It’s time to farewell the giant granny undies you dig out every month because reusable period undies are here and they’re changing the way we manage Aunt Flo. We help you track down the best period underwear in Australia – so you can do your bit for the environment, save a lot of cash in the long run and feel comfier during that time of the month.
Period underwear is made specifically to absorb menstrual flow without the need for period products like menstrual cups or tampons. While they may seem like a new concept, period underwear has actually been around for a really long time, and now there are quite a few different brands producing period-proof underwear in Australia. And they’re not just for menstruation, they also work if you’re experiencing incontinence after giving birth.
Crafted from different materials, and with varying cuts and styles, we’re here to help narrow down your choice when it comes to buying period undies.
What to consider when buying period underwear
Get the right level of absorbency for your flow. Just like the pads and tampons sold in Australia, period underwear comes in different thicknesses and absorbency types, including specific types for after birth and heavy flow, night time and even swimming.
Don’t settle for inferior fabrics. The best period underwear brands use reliable materials that are known for their absorbency, moisture-wicking capabilities and antibacterial properties, including bamboo and cotton.
Go for styles that suit your lifestyle. Most brands cater for a variety of body shapes and needs – including period underwear for pregnancy, swimming, leakage and perspiration as well as seamfree and sensual styles.
8 best period undies in Australia
To help you find a super absorbent pair of period proof undies, we’ve compiled this list of fab brands available in Australia to get you started in your search.
Here are 8 of the best period underwear in Australia:
1. Modibodi
Modibodi Period and Incontinence Underwear (from $33.99)
Made super-slim, yet highly absorbent, Modibodi period-proof underwear is a clear favourite among mums in our groups. The period and pee-friendly underwear can hold up to 20ml or 4 tampons worth, yet is just 3mm thick.
2. Bonds
Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Undies (from $19.95)
The new kid on the block, Bonds period panties have layers of leak-proof protection, are anti-odour and are easy to wash. The moderate day undies can hold up to three tampons’ worth and are made from sustainably grown organic cotton.
3. Thinx
Thinx Period-Proof Undies (from $40)
Made with a signature four-layer QuadTECH technology in the gusset to keep you feeling comfortable and dry, Thinx period-proof undies fight odour and super absorbent for heavy flow. They’re also moisture-wicking and offer leak-proof protection.
4. Love Luna
Love Luna Period Briefs (from $13.65)
Made from microfibre, and disguised as regular underwear, Love Luna have a comfy inbuilt pad with four-layer protection: a soft cotton lining, absorbent padding, waterproof layer and microfibre outer layer. The everyday full brief holds up to 15ml or up to three regular tampons.
5. Accalia
Accalia Aliya Period Underwear ($30)
Like a backup plan for your period, the hidden bridge inside the gusset of these undies discreetly secures pad wings or clasps, while the undies themselves act as a back up for light period leaks. They’re perfect for use with reusable pads, as that extra layer of protection.
6. Mynickerbot
Mynickerbot Organic Luxe Period Knickers ($24.95)
These are the perfect ‘not quite sure if Aunt Flo is paying a visit today’ knickers. They hold about one tampon’s worth of fluid, so they’re also great on lighter days and for any time you’ll be sweating. And there’s no need to worry about the smell, these have anti-odour technology built into each pair.
7. Bambody
Bambody Period Panties (from $14.90)
With a period-proof underwear design that’s crafted for maximum security, these are ideal for wearing to bed. The range includes postpartum for maximum protection as well as protective underwear to use along with sanitary pads or tampons as extra leak protection.
8. JuJu
JuJu Period Underwear (from $22.95)
All styles in the JuJu Period Underwear range are available in two different levels of absorbency – light (holds up to 5ml of fluid) to regular (up to 10ml or equal to a regular tampon). Designed to be comfy, with no tags and breathable as well as easy to wash.
Commonly asked questions …
The mums in the Mum’s Grapevine Baby Groups have asked some of the most common questions about period underwear, and here are the answers.
Does period underwear work?
Yes! Uniquely designed with fabulous absorbency, period pants replace the need to wear tampons, cups or pads during that time of the month – and Aussie women love them for their comfort and environmental benefits.
Do you wear the same pair of period undies all day?
Some women comfortably wear period panties all day, just like their regular underwear. Depending on your level of flow, though, you may prefer to change every four or so hours as you would with a sanitary pad.
How do you wash period underwear?
Each brand comes with its own washing instructions. Most will advise not to use fabric softener as it breaks down some of the functions of the underwear. While they are machine washable, most brands advise rinsing the underwear out before popping them into the washing machine on a delicate cycle.
Do period pants smell?
As long as you follow care and wash instructions, they shouldn’t.
Won’t I feel wet when I wear period underwear?
You shouldn’t, the materials used are designed to wick away moisture.
How do you change period underwear when you’re out?
The mums in our groups recommend carrying a wet-pack bag or ziplock plastic bag with you when out to store soiled underwear until you get home.
How many pairs of period undies will I need?
This really depends on how often you will be doing the laundry. Some women get by just fine with three pairs: one to wear during the day, another pair for during the night and a fresh pair to change into the next day. Of course, this means washing out a pair each day and allowing it to dry overnight. If you’d prefer fewer visits to the laundry, grab an extra pair or two.
Know a brand of period underwear that we’ve missed and should be added to our list? Contact us and let us know.
In the market for a pair of period undies?
Join the exclusive Mum’s Grapevine baby groups on Facebook and ask other mums what they love most about their period underwear.
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