For generations, we were told that leaks and discomfort were a normal part of menstruation. A messy rite of passage you just had to deal with. But thankfully, things have changed.Women began to realise the real problem wasn’t their bodies, but the one-size-fits-all approach to period products. For pads, different shapes and lengths were developed. For tampons, we learned about choosing the right absorbency level. For menstrual cups, it became a conversation about the right diameter to match the cervix height and vaginal width. Similarly, for period panties, the ultimate secret to success is the waist size. Getting the panty to sit just right at your waist is key to unlocking a truly leakproof and super comfy period. So let’s learn a bit more about period panty sizing and how you can find “the one”.
Does Sizing Really Affect How Period Panties Work?
Yes, when a period panty sits snugly against your body, it does its job perfectly, leaving no room for chafing or gaps for leaks to escape.
Good-quality period panties, like Nua’s 360° Comfort Period Panties, are made with a multi-layered gusset (the absorbent bit in the middle). This means they aren’t just a single piece of fabric, they’re more like a high-tech sandwich of different materials, each with a specific job to do. This is what truly makes them a game-changer (read more here).
- The Top Layers: They sit against your skin and pull moisture away from your body as quickly as possible, leaving you dry and fresh.
- The Middle Layers: They’re made from super-absorbent materials that lock away the menstrual fluid.
- The Bottom Layers: They’re your ultimate safety net of water-resistant material that helps prevent leakage.
Now, for this multi-layer system to work effectively, the panty needs to sit against your body just right.
It’s kinda like the Goldilocks and the three bears situation.
A period panty that’s too loose? You risk leaks, defeating the whole purpose.
Too tight? You’ll be uncomfortable with possible chafing and digging.
Just right? You’ll experience a level of period comfort so freeing, you might even forget you’re wearing them.
How Can You Measure Your Period Panty Size?
To measure your period panty size, you simply have to measure your waist. This is because a good period panty, like Nua’s, is often high-waisted to give you 360-degree protection and absorbency. So, for them to work comfortably, they need to sit perfectly at your natural waist.
Here’s how to find the right waist size for your period panty:
- Stand up straight, relax your stomach (no need to suck your tummy in) and bend to one side.
- As you bend, a crease will form, which is basically your natural waistline. It should be the narrowest part of your torso.
- Wrap a measuring tape around it, but don’t pull it tight, making sure the tape is parallel to the floor.
- The tape should be snug, but you should still be able to fit one finger between the tape and your body.
- Jot down the number you see and there, that’s your waist, aka period panty, size. Yep, it’s that simple!
Once you’ve got your number, open the period panties sizing guide and simply find your waist measurement on it. To make sure there’s a period panty for every body, Nua’s 360° Comfort Period Panties range from S to XXXL, covering sizes from 22 inches to 52 inches.
If you’re still a bit confused about how to measure the waist circumference, watch this video for a more visual guide.
Help! I’m Between Sizes!
If your waist measurement puts you on the cusp of two sizes, you can either size up or down, based on your needs and body type. Some women prefer to size down, as a snug fit is important to them for leak protection. Plus, period panties do come with a stretch, so sizing down a little doesn’t really make the panties dig into you.
However, if you know you have fuller hips or thighs, or you simply prefer a more relaxed fit, sizing up might be the more comfortable choice for you.
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How Do You Know Your Period Panty Size is Perfect for You?
When your new period panties arrive, here’s how to know if you’ve found “the one”:
- The Waistband: It should sit comfortably at your natural waist without rolling down or digging in. It should basically feel like a nice, cosy hug.
- The Leg Openings: There should be no gaps between the panty and your thighs. Do a few squats to make sure that the fabric moves with you and stays put.
- Overall Feel: The panty should feel snug and secure all over, but not like a tight elastic tied around you. You want to feel held, not squeezed.
Say Yes to the Period Panty!
The best kind of period care is the one that doesn’t make you choose between leak-proof security and feeling good in your own skin.
Because with period products, anything that’s even a little out of place can set off a domino effect of discomfort, anxiety and restricted movement. A perfect fit stops that chain reaction before it even begins, leaving you free to move, stretch and live your life without a second thought.
So go on, grab that measuring tape and get ready to find your perfect period panty. Have any more questions? Check out our comprehensive period panty guide here. And if you have a sizing tip you swear by? Share it in the comments below.
