One of the best inventions in recent years has got to be period underwear. Whether you’ve got no time for tampons, want to cut down on waste, or are just plain sick of leaks and stains, it’s certainly worth adding a set (or multiple) to your drawer.
The no leaks invention has already seen many women swap pads and menstrual cups for washable, wearable, and comfortable period underwear. But when it comes to trying them for the first time, we’re sure you have questions.
So before diving into the best period underwear to shop in Australia, we’ve answered some of the most common queries…
How does period underwear work?
Period underwear looks just like normal underwear but will feature a lining in the crutch to capture liquid and wick away moisture.
They’re worn exactly the same way as regular underwear and are available at different levels of absorbency to suit your leakage needs. They can hold an impressive amount of fluid (some pairs up to 10 tampons worth) so you can wear them all day and not have to change them over as frequently as other period options.
Does period underwear smell?
If cared for correctly, your period underwear won’t smell. The best pairs of period underwear will include an odour-eliminating layer in the lining to fight bacteria and stop smells.
Will I feel wet?
It’s a rational fear, but rest-assured one that most period underwear technologies will take care of. You shouldn’t feel wet because any fluid will be absorbed by the underwear lining, with moisture-wicking layers to keep you feeling dry. As long as you’re wearing a pair to match your absorbency flow, you’ll remain protected and damp-free.
What’s the deal with washing?
Most period pants are machine washable, though it’s often recommended to give them a cold water rinse and ring out straight after use.
When adding to your load, the preferred method is a gentle cold wash, and then hang out to dry. If you have a laundry bag you can pop them in, this is a bonus and will your garment protected. It’s also important to avoid fabric softeners and strong detergents eg. stain removers, as they can affect the material.
How long does period underwear last?
This will vary from person to person depending on use and level of care, but Modibodi estimates that a pair can last between six months to two years.
Not bad right? Add ‘cost effective’ to the pros list.
So now that you know what you’re in for, who’s up for a pair of period pants?
The best period underwear to shop in Australia
Modi Bodi Active Brief – Light to Moderate
Best for everyday activities
Sizes 8-18
$33 at Modibodi
Bonds Bloody Comfy Bikini Light 5 Pack
Best value pack
Sizes 6-24
$89.99 at bonds.com.au
Thinx Super Cotton Brief
Best for heavy days
Sizes XS-4X
$50.76 at shethinx.com
Scarlet The G-String Light
Best G-string cut
Sizes XS-2XL
$32 at scarletperiod.com
Femme Undies Full Brief
(choose 100ml or 250ml absorbency)
Best full brief cut
Sizes 8-18
$34.95 at femmeundies.com.au
Love Luna Teens First Period Bikini
Light to moderate
Best for teens
Sizes 6-16
$15 at loveluna.com
*This article has been updated since its original publication.
Main image credit: Getty
Have or would you try period pants?
Wow that’s actually such a great idea!
It’s been life changing- never wearing pads again unless I become incontinent!
I think they are an interesting concept. They are environmentally friendly, which is great.
They are very eco-friendly!
Ha ha nope not for me – I’m way outta that zone and yay for that!! Loving it on the other side. : D
Haha! Lucky for you CCW!
Hehehe thanks Lucy! 🙂 It’s so great and really suits me because I’ve always been active/sporty/outdoorsy and I never have to worry about this anymore.
Looks comfortable
No for me. Can’t live without security and cleanliness of the Cup. Plus you buy the thing only once, env. friendly and washing so easy. Most hygienic too. And can do yoga with it hehe and swim
I use them with a cup! Best security ever!
I love these. I used to use them with a cup and never had any problems with leakage or odour. And so comfy to boot. I’m out the other side now, but I still often wear the moisture wicking ones on hot days or workouts. Try it, you’ll never go back!
Would like to try them.
I am a convert to the cup, but I will be considering these when I am looking to move on. I need to get over the fact that they are a washable fabric that soaks in blood and nothing comes out the other side.
Blood does come out when you wash them!
Such a modern idea
Not something I have to worry about anymore post hysterectomy.
Me either Meedee but i didn’t have one of those. That must be somewhat comforting to know you can’t get cancers of that area anymore I expect. Lucky you!
It’s a great idea to try these now, but I’m long past needing anything like this.
Great idea. Can’t get my head around using the cup. Sounds fiddly. I like that Modibodi has a big size and absorbency range.
You’re right, it’s a great time to be sure they work for you. I’m not sure I’d want to use them in public before I was sure they wouldn’t leak and so on.
That’s a scary thought and a very good point Dance! 😉
I have just started thinking about trying period underwear the last week and I’m leaning toward purchasing modibodi. I’ve read that they sometimes have 20% off so I’m waiting for a sale and then I’ll make a bulk purchase. I’ve written my list of what I want to buy. It would be awesome if there was a discount code for BH members 🙂
Try RubyLove!
Great idea would definitely give them a go they look very comfortable to wear.
This is all behind me but looks interesting for those in need. Now is certainly a good time to try them as you want to be confident they work.
Me too Lindy! Looks like there’s a few of ‘us’ on here like that after reading through these comments. Congrats to you too not having to concern yourself with all this anymore either! 🙂
Me too. Thank goodness.
I have always wanted to try these, mainly for the environmental factors and as mentioned above, it seems now would be the perfect time!
I’m hoping they feel less like nappies and are less fiddly than pads.
Love the option of afterpay also! Just got paid as well, so I think all signs point to “YES! YOU NEED THESE!”
Well it is something different, period underwear, would suit some ladies.
These would have been OK for me as I always had a light period. I discovered menstrual cups & loved them, but now I’m in menopause (Hallelujah!)
Its something I have been wanting to try.
Same! I am sticking with my menstrual cup.
I would love to try these to absorb sweat. Nothing worse while I work than having sweaty knickers.
I just want to reduce my expenses of buying pads. I originally saw these made at a school on one of my travels and think it’s the best invention
Admittedly, I’m quite skeptic as to this underwear. I mean, I am not opposed to the substitute of pads and tampons that are uncomfortable and a huge hassle in everyday life, but would I try it? Yeah, isolation would make it a great place to try out as I don’t have to go anywhere and be terrified that I’m leaking or showing. But in public? I’ll stick to the good old stuff thanks.
More of a home thing
I really want to try them, I think it’s a great idea if it works. Will be hard getting used to I think though.
Me too 🙂
Sounds like it’s worth giving a go.
I am not sure that this will work.
I don’t need this type of product at my age (late fifties).
Great for young-uns; wish they were around when I first got my period
I’m glad they weren’t really – I’m beyond this subject too thankfully! 🙂
Good point. Better to try them at home. Might do just that
I use Love Luna period undies are they are brilliant and they’re only $14 a pair from Bigw.
It’s a good idea but a little pricey though. The menstrual cup would be more economical and practical.
Love this so much!!! Have tried a few brands with no real luck… Maybe this is worth a try…
I love my modi bodi undies! They are a bit pricey but worth it for the comfort. I have had mine 1.5 years now and they are still going okay (some holes on the sides but still wearable at the moment). I wish I could afford to get more pairs as they do take a while to dry after washing.
Great idea and they don’t look that bad either
Quite a clever invention
I know. It won’t work for me anyway.
Yes this is a great time to try this out! I still need convincing but it’s a great idea.
Would love to try this. But can’t imagine i can wear it up to 12 hours.
That does sound really awful omg!
Hmmm interesting. Wondered about infection control and reusing. But we will see.
I’m happy with my cup. I can see these being good as an extra layer of protection when you started using one though
I would be nervous about leaking… But I would love to try them!
Really want to try these and have my research cap on.
I have been wanting to try these lately but waiting for a sale! Never knew big w had any though $14 is reasonable
Gross! I’m sorry but why is this an actual thing?! I thought menstrual cups were bad enough, but this would be like wearing a nappy! Imagine what your partner would say. I’m sorry but there’s a limit to everything and this is mine. Ugh. I can’t imagine trying to wash these, and the smell. Reminds me of wearing giant pads back when I was 12. Give me a stash of tampons asap!
Lol my thoughts exactly regarding these Scarlett! But I was happy regarding the environmental effects for those who want to put up with these things. I’m past menopause now so don’t have to worry at all and I love it – I think you’d probably love it too by the sounds of it! : )
Oh wow, the wash will be hard
Hmmm, nothing like this was around when I was needing such products. Don’t know that I would wash them with the ordinary wash either. I note a few comments regarding draw backs, but others are pleased with using such a garment. Must mention to my daughter who only has a light period so it might suit her better.
How to get back your ex lover back IN 48 HOURS and reliable,contact Dr Padman for help,he is the best spell caster in the world his spell has no side effect his spell brought back my husband that divorced me and brought back my sister EX lover back to her so if you need His help contact him via email. Info@padmanspell.com or (padmanlovespell@yahoo.com on Website: https://padmanspell.com WhatsApp +19492293867