9 Best period pants you can buy in 2023 for cheap and sustainable periods
FORGET lumpy sanitary towels and uncomfortable tampons, invest in period pants in 2023 and you won’t look back.
With absorbent layers and a reusable design, period pants are sustainable, cost less in the long run and are more comfortable to use than many regular menstrual products.
Innovative companies are looking for ways to reduce human waste and are constantly trying to come up with eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products.
And with half of women admitting they’ve NEVER felt comfortable on their period, it’s no wonder period pants have taken off.
If you’ve always wanted to try them out but are unsure exactly how they work, read on as we answer your questions and round up the best period pants brands available to buy now.
What are period pants?
Period pants are an innovative sanitary product that aims to replace wasteful sanitary products, such as pads and tampons.
They are leakproof underwear made from a fabric that is designed to absorb and wick away liquid to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
How do period pants work?
Period pants are made of three or four different layers of fabric.
The fluid is wicked away from the body and is trapped in the layers of fabric to stop it from leaking onto your clothes or sheets.
Different materials are used by different brands but the most common include cotton, bamboo and merino wool.
They also come in a range of absorbencies for different flows. If you’re concerned about whether your periods are ‘normal’, we recently discussed how heavy should your period be – and when you must see your GP.
How long do period pants last?
The lifetime of your pair of period pants will depend on how well you look after them, but according to a statistic, moving to reusable period pants saves the same amount of carbon emissions as over 65,000 return flights from London Heathrow to New York City!
Most period pants will need to be hand-washed but it’s best you treat your pair according to the individual brand’s instructions.
Fans of the product say that a single pair can last up to two years depending on the care level and the usage.
Best period pants at a glance:
- Best range of styles:
- Best for a heavy flow:
- Best for swimming:
- Best all-rounder:
- Best eco-friendly:
- Best value:
- Best for new mums:
- Best for comfort:
- Best for teens:
1. Best range of styles: Wuka
- Wuka period pants – buy 2 get 1 free –
is made of Lenzing MicroModal fabric meaning it’s super soft and stretchy.
There are lots of different styles, but the Basics range is the best value for money.
They come in a hipster style, providing full coverage and holding up to three tampons worth.
The size range varies from UK 4 to 20, meaning Wuka has got all of us covered.
Check out our Wuka period pants review for a more in-depth roundup of how these pants perform – we even tried the brand’s period leggings!
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2. Best for a heavy flow: Thinx
- Thinx For All period proof hiphugger brief with moderate absorbency in black, £14.50 – buy here
- Shop the full Thinx range at and .
THINX period-proof technology features four different layers of protection: moisture-wicking, odour-controlling, leak-resistant, and super-absorbent.
They are easy to care for: rinse them first before putting them into your washing machine (avoid bleach and fabric softener).
There are many different options to choose from and can take up to four tampons worth.
3. Best for swimming: Modibodi
- ModiBodi women’s leak-proof underwear, from £20 –
Modibodi is made from Modifier Technology that can hold up to two tampons worth and they are only 3mm thick.
The fabric contains bamboo and merino wool, making it super soft on the skin whilst it provides ultimate protection.
They also have a for those women who have a heavier flow as well as an , so you’ll never have to shy away from exercise while you’re on your period again.
Lots of people also ask: Can you swim in period pants? And the answer is, with these ones you can!
The allows you to enjoy carefree days by the pool.
4. Best all-rounder: Flux Undies
- Bikini, £28 –
- High-waist, £29 –
- Boyshort, £28 –
- Shop the full Fluxies range
Heavy period days? Flux has got you covered.
Their period pants feature a built-in moisture-wicking, absorbent, and leak-proof panel to keep you dry – they can hold up to four tampons worth!
They come in three different styles, so you can choose the right ones for you.
We recently roadtested a few pairs with our Flux undies review – make sure you check it out, as there’s also an exclusive 25% off discount code.
5. Best eco-friendly: Bambody
- Bambody Leak Proof Hipster, from £13.90 from Amazon –
- Visit the Bambody store at Amazon
Bambody’s Leak Proof Hipster panties are designed for light-medium discharge.
Featuring a sporty style, they are great if you’re looking for active period-proof underwear.
Customers have been praising them for leaving their sheets stain-free.
6. Best value: Innersy
- Innersy Women’s Menstrual Period Underwear 3 Pack, £19.99 –
Innersy’s undies may not be the most stylish ones available out there – that honour goes to the first sexy ‘period proof’ pants which were unveiled by student designer Sian Hickey – but at just under £20 for a pack of three, they’re perfect for those who want to give period pants a try without investing too much.
The undies can hold two tampons worth of blood, so make sure you pack another pair with you if you have a heavy flow.
Their full wide back coverage and extended protective lining in the front ensure no messy stains on sheets or clothes, giving you extra protection against leakage.
7. Best for new mums: Intimate Portal
- Intimate Portal Sensation Aborsbent Menstrual Knickers, £29.99 –
An Amazon bestseller, Intimates Portal’s undies are available in a variety of colours and styles.
The reusable brief can hold up to two light tampons’ worth of blood and is made with four layers of absorption and protection.
They also come in handy if you have postpartum bleeding and incontinence.
Intimate Portal’s pregnancy underwear called under-the-bump panties are particularly popular with expecting mums for their comfort as well as their breathable cotton and spandex blend to ensure a great fit with light belly support.
8. Best for comfort: Aisle
- aisle Bikini, $39.06 –
- aisle Boxer Brief, $48 –
- aisle Brief, $46 –
Shop the full Aisle range
Aisle doesn’t have a shop in the UK yet, but we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave them out of our list.
They not only offer a range of period pants but also sell reusable pads and liners too.
Aisle feature a removable absorbent layer called an ‘Insert’ that can be changed throughout the day for that extra feeling of freshness.
It’s worth checking them out, but bear in mind that shipping costs $15 for orders under $75.
9. Best for teens: Bodyform Intimawear
- Hipster Full Lace Moderate, £24.99 at Bodyform –
- Shop the full Bodyform online store
Bodyform has a wide range of stylish period pants, including , , and as well as the Hipster range.
You can also get recommendations for the best pants to choose from based on a light, medium or heavy flow.
As well as the environmental benefits of period pants, from a practical sense they’re easy to use, discreet and low maintenance – making them ideal for teens who are new to having periods.
As well as a great range of styles, Bodyform Intimawear offers a range of sizes from XXS to 3XL so you can find the perfect fit for leak-free comfort.
How do you wash period pants?
Period pants rely on special materials to help absorb and wick away leakage.
In theory, this means you can’t stain them.
That said, to ensure your reusable period pants last longer and are ready for your next period, you’ll need to wash them after use.
Make sure you read the brand’s instructions as each has specific advice as to how to best wash your undies.
As a general rule, when you first take them off, it’s advised to rinse them in cold water until the water runs clear.
Then you’ll need to pop them in the washing machine with your delicates and run it on a cold wash.
Avoid using fabric softeners as these can break down the natural fibres in the fabric, and just to stick with laundry detergent or soap.
Then after washing, hang them out to dry so they’re ready for the next use.
Do period pants feel wet or smell?
As long as you’re wearing underwear that is suitable for your flow, you’ll be dry throughout the day.
Both Thinx and Modibodi’s higher absorbency styles can hold up to four tampons’ worth of liquid.
If you’re feeling unsure about the heaviness of your flow, you may need to pack an extra pair for your own peace of mind.
The fabric and the lining of period pants are specifically designed to stop odour and have been scientifically proven to do so.
So, if cared for correctly (have a look at our washing guidelines), your undies won’t smell.
Can you swim in period pants?
If you like swimming there’s no reason your periods should stop you from enjoying your favourite activity or ruin your beach holiday.
All you’ll need to do is opt for a period-proof swimwear, currently available from Modibodi and US brand Ruby Love (with international delivery starting from $14.95 (£11.82).
Modibodi claims its swimwear is 100 per cent leak-proof and includes a gusset that absorbs fluid from the body and locks it into the inner layer.
Bear in mind that it isn’t cheap. The bikini costs £72.50 while the costume is just shy of £100 at £98.50.
However, the company does offer a 30-day free trial, so you can get a full refund if aren’t 100 per cent happy.
On Ruby Love prices start at $39.99 (£30) plus shipping costs for a bikini and $79.99 (£61) for a swimming costume.
Don’t forget that both retailers recommend wearing their period-proof swimwear to hold lighter flow or extra protection on heavy days so you can still go for a dip.