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The U.S. is experiencing atampon shortage, as cotton and plastic are in short supply.

Young woman wearing blue underwear while standing alone against a studio background.

jacoblund via Getty Images

Its also a surprisingly reasonable option for your wallet.

What should you look for in period underwear?

Trust us: Its easier to swap these into your rotation than you might think.

person wearing leakproof high waisted brief

How does period underwear work?

Similar to apad, menstrual underwear has extra layers of absorbent fabric located in the gusset.

Some brands also add an antimicrobial layer to keepvaginal odorsat bay.

person in high waisted underwear

How do you care for period underwear?

Period underwear is machine-washable in cold water with all of your other laundry.

(No, the blood will not leak into the rest of your clotheswe promise.

person in high waisted underwear

But if youre stressed about this, they can be easily hand-washed too.)

The most important thing?

Dont toss em in the dryer.

person in full brief

Thanks to quick-drying fabrics, most pairs will air-dry overnight.

Theyre sure to help quell your worries about not being able to find tampons.

Here are some other tips onhow to deal with the tampon shortage.

person in leakproof thong

These babies are ideal for overnight andheavier flowdays, as the pads in the gusset are longandwide.

Leakproof High Waisted Brief

Proof.

Knix, Proof, and Thinx thongs are made with super-thin quick-drying fabric.

person in leak proof thong

For a sexier look, turn to Saalts thong, which has lace detailing around the waistband.

The high-absorbency boyshorts from Bambody, Thinx, and Saalt are great for heavy days.

Knixs lace-back boyshorts are a more elegant option for the days when you need a little sartorial pick-me-up.

person in light flow period thong

(you might also find period-proof leggings andswimwear…just sayin.)

We love leakproof shorts because theyre gender neutral and supremely comfortable for lounging.

Pro tip: All of these make excellentsleep shorts.

person in leakproof thong

Bikinis are often a little more cheeky than other period underwear styles.

Theyre comfy, basic options forevery day of your period.

Each of these picks has a snug fit and wide band, plus plenty of colors to choose from.

person in boy shorts

Bambody Absorbent Hipster

Proof.

Hazels High and Dry Briefs are designed for folks managing incontinence and periods.

Raels undies are similar, with a shirred cotton blend to form to your body.

person in cotton boyshorts

person in leak proof boyshorts

person in leakproof boyshort

person in black boxers

person in anti-chafing short

person in leakproof shorts

leakproof boxer briefs

person in period underwear

person in leakproof boost bikini

person in lace bikini

person in clasp bikini

person in hipster underwear

person in hipster underwear

person in french cut underwear

person in hipster period panty

person in high waisted briefs

person in cotton disposable underwear