mean a significant initial investment. At Louloucup, we recommend starting with five pairs of period underwear. Our custom bundle with a sliding scale price is perfect for beginners. 


🌿 Special care


To maintain their effectiveness, period panties need to be washed by hand or machine according to specific instructions. Regular care is essential to ensure their durability and hygiene.


🌿 Limited capacity for very heavy flows


Although very effective for moderate flow, some period panties may reach their limit with very heavy flow. In this case, it may be wise to combine the panty with another protection or choose a model specifically designed for heavy flow.


Detailed comparison: menstrual cup vs. period underwear

To help you better visualize the differences between these two products, here’s a detailed comparison of the key features:


Criteria

Menstrual Cup

Period Underwear

How to use

Internal protection requiring manual insertion and removal

Worn just like regular underwear, no internal handling required

Adaptability

Two models (classic and flexible) in two sizes

Several models for different flows (light, medium, heavy)

Comfort

Very comfortable once properly positioned, but requires a bit of learning

Immediate comfort, design tailored to hug your shape

Absorption capacity

High capacity, suitable for normal and heavy flows

Effective for medium flow; some models are specifically designed for heavy flow

Easy care

Regular cleaning (sterilization needed every 4 to 6 hours)

Machine or hand washable, easy everyday care

Cost

A one-time investment that lasts for years

You may need to buy several pairs to cover your full cycle.

Environmental impact

Reusable, drastically reduces disposable waste

Reusable and eco-friendly, but be sure to care for it properly to ensure durability

Overnight use

Not recommended (do not leave in for more than 6 hours without removal)

Perfect for nighttime—no need to change during sleep

Which option for which situation?

🌸 For teens and first-time users 

Period underwear can be an ideal option since it doesn’t require complicated internal handling. You can go through your period with peace of mind from the start, without the stress of insertion.


🌸 For active and sporty women


The menstrual cup offers unmatched discretion and freedom of movement. It’s especially popular for swimming and sports thanks to its capacity and comfort when properly positioned.


🌸 Perfect for nighttime or on the go


If you’re looking for protection for sleeping or for long, uninterrupted days, period underwear is probably your best option. Its simple use and moisture-wicking ability make it the ideal ally for nighttime.


🌸 For heavy flows 


Both cups and period underwear have their benefits. The menstrual cup, thanks to its large reservoir, is perfect for heavy flows, while some heavy flow period underwear also offer effective protection. You can even choose a combo pack to enjoy the advantages of both!

😇 A quick word about our brand, Louloucup

Louloucup is, above all, the story of a close-knit mother-daughter duo who decided to reinvent period protection. Their goal? To offer healthy, stylish, and eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional products found in supermarkets. 


Louloucup started by launching ultra-comfortable menstrual cups and then expanded its range with period underwear, including panties specially designed to hold menstrual flow. Today, Louloucup continues the journey by offering users period swimwear, as well as firm, comfortable shapewear


At Louloucup, the idea is simple: to offer women reliable period protection that’s gentle on their bodies and the environment.

Special FAQ: menstrual cups and period underwear

1. Which protection is most cost-effective in the long run?

In the long run, the menstrual cup is very economical since it can be used for several years. Even though the initial investment is slightly higher than buying disposable products, the savings over time (and the reduced environmental impact) make it a very cost-effective option.

2. What’s the most eco-friendly protection?

Both options offered by Louloucup (cup and period underwear) are eco-friendly. They significantly reduce waste compared to disposable tampons and pads. However, the menstrual cup, thanks to its long lifespan and repeated use, often stands out as the most environmentally friendly solution.

3. Which of the two products is more comfortable?

The answer depends on your profile and preferences. The menstrual cup provides absolute comfort once placed correctly, but it can take some getting used to for some people. Period underwear, on the other hand, guarantees immediate comfort and is easy to use, making it an ideal solution for those looking for protection without internal insertion.

4. How do you choose the right size cup or period panty?

For the menstrual cup:


Louloucup offers two sizes (small and medium). When choosing, consider several factors such as your age, profile (teen, mom, etc.), and personal comfort. If you’re unsure, you can check the size guide on the website or contact customer service.


For period underwear:


All Louloucup models are available in multiple sizes, from XS to XXXL, and sometimes XXS or 5XL. It’s recommended to refer to the Louloucup sizing guide and, if possible, try different models to find the best fit for your body.


5. Where can I buy these high-quality hygiene products?

You can check out and buy the Louloucup menstrual cup and explore the full range of menstrual panties on the Louloucup website. Each product is designed to offer comfort, safety, and impeccable eco-friendly standards.

To sum up: cup or underwear?

After this long comparison between the two types of washable and reusable period protection, our best advice is to trust your instincts, test things out, be patient with yourself and your body, and have confidence! 


It’s really important to find reliable period protection you can trust. Beyond your flow, comfort, and absorbency, choosing the right hygiene solution is very personal and mostly comes down to how you feel. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, your flow, and your personal preferences.


Whether you choose a cup or period underwear, either way you’ll revolutionize your relationship with your period and shake up your menstrual routine with these menstrual products. In a good way, we promise! 


Better ingredients, savings, comfort—there are plenty of advantages. The choice between a menstrual cup and period underwear mainly depends on your personal preferences, your flow, and your lifestyle.


What if you didn’t have to choose? What if you got both types of protection so you could switch between them and wear whichever one you want, depending on your mood or needs?


Why not wear a cup during the day and period underwear at night? Or, for those who are more anxious about leaks, why not wear both a cup and period underwear?


The best advice is to try both options. Many women choose to alternate: a cup for when they want discretion and freedom, and period underwear for days when comfort and simplicity are key.

To wrap up, here are a few key points to remember

  • The menstrual cup is a very economical and eco-friendly internal solution. It’s perfect for active women, athletes, and those looking for a sustainable alternative to disposable products. However, it does require some learning to use properly and isn’t recommended for extended overnight use.

  • Menstrual underwear offers unmatched ease of use and immediate comfort, making it ideal for daily life, nighttime, or for those who prefer to avoid any internal products. While it may require a larger initial investment and regular care, it remains a reliable way to manage your flow discreetly and effectively.