Once upon a time, when Aunt Flo came a-knocking, you’d probably reach for your usual menstruation supplies; that is, tampons or pads. Of course, aside from these, your other options include menstruation cups, disposable period panties and reusable menstruation pads.
But did you know that there’s such a thing as period underwear or period briefs?
If you’re unfamiliar with period underwear in Australia, then this is the perfect resource for you.
Here, we’ll talk about period-proof underwear, so you can widen your menstruation supply choices.
Who knows, you might even decide to just use period underwear exclusively during your menses once you get to know the benefits they offer.
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What Is Period Underwear?
Period underwear is exactly as it sounds – it’s a type of undergarment specifically designed to be worn during menstruation in place of or in combination with tampons and pads.
How Does Period Underwear Work?
One of the most common questions about period-proof underwear is: How does it work?
Well, there’s not much to it, really. Wearing period underwear is a lot like wearing a pad – except that the pad is built in. Although this seems like a small difference, it has a huge impact on how convenient and comfortable period undies are.
To trap in menstrual blood, period underwear features several layers of absorbent material in the crotch area.
What’s particularly impressive about period undies is that they can hold a substantial amount of blood – equivalent to as much as two tampons’ worth!
This, of course, also depends on the kind of period underwear you choose as there are several options available. You can choose period undies for light-, moderate- and heavy-flow days.
The extra padded layer that holds the menstrual flow consists of fabrics designed to absorb, pull away and trap the liquid. The following indicates the usual materials used in the different layers; however, material combinations may vary depending on the brand and absorbency level.
- Water-resistant outer layers: Nylon and Lycra, polyamide and elastane or cotton and spandex, bamboo, TENCEL™
- Wicking layers: Microfiber polyester, polyurethane laminate (PUL), spandex, modal
- Absorbent layers: Carbon with polyester, acrylate, polyester, cotton
Aside from the above, many products also contain antimicrobial components that ensure excellent odour control.
Know Your Flow – How Heavy or Light Is Your Period?
Similar to traditional products, period underwear is classified based on the level of heaviness of the menstrual flow. So if you’re shopping for period undies, you can choose from these commonly used categories:
- Ultra-light: Can hold fluid equivalent to 1 light tampon or panty liner
- Light: Can hold fluid equivalent to 1 regular tampon or 2 teaspoons
- Moderate: Can hold fluid equivalent to 3 regular tampons or 6 teaspoons
- Heavy: Can hold fluid equivalent to 4 regular tampons or 8 teaspoons
- Super heavy: Can hold fluid equivalent to 5 regular tampons or 10 teaspoons
While the above system of classification is commonly used, some brands simply state how many tampons’ worth of fluid their product can hold.
Where to Buy Period Underwear
Not sure where to buy period underwear?
If price is a priority, there are plenty of cheap options available at big retailers like Kmart, Big W, Coles and the like. However, if you’re after good-quality period underwear, you can always go online where you can also take the time to choose the style, cut or colour you want.
To help you in your quest to find the best period underwear for you, here’s a list of the top 20 period underwear in Australia.
20 Best Period Underwear in Australia
In putting together this list of the best period underwear in Australia, we didn’t just look and get a feel of each undergarment. We undertook research covering various independent online period underwear reviews of each product.
We also have a team dedicated to trying the various period undies on this list and comparing notes, so you have the assurance that we know exactly what we’re talking about.
So, without further ado, here are the top 20 period briefs you should look out for:
Period Underwear and Briefs by Love Luna
Love Luna started making period underwear primarily because of concerns with waste and pollution. And since the Love Luna team comprises women who’ve been deeply involved in the design of undergarments, what you get are super comfortable, high-quality period underwear.
With Love Luna period underwear, you can free yourself from wasteful and toxic disposable products and enjoy guilt-free comfort and convenience.
Cotton Period Underwear – Dhalia Floral
This sustainably sourced cotton underwear is breathable and ultra-soft, so it’s suitable for wearing before, during and after your period.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 2 to 3 regular tampons
Period Midi Brief – Black
The Period Midi Brief is one of Love Luna’s most popular period sexy women’s underwear. It’s available in black, nude, dusty blue and plum. This period underwear sits somewhat higher above the waist and fits a bit lower on the legs – making it an ideal sporty option.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 2 to 3 regular tampons
Bamboo Period Underwear
Love Luna’s Period Bamboo Brief is designed to handle heavy to super heavy flow. With its perfect seam to seam coverage, high waist and extended gusset, this pair of period bamboo underwear will keep your front to back protected, dry and comfortable all day long. You can wear it on its own or combine it with a pad or tampon, too.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 3 to 4 regular tampons
Period Underwear by Juju
Like other brands dedicated to providing women sustainable, affordable and high-quality period care products, JuJu offers absorbent, leak-proof period underwear as exemplified in their:
Period Underwear – Bikini in Black
JuJu period underwear in basic black is available in bikini, midi and full brief styles. Wear it as a backup to your tampon or menstrual cup, or on its own.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 1 regular tampon
Period Underwear by Scarlet
Scarlet takes sustainability to a whole different level as their products are also cruelty- and paraben-free and 100% vegan.
With Scarlet, you can wear top-quality period underwear that’s also great for the planet.
High Waisted and Seam Free Period Underwear
Scarlet’s High-Waisted Seamfree is one of the most popular high-waisted period underwear on this list. It’s seam-free and made with super soft organic cotton, so it’s ultra-comfortable.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 2 regular tampons
G-String Period Underwear
If you’re looking for the perfect G-string period underwear to match with your immaculately white pair of pants, Scarlet’s The G-string is it – enough said.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 2 regular tampons
Ruby Love Period Underwear
Formerly known as PantyProp, Ruby Love period underwear is known for providing maximum absorption and protection against leaks and stains.
Plus-Size Period Underwear
Ruby Love’s Period Underwear Bikini Classic Ruby is designed for the brave, confident woman who’s ready to strut her stuff in low-rise pants, shorts or skirts. Wear it alone or as period backup for your pads, tampons or menstrual cup. It comes in sizes up to 3XL.
Period Swimming Underwear
Your period shouldn’t keep you from indulging in some summer fun. With Ruby Love’s Classic Period Swim Bottom in Black Sea, you have just the right kind of period swimming underwear that’s super absorbent and leak free.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 3 regular tampons
Hipster Period Underwear
This Hipster Period Underwear pair by Ruby Love, offers a low-rise, full coverage, hip-hugging fit and features absorbent cotton and dri-tech mesh.
Thinx Period Underwear
Thinx period underwear has been making its mark in the period care sphere since 2013. Their products are available in a range of options designed to suit your fashion and period requirements.
Heavy Flow Period Underwear
Thinx’s Heavy Hiphugger in dusk and black is specially designed heavy-flow period underwear that promises to protect you from leaks even on those heavy-period days. You can even wear it to the gym where you’ll need extra protection during circuit training or heavy lifting.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 4 regular tampons
Postpartum Period Underwear
Get the most comprehensive protection with Thinx’s Super Hi-Waist Postpartum period underwear, offering soft and stretchy mesh.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 5 regular tampons
Saalt Period Underwear
Essentially a family business, Saalt has been making period care products that empower women to make choices for their bodies and make a difference in the process.
Leak Proof French-Cut High Waisted Period Underwear
Saalt’s Leakproof French Cut High Waist period underwear with see-through panels is both sexy and comfy. Simply oh-so oui!
Fluid Absorbency Level: 3 to 4 regular tampons
Leak-Proof Thong
This Leakproof Thong underwear by Saalt is great for those period days when an extra dose of confidence is all you need.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 1 regular tampon
Knix Teen Period Underwear
Knix Teen (KT) is the sister company of Knix – maker of period underwear – that provides today’s teens with fun, fashionable, high-quality period care products.
Period Underwear for Girls and Teens
Knix Teen’s Leakproof Underwear Bikini is available in a range of fun patterns and youthful hues. This period underwear for girls packs a punch when it comes to comfort and absorbency.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 3 regular tampons
Proof Period Underwear
A no-nonsense brand that recognises the challenges women face at different stages of life, Proof is all about empowering women by providing optimum absorbency in their period underwear products.
Workout Period Underwear
Proof’s Leakproof Brief available in black, sand, navy and wine offers you a classic fit and full coverage suitable for period workout days and any other days of the month.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 3 regular tampons
TomboyX Period Underwear
TomboyX period underwear is designed for everybody who needs it – regardless of their gender affiliation.
Boxer Briefs Period Underwear
These First Line Leakproof 9” Boxer Briefs by TomboyX look like they’re made for athletic bods, but they look and feel great on everyone. Of course, you can always wear these underneath your workout tights.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 2 regular tampons
Libra Period Underwear
Libra reusable period underwear features triple layer protection to keep you comfy, dry and protected for up to 10 hours.
Period-Proof Hipster Underwear
You can wear Libra’s classy black Period Proof Hipster Underwear with lace detailing for up to 10 hours – dry, cool and comfortable.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 4 regular tampons
AWWA Period Underwear
AWWA period underwear is designed for the comfort and joy of being a woman or a teen who can easily go with the flow.
Recycled Nylon Period Thong
AWWA’s Recycled Nylon Period Thong features the signature indigenous band detailing, mid rise g-string cut brief and matte shiny material.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 2 regular tampons
TENCEL™ Collection Period Underwear
The Teen Period Boxer Brief is part of the AWWA TENCEL™ Modal collection, featuring a sustainable fibre sourced from the beech wood pulp harvested from sustainably managed forests.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 2 regular tampons
Organic Cotton Period Underwear by Tom Organic
Tom Organic creates a positive impact in the personal and baby care categories, providing safe and healthy organic alternatives for everyone.
Cotton On Body x Tom Organic Period Undies – Brasiliano
The Body X Tom Organic Brasiliano period underwear is made with breathable organic cotton and ideal for light flow or spotting days.
Fluid Absorbency Level: 1 regular tampon
How Long Can You Wear Period Underwear For?
The length of time you wear period undergarments will depend a lot on how heavy your menstrual flow is and what day you’re on within your period.
Most manufacturers say it’s safe to keep period underwear on for 8-12 hours. However, it’s best to change your period panties when you are no longer comfortable. So, always be on the ready and bring extras, especially if you’re away from home.
Also, you can use period underwear in combination with other menstrual products like tampons, pads and menstrual cups. This way, you won’t need to change your period undies as often during heavy flow days.
Reusable Period Underwear vs Disposable Period Underwear
Reusable period underwear is the antithesis of disposable period underwear.
The former is the ideal period care alternative to the latter as reusable period underwear eliminates the waste produced when people use disposable period underwear that cannot be recycled and is usually non-biodegradable.
How to Wash Period Underwear
To remove stains from period underwear:
- Rinse them under cold running water immediately after wearing them. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
- Place the period undies in the machine together with your regular wash on the cold cycle.
- Once done, hang them up to dry.
If you’re pressed for time and cannot wash your heavily-soaked period underwear right away, soak it in cold water with some soap. Don’t over-soak your undies as the soak water could become stale.
Can You Swim in Period Underwear?
The short answer here is a resounding ‘yes’!
There’s waterproof underwear for swimming when you have your period, and there are several brands that provide period underwear you can use with your swimwear.
Pros and Cons of Period Underwear
While period-friendly women’s underwear may sound like a trendy product; it most certainly is. In fact, it’s probably here to stay as it provides the following pros and benefits:
- It doesn’t need to be changed or replaced frequently.
- It is discreet – no one needs to know you’re on your period, and your underwear won’t tell.
- It is highly absorbent and can be worn for hours.
- It is flexible, thereby freeing the wearer from having to worry about misalignment and leaks.
- It is cost effective as it can be worn over and over again for a long time.
- It is eco-friendly as it doesn’t generate waste; it just needs to be washed and cleaned.
- It is highly washable and quick drying.
- It is comfortable, breathable and moisture wicking.
- It is available in a range of styles, cuts, prints and colours.
- It’s perfect for concealing the dreaded camel toe.
However, it’s not all unicorns and roses with period underwear because of the following cons:
- Washing and cleaning period underwear tends to be messy because of the blood.
- It could prove inconvenient if you need to change your period underwear while you’re out in public or away from home.
- Period underwear may cost you some initially, as you may need to buy several pieces to ensure you’re covered for the entirety of your period. Then again, you won’t need to buy tampons and pads if you don’t want to – which also means huge savings in the long term!
In the battle between the pros and cons of period underwear, the pros are the clear winners.
How to Make Your Own Period Underwear
Handmade period underwear is easy enough to make as long as you have the right materials. But first, ask someone to take measurements of your waist, hips, crotch and legs, and record the information on a piece of paper.
Next, get the materials together, particularly for the three main elements for the gusset comprising the following layers:
- Top layer: The part that’s in contact with the skin, so choose breathable and soft cotton jersey material.
- Inner layer: The absorbent layer may include natural fibres like quilted bamboo jersey or wadding. You can also opt for Zorb which is a specialist fabric that can absorb impressive amounts of liquid really fast!
- Outer layer: This should ideally be waterproof as it will sit outside and against your clothes. You have several options available although most include a polyurethane cover.
Once you assemble the fabrics, it’s time to make the pattern. Pattern-making refers to the following activities:
- Marking the stitch lines
- Taping the pattern
- Drafting a custom gusset piece
When the pattern is ready, you can start cutting the fabrics and then sew away!
You can watch this helpful, detailed YouTube video and follow along.
Can You Use Incontinence Underwear for Periods?
Yes, you can, since both involve fluids. However, you may need to change your period underwear more frequently for incontinence as urine is watery, unlike blood which usually has a thicker consistency.
Shop for Period Underwear
Period underwear has been around for quite some time, and it continues to gain traction as more women are considering the ecological impacts of what they use and do.
With period underwear, you’re not only saving yourself from spending a fortune on disposable menstrual products; you’re also making an eco-friendly choice by eliminating waste.
Do you need help choosing the right period underwear?
Let’s talk, or have a look at our extensive collection at Be Activewear.
