The top three period underwear brands according to CHOICE

A decade ago, when a person got their period, they had two options: tampons or pads. Well, three options if you count that rolled up bit of toilet paper some of us had to use after a surprise leak in the middle of nowhere.

But, in 2013, that began to change. Women started becoming more interested in alternatives – products that were budget-friendly, better for the environment and overall, less wasteful. Enter the menstrual cup, the menstrual disc, literal sea sponges, reusable panty liners, and last but certainly not least: the period undies.

Designed with a top layer to wick away moisture, another to absorb menstrual flow and a third layer to prevent leakage, period underwear is marketed as an alternative to not just other feminine hygiene products, but a back-up for heavy flow days, postpartum recovery and even a big workout, (that is, if you like to sweat and stay dry).

But not all undies were created equal, so consumer advocacy group, CHOICE decided to trial the top ten brands.

The method of testing

First, they recruited 56 volunteers to trial 10 different period undies from Bonds, Modibodi, Thinx, Eco Period and Love Luna, with each pair being trialled a minimum of 30 times. 

They also tested the underwear in their laundry laboratory to find out what effect washing and drying would have on their condition over time. 

“You deserve to have rigorous and independent testing on all the products you rely on, from washing powder to period undies,” said CHOICE consumer expert, Marianna Longmire in a press release.

“This new CHOICE review will help you find out what products will work best for a heavy flow day or which will be more comfortable. We hope that publishing and discussing our period underwear review will also help to reduce some of the stigma that still exists around periods.”

Image via CHOICE

The results

The 10 period undies that CHOICE looked at all generally performed well, but these were the top three brands.

1. Modibodi Seamfree Full Brief

• CHOICE Recommended
• Price: $33
• Absorbency: Moderate-heavy
• CHOICE score: 80%
• Performance: 82% 
• Overall comfort: 74%
• Ease of use: 77%

“The Modibodi Seamfree Full Briefs, with a moderate to heavy absorbency, were worn by triallists during the day. These undies scored the highest for no leakage, with only one of 34 participants reporting a small leak,” said Longmire. 

“These period briefs also rated highest for performance, ease of use, and ease of washing.” 

2. Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Full Brief

• CHOICE Recommended
• Price: $29.99
• Absorbency: Heavy
• CHOICE score: 76%
• Performance: 79%
• Overall comfort: 73%
• Ease of use: 75%

“The Bonds Bloody Comfy Full Briefs, with a heavy absorbency, were worn overnight by our triallists. They were commended for their absorbency, and received the equal second highest no leakage score,” says Longmire.

3. Eco Period Orgaknix Super Boyleg

• CHOICE Recommended
• Price: $39.90
• Absorbency: Super 
• CHOICE score: 75%
• Performance: 77%
• Overall comfort: 73%
• Ease of use: 70%

Triallists wore these briefs overnight and some were very happy with them: “I really liked the fit and coverage of these underwear. I also liked that the gusset was very long and extended all the way up to the back to prevent leaking,” said one.

Another commented: “It was a firm fit so they did not move around. The good-sized pad area/gusset goes right up the back of the undies, so I can’t see them leaking overnight.”

As a result, they scored second highest for no leakages, third highest for absorbency and equal third for odour control. 

So there you have it, if period undies are your thing, it would appear that ModiBodi is the way to go.

If you’d like to see the full list of brands, products and results, go to CHOICE.