critères culottes menstruelles

6 criteria for choosing your ideal period panties

Written by: Camille Raynaud

|

Published on

|

Last updated on

|

Time to read 8 min

How do you find and choose the ideal period panties for your profile? This alternative to tampons is great but does come at a price! So you really don’t want to get it wrong! 

To help you out, we’ve listed 6 criteria we think are essential to find the perfect period panty. 

Because every woman is different, and every menstrual cycle is different, you need period panties tailored to you, your habits, and your flow.

How to choose period panties? What criteria should you consider to choose the best period panties? Louloucup helps you today to find the perfect period underwear for you!

Period underwear: it’s not always easy to find your way!

Teen with irregular periods, new mum dealing with postpartum bleeding, woman in perimenopause or super active athlete – in 2026 it’s not easy to find your way around the washable, reusable period protection market. A quick reminder is in order: 

Most of the time, period underwear brands present their styles by absorbency level: light, medium, heavy, etc.

You’ll also find distinct, very specific categories that meet particular needs: postpartum, teen, plus-size.

Some period panty styles are also grouped by look: thongs, strings, high‑waisted, seamless, etc.

Scenario no. 1: a young, active teenager with slightly irregular periods

For a teenager experiencing her first menstrual cycles (not yet very regular), we recommend: 

  • Choosing period protection that’s both reliable and discreet will reassure a teen who needs to feel reassured and confident when facing these changes. 
  • Don’t hesitate to test the period panty at home on a day off before wearing it to middle school or high school. 
  • Offer the teen a mix of solutions: cup, swimsuit, panties, washable pad. There isn’t just one answer! This is really the ideal time to test again and again before finding what truly works.
  • And what does that look like at Louloucup for a teen? For a teen with slightly irregular periods (so an uncertain flow), we can suggest: the Simone heavy-flow teen period panties (our absolute favourite, available from size 3XS) plus the Liv, Mathilde, Léa and Jade teen period panties (all €24.90 before bundle discounts). 

Scenario no. 2: adult woman with a heavy flow

For an adult woman with fairly heavy periods who wears a size L (EU 40), who is active and feminine, we recommend: 

  • Opt for pretty period panties for heavy or very heavy flow. 
  • If she’s feminine and likes lace and pretty details, we suggest: the Clara high‑waisted period panty for very heavy flow in size L, or the Mathilde period panty for very heavy flow in size L.
  • Don’t hesitate to mix different absorption levels. If she has a heavy flow, the end of her period will be lighter, so she can switch to a medium‑flow period panty.
  • Example of a custom bundle for an adult woman with a heavy flow: the Clara period panty (in size L) + the Leo, Mathilde, Fanny and Margot period panties.

Scenario no. 3: new mum between postpartum and the return of her period

  • For new mums, it’s essential to choose protection that’s very reliable, full-coverage, soft and extremely comfortable. 
  • We suggest the following bundle: the Clara, Mathilde, Liv and Jade very-heavy-flow period panties (Jade is our favourite for mums looking for softness) plus the Fanny heavy-flow period panties for a smooth return of your period.
culotte menstruelle critères
culotte menstruelle taille haute critère
culotte enstruelle grande taille critère

What criteria should you consider to choose and find the ideal period panty?

If the previous scenarios helped you understand our different styles a bit better, here are our final criteria for choosing your period panty

⦿ Clean composition

Users who switch to washable, long‑lasting period products do so because they no longer want to use tampons or disposable pads with obscure, questionable and much‑criticised ingredients. They want menstrual and hygiene products that are safe and respectful of their body, health and intimacy. And that’s only natural!

But the composition of menstrual underwear must be safe, clean and harmless – otherwise, what’s the point of investing?  

  • What fabrics are used? 
  • Are natural materials prioritised? 
  • Are analysis reports available? 
  • Is the brand transparent about fabrics, composition and manufacturing?

Louloucup has chosen transparency. On every product page, our customers can easily find the full composition. We clearly state the fabric content and percentages, both inside and outside the period panties. We also have our panties tested by independent laboratories. The results are available. That’s how we can proudly offer period underwear with no harmful substances and no silver nanoparticles.

Good to know


At Louloucup, you’ll only find washable period panties with a double layer and an inner lining in GOTS-certified organic cotton. Fabrics and materials vary depending on the style. You’ll find, among others, nylon, organic bamboo, polyamide, elastane, plumetis, etc. Note that: 

  • the lace and elastics are made in Spain,
  • the fabrics are Italian,
  • and the cotton comes from Turkey.

⦿ Absorption capacity

Another very important criterion when choosing the right period panties: their absorbency level. You need to pick one or more styles that match your menstrual flow. That goes without saying. But you still need to know your flow.

By choosing your washable period underwear according to the intensity of your flow and the nature of your period, you avoid the risk of leaks, saturation and stains.

Generally, period panties, shorts, thongs and other reusable hygiene underwear vary in absorbency. They can hold the equivalent of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 tampons. Light flow, medium flow, heavy flow or very heavy flow – there are several different period panty styles available.

Good to know


At Louloucup, you can find at a glance light‑flow period panties, medium‑flow period panties, heavy‑flow period panties and very heavy‑flow period panties so you can perfectly manage every type and intensity of flow!

⦿ Style and cut

A minor detail for some, looks are still a criterion to consider. Today, you can choose between many very different period panty styles. High-waisted, low-rise, with lacing, lace, plain black, striped prints, Liberty prints, seamless or colourful – you’re spoiled for choice, and that’s a good thing!

With period underwear, you can have your period and still feel pretty and sexy! It’s no longer impossible! You feel good and beautiful in underwear that flatters your curves while protecting you. The cut of the panties matters. High-waisted styles, for example, are perfect for hiding the little bloated tummy caused by menstruation.

Good to know


At Louloucup, many very different models are available with a feminine and sexy look. So which model will make you fall for it? We have a soft spot for the Naomi medium-flow period panties and the Margot high-waisted lace period panties. Feminine, solid black, very elegant models with beautiful details.

⦿ The size of the period underwear

Size is of course another key factor. Before ordering, check with the brand to see if their styles run true to size. Some styles tend to stretch out or shrink after a few wears. It’s important to know this to avoid nasty surprises.

Good to know


At Louloucup, we offer all our period panties from size XXXS (Simone teen style) up to size 5XL (for plus-size styles).

⦿ Habits, daily life, lifestyle

Sporty high-schooler? Busy working woman? Avid traveller? Mum-to-be or new mum? In perimenopause? Whatever your profile and needs, you’ll be able to find your ideal period underwear.

Your habits and lifestyle are also key criteria when choosing the right period panties.

An athlete who often wears tight sports leggings will love seamless, invisible period panties. New mums in full postpartum mode will be delighted with a super-heavy-flow style in soft organic cotton to handle intense post-birth bleeding.

Travellers facing long hours on planes or trains will look for a style that’s above all comfortable and practical. The more fashion-conscious will go for lacy, feminine designs – why not a menstrual thong? This light style really flatters your bum. In short, you’ve got it: what you do in your day influences which protection you should choose.

Good to know


Louloucup has thought of all women. The active and less active, the sporty, the travelers, the young and the not-so-young with sexy, comfortable, absorbent, modern, and well-cut models.
Discover without delay our different period panty models.

⦿ Price

Finally, one last important criterion: the price. It obviously needs to be affordable! When you want made in France and organic cotton, it’s hard to keep prices low. Yet some brands are committed to offering the best value for money, with no compromise between price and quality.

To buy your period panties at the best price, look out for special offers, sales, promos and discount codes. Packs or bundles are also a really good deal. They let you order several at once and get a significant discount.

Good to know


At Louloucup, period panties are available individually at €28.90. Creating a bundle helps you save money: for a set of 5 panties (all entirely of your choice), you save €30 – you basically get one panty free!

On top of that, shipping is always free with Louloucup, so go for it! Don’t hesitate any longer!

culotte menstruelle critères
culotte menstruelle taille haute critère
culotte enstruelle grande taille critère

In short.

Period panties are the ideal solution for you, your body and your period. They combine comfort, eco-friendliness and savings. By following these 6 criteria (composition, absorbency, cut, size, lifestyle, price), you’ll find the perfect style.

FAQ – finding your ideal period panties

How many period panties do you need to be properly equipped?

Louloucup recommends getting at least 5 period panties so you can rotate them easily. You can always order more later to top up if needed. 

Can you wear a period panty all night long?

Yes, as long as you choose a style with a double absorbent layer (4 to 5 tampons).

Can you play sports in period panties?

Absolutely! Seamless styles in breathable fabric are perfect for sport.

Do period panties smell bad?

No, not if they are washed properly and dried correctly. Natural fabrics (cotton, bamboo) help limit the bacteria responsible for bad odours.

Louloucup

Camille

I’ve been writing for Louloucup for several years now, and I love chatting about everything from period panties to grandma’s remedies for easing period pain! Every week I share my favorites and inspirations with one goal in mind: finally experiencing calm, stress-free periods! 🩷

To go further...

A pretty, organic, high‑quality and affordable period panty?