Looking for the best period underwear brands with the best rated period underwear that’s super absorbent, odor-resistant, and surprisingly stylish? We rounded up the top reviewed period panties on the market!
p.s. you may also want to check out our full guide to a zero waste period here!
The best period underwear for the most eco-friendly periods
Granted, periods are by no means fun. Despite our best efforts, sometimes, they are erratic and spontaneous – which is even more frustrating when we try to plan our sun-soaked holidays around them, ugh. But even if we keep dabbling with menstrual cups, having a steady supply of pads/tampons, and wearing all-black, leaks and uncomfortableness are somehow inevitable.
However, there is another way to help you keep the crimson tide under control and yourself comfy without having to rely on plastic and wishes: the most sustainable period underwear!
To put it simply, period undies are designed to keep moisture away from your skin as they soak up the blood.
The fabric prevents liquid from leaking onto your clothes for up to 10-12 hours!
Also, the best period underwear brands carry a slew of styles that look and feel just like regular undies – with some of them holding up to 6 regular tampons worth of blood! Saalt, for example, taps into the sexy side with period undies with mesh and lace while other brands like Modibodi offer period swimwear!
Nonetheless, the benefits of eco-friendly period underwear go beyond comfort and style.
Why should I use period underwear?
It’s estimated that over 45 billion period products with most of them containing plastic.
Shockingly enough, the average menstruating person uses over 11,000 disposable pads and tampons over a lifetime. Where do they end up? Well, everywhere! The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup reported collecting almost 18,000 used tampons and applicators from beaches around the world in a single day in 2004. In the United States alone, approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year which can take 500 to 800 years to decompose.
That’s exactly why we need more affordable sustainable period underwear instead of single-use tampons and pads. And while all period undies are technically sustainable because they are reusable, eco-friendly period underwear made from organic, natural, and recycled fibers, in particular, are even greener!
How does period underwear work?
Period underwear works by soaking up your menstrual leaks (as well as other leaks) with absorbent materials. There are different absorbency levels for each underwear and brand, so be sure to choose accordingly for your cycle.
Most people who menstruate have a heavy flow to start, and the flow begins to slowly decrease through the days. Because of this, we do recommend opting for a period pantie starter kit (all linked below for you!).
We have choices between super absorbent boxer shorts to bikini briefs, and lighter absorbing thongs. To wash, you can choose to handwash or lightly rinse and toss in the washing machine!
Which period underwear brands are organic?
As we mentioned, not every period underwear is eco-friendly. However, some affordable sustainable period underwear brands like WUKA, Modibodi, Knix, Ruby Love, and Period Co use organic fibers to craft their eco-friendly period undies. Their materials range from organic cotton and Tencel to recycled nylon and bamboo
This post is about the most sustainable period underwear
The best period panties for a healthy & eco-friendly period
Words from SKL Founder, Danielle: “Of all the period underwear I have tried (which is many!), TomboyX is my favorite. I’m not looking for lace and thongs when I’m menstruating. I’m looking for the most comfortable underwear out there that allows me to menstruate in peace. For me, that’s the Tomboyx boxers.”
Remember TomboyX? The go-to size inclusive brand for sustainable gender neutral clothing, organic underwear and swimwear? They also carry the most sustainable period underwear including boxer briefs, trunks, bikinis, and hipster styles made with OEKO-TEX® 100 Certified fabrics. All designs feature smooth, durable flatlock seams and antibacterial and odor-repellent properties all while being very affordable. This is the only period underwear brand with a wide range of period boxers!
Size: 3XS-6XL
Price Range: $25-$75
Absorbent Coverage: Holds 4 tsps of liquid
Materials: OEKO-TEX Certified cotton, spandex
Location & Shipping: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop TomboyX Here
Lauded as one of the most affordable sustainable period underwear brands for figure-flattering, fun, and super absorbent undies, Period Aisle includes a bonus absorbency booster for heavy days. The secret? Truetex™ technology with a leak-proof lining! The eco-consious collection includes comfy boxers, hipsters, briefs, bikinis, and thongs with different absorbency levers ranging from super light to very heavy. Do you also need some reusable liners and pads? They’ve got you covered! Plus, Period Co is very size-inclusive.
Size: Teens and XS-6XL
Price Range: $12+
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 8 tampons worth of absorbency / 5 different levels
Materials: Organic cotton, spandex, non-toxic polyester for the leakproof lining
Location & Shipping: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop Period Co Here
Thinx is not only one of the most popular period underwear brands in the eco menstrual care sphere, but also incredibly size-inclusive. Their range of lightweight, moisture-wicking leakproof undies can hold up to 5 regular tampons’ worth and there is also a line for teens called Thinx, and another great collection for bladder leaks called Speax. From boxer-inspired pajama shorts and hiphuggers to boyshorts and more gender-inclusive styles, everything is equipped with our highest absorbency for overnight protection. Plus, their most sustainable period underwear features a blend of SUPIMA®️ Cotton and TENCEL™ Modal that covers all absorbency levels – from light to super
Size: Teens and XS-4XL
Price Range: $25-$110
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 5 regular tampons’ worth / 5 absorbency levels available
Materials: SUPIMA®️ Cotton and TENCEL™ Modal
Location & Shipping: USA, worldwide shopping available
Shop Thinx Here
Saalt might be known for their fantastic line of menstrual cups, but they are also one of the most sustainable period underwear brands with dozens of glowing reviews. The Saalt Wear line includes undies, bikinis, and briefs designed to absorb as much as two to three regular tampons. Their eco-friendly period underwear runs the gamut from Standard 100 OEKO-TEX® Certified, silky soft and stretchy styles with the thinnest and driest gusset technology to lingerie-inspired leakproof mesh and lace undies made of post-consumer recycled water bottles. Comfort, high-performance, and subtle hints of sexiness- we’ll take it!
Size: XS-XXL
Price Range: $29-$209
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 2 pads and 3 regular tampons / 4 absorbency levels available
Materials: TENCEL™ Modal, organic cotton
Location & Shipping: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop Saalt Here
We can’t say enough good things about Wuka. It’s certainly one of the best affordable sustainable period underwear brands Europe has to offer – and it has the awards to prove it! The Wuka Period Swim Brief is waterproof, made from recycled nylon, and perfect for light flow so you won’t have to miss your next swim ever again. On top of that, there are 6 more eco-friendly period underwear collections available. For example, Wuka Flex is designed for perfectly adjusting to your size; Wuka Ultimate features soft and luxurious lace and Wuka RE-PURPOSE is crafted from excess fabric diverted from landfills. There are so many sustainable period underwears to choose from!
Size: Teens and XS-6XL
Price Range: €27,95-€32,95
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 60ml or 12 regular tampons / 4 absorbency levels available
Materials: Organic cotton, recycled nylon, and more
Location & Shipping: UK, worldwide shipping available
Shop Wuka Here
Lace high waisted briefs, thongs, bikinis, hipster styles – Proof has something for every taste! The affordable sustainable period underwear brand offers triple-patented protection for periods and blader leeks that can hold as much as 4 regular tampons or 8 teaspoons. To put it simply, the eco-friendly period underwear features a multi-layer Leak-Loc™ system, to draw moisture away from the body and “ keep you confident and odor-free.” On top of that, you can also opt for heating patches for menstrual cramps that work for up to 12 hours! The only thing that’s missing is a complimentary box of chocolates with every delivery
Size: XS-3XL
Price Range: $25-$43
Absorbent Coverage: up to 4 regular tampons or 8 teaspoons / 4 absorbency levels available
Materials: Nylon 25% Spandex, cotton
Location & Shipping: USA
Shop Proof Here
Seems like the best period underwear brands have really championed size inclusivity. Knix offers worry-free protection in sizes up to 4X with the most absorbent option holding the equivalent of 10 tampons. For even more coverage, you can opt for the Super Leakproof Dream Shorts (12 tampons). From classic high-rise and cheeky to bikini and boyshorts, every pair comes in a slew of cute colors and prints. Plus, the brand uses incredibly soft, naturally breathable cotton Modal for some, selected undies.
Size: XS-4XL
Price Range: $23-$42
Absorbent Coverage: Up 10 regular tampons / 5 absorbency levels available
Materials: Cotton, modal
Location & Shipping: Canada, worldwide shipping available
Shop Knix Here
Just like Thinx, Modibodi’s most sustainable period underwear are very size inclusive! However, the highlight of their collection is the first-ever eco-friendly, biodegradable period and pee-proof brief. It can hold as much as 2-3 tampons or 3 teaspoons which makes it a great option for moderate to heavy periods. For heavier flow, we’d suggest choosing the “Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini”. It holds as much as 10 tampons or 10 teaspoons. Overall, you’ll be pressed to find another brand with such an impressive range of prints and bold, vibrant colors with sexy high leg cuts, hi-waisted bikinis, full briefs, and more. Fancy going swimming on the first day? Period swimwear is also available! Extra bonus: Modibodi is available in the US, UK, AU, and EU!
Size: XS to 6XL
Price Range: $22-$40
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 10 tampons or 10 teaspoons / 5 absorbency levels available
Materials: TENCEL, merino wool, bamboo viscose
Location & Shipping: US, UK, AU, EU
Shop ModiBodi Here
Ruby refuses to let our periods stop us from “doing, being, and going” and thus, their patent-pending technology combines dri-tech mesh with a built-in organic cotton liner to make our affordable sustainable period underwear super absorbent and oh-so-comfy. From leopard print bikinis and hipster styles to briefs, high-waisted classics as well as teen sizes, the eco-friendly period undies offer 100% maximum and discreet leak-proof protection. You can also opt for machine-washable double-sided pads that fit into the undies’ lining if you want to feel extra secure.
Size: Teens and S-3XL (8XL options available)
Price Range: $17.99-$239
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 2.5 tampons worth of absorbency / Full absorbency from front, side, and back
Materials: Nylon 25% Spandex, organic cotton
Location & Shipping: USA
Shop Ruby Love Here
Awwa is an indigenous-owned, Climate positive, B-certified corporation that focuses on natural, organic, and recycled fibers to create the best period underwear and swimwear ethically! They aim to help educate women and teens on mensural care through numerous initiatives, blogs, and podcasts around the topic of, you guessed it, periods. Their collection of boxer briefs, full briefs, hipster, and thongs feature Tencel modal, organic cotton, and recycled nylon. Below each style, you can find more info on who made the product which is pretty awesome.
Size: XXS-6XL
Price Range: $37-$51.
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 5 tampons worth of absorbency / 3 different levels
Materials: Tencel, organic, recycled nylon
Location & Shipping: New Zealand, worldwide shipping available
Shop AWWA Here
Scarlet is lauded as one of the best period underwear brands starting at only $22 a pair! You can DIY your own bundle or opt for one of their existing “starter sets”. The seamless and utterly comfy collection includes Thongs, G-Strings, Bikinis, Briefs and Boyshort with discrete leak-proof technology. Our personal favorite is the organic cotton brief for moderate flow. But, if you need full protection, you can opt for the Boyshorts that absorb as much as 6+ tps or 6-8 tampons or pads.
Size: XS-2XL
Price Range: From $22.14
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 6-8 tampons or pads/ 4 absorbency levels available
Materials: Organic cotton
Location & Shipping: USA, worldwide shipping available
Shop Scarlet Here
With so many absorbent sustainable period underwear as well as bladder leakage, and postpartum underwear, it’s no wonder why Hello Period has such a cult following. Currently, there are 4 different cute and colorful styles to choose from – two of them are high-waisted with mesh paneling and black velvet florals. The B-corp certified eco-friendly period underwear brand has its own superior, patented fabric technology that’s odor resistant, antibacterial, and breathable. On top of that, they also offer medical-grade silicone menstrual discs and period cups.
Size: XS-3XL
Price Range: $49-$59
Absorbent Coverage: Up to 5 tampons worth of absorbency
Materials: Polyester, elastic
Location & Shipping: New Zealand, worldwide shipping available
Shop Hello Period Here
The award-winning slow fashion brand Wildemode is known for their multi-printed sustainable leggings and dopamine-inducing clothing, but they have ventured into sustainable period underwear. Their leopard and all-black boxer shorts are crafted with organic cotton jersey fabric and bamboo zorb to keep you comfy even during cycling or riding. It’s evident that Wildemode puts a lot of care and love into their eco-friendly period underwear and slow fashion lines and it’s also one of the most inclusive brands we’ve seen so far.
Size: 3XS-6XL
Price Range: £22
Absorbent Coverage: 10″ front to back protection
Materials: Organic cotton jersey fabric and bamboo
Location & Shipping: Scotland, worldwide shipping available
Shop Wildemode Here
This post was all about the best affordable sustainable period underwear brands
There you have it, the most absolute best period underwear brands with stylish, comfy, and highly-absorbent eco-friendly period underwear! The aforementioned styles are not only leak-proof but also size-inclusive and packed with special technology for light and heavy flows!
If you liked this post on the best period underwear, you’ll definitely want to check out these other posts from SKL:
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