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Because tampons and pads aren't for everyone.

When it comes to period protection, tampons and pads have been the obvious choice for years. But with tampon shortages and a general desire to just have more options, period panties have become more popular recently.

According to the global research company Absolute Reports, the period panty market is expected to grow by an impressive 31.3 percent from 2021 through 2027. While they're still not as commonly used as tampons and pads, period panties—which are better for the environment than their more popular counterparts—are clearly making their mark.

Still, it's understandable to have some questions about what these are, how they work, and which are the best period panties out there. Here's what you need to know.

In case you're not familiar with them, period panties are underwear that have a special layer of absorbent material that collects blood, explains Jessica Shepherd, MD, an ob-gyn in Texas and founder of Sanctum Med Wellness. That layer "also prevents the fluid from being close to the vaginal skin," she says.

Like menstrual pads and tampons, there are various styles of period panties out there. "There are different levels of absorbency and designs," says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. "There are a lot of options."

There are a few options for use. "You can wear them as an added layer of protection when you're using a tampon, or you can wear them alone," Greves says.

Most period panties have a layer of absorbent material to capture and trap menstrual blood, and each is designed to handle a certain level of flow, Greves explains. With that, you'll want to change out your period underwear during the day, similar to what you would do if you were using a tampon or pad.

Every company has different instructions for cleaning their period panties. But, in general, you'll want to rinse them out, and then you can either hand wash them or toss them in your washing machine and run them on a delicate cycle. It's usually recommended that you let them hang dry versus putting them in your washer to help preserve the elasticity.

Technically, anyone can use period panties, says women's health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. But, in general, "they are good for people who don't want to use tampons," she says. Period panties can also be helpful for "heavy bleeders that might need another barrier when using tampons or pads," Shepherd says.

But, that said, period panties may not be the best choice for everyone to be worn alone on heavier flow days, Wider says. "Sometimes they need to be changed, which can be tough if you are out and about," she points out. They're also not ideal for things like swimming, Greves says.

But if you're looking for an alternative to tampons and pads, or just a way to feel more confident on heavier flow days, experts say that period panties are worth considering. "They are safe and effective," Wider says. "Definitely give it a try if you are wondering about it. It comes down to preference and can be a game-changer for some people."

Interested in trying out period panties? These are the best options out there.

Thinx looks and feels like regular underwear while offering the protection you need. These panties—which range in size from extra-small to 4x—neutralize odor, so you won't walk around smelling like eau de period. A full-coverage fit and lacy waistband make for an overall look and fit you can feel good about. Choose from moderate, super, and heavy flow options.

Even Victoria's Secret has gotten in on the period panty game. This thong, made by the company's Pink line, is specially designed for lighter flow days. It can hold up to half of a regular tampon's worth of blood and is best used when your period is just starting or wrapping up. It features a moisture-wicking gusset and antimicrobial technology to get rid of odor-causing bacteria. Choose from a wide range of colors and patterns.

Knix's Super Leakproof Boyshorts have a hefty capacity—these undies can hold up to eight tampons' worth of period blood. The panties are in a boyshort style, giving you full coverage all around. The gusset features four layers of protection, including an antimicrobial layer to trap and hold in blood. The outer layer is crafted from a mix of spandex and nylon for a second-skin fit and feet.

KT By Knix is specially designed for teens. The brand's bikini briefs come in fun prints like the Seas the Day Dots (pictured) and have a lacy trim for an overall look that's a serious upgrade from most people's period panties. The panties are designed with three layers: a moisture-wicking, antibacterial layer to pull away moisture; a thin, absorbent layer to hold up to eight tampons' worth of blood; and a third liquid-resistant layer to prevent leaks.

Saalt period panties are created with cotton and a little elastane for a soft, breathable feel. They're designed for regular flow days (so, it's best to go elsewhere for heavy protection). An absorbent polyester gusset can hold up to two pads or three regular tampons' worth of blood. Sizes run from XS to XXL, and you can pick up these panties in up to a seven-pack.

This three-pack of period panties is just $25, giving you three times the coverage at the same price as you'd pay for one of the competition's panties. This underwear holds two tampons' worth of blood and has a special front and rear layer to prevent leaks. Made of modal and spandex, this underwear creates a sleek silhouette. Choose from four different color packs.

Whether you're traveling or just don't feel like going through the process of regularly washing out period panties, this disposable underwear from Rael is a good option. It's essentially a hybrid of a pad and period underwear for extra coverage. And, while it was created to be worn overnight, it can be used for heavier flow days. (Rael also makes disposable underwear for lighter flows.) A four-layer core holds up to four pads' worth of blood.

Like Rael, the Always ZZZ underwear is designed for overnight use. But plenty of Amazon shoppers swear these period panties are great for daytime coverage, too. Each pair can absorb up to five pads worth of blood, and their stretchy material makes for a comfortable fit. Simply wear them when you need protection and toss them in the trash when you're done.

Modibodi's collaboration with Puma created an activewear thong that holds up to a tampon's worth of blood. It's made from recycled polyester for a smooth, stretchy fit. A wide logo waistband adds a fun twist to these athletic undies while mesh panels lend a sporty feel. Anti-microbial treatments keep your underwear smelling fresh, even through workouts.

Aerie's period underwear pack gives you a little of everything—a printed panty and a plain panty—so you can wear your underwear under just about everything. Made of stretchy cotton fabric, these panties are incredibly soft and comfortable. The moisture-wicking gusset holds up to two tampons of fluid, making these panties ideal for light- to medium-flow days.