It’s the dreaded day two of your period and your flow is starting to get serious, but you’ve got places to be. You’d love to go full frump — and you certainly can, some days — but you need to dress it up now and then. The problem is that so many of your favorite outfits are too risky when there’s a chance of leakage or a visible pad. Here are some tips on how to style better during your period, so you can look your best even on the heaviest days.
Table of Contents
1. Period Underwear
The period panties of yore were often bulky, uncomfy, and hard to hide under ordinary clothes. The layers of heavy fabric were obvious under all but your thickest pairs of jeans, and they felt wet after just a few hours. Fortunately, newer period underwear brands are solving this problem with ultra-thin, ultra-technical, moisture-wicking fabrics. With some brands and styles, you can even wear period panties under your thinnest leggings, with no visible panty line.
If you’ve got an especially heavy flow, this still might not solve your problem on days one through three of your cycle. However, period panties make an amazing backup for use with an insertable, like a tampon, cup, or disc. Instead of layering with a bulky pad, you can try slim, seamless period panties for extra protection. With a few pairs of these in your wardrobe, you can wear just about any outfit you like throughout your period.
2. Bike Shorts
There are two types of women in this world: those who wear shorts under their skirts and dresses, and those with absolutely no fear. If you’re not already in the first category, it might be time to think about getting there on your heavy flow days. A good pair of dark-colored bike shorts under your skirt could mean the difference between dignity and flashing your pad on the dance floor. They can also keep you in the clear on stairs, fire escapes, and glass-bottom floors.
In addition to keeping your pad from making a guest appearance, shorts can also obscure your panty line entirely. They can also provide a solid backup against leaks, and even be worn commando if they’re specially-designed period shorts. Finally, if the shorts have pockets, they make a great place to stash extra supplies. That’s a real lifesaver if you’re at a concert or club and would rather leave your purse at home or at the coat check.
3. Jeans, Sweatpants, and Layering with Leggings
Sure, many period products are heavy-duty enough to let you wear thin leggings on heavier days. However, sometimes you just want the kind of peace of mind a few thicker layers can provide. For the heaviest days of your period, consider thicker fabrics like wool slacks, dark-colored jeans, or fleece-y joggers. If you feel like wearing something thinner and silkier, consider layering a pair of leggings or long underwear underneath.
The danger with ultra-thin, flowy pants styles, besides the obvious leaks and visible panty line, is incredibly awkward twisting and bunching. Your underwear slips around, your pad shifts and starts sticking to the leg of your pants. Before you know it, everything’s all tangled down there and the risk of leakage runs sky high. If you must wear these types of pants on heavy days, consider using an insertable in conjunction with a period short or panty.
5. Safety Accessories
When all else fails, you need a fallback method, so why not make it another fashion opportunity? Pair your outfit with a stylish scarf, a chunky hoodie or sweater, or a button-down shirt with extra long sleeves. Any of the above can be tied around your waist or wrapped around your body in a pinch to disguise a visible pad or ill-timed leak. Plan strategically enough, and your period accessory of choice can also add a dash of flair to your silhouette.
For the office, choose a long, dark scarf or pashmina, or an extra-long open-front cardigan or waterfall sweater. A Mexican rebozo or other traditional shawl can add a gorgeous dash of color while still offering the coverage you need. Or go slightly more casual with a linen, silk, or flannel button down around your waist. Outside the office, a regular old hoodie is the backup period disguise of choice — or, in an emergency, a strategically-positioned cross-body purse.
6. Pockets, Pockets, Pockets
Big, bulky pockets have gone in and out of fashion over the years, but their practicality never fades. A sturdy pair of cargo pants or shorts makes a great way to carry period necessities like backup period panties, tampons, and wet wipes. The extra-large, secure pockets also provide a place to hide stained underwear if you need to change them out. Plus, these types of pants are usually made of thick, heavy duty materials that can help hide leaks.
If you’re not a traditional cargo pants person, lots of newer athleisure styles have ample pockets. You can choose from sweatpants with velcro or zipper pockets, or try trail pants or travel pants with strategically hidden pockets. If you’re not sure where to start, try outdoorsy stores and websites, sportswear and athleisure brands, or army navy supply shops. Or wear your normal pants, and add a trendy hip pack, belt bag, or slim cross-body pouch.
Styling for Your Cycle
On your heaviest period days, there’s always the worry that whatever you wear won’t be enough. Sometimes it feels like the whole world can tell you’re on your period, and there’s nothing you can do to hide it. Even though you know it’s perfectly normal and natural to experience menstruation, it’s totally valid to feel a little self-conscious. Fortunately, with these simple tips and tricks, you can choose to be as discreet — or not — as you want.
