The Best Period Underwear in Australia for 2022
Or how to period your way.
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In this guide
Periods suck. Period. But at least there’s period underwear now, which somewhat ups the comfort level of your monthly visit from Aunt Flo. Designed to be used alone, or as back-up to other period products, you might choose period panties to help reduce your monthly environmental impact that comes from using disposable products. Or you might choose them because you can’t be bothered with the faff of tampons / cups, etc.
Whatever your reason, the best period underwear is most importantly, comfortable to wear. It keeps you feeling fresh, clean and dry for hours, with no worries about staining your favourite pants (or couch or sheets, etc.). Maybe it comes in a decent range of styles and designs so you can feel good while wearing them. It definitely comes in sizes to fit all bodies. Here’s our guide to the best period underwear in Australia. These period underwear reviews are informed by hours of research and hands-on testing.
How we picked
We threw our research net far and wide when it came to choosing the best period underwear. Which is when we discovered that period panties are really subjective, especially when it comes to important stuff, like leakage. While some people found some period underwear really great at absorbing blood without feeling heavy or soggy, others found the same pair to be terrible. It all comes down to your personal flow and your comfort level. You might be really attuned to a wet feeling that someone else wouldn't even notice.
We would say from our research that it seems that currently period underwear is best used as back-up protection. So, you might choose to use them with a tampon or menstrual cup rather than by themselves, especially on heavy days. All the period underwear we reviewed could be used by themselves on light days - those ones where you think you might be getting your period or towards the end of it.
That aside, we first looked to gain personal insights into period underwear. We did this by heading to ProductReview.com.au, Australia’s first consumer opinion site. Where we found all of 2 contenders.
So instead we did some virtual window shopping, searching for period panties that are widely available in Australia. We focused on key features, including:
- The range of styles and sizes: would they suit every body type? We didn’t pay too much attention to colours and designs because we quickly learnt that black is the standard. (Anything else is a nice-to-have bonus, we reckon.)
- The range of absorbencies: would they suit every type of period?
- Whether they offer a free trial: this is an important way of checking they’re right for you and your flow, without losing your hard-earned dollars.
- Whether they’re Australian owned or not: supporting local is important to us.
- Their ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes: not only is this better for your planet, it usually results in a better quality product that lasts longer - making it better for your wallet too.
- The price: We found options ranging from $15 to over $30. If you’re using multiple pairs during your period, the investment can add up.
We also considered whether they offered a girls / teen range and packs, to help you save a little money.
Plus, I (Sarah, Cosier Editor) have some period underwear. We took our personal insights into account too. And there you have it: the best period underwear in Australia.
The best period underwear for most
Hands down, Modibodi is the best period underwear for everybody - because there is literally a style for every body. Seriously, Modbodi has got you covered with over 20 style options. You’ll find classic styles (bikini, brief or boyshort) alongside more sensual ones (hi-waist or French cut). Worried about VPL? Opt for seamfree designs.
If sustainability is important to you, you’ll find recycled fabric options. There are even vegan material options. There’s a range of designs and bright colours to make them more fun. (Although, like most period underwear, the main colour and design choice is just plain black.)
We’re super impressed by the range of absorbency Modibodi offers. This ranges from light / moderate and moderate / heavy to heavy / overnight and maxi / 24 hours. Which means you’ll find period underwear to suit every day of your period. Plus, their size range is bloody brilliant too. Although each style varies, you can find sizes 6 through to 26. Feeling overwhelmed? Opt for one of their bundle packs and get everything you need.
There’s also a dedicated teen collection. Modibodi’s period underwear for girls includes 2 styles, with 3 colours and designs each. Offering moderate / heavy and maxi / 24 hours absorbency, they’ll nix any leakage concerns.
If this is your first time trying period underwear, or your first time trying Modibodi, you can buy with confidence. They offer a 60-day free trial for first-time customers, on one pair of undies. Which is reassuring because Modibodi isn’t the cheapest out there, with prices ranging from $27 to $35.
Modibodi is 100% Australian owned and designed, and they even have a ‘Give a Pair’ scheme. This means a small percentage of every sale goes towards providing period panties for women in need.
One of only two period underwear brands to appear on ProductReview.com.au, Modibodi gets around 3.5 stars from almost 300 reviews. There are a few comments about quality and poor customer service when you don’t buy direct.
The best value period underwear
Let’s face it, period products are expensive. (Don’t get us started.) Luckily, Love Luna is here to help. Their period underwear is just $15. (Note they do have a bamboo pair which costs $20.)
But that doesn’t mean you’re compromising on anything you need. They offer different flow options, although these are more limited than Modibodi’s. You’ve got a choice of light / medium and medium / heavy and that’s it. We reckon that’ll suit most people with periods, though.
You’re also limited mainly to black - although hey, it’s a classic. Sizes run from 6 through to 24 but not all sizes are available in all styles. They have period underwear for girls too. There are 2 styles and 2 colours in light / medium flow.
I - Sarah, Cosier Editor - have a few pairs of Love Luna and I absolutely love them. They’re so comfy and stretchy that honestly, I’m tempted to wear them every day. They don’t feel bulky or heavy and are free of any weird smells. They’ve washed well, with no shrinkage or holes, and they’re easy care. I throw them in the washing machine in their own delicates bag. I use them mainly as back up, with a menstrual cup, although I do wear them alone overnight near the end of my period. I’ve never experienced any leakage. Full marks from me.
I also love that Love Luna is Australian owned and that they’re really transparent about their manufacturing. Their period panties are responsibly made in Indonesia by an accredited manufacturer. Unlike other picks, Love Luna doesn’t offer a free trial period. They’ll only provide a return if it’s faulty.
The best for girls / tweens
New York-based company Thinx impressed us most with their period underwear for girls and tweens. That’s because they have a dedicated brand. Meet Thinx (BTWN). Thinx (BTWN) period underwear is designed specifically for younger bodies. This means they’re narrower around the thighs, for a better fit.
There are 3 styles to choose from and an awesome range of teen-friendly designs. Think bright colours and funky patterns. This is, by far, the best we’ve seen in terms of colours and designs for girls. They’re all designed for maximum absorbency (up to 5 tampons’ worth) which should nix those leakage fears. They come in 4 sizes, covering ages 9-16.
Now, the downsides. Each pair is around $30 and shipping from the States takes around 2-4 weeks. Delivery costs around $15, unless you spend $130+ on your first order (then it’s free). If you need them sooner, expedited shipping takes 4-8 days and costs around $40. Ouch. We reckon their Super Fresh Start Period kit, which includes all 3 styles, at around $80 is the best value.
At least your teen gets a 60-day free trial - although you’ll need to cover the shipping back to the States.
The best for a heavy flow
Period paranoia is definitely a thing, as anyone with a heavy flow will tell you. If you’re done panicking about whether you’re leaking through your pants, try the best period underwear for heavy flow: AWWA.
Heavy absorbency AWWA period underwear will hold up to 5 tampons’ worth of flow. In all honesty, this isn’t the most we’ve seen. Modibodi’s overnight / maxi period panties hold up to 10 tampons’ worth. But that’s not a fair comparison. When we look at Modibodi’s heavy / overnight absorbency, which is the equivalent absorbency of AWWA’s heavy, Modibodi holds 3-4 tampons’ worth - about 1-2 tampons less.
The 4 protective layers help combat leakage and the range of styles can help you feel even more secure. We rate the AWWA All Day full brief design that feels reassuring in its coverage. Judging by the over 100 reviews we trawled through, people love how comfortable this brief is and how absorbent and well made it is.
You don’t get a huge range of designs and colours with AWWA. You’re still mainly in black. But they’ve tried to make them look like normal underwear, thanks to the thick band detailing featuring an indigenious New Zealand design.
Sizing is generous, running from 2XS to 6XL. Pricing is pretty standard, at around $30 a pair. They too offer a 60-day trial for new customers, for 1 garment only.
What sets AWWA apart is their eco credentials. A New Zealand company, all products are designed there and ethically made in Sri Lanka. They’re really transparent about their manufacturing and also have a big focus on sustainability, including being open about their carbon emissions.
The best for a light / moderate flow
Hopefully some days you don’t need the highest amount of protection. That’s where JuJu period underwear comes in. JuJu only offers light or moderate absorbencies. This makes them ideal for spotting or towards the end of your period. It also makes them ideal for being worn with other period products. JuJu is keen to point out that they’re not intended to be worn alone on heavy flow days. If you’re looking for heavy absorbencies, JuJu isn’t right for you.
They come in 3 styles and are only available in black. We like that regardless of which style you choose, the protective layers extend all the way up the back of the period panties, to help prevent leaks.
Sizing is ok. It covers from 6 to 16. JuJu is definitely a more basic and affordable option, which is reflected in their limited styles, colour and sizes. Prices start from $23.
Although they’re based in Perth, WA, their period underwear is made in China. Like Love Luna, our budget pick, JuJu doesn’t offer a free trial or refunds, unless they’re faulty.
The best for breathability
While hunting for the best period underwear, Bambody came up a lot. Honestly, we reckon this has a lot to do with the price. They’re around $15 a pair, making them a contender for the best affordable period underwear.
But it’s the material Bambody opts for that caught our attention. Although most of our picks choose mainly cotton, possibly organic, Bambody goes for bamboo fabric. Bamboo fabric is cooler and more breathable than cotton. It’s also better at wicking away moisture which we reckon is pretty important when it comes to period underwear.
However, it’s important to understand that this is bamboo fabric. The use of the word fabric is important here because the material is actually rayon rather than bamboo. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre that is made from parts of bamboo. So, if you’re after all-natural bamboo fabric, Bambody doesn’t use that.
If you’re still with us, you can get Bambody in a small range of styles and in black only. This includes high waist, hipster and bikini with lace. You’re limited in absorbencies too. Most handle up to 2 tampons’ worth while the hipster is touted as ‘leak proof’. Which weirdly doesn’t mean it won’t leak, it means it’s for light days and spotting. It doesn’t have the absorbent layer of the other styles.
Sizing runs from XXS - 2XL so they should suit most bodies. They offer a 60-day returns period but they do take a processing fee from packs and you need to pay return shipping.
How does period underwear work?
Regardless of what brand or style you go for, period underwear works in the same way. Period underwear contains layers of material. Although the number of layers differs, it tends to be around 3-4.
The first layer sits next to your skin. It’s comfortable, breathable and wicks away moisture. The second layer is super absorbent. It’s what holds the blood. The final layer stops the blood leaking through to your clothes. Another layer might be used to prevent smells.
Common questions
How do you wash period underwear?
It should be easy to wash and care for your period underwear. Normally, this involves rinsing (but not soaking) your underwear in cold water to help remove the blood. You then pop them in a delicates bag (ideally) and put them into the washing machine on a cold wash - skip the fabric softener. (Yep, you can wash your underwear in a load of your regular laundry.) Ideally, dry them on the line outside, although you can lay them flat inside too. Your period panties won’t enjoy the tumble dryer.
Does period underwear smell?
No, it shouldn’t. The layer of period underwear that absorbs blood is normally treated in some way to control smell, usually by ‘locking’ it in. Cared for properly (see above!), period underwear shouldn’t retain a smell over time either. If you’re worried, you can try a vinegar soak. Pop them in a bucket or basin with 1 cup of white vinegar and 1-2 cups of water. Leave them in there for around 15-30 minutes then wash as normal in the washing machine. Check with the manufacturer first as not all period underwear can handle being soaked.
How long does period underwear last?
Most manufacturers of the period underwear we reviewed reckon their panties should last at least 1 year and sometimes up to 2 years. It depends on how often they’re used (some periods last a few days, others over a week. Sigh) and how well you care for them.
If you’re wondering how long you can wear them without changing, you should be ok using 1 pair a day then swapping to a new pair overnight. This does depend on your flow though. You might need 2 or more pairs on a really heavy flow day.
Sources
- ‘Best Underwear Shops & Brands’, ProductReview.com.au
- ‘How Viscose Rayon Fabric Masquerades as Bamboo Clothing’, B The Change
