There have been few advancements in period products since the tampon was introduced to women in the 1930s. But, the most prominent, in recent years at least, is undeniably that of period underwear.
Period undies have increasingly made their way into the mainstream conversation around menstruation since first appearing on the market.
Now, they’re everywhere – stocked in your local supermarket, spruiked by celebs and influencers, and spotted regularly when scrolling your feed.
Given disposable products – tampons, pads, liners – can take between 500 and 800 years to biodegrade (and one woman uses an average of 10,000 in her lifetime), period underwear have become the clear choice for a, well, clear conscience when it comes to minimising our impact on the environment.
How Does Period Underwear Work?
Typically crafted from a combination of moisture wicking and highly absorbent material on the inner layers and water-impermeable layers on the outer, any feeling of dampness or potential leaks are near non-existent.
Shapes and styles vary brand to brand but most, like pads and tampons, offer varieties of coverage according to your flow from light to super.
The Best Period Underwear Brands In Australia
01
Best for: Ultra-comfortable styles
Known for their bamboo underwear and apparel, sustainable brand Boody has recently launched a range of period-proof and leak-proof underwear. Being made from bamboo, they are super soft and breathable, yet ultra absorbent for maximum protection against leaks. Choose from the signature bikini or full brief styles in a variety of sizes and ditch conventional, bulky pads for good.
Sizes: XS-4XL | Colours: Black. | Materials: 100% PFA-free. Bamboo Viscose, Nylon, Elastane, Cotton | Styles: Full Brief, Classic Bikini, Hipster. | Absorbency: Light-Moderate (up to 1 tampon/pad) , Moderate-Heavy (up to 3 regular tampons/4 regular pads) & Overnight (up to 4 tampons/pads)
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02
Best for: Versatile styles and fits
We can’t talk about period undies without talking about Modibodi. Four million products sold and 40,000+ 5-star reviews on their range of styles (from sensual high waist to seam-free options) don’t lie. Modibodi’s popular Maxi-24hrs absorbency can hold up to 10 tampons’ worth of liquid.
Sizes: Teen 8-18, Women 3XS-6XL, Men S-3XL. | Colours: Beige, Black, Blue Cocao, Dust, Espresso, Flore Pink, Gingham Red, Green, Grey, La Mer Blue, Pink, Porcelain, Prickly Pink, Multi, Purple, Red, Steel, Tawny, Yellow. | Materials: Recycled Nylon, Viscose, Organic Cotton. Styles: Various styles available. | Absorbency: Everyday (Panty liners), Light Moderate (2 tampons or 2 teaspoons), Moderate Heavy (2-3 Tampons or 3 Teaspoons), Heavy Overnight (3-4 Tampons or 4 Teaspoons), Super Overnight (8 tampons or 8 teaspoons), Maxi (10 tampons or 10 teaspoons), Ultra Leak-Proof (up to 250ml).
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03
Best for: Seamless, non-bulky protection
Knix leakproof underwear is designed for comfort, convenience, and confidence, making period management effortless. With a range of styles, sizes, and absorbencies, there’s a perfect fit for every body and cycle. Its non-bulky, built-in protection is among the most discreet we’ve tried—locking in moisture, preventing leaks, and neutralising odours to keep you feeling fresh and secure all day.
Sizes: Youth: 9-16, Women: XS-4XL. | Colours: Hazelnut, Plum, Black, Slate, Brush, Spicy, Maritime. | Materials: Designed without PFAS and any other harsh substance. | Absorbency: Light (1-3 regular tampons), Moderate (2-3 super tampons), Heavy (3-5 super tampons), Ultra (7-9 super tampons). | Styles: High-Rise, Thong, Bikini, Boyshort, Boxer, Shapewear.
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04
Best for: Sleep and lounge styles
With five levels of coverage according to your flow and a range of styles—including a postpartum and apparel range—Thinx has the perfect fit for every body.
Sizes: Youth: 9-16, Women: XS-4XL. | Colours: Hazelnut, Plum, Black, Slate, Brush, Spicy, Maritime. | Materials: Designed without PFAS and any other harsh substance. | Absorbency: Holds up to 12 regular tampons worth. | Styles: High-Waisted, Boxer, Hip Hugger, Boyshort, Brief, Bikini.
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Best for: Unisex styles
This trailblazing Female, POC & LGBTQI+ owned brand focuses on sustainable & inclusive period products (they hold up to 5 tampon’s worth of flow) including a cute new bralette set for those love their undergarments to match.
Sizes: 3XS-6XL. | Colours: Black, Pink, Grey Marle, Midnight Blue, Teal. | Materials: Recycled Nylon, Elastane, Organic Cotton, TENCEL. Styles: Hipster, High-Waisted, Thong, Boxer, Cheeky. | Absorbency: Light – Moderate (2 tampons), Heavy (5 tampons)
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06
Best for: Affordable, everyday options
From ultra-light to heavy flow, Bonds offer various styles in their Bloody Comfy range including boyleg and moderate bikini cuts.
Sizes: 6-24 | Colours: Black, Sequin, Heritage Grey Marle, Violet Denim, Blush Latte, Blush Latte. | Materials: Cotton Blend, Cotton Elastane, Nylon Blend. | Styles: Boyleg, Short, Bikini, Full Brief, Gee, Hi-Bikini, High-Waisted. | Absorbency: Ultra Light (1 tampon) , Light, Moderate (up to 3 tampons), Heavy (up to 4 tampons), Overnight (up to 8 tampons)
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08
Best for: Swimming and sports
Designed for discreet period protection when participating in water sports, UnderSwim’s period underwear features a unique outer coating to keep water out and an absorbent inner lining to lock flow in. With a seamless, high-leg rise design, they fit seamlessly under most regular coverage swimwear without added bulk and are compliant with Swimming Australia’s inclusive swimwear policy.
Sizes: 4-18. | Colours: Black, Neutral, Navy. | Materials: OEKO-TEX® Certified. No harsh chemicals used. | Absorbency: 2-3 tampons or 4 regular pads. | Styles: OG and G fit.
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09
Best for: Wear-everywhere period undies
Effortless, leak-free, and waste-free—Scarlet is redefining period care with products designed to make your life easier and more comfortable. Thoughtfully crafted to soothe, support, and adapt to your lifestyle, Scarlet keeps things simple without compromising on protection. Each pair of period panties features four layers of innovative leakproof technology that moisture-wicks, absorbs, protects against leaks and fees breathable for all-day comfort and discretion.
Sizes: XS-XXL. | Colours: Black. | Materials: Free from harmful chemicals like PFAS. | Absorbency: Light (2-3 teaspoons), Moderate (5 teaspoons), Heavy (7 teaspoons). | Styles: Boyshort, High-Waisted Brief, Pocket High-Waisted Brief, Bikini Brief, G-String, Invisible Thong
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