My Honest Review of Period Undies (Spoiler: I Love Them)

March 24, 2026

Written by Jacintha Gunasekera, Naturopath (BHSc)

Periods are one of my favourite topics — not because they’re always easy, but because they’re such a powerful window into what’s going on in the body. If you’ve been curious about period undies and wondering whether they actually work (especially overnight or on heavier days), this is my honest, real-life review. I’ll share what surprised me, what I’d buy again, what to know about PFAS, and the couple of downsides that are worth factoring in before you spend your money.

My Honest Review of Period Underwear (Australia)

Period underwear (aka “period undies”) is one of those products I wish I’d tried years ago. I’m going to skip the long preamble on what I think about Period underwear (Australia) and just say it: I love them.

I feel genuinely sad I missed out on so many years of comfortable, happy, leak-free periods.

When I first tried period undies, I bought two pairs — one for heavy flow and one for light. I was nervous. Would they work? Would they be a waste of money?

I’ve since bought a whole set: heavy days, moderate days, light days. I genuinely can’t recommend them more highly (and this is not an ad — I just really like them that much).

Quick take: why I rate period undies

More comfortable than pads (for me)
Way less leak anxiety — including overnight
Simple: no last-minute “do I have supplies?” stress
More sustainable than disposable products
Cost-effective over time, especially if you buy on sale

A quick word on period underwear brands (and PFAS)

Period undies have been around for a while. The first big brand many of us heard about was Thinx.

A few years ago, there was (rightly) a lot of concern about PFAS being found in Thinx period underwear — specifically in the absorbent layer.

PFAS are endocrine-disrupting chemicals. An endocrine disruptor is any chemical that interferes with how our hormones are made, bound, transported or excreted. These chemicals can impact hormones, fertility and the menstrual cycle.

In short: they’re not something we want in close contact with our vulva.

Fast forward to now: in Australia, two of the most widely available brands are Modibodi and Bonds. I’ve tried both.

Modibodi: No PFAS used in Modibodi period underwear (and this is the brand I personally use and recommend).
Bonds: I’ve used Bonds, but I didn’t find them as absorbent as Modibodi.

Absorbency matters. A lot.

One thing I love about Modibodi is the gusset coverage — it goes right up the front and around the back, so it doesn’t matter if you tend to bleed more to the front or the back.

My first experience with Period Undies (yes, I was nervous)

The first time I wore period undies, I was genuinely anxious. I sat at my desk with a towel underneath me because I was so worried about leaking.

I didn’t leak. Not even close.

Since switching, I’ve never worried less about leaking onto clothes.

Overnight: the biggest win for Period Undies

I’ve also never slept better during my periods than I have since using a maxi pair overnight.

No waking up because a pad has shifted
No anxiety about leaking onto the sheets
Just sleep

The everyday ease (heavy days, moderate days, light days)

I now have different pairs for heavy, moderate and light days — and the simplicity is what I love most.

There’s no:

“Do I have the right pads?”
“Are there enough tampons in the cupboard?”
“Did I pack supplies?”

You just pull out a pair of underwear and get on with your day.

Sustainability + cost of Period Undies

Period undies are also a fantastic sustainable choice. You’re not constantly buying disposable products.

Financially, there’s an upfront cost, but I found it was recouped surprisingly quickly — especially if you buy them on sale (which I’ve done every time).

We’ve also done a review of Period Cups

Travel, camping, and teenagers

Period undies are brilliant for travelling, camping, or weekends away.

Instead of packing packets of pads and tampons, you just pack your underwear.

I also think they’re wonderful for teenagers who are still figuring out their cycle — when it’s arriving, how heavy it will be, what to expect. For camps and sleepovers, they take away so much stress.

And there are so many styles now — full briefs, boylegs, G-strings, different colours — there really is something for everyone.

The downsides of Period Undies (because there are some)

No product is perfect. Here are the downsides I’ve noticed.

1) You need to rinse them before washing

You do need to rinse them out before putting them in the washing machine.

And yes — it’s laborious. I won’t dress that up.

I stand at the sink rinsing them and feeling like a woman from the 1800s. It’s satisfying to see how much they’ve absorbed, but it’s still a boring task.

2) They may not suit “flooding”

If you experience flooding (a very large amount of flow in a short time), period undies may not cope on their own.

If you’re a very heavy bleeder, you may need to change your maxi pair once or twice during the day — but to be fair, you’d be changing a saturated pad or tampon regularly as well. So it’s not necessarily more inconvenient, just different.

Best period underwear in Australia: Modibodi vs Bonds

After trying both Bonds and Modibodi, I prefer Modibodi for absorbency.

I bought all of mine on sale. I recouped the cost quickly. I sleep better. I feel more comfortable. I don’t stress about leaking. I don’t stress about having the right menstrual products on hand.

So here’s my honest review:

Period undies rock.

Give them a try — and let me know how you go.

And if you’re experiencing any issues with your periods (pain, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, PMS that’s knocking you around), make an appointment to chat with us. Periods are genuinely one of our favourite subjects.

Period Underpants FAQs

Do period undies actually work?

Yes—good-quality period underwear can absorb menstrual flow and reduce leaks. The right absorbency level and fit matter most, especially on heavy days and overnight.

Are period undies good for heavy flow?

They can be, if you choose a high-absorbency (maxi/super) style. If your flow is very heavy, you may still need to change once or twice during the day.

Can you sleep in period underwear overnight?

Many people find period undies great for overnight because they don’t shift like pads can. A maxi/high-absorbency pair is usually the best choice for sleep.

How many pairs of period undies do I need?

It depends on your cycle length and laundry routine, but many people like having a mix (heavy, moderate, light) so they can rotate through the week comfortably.

Do period undies smell?

When they fit well and are changed as needed, most people don’t notice odour. Rinsing soon after wear and washing properly helps.

How do you wash period underwear?

Typically: rinse in cold water until it runs clear, then wash with your regular laundry (check the brand’s care instructions). Avoid fabric softener if the brand advises it.

Are period undies hygienic?

Yes—when washed and dried properly, they’re considered hygienic. They’re designed with absorbent and moisture-managing layers for menstrual blood.

Are period undies safe (PFAS)?

Some brands have faced concerns about PFAS in the past. If this matters to you, look for brands that clearly state their PFAS policy and materials testing.

Are period undies worth the money?

Many people find the upfront cost pays off over time compared with buying disposable pads/tampons every month—especially if you buy during sales.

Are period undies good for teenagers?

They can be a great option for teens because they’re simple, discreet, and reduce stress about leaks—especially for school, camps, and sleepovers.

Jacintha Gunasekera is a naturopath at New Leaf Naturopathic Health with over 20 years’ experience. She has a special interest in menstrual health — including heavy bleeding, painful periods, PMS, perimenopause and cycle irregularity — and she’s passionate about helping people feel informed, supported, and at home in their bodies.

If your period is painful, unpredictable, very heavy (or you’re experiencing flooding), you don’t have to just “put up with it”. If you’d like personalised support, you’re welcome to book an appointment with our team.