7 best period underwear to buy in Australia
Friendly to both the environment and your wallet, these hi-tech undies have grown in appeal thanks to their unrivalled convenience and durability.
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3,500. That’s the amount of days the average woman spends menstruating in her lifetime, according to women’s health organisation, Jean Hailes.
If your mind has instantly jumped to how much money you’ll spend on pads and tampons in that cumulative nine or so years spent on your period, well that equates to around $9379.73, according to research conducted by Intimina. Not cheap. Not exactly a fun way to spend your cash, either.
Enter: Period undies. Absorbent and leakproof, period undies can eliminate the need to buy pads and tampons, and, according to Choice, can save women at least “$162 over two years and $324 over five” on buying sanitary products. Not to mention, they’re an environmentally sound alternative to pads and tampons and they’re a great option for women who experience bladder leaks, too.
The period undies market has grown from a niche subcategory to a burgeoning industry that’s forecast to be worth over $410 billion by 2030. Here, we’ve rounded up the best period undies based on our own testing of the products over several months and customer reviews and ratings.
BEST PERIOD UNDIES
- Best period undies for heavy flow
- Best comfortable fit period undies
- Best vegan period undies
- Best stylish period undies
- Best period undies value pack
- Best odour-free period undies
- Best budget period undies
BEST PERIOD UNDIES FOR HEAVY FLOW
Modibodi Recycled Seamfree Full Brief Maxi Underwear, $45
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If only my teenage self who shuffled to bed in a surfboard-esque maxi pad could see me now. These delightfully designed period undies aren’t just pretty, they’re here to support you on heavy flow days with their lined gusset that runs from the front all the way to the back waistband. I own these and wear them overnight from about day three of my period (so admittedly, not during the heavy heavy days) and have never had a leak. The high-waisted design is comfy on my tummy when I’m at my most bloated and they’re made from 73 per cent recycled nylon which is a nice fist pump for the environment. The ‘maxi-pad’ design makes these undies brilliant for overnight use (I’ve been testing them for months and haven’t had a leak yet).
– The seamless design means that, if you fancy, you can wear them during the day without that awkward bum cut-in that some other tight designs create.
– Grab these from your smalls drawer when your flow is heavy – this pair is capable of absorbing up to 10 tampons worth of blood.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY:
Unsurprisingly, reviewers are pretty chuffed with these undies with one stating: “Zero side leaks, super dry and comfortable to wear and they even look sexy in a ‘90s Lara Croft way according to my new hubby! You can’t see anything on them inside and they don’t smell!”
BEST COMFORTABLE FIT PERIOD UNDIES
Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Full Brief, $24.99
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Available in black or beige, these Bonds Bloody Comfy Full Briefs live up to their name – yes, they’re bloody comfy. Not only that, but these undies are created for moderate flow – think day two of your period onwards – and feature a layered gusset to draw moisture away, keeping you dry. The odour-neutralising technology is a bonus, too. While it’d be great if these came in more colourways (that time of the month needn’t be reduced to black and tan, right?) these period undies are supremely comfy and flattering too – I found compared to other brands, Bonds period undies don’t cut into your bum unflatteringly so you can wear them out and about with pride.
– These aren’t your heavy day period undies, capable of absorbing up to three tampons worth of blood, they’re a great moderate flow day pick.
– Many reviewers commented on the superior comfiness of these undies but recommended other shoppers use them on “the last two days of my period when it is relatively light.”
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY
With an average rating of 93 per cent from over 790 reviews, many customers praised these undies for their leakproof abilities. “These undies are so comfortable and easy to wear … I feel safe and confident knowing I won’t have accidental leaks, and even sleep better at night,” one five-star reviewer commented. “You don’t feel wet or smelly, and they’re super easy to clean! I’ll never buy pads or tampons again.”
BEST VEGAN PERIOD UNDIES
Scarlet Period Proof Full Brief Moderate, THE ICONIC, $36
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Aussie-owned brand Scarlet offers 100 per cent vegan, paraben and cruelty-free period underwear in a range of styles. One of the brand’s most popular options is the Scarlet Period Proof Full Brief which is best for moderate flowdays. Created from modal cotton that’s super soft, these undies can absorb the equivalent of four tampons. We love the high waist band for added comfort and the cute branded detail.
– The modal cotton fabric is not only comfy, it’s better for the environment than regular cotton as the creation process doesn’t use as much water.
– Calling all women who’re over cheeky undies: you’ll get full bum coverage with this pair.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY
Reviewers of the Scarlet brand overall have applauded the softness of the undies. “The organic cotton is super soft and I feel super secure to wear these even on heavy days. Highly recommend!” one five-star reviewer commented.
BEST STYLISH PERIOD UNDIES
AWWA Period Care Eva Hipster Period Brief, $41
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Designed to be able to hold up to five regular pads or tampons worth of blood, AWWA Period Care’s absorbent undies are a great option. The Eva Hipster Period Brief is perfect for moderate flow and features a comfy hipster band with the brand’s signature indigenous band pattern (the popular brand is Maori-owned).
– Some reviewers found these undies could’ve provided more coverage so it might be worth sizing up.
– Women who’ve tried this pair praise their stylish design, with one reviewer commenting, “I love the Eva Briefs, they are so comfy you can’t tell they’re period undies.”
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY
These period undies score a rating of 4.9 out of five from 829 reviews and a common theme among those who rate this design is their praise of its ‘leakproof’ abilities. “These are so good, comfortable and almost magic – even on the heaviest day of my period and wearing a light coloured skirt at work they were perfect,” said one five-star reviewer.
BEST PERIOD UNDIES VALUE PACK
Cotton On Body Tom Organic X Body Reusable Kit Bundle: Moderate to Heavy Flow, $60
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
When two Aussie brands that love women’s bodies collide the result is this brilliant period undies value pack. Cotton On Body and period care brand Tom Organic have teamed up to create period undies as leakproof as they are delightful on the eye. This pack features one pair of Black Bikini Period Undies Moderate Flow, one pair of Leopard Bikini Period Undies Moderate Flow, one pair of Black Boyleg Period Undies Heavy Flow and one pair of Leopard Boyleg Period Undies Heavy Flow so you’ll be covered for those heavier days of your period.
– Created from cotton with a leak-resistant barrier and a very absorbent core created from 85 per cent organic cotton and 15 per cent polyester.
– Featuring both versatile black and cute leopard, you can see your period through in style.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY
While this bundle doesn’t have any ratings currently, reviews on the individual products listed have commented on the sleek design and leakproof powers. “Nice fabric, very thick padding but not noticeable. Can absorb a lot. Overall comfy and good quality,” one reviewer wrote. Another commented: “Love them!!! So much more comfortable than wearing a pad at night.”
BEST ODOUR-FREE PERIOD UNDIES
U By Kotex Thinx Reusable Period Undies – Bikini Cut, Woolworths, from $20
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You know pad and tampon brand, U By Kotex? Well, they’ve partnered with period underwear brand Thinx to create affordable, reusable period undies you can add to cart when you’re doing your next Woolies online shop. Offering a moderate absorption (we’re talking three to five tampons), these cotton undies wick away moisture and prevent leaks.
– These also come in Full Brief Cut (shop them here) if you prefer more coverage from your undies.
– Peak performance lasts 40 washes which will get you through many a period.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY
Rated 4.3 out of five from over 600 reviews on the U By Kotex website, many have given these undies the thumbs up for their ability to prevent odour. “Easy wear, comfortable and feel free, does control odour,” wrote one reviewer. Another noted: “Comfortable and true to size. No odour and easy to clean.”
BEST BUDGET PERIOD UNDIES
Love Luna Period Bikini Briefs in Black, Catch, $13.50
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Launched in 2018 and 100 per cent Australian designed and owned, Love Luna has made a name as one of not only the most effective but the most affordable of the many period underwear brands on the market. At $13.50 a pair, they’re at least a good seven bucks cheaper than some of their more budget competitors. Great for light to moderate flow days (they’re capable of absorbing two to three regular tampons), these undies feature a cotton gusset that’s both absorbent and breathable.
– We’re crushing hard on the pretty lace trim on these undies because, yes, period undies can be cute, too.
– The nylon/elastane outer gives these undies a slinky, silky feel.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY
On the Love Luna website, these undies have achieved a 4.8 out five star rating from 28 reviews. Many shoppers appreciate the dainty design and the absorbency for light period days. “I’ve bought these undies lots of times over the past few years and they don’t disappoint. Good bum coverage, great for light flow and spotting,” one reviewer noted. “The lacy trim has been updated and seems more durable than the previous lace – nice update.”
HOW DO PERIOD UNDIES WORK?
Reusable, durable and absorbent, period undies have revolutionised how women tackle their period. Charissa Lanham, Modibodi Product and Innovation Director, says that the patented “slimline gusset” technology the brand implements took 18 months to perfect. “The top moisture wicking layer is made from 100 per cent superfine Merino wool which is soft and breathable, wicks away moisture, and locks away odour to keep you fresh and dry,” Lanham tells news.com.au. “The microfibre terry middle layer absorbs fluid and locks it away. The bottom layer is a leak-proof barrier for secure protection.”
Many brands have adopted similar approaches to their absorbent gussets, using materials like polyester, nylon, cotton and more to ensure they’re moisture wicking and odour resistant.
HOW DO YOU WASH PERIOD UNDIES?
So, the question you’ve been wanting to ask – how on earth do you wash period undies? Thankfully, the answer is very simple. Simply rinse your undies in cold water until the water runs clear. Then pop them in your regular cold wash. Lanham recommends holding off on any fabric softener. “It breaks down the natural fibres which help make the underwear so effective,” she says. “Hang them out to dry as opposed to using a tumble drier, too.”
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