Period underwear worth your time (of the month)
As our collective concern for the environment has grown, many women are beginning to realise that some sanitary products aren't very earth-friendly.
Enter: period underwear, a reusable solution that's quickly growing in popularity.
While many women are already incorporating period underwear into their cycle, there is still some hesitancy around them.
We've got all the answers you might be searching for – including which brand is the best, as chosen by our team of writers.
How do period undies work?
Period underwear is incredibly different to a cotton pad in that it's made of three layers of complex textile. The first layer is a knitted, moisture-wicking fabric with channels to allow the movement of fluid, then a highly absorbent middle layer beneath. The final layer is water-impermeable to stop any fluid from leaking onto your clothes.
The complex design of period undies ensures they're leak-proof and absorbent.
How often should you change period undies?
Similar to any other sanitary items, the answer will depend on your flow. While period undies can hold several tampons worth of fluid, on a heavier day you'll likely need to change them every 4-6 hours. On a lighter day, you can wear them for up to 12 hours.
They're a great option for sleeping, especially if you have a pair designed specifically for a heavy or moderate level of bleeding.
Are period undies reusable?
Absolutely! This is what makes them so great. You can wash your period undies after use and keep them on hand for the next day or next month. You can even wear them like normal underwear if you're in a pinch.
Rinse them and then wash them in a delicate cycle with cold water and they can last for up to two years. Just like with your regular underwear, you'll know when it's time for an upgrade.
How much liquid do period undies hold?
Period undies can hold one to five tampons worth of liquid, depending on their absorbency. You'll notice that most brands have heavy, moderate and light options.
Do you wear period undies with a tampon or pad?
It's not necessary, but it's up to you! You can choose to wear a tampon for added protection if your flow can sometimes catch you off guard or tick on a pad or a liner if it makes you more comfortable, especially overnight. But the undies are designed to catch the liquid and absorb it so you can generally go without.
How much do period undies cost?
Prices vary but you can get pairs from as little as $13.50 through to about $50. However, the higher price doesn't always equate to better quality.
While the upfront cost is much more than a packet of tampons or pads, the reusable nature of period undies will save you money in the long run and the impact on the environment is priceless.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Best overall period undies
Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Full Briefs
Bonds is a brand that comes up a lot, with their Bloody Comfy range offering a wide variety of colours, cuts and coverage. Their full briefs have a higher-rise cut than their bikini briefs, and have moderate and heavy coverage options available.
"From the moment I started buying my own underwear I've always leaned towards Bond. They are a classic brand for a reason! I wear their hipster bikini briefs most days, so I was always keen to try their bloody comfy period undies range," says Audience Editor, Jessica Chandra, who rates their range.
"I have two types: heavy and light. The 'heavy' ones are high-waisted and feel secure without added bulk, perfect for the first few days of my period. Then towards the end of my period I use my 'light' undies, which look and feel exactly like the hipster bikini briefs."
Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Bikini
These undies feature a lower rise and less material overall, which some might find more comfortable if the full briefs are too high-waisted. "Great coverage and no leakage or smell at all. Very thick," one reviewer shared on the Bonds website.
Best for sleeping in
Boody Period & Leak-proof Classic Bikini
A much-loved underwear brand, Boody is our top pick for sleeping.
They also have a full-brief and classic bikini cut, with a Light-Moderate and Moderate-Heavy option. You can also grab three pairs in one purchase with their Classic Bikini Essentials Kit.
"I have a pair of Boody period undies that I love, the fabric is super soft but even the light-moderate style is very full-coverage," says Features Writer, Maddison Leach.
"That can be great on heavy days or when you're wearing them overnight, but it can feel a bit much for lighter days."
Their fabrication is a big selling point for many Boody users.
"As a Boody super-fan, I can vouch for the Boody period undies. When comfort is essential, they deliver comfort in spades. They stay dry and fresh, and definitely don't feel bulky or saggy as you wear them," adds 9Product Reviews Editor, Carina Rossi.
"I wish these were around when I was a teen navigating my period for the first time – these look and feel like regular undies!"
Most affordable period undies
Love Luna Full Period Brief
Previously only available at supermarkets, Love Luna can now be bought on Amazon. Personally, I've used Love Luna for a few years now and can vouch for their lasting quality. My pairs have been around for over a year now, and I'm only just now beginning to notice signs of wear.
Other options available online
Scarlet Period Invisible Thong
Scarlet Period Swim Bikini Brief
B Free Intimate Apparel Cotton Moderate Flow Period Underwear
Puma x Modibodi Active Briefs
Modibodi Classic Boyleg - Light-Moderate
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