I’m sharing the breakdown of the 5 popular period panty brands!
I used to dread my period. Every month, like clockwork, my body cycled through the follicular, ovulation, luteal, and—of course—menstruation phases. While the follicular phase is my golden era where I bask in my energy and productivity, the reality is that my period still shows up uninvited every month. And with it? Cramps, mood swings, and a healthy dose of anxiety about leaking through my jeans at preschool drop-off.
Instead of spending another month stressing over leaks and dreading constant tampon changes, I wanted to try something different to make my period easier, more comfortable, and way less wasteful.
Instead of simply trying one brand, I wanted to try multiple brands to test for various factors. I tried 5 most popular period panty brands to compare their pricing, key features, PFAS/toxin levels and advantages.
Here’s a quick list of the most popular period panty brands I tested: The Period Company, Thinx, Saalt, Knix, and Modibodi.
Period Panty Brands Breakdown
I’ve put my experiences into the chart below. The comparison chart breaks down the top options so you can find the best fit for your flow, budget, and comfort!
| Brand | Pricing | Key Descriptions | PFAS / Toxins | Advantages | My Review | The Exact Period Panty I Tried |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Period Company | $12 – $28 | – Organic cotton options – Super absorbent (up to 10 tampons) – Size-inclusive (up to 6X) | PFAS-Free (3rd party testing) | – Most affordable – Great for heavy flow – Minimalist design | These are perfect for the first few days of my period because they’re the heaviest. I also love them for overnight. You’ll want to size up! | The Bikini Period For Heavy Flow |
| Thinx | $35 – $45 | – Large variety of styles – Absorbs up to 5 tampons – Cotton & mesh options | PFAS detected in past (lawsuit settlement 2023) | – Sleek, stylish – Good fit for daily wear – Brand recognition | I was skeptical to try thee because of PFAS lawsuit, but overall this offers so much variety in the style of period panties. I still feel sexy even in period underwear! | Ultra Soft High Waist |
| Saalt Wear | $29 – $44 | – Made with TENCEL™ Modal – Up to 3 tampons absorbency – Moisture-wicking & odor control | PFAS-Free (3rd party tested) | – Sustainable materials – Great for sensitive skin – Elegant styles | I felt like these were luxury underwear, not period panties. You can choose based on my flow. A period panty thong is the perfect no-panty-line solution for my activewear during my period. | Hanky Panky Original Thong |
| Knix | $23 – $38 | – Seamless designs – Up to 8 tsp absorbency – Leakproof gusset | PFAS detected in some tests (2022) | – Great for workouts – Invisible under clothes – Strong community | These are also seamless, which I appreciate, but the possibility of PFAS does leave me more hesitant to use it. These held ALOT. | Super Leakproof® No-Show French Cut |
| Modibodi | $26 – $42 | – Wide style range (briefs, bikini, boyshorts) – Absorbs up to 10 tampons – Maternity & swim options | Doesn’t mention PFAS on the website, but states they are certified as free from harmful substances to human health including allergens and carcinogens | – Good for all flow levels – Maternity-friendly – Period swimwear available | Period panties, but make them swimwear! This was perfect for my vacation on the last day of my period. No more fear of a tampon string in my bathing suit! | Swimwear One Piece |
| Bambody | $12–$22 per pair | Bamboo fabric, high absorbency, basic styles | Claims no PFAS | Budget-friendly, soft and breathable, solid absorbency | My favorite thing about these is that they are so affordable. If you’re just starting out and want to slowly build a stash, these are great. Size up! | Leakproof Reusable Underwear – 3 Pack |
What I Wish I Knew Before These Buying Period Panty Brands
PFAS Research: If you didn’t hear, there was a large lawsuit against Thinx for having PFAS (forever checmals) in their period panty products. The company paid up to $5 million and agreed to make changes to marketing and production (source). To help with this step, make sure to do your own independent research and double check claims such as “PFAS Free”.
Sizing: You’re going to want to size up! I feel like sizing is the part people don’t talk about, but it is debatably one of the most important parts of the shopping process. What size are you? In my experience, size up. When I’m on my period I don’t want anything tight or hugging my stomach in anyway. I want to have breathable room and feel comfortable. In addition, you’re going to be washing these period panties – a lot. So it could be nice to have a slightly bigger size to decrease the risk of shrinkage.
Washing: I use a wet bag to store my period panties. Once I change my panties, I place it into the wet bag. Every other day I’ll empty the contents of the wet bag and also throw in the wet bag and wash. You want to avoid drying, this is because it can cause the absorbency fibers in the period panties to deteriorate and stop doing as good of a job – that’s when you’ll have to start worrying about leaks. Instead, air dry them! I like to use this dryer rack.
Period panties can be a great solution for you if you’re looking for period product alternatives that are zero waste and plastic free!
The Period Company
If you need serious protection without spending a fortune, The Bikini Period for Heavy Flow is a game-changer. This pair absorbs more than a tampon which makes it perfect for heavy days or even overnight. The organic cotton is soft and it holds up well after multiple washes. For such a budget friendly brand, this period panty brand really offers leakproof protection which is why it is one of my favorites. Don’t forget to size up!
Thinx
If comfort is your top priority, Ultra Soft High Waist by Thinx is worth the investment! The fabric is buttery soft, and the high-waisted fit provides gentle support. This period panty is perfect for bloating days.
It’s lightweight, but still absorb well. I also love the fact that these panties are not bulky. While it’s on the pricier side, the durability and comfort make it a solid choice for anyone looking to replace pads or tampons entirely.
Saalt Wear
I cannot believe period panty thongs exist! I was so happy when I realized I didn’t have to give up cute undies just because my period started. The Hanky Panky Original Thong by Saalt Wear is soft, stretchy, and actually absorbs period flow without that diaper-y feel. This is great for low flow days, days when you’re only spotting, or days when you don’t feel like having a panty line!
Knix
If you’re worried about panty lines, but your flow is too heavy for the thong I mentioned above, Super Leakproof No-Show French Cut by Knix could be for you! It’s seamless, super absorbent, and honestly, feels like a second skin. I can wear these under leggings or dresses, and not worry about leaks or panty lines.
Modibodi
Instead of planning your next beach day vacation around your period, you can grab this Swimwear One Piece by Modibodi. When I wore this swimsuit I was so worried I would feel soggy and unfortable, but I didn’t! I felt confident and knew that even when I got out of the water I wouldn’t have to worry about a tampon string or a leak.
Bambody
The Bambody Leakproof Reusable Underwear are some of the first period panties I ever purchased! They’re affordable and they actually work. The bamboo fabric makes the fabric soft and not scratchy which I like. While they’re not top quality, they are great for beginners or for budget-conscious, low waste periods!
If you’re interested in trying period panties and don’t know where to start, here a summary of the 5 most popular period panty brands:
- Best Budget Pick: The Period Company and Bambody—affordable and great for heavy flow
- Best for Style: Thinx—tons of cute styles but double-check latest PFAS updates
- Best Eco-Friendly Material: Saalt Wear—TENCEL™, breathable, PFAS-Free
- Best for Active Moms: Knix—seamless and great under leggings
- Best Variety + Maternity: Modibodi—regular, maternity, and swim options
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