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We’ve researched and tested dozens of period underwear — these are our favorite options for comfort, absorbency, and nontoxic fabrics across a range of price points.
Period panties — your comfy and sustainable alternative to dreaded tampons and pads! The best pairs are soft, breathable, stretchy — and importantly, absorbable. They’ve been our BFF many a time when we didn’t know when our period was coming and throughout our flow. As an environmental plus, they reduce waste and can be washed and worn again.
What’s the deal with PFAS?
You’ve probably heard of THINX. When the brand launched in the 2010s, it brought reusable period underwear to the mainstream. Just a few years later, it was revealed that the highly wicking material contained an alarming amount of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals that have stain and water-resistant qualities, and are found in everything from rain jackets to non-stick cookware. Studies have linked PFAS with issues such as period irregularities, ovarian disorders, high blood pressure, and fertility concerns.
Since the skin of the vulva is especially absorbent, finding period undies that will keep you dry and safe from harmful chemicals is extremely important.
Our criteria:
Our team has tried dozens of sustainable period panties and thoroughly researched the materials to ensure none of the brands we’ve selected include PFAS or potentially harmful materials to keep you feeling safe, secure, and sustainable. We update this list regularly with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:
- NONTOXIC | The brands below offer period panties without PFAS and use natural, non-toxic dyes.
- COMFORTABLE & ABSORBANT |Our editors have included the brands we feel carry the softest materials and most versatile ranges of absorbency.
- INCLUSIVE | We’ve prioritized brands that are gender and size-inclusive for a range of bodies.
Looking for more period-friendly products? Check out our guides to reusable pads, menstrual cups, and natural and organic tampons.
Best Overall | Most Size Inclusive | Most Affordable
1. The Period Company
Best For | Affordable period underwear
Materials | Organic cotton, cotton, spandex jersey, spandex, nylon, polyester, polyester PUL
Absorption Levels Available | Light, medium, heavy
Size Range | XS – 6X; youth sizes available
Price Range | $6 – $24
The Period Company is making underwear that is meant to not only eliminate the amount of toxins exposed to your body during your period (the FDA has over 400 defect warnings about tampons alone!), but also the waste produced by a single month’s worth of period products. Made from soft, comfy organic cotton and four-layer towel absorbency with the capacity for up to nine tampons/five pads worth of liquid, these are undies that will keep you feelings dry, safe, and secure for years. The brand is third-party tested by Intertek to assure the undies are organic and toxic free (click here to see their UL Validation!).
Customer Review | “These genuinely really improved my period for me. They are so comfortable! Completely replaced pads. And I’d often choose to wear them over my regular underwear” – Hannah (Read all reviews.)
2. TomboyX
Best For | Gender-inclusive options
Materials | OEKO-TEX certified cotton, spandex, polyester
Absorption Levels Available | Medium – heavy (6 – 8 tsps of liquid)
Size Range | 3XS – 6X
Price Range | $20 – $30
TomboyX is one of our favorite brands for size-inclusive and gender-inclusive undies. Their First Line period underwear has all the same comfiness and breathability of their regular underwear, only fully lined with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics that are chemical-free, odor-repellent, and antibacterial. With the absorbency capacity of up to eight teaspoons, each pair is machine washable and free from PFOS and PFOA chemicals (read more here!).
Customer Review | “I’m allergic to adhesive, so been relying on reusable pads, which aren’t really regulated and gods knows what you’re getting when you ordered sometimes. I saw these and loved the option. They work really well, haven’t had any leaks (i’m a med/heavy flow). I love that it has the floating gusset so that I can add in a pad if I feel the need.” – Katie A. (Read all reviews.)
3. Modibodi
Best For | Eco-friendly packaging
Materials | Bamboo viscose, merino wool, polyester, polyamide, elastane, recycled nylon
Absorption Levels Available | Light moderate, mixed, maxi, moderate heavy, heavy overnight, super overnight
Size Range | 3XS – 6XL; youth sizes available
Price | $20 – $60 for one; multi-packs available
Modibodi is helping to combat period taboos, like with this ad originally banned on social media simply for showing menstrual blood. Today, they’re continuing the conversation by creating natural products for natural periods. These period panties are made with sustainable bamboo and merino, and ships in compostable packaging. We’re big fans of their Maxi briefs for our overnight needs (which absorb up to ten tampons worth of liquid!), and their Seamfree line that minimizes VPL. Read their statement about being PFAS-free here.
Customer Review | “For the first time in years I don’t worry about leaks in the night. I can go to bed and wake up care free it’s revolutionised my periods! The washing is super easy and they are so comfy. I was super skeptical about period pants but now I’m 100% a convert” – Zoey A. (Read all reviews.)
4. WUKA
Best For | UK-based
Materials | BCI certified & GOTS-certified cotton, TENCEL modal, elastane, polyester, recycled nylon
Absorption Levels Available | Light, medium, heavy, super
Size Range | XXS – 6XL; youth sizes available
Price | £9 – £22 for one; multi-packs available
WUKA is a British brand offering the very best in sustainable period underwear for teens through adults. They’re ethically made from organic cotton and equipped with a highly absorbent layer so you can wear these for up to twelve hours (and up to twelve tampons-worth absorbency) without a problem. A percentage of WUKA’s sales are donated to fight plastic pollution around the globe. Read more about their PFAS certification here.
Customer Review | “It’s a thong! The first multi-size Stretch Thong for your period and I love them. They are super stretchy making them really comfy and seamless and breathable. These are light to medium flow so they can be worn during those lighter period days or everyday for little leaks or discharge..I love my WUKAs already and I’m over the moon they do a thong now too” – g. (Read all reviews.)
5. Saalt
Best For | Less bulky
Materials | OEKO-TEX certified cotton, TENCEL modal, recycled polyester , spandex, polyamide, elastane
Absorption Levels Available | Light, regular, heavy, super
Size Range | XXS – 4XL; youth sizes available
Price | $31 – $55 for one; bundles available
Saalt makes sustainable period care that includes underwear for adults and teens. Their underwear is some of the thinnest on the market while still being fully leakproof and free from chemicals, including PFAS. (View the test report here.) The B Corp is also committed to giving back to help nations struggling with period poverty, committing 2% of their revenue to donate period care to women around the globe.
Customer Review | “I love these and each of the other styles I’ve ordered. These fit great and don’t feel bulky. I appreciate that these come in fun colors and are still on the darker end.” – Anna R. (Read all reviews.)
6. Ruby Love
Best For | Extensive size range
Materials | Nylon, spandex, organic cotton, cotton, ITY knit blend
Absorption Levels Available | Light – medium (2.5 tsps of liquid)
Size Range | XXS – 8XL; youth sizes available
Price | $23 – $30 for one; multipacks are available
Ruby Love makes period underwear easy and accessible with their teen and women’s period underwear bundles. Their extensive size range and proprietary dri-tech mesh built into each panty prevents side, back, and front leaks, so you can be certain you’re covered and secure no matter how heavy your flow. If you feel like you need that extra protection, simply pair these period undies with Ruby Love’s double-sided pad, or your choice of a tampon or menstrual cup. With an odor and plastic-free design, Ruby Love will keep you feeling healthy and confident when that time of month rolls around! Check out their PFAS-free statement here.
Customer Review | “My hi-cut panties are perfect. Extremely comfortable and awesome. I am very hard to please, and these exceeded my expectation” – Connie (Read all reviews.)
7. Revol cares
Best For | Quiz that matches you
Materials | Bamboo, organic cotton, organic yarns, spandex, nylon
Absorption Levels Available | Light flow, super flow, ultra flow
Size Range | XXS – 7X
Price | $33 – $55 for one; multipacks are available
Revol Cares has perfected the period underwear with their soft and luxurious bamboo fabric that moves with your body while maintaining its shape. Cares uses eco-friendly fabrics that are PFAS-free (as tested by an outside source!) to bring ultimate comfort and peace of mind. Shop by flow (whether you need light flow or ultra flow care), or by need (whether you’re looking for postpartum undies or support against bladder leaks). If you need guidance on which Cares underwear works best for you, this quiz will help match you to your perfect underwear.
Customer Review | “I bought a pair for my elderly mother, who needs light to moderate bladder protection. She loves them so much she washes them every night to wear them again. Now I’m buying more!” – Margo (Read all reviews.)
8. Dear Kate
Best For | Anti-microbial
Materials | Nylon, lycra, micro polyester, elastane
Absorption Levels Available | Light – heavy (1 – 3 tampons worth of liquid)
Size Range | XS – 3X
Price | $26 – $65
PFAS-free period underwear brand Dear Kate is all about redefining the future of underwear. Manufactured and designed in NYC, Dear Kate’s leak-resistant undies and activewear are all equipped with a revolutionary underlux technology that absorbs light moisture and fluid, while trapping drips and preventing stains. They are also breathable and anti-microbial, helping to prevent bacteria overgrowth. Dear Kate makes it known that they prioritize health and safety by not using PU/PV films in their products. (See their PFAS declaration and PFAS-free statement.) That means these undies are great to wear as backups to tampons, cups, or sanitary pads to prevent excess leakage or spills, or for discharge on the daily!
Customer Review | “These thongs are soooo comfortable – I’ve been wearing the hazel sport for years and these are just as awesome, the perfect shade of nude, with a touch of lace, and peace of mind!” – Kristel B. (Read all reviews.)
9. Period Aisle
Best For | Long-standing industry pioneers
Materials | TENCEL lyocell, organic cotton, spandex, recycled poly
Absorption Levels Available | Light, moderate, heavy, overnight
Size Range | XXS – 5X
Price | $38 – $52
Period Aisle (previously known as Lunapads) is one of the major pioneers in cloth pads and period underwear. Starting back in 1993, founders Suzanne Siemens and Madeleine Shaw came together with their concept and launched their period company in 2000. Now a certified B Corp, Aisle is proud to continue making eco-friendly, reusable period underwear products that are cute, functional, and easy to sport. Made with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics (including organic cotton and TENCEL™ lyocell) and available in a number of styles including thongs and boxers, Aisle’s PFAS-free panties will be your trusty throw-on when you need extra coverage. View Period Aisle’s PFAS-free statement here.
Customer Review | “I’ve always been bad at tracking my period and I spot randomly because of my birth control, these are super comfortable and make me feel so secure! They’re really gender affirm, both because I finally have boxers made for a body like mine and I don’t have to fuss with “feminine” hygiene products” – Danika J. (Read all reviews.)
Featured image by Saalt
