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 poly-fluoroalkyl 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 for this guide:
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.
1. The Period Company
Materials | Organic cotton, spandex jersey, polyester
Size Range | XS–6X
Price Range | $13–$34
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 absorbancy with the capacity for up to nine tampons 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 (see what they have to say about PFAS!)
The Period Company’s 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 (See all reviews)
2. TomboyX
Materials | Body is OEKO-TEX certified cotton, spandex, polyester
Size Range | 3XS–6X
Price Range | $20–$32
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 absorbancy capacity of up to eight teaspoons, each pair is machine washable and free from PFOS and PFOA chemicals (read more here!).
TomboyX Review | “These are comfortable and fit well. I also appreciate the functionality. The leakproof panel is great and it’s designed so that it is easily compatible with reusable or disposable pads as needed. It’s nice to have that feature in trunk style underwear.” – Anonymous (See all reviews)
3. Modibodi
Materials | Bamboo viscose, merino wool
Size Range | 3XS–6XL
Price | $17–$35 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 biodegradable packaging. We’re big fans of their 24-hour maxi for our overnight needs (which absorb up to ten tampons worth of liquid!), and their biodegradable line that comes in a bikini or full brief. Read their statement about being PFAS-free here.
ModiBodi Review | “Our 11-year daughter with multiple disabilities is now able to happily and confidently manage her periods” – Ange (See all reviews)
4. WUKA
Materials | GOTS Organic Cotton
Size Range | XXS–2XL
Price | $14–$29 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 eight hours (and up to four tampons-worth absorbancy) 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.
WUKA Review | “Super soft, breathable and game changing period panties! I have never had a leak – even when wearing them or 12 hour shifts at work!” – B.N. (See all reviews)
5. Saalt
Materials | TENCEL™ Modal, cotton, recycled polyester
Size Range | XS–5X
Price | $22–$39 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. 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.
Saalt Review | “I am in love with my undies! I wore them on my heavier days for half a day,and they did a great job. No leaks, no stains! The fit was perfect; great for when you are wearing low rise pants” – Kelsey R. (See all reviews)
6. Ruby Love
Materials | Nylon, spandex, cotton
Size Range | YXXS–8XL
Price | $15–$25 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 your Ruby Love period undies with their double-sided pad, or your choice of a tampon or menstrual cup. With an odor and plastic-free design, Ruby Love keeps you feeling healthy and confident when that time of month rolls around!
Ruby Love Reviews | “My hi-cut panties are perfect. Extremely comfortable and awesome. I am very hard to please, and these exceeded my expectation” – Connie (See all reviews)
7. Revol Cares
Materials | Bamboo, organic cotton, organic yarns
Size Range | XS–7X
Price | $34–$56 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 to bring the ultimate comfort and peace of mind. Shop by flow whether you need light flow or ultra flow care, or shop 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, take their quiz that’ll help match you to your perfect underwear.
Revol Cares 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 (See all reviews)
8. Dear Kate
Materials | Nylon, lycra, micro poly, elastane
Size Range | XS–XL
Price | $27–$61
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 their 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. That means these undies are great to wear as backups to tampons, cups or sanitary pads to prevent extra leakage or spills, or for discharge on the daily!
Dear Kate 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. (See all reviews)
9. Period Aisle
Materials | TENCEL™ lyocell, organic cotton, spandex, recycled poly
Size Range | XXS–5X
Price | $29–$39
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, from thongs to boxers, Aisle’s PFAS-free panties will be your trusty throw on when you need extra coverage. Aisle gives back 2% of sales towards individuals and nonprofits addressing period poverty and gender inequality.
Period Aisle 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. (See all reviews)
Featured image by Modibodi
