They are training pants, not panties.  We call them panties though! They had a reinforced, slightly padded midsection.  It washes nicely and the padded section puffs right up in the dryer.  Like someone else said, they are designed to hold leaks, not full on pee/poop.  We are in the beginning of really potty training, and she has messed them a few times.  No big deal, just tell her it's okay and put a diaper on her.  Really, we use these as a reward for when she just used the potty.  If she hasn't used it lately we don't put them on for fear of an accident.  She feels like a big girl when she gets to wear them!  I would buy them again.