A guide to the best period underwear brands from Australia and New Zealand
Fuss-free bleeding.
There’s a special kind of disappointment felt when you go to the bathroom and discover your cute new pair of underwear has been destroyed by period complications. Whether it’s come unexpectedly early or there’s been some kind of leakage with your tampon or diva cup, having your period ruin a perfectly good pair of underwear, alongside all of the other annoying PMS side effects, can be enough to send you over the edge.
This is part of the appeal of menstrual underwear. Aside from the comfort factor, period undies are also a good choice for those looking for a more sustainable way to manage their monthly cycle. According to the ABC, the average Australian woman will use roughly 10,000 to 12,000 disposable period products in her lifetime, many of which are made in part by plastics and synthetic fibres. These take ages to decompose, further contributing to the world’s massive waste problem.
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While period undies are gaining popularity all over the world, we’re fortunate to have a few gems in our backyard. From full coverage to G-strings, below we’ve rounded up the best Australian and New Zealand menstrual underwear brands.
Love Luna
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Founded in 2017, Love Luna is an Australian-designed and owned menstrual underwear brand. You can shop by age group, style or flow and its products can cater to a heavy period, absorbing the same amount as up to four tampons. The brand also has a swimwear line for long days at the beach or by the pool. Made from a water-repellent fabric, the swimwear basics do a surprisingly good job, especially when paired with a tampon or menstrual cup.
Modibodi
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Founded by Sydney mum of four and marathon runner Kristy Chong, Modibodi needs no introduction. Specially tested by a team of scientists to be effective after 100 washes and free from any harmful substances and materials, the products come in a range of colours, styles and absorbency levels. The brand also caters to those looking for vegan and biodegradable products that break down when buried in active soil.
Emflower
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Originally starting as a reusable kitchenware and toiletries brand based in Perth, Emflower now exclusively makes sustainable and organic menstrual products. The brand helps provide products and education across Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos. Emflower’s products are made primarily from organic bamboo with added elastane, making them ultra-soft and comfortable. As well as this, the products have advanced four-layer technology that’s specifically designed to prevent leaks and odours.
Knicked
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Designed for a younger demographic, Sydney brand Knicked aims to reduce the anxiety many young girls feel about getting their first period. The brand has swimwear, designs that cater to casual everyday wear and the heaviest days of your period and pieces that are undetectable under leotards and tutus made specifically for dancers. The brand also offers washable bags for your used underwear, positivity cards and a PMS essential oil roll-on for teens and tweens.
Be Sélene
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Founded by Sophie and Julie, two French women who met in Australia over a decade ago, Be Sélene is a period underwear brand that combines the stylishness of French lingerie with the comfort of period underwear. Made in Australia out of organic cotton and French lace, Be Sélene’s range will make you feel your best while on your period.
Undercovers
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Undercovers is one of the newest players in the period undies game. Founder Liz Hayes teamed up with consultants from the RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles to come up with the designs. After countless prototypes and eight years of work, they came up with six styles of underwear in both cotton and luxe materials. Size-inclusive, vegan and made in Melbourne, Undercovers is perfect for comfortable and practical basics.
Boody
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This Sydney-based certified B Corp offers a lot more than just leak-proof underwear. The brand’s wide range includes classic panties, maternity wear, boxers and briefs, and even a line of baby clothes. Most are crafted from bamboo, a fabric that’s heralded for its buttery softness, breathability and sustainability.
Awwa
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This Indigenous-owned New Zealand brand is dedicated to transforming periods from annoying to effortless. Featuring designs in multiple shapes and absorbency levels, crafted from materials like organic cotton, Tencel modal and recycled nylon, there are options for every individual need. Awwa also offers first-time period kits that come complete with a booklet full of period information and a mini hot water bottle.
Wunderthings
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Based in Sydney, Wunderthings makes period undies that don’t look like traditional period undies. Made from organic cotton and recycled nylon, its designs are as comfy as they are cute.
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