Why is my period underwear leaking, and what should I do about it?

In recent years, period underwear has become a fantastic alternative to disposable period products (tampons and pads)! This new intimate protection is durable, reusable, and has some serious advantages.

While period underwear is a very reliable period product, it can still leak.

Why does my period underwear leak? What can I do about it? Is period underwear really right for me? How can I prevent leaks? Are leaks really avoidable?

Possible causes of leaks

The menstrual underwear you chose isn’t suited to your flow.

This is the most common reason. The period underwear you’re wearing isn’t suitable or sized to optimally capture and retain your flow. As a result, the panty’s absorbent layer gets saturated. The flow can’t be stored properly anymore and leaks out. Leaks are then unavoidable.

To pick the right period underwear for your flow, we highly recommend reading our article: Which period underwear to choose for your flow?

Poor maintenance

Another possible cause for leaks: improper care of your absorbent underwear. Maybe you’ve used a detergent that’s too harsh or too chemical, which has damaged the fabrics and absorbent membrane. Overheating during drying can also reduce absorbency.

For the best way to wash your period underwear, we highly recommend our article: Washing Your Period Underwear—Tips and Advice.

The wrong size/style

Stains on your pajamas or workout leggings? You probably picked the wrong style for your activity.

We’ll help you find the perfect period panties for you: How to choose your period panties?

Tips to prevent leaks: prevention and explanation

Know your flow, know your body, know your period

Before buying a period underwear, you need to know your menstrual flow. To do this, you can observe and measure it. You might need moderate flow underwear for the first and last days of bleeding, but heavy or very heavy flow underwear for the two peak days. Every woman is different, and every menstrual cycle is unique.

How to care for your period underwear

You should also follow care instructions and use the right techniques: rinse with cold water, machine wash at a maximum of 30°C on a short cycle, use gentle detergent, no fabric softener, no tumble drying, and air dry without direct heat.

Choosing the right panty

Depending on your activity, you need to pick the right underwear. For a peaceful night and restful sleep, we recommend a wide, highly absorbent pair of panties that can hold your flow while lying down (with the pad well spread out at the front and back). The same goes for your workout.
Avoid the menstrual thong or the pretty lace menstrual panties, and choose period underwear designed for sports: seamless, invisible, and extra absorbent so it stays put during movement.

Quick recap of all the benefits of period underwear

High absorbency

The period brief is highly absorbent intimate underwear. It’s designed to collect menstrual flow optimally. A highly absorbent membrane (with a high absorption capacity) is sewn into the panty and extends from the front to the back. This layer captures, absorbs, and holds blood without swelling or leaking.

Eco-friendly

This menstrual product is durable, reusable, and washable. Its biggest advantage in 2024 is being eco-friendly and producing zero waste. No more unrecyclable plastic wrappers filling up your trash every month! Period underwear is green!

Good for your health

Menstrual underwear is healthy for your body. Its composition is clear and transparent. We use clean, certified, and tested fabrics. No toxic agents, no pollutants or endocrine disruptors, no pesticides, and no petrochemical residues.

Comfort above all

Period underwear is a gentle and super comfortable menstrual protection. It feels great to put on and wear, day or night. Unlike tampons or pads that can irritate, with this washable protection, you can breathe! No bad odors or damp feeling.

Inclusive and for all women

Period panties can be worn by teens, women going through perimenopause, and new moms in the postpartum period!

Variety of styles and shapes

Finally, let’s remember that period underwear comes in a wide variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and cuts to suit everyone and fit all body types: menstrual boxer, menstrual thong, menstrual shorty, high-waisted menstrual panties, plus-size menstrual panties, and more.

Louloucup period underwear

All Louloucup’s feminine and hygiene products are durable and ethical, respectful of women’s bodies as well as the environment. They all feature characteristics and options that demonstrate their quality: lined with certified organic cotton (Oeko-Tex standard), softness, comfort, and more. Some of our underwear styles are so absorbent, they can even handle urinary leaks.

Louloucup is also an inclusive French brand with a wide range of sizes so that every woman, every body, every shape is included and never left out.

We’d like to remind you that our large collection of period panties is designed for all women, young and old, and for every body type, from XXS to 5XL (depending on the style and available stock).

Alternatives to tampons, our protection offers maximum comfort day and night, and reliable security even for the heaviest flows. Period panties and cups? Your best allies against leaks.