If there’s one product I’ve seen constantly popping up these days, it’s period undies. From cult-fave brands releasing knicker lines left, right and centre to new brands throwing their hat in the ring everyday, the menstrual product sector is nothing short of a party, that’s for sure.
The upside to that is that there’s new innovations and new designs (for us as consumers to choose from) being developed everyday. This means we have more of a chance at finding the right period undies for us. But, on the flip side of that coin, we have a bigger chance of buying a dud, too.
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?!
Boody
Boody Full Brief Light to Moderate, $25.95
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
AWWA
AWWA Tencel Period Boxer Brief, $39
“One thing that irks me is sleeping with bunchy pads when I’m on my period, and because I haven’t graduated to one of those period cups yet, I’ve been really enjoying using these period boxer briefs as a good middle-of-the-road alternative. They feel just like soft bike shorts and don’t leak because the spongy insert goes right up the back of the briefs to collect any blood that might try to make a ghastly escape as you switch positions throughout the night. The brand is also B-Corp certified and has really strong sustainable values if you’re trying to be more ethical with your spending.” — Tiffany
Cotton On x TOM Organic
Tom Organic X Body Bodyleg Period Undies was $24.99, now $10 (save $14.99)
“Firstly, I need to say that these Cotton On x TOM Organic undies are seriously bloody (sorry) cute! I tried three different types of these over a couple of days — the Boyleg (which is the heavy variety) with a tampon on a heavy flow day — I even went for a run, and these were really comfy and had no leakage issues. Definitely a visible panty line situation in my tights, but I suppose that’s unavoidable with period undies unless you do a g-string version. I also tried the Shorty overnight with no tampon on the last day/night of my period, which is typically a medium/light flow, and I had zero leakage issues at all. I felt really confident going to bed with just the undies and no other protection. The undies feel comfy and secure without being too tight as well, something I’m really picky about with undies in general.” — Josie
Bonds
Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Undies, $27.99
“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
Modibodi Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini, $28.50
“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 purchased a 7 x pack in December last year, got some light-moderate and some heavy-overnight. 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
Love Luna Full Period Brief, $15
“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 woollies, 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
Love our humble opinions? Get around the rest of the review series here.
