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Period undies used to always irk me. Before I tried them, I thought they were just a glorified nappy for you to leak into and marinate in… gross. But boy, was I wrong. Period undies are fantastic.
If you haven’t tried period underwear before, allow me to explain. They feel like regular undies with a slightly thicker, absorbent layer that runs along the bottom of the undies and catches your cycle. There’s no leakage, heaviness, or icky feeling — you can just go about your day. At the end of it, you just rinse the undies before throwing them in the washing machine. Pretty cool, right?
From cult-fave brands like Bonds releasing period knicker lines left, right and centre to new brands like Hey Zomi throwing their hat in the ring, there’s a whole lot of different types out there. From full-coverage bikini briefs to g-bangers suited to lighter days, period undies have come a looong way from the awkwardly-fitting styles from a decade ago.
To help weed out the good from the bad, we road tested some new and old brands alike to find out what period undies are actually worth your hard-earned dosh. So, let’s dive right in, shall we?!
X Period Underwear Brands That Are Bloody Comfy
Hey Zomi
“I’m no stranger to Hey Zomi. I tried their menstrual discs around three years ago, and wasn’t a fan — I just can’t get the hang of using a disc, they’re very different to a menstrual cup. Anyway, the brand’s period undies are a whole different story. They have both a bikini brief and a midi brief, and both are great. I alternate between the two depending on how heavy my flow is, since the midi brief has a slightly higher absorbency level. I also like the scallop trim around the edge; it makes me feel like I’m wearing a cute pair of undies rather than granny panties.” — Alyssa
TOM Organic
I feel like Tom Organic is one of those period care brands that doesn’t get their flowers as much as the others — and they should! Their bikini brief period undies are great for moderate flow days or to be worn overnight. Made from organic cotton, they absorb up to two tampons worth of blood, so are safe to be worn all day long without leaks.
Bonds
“I’m actually obsessed with period undies. They’ve been an absolute game-changer for me. I feel like my periods are shorter because I’m not plugging my body with a wad of cotton. They’re also super comfy, easy to wash and cheap enough that I have a pair for every day of my period. I also sized up for extra comfort because the girl in the store told me to, and she was bang on!” — Bree
Modibodi
“I like not having to use any sanitary products, better for the environment (I think) and my wallet (definitely). I actually found I cramped less than when I was using tampons.” — Elise
“I got some light-moderate and some heavy-overnight [period undies from Modibodi]. I really love them — I tried and failed with menstrual cups, so these have been an awesome alternative. The only thing is that I’m finding that the stitching is coming loose in some areas, and I was hoping they’d last a bit longer than that, as they’re quite expensive. But then again, I suppose they get a decent amount of wear and tear, so maybe it’s expected. Not sure.” — Zara
“I used the seamfree full brief on the first ‘full’ day of my period and was pleasantly surprised. The undies seemed a great option for somebody unable to wear tampons due to a sexual disorder — but has never really been sold on the pads option. I didn’t necessarily feel as if I was on my period, as I usually do. Regarding how they are like to wear, they feel like a comfortable swimsuit, but warmer and more snug, if that makes sense. I’ll definitely be getting more. Something is relieving about not needing to constantly be ripping and peeling a pad from a worn-out pair of baggy undies, that’s for sure.” — Madison
“I get light to medium periods, which their boyleg style caters for, but I also get the odd day or two of, uh, torrential. Which I’m oddly proud to say these bad boys deal with like a dream. No leaking, no squelchy feeling, and they look like bike pants. It really doesn’t feel at all like wearing a pad either; they really don’t feel thick at all. That’s a thumbs up from me.” — Kassia
Love Luna
“I always wanted to try period undies but, at the time, could only find them online and kept forgetting to order them. Then I found these at Woolies, and they’re so comfy, so affordable, and you can grab a pair while you pick up your period comfort food at the same time.” — Evie
“It’s not recommended, but sometimes I wear the Love Luna undies to the beach (on the last couple of days of my period), and they blend in super well as togs. BEWARE THO: if you plan on going swimming, wear them with caution bc water DOES get stuck in there, and you have to do a weird little dance while you’re immersed underwater to get it out without anyone noticing.” — Kairavi
Boody
You want the comfiest pair of period underwear that lets your cooch breathe? Hello, Boody’s full brief is right up your alley. This one’s only a moderate/light flow but holds my first and second day’s heavy flow like a certified champ. Zero leakage!!! I’ve tried a couple of period undies from different brands but I promise these are the softest, cosiest ones yet. All Boody pairs are made from bamboo, which is an all-natural fibre that does a great job at eliminating lingering odours as well. Oh, and did you know bamboo fibre gets softer and softer the more that it’s washed? That’s right, it only gets better. – Bella
Enjoy your new sustainable period care, bestie!
Image: Love Luna / @miastevenson / Modibodi
