Period underwear is a type of reusable menstrual product that can absorb or contain menstrual blood, depending on the design and material. Period underwear can be a convenient, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads and tampons, as well as a backup for other menstrual products like cups or discs.
However, not all period underwear is created equal, and some may contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health and the environment. In this guide, we will explain what PFAS are, why they are used in some period underwear, and what are the risks and benefits of using PFAS free period underwear. We will also review some of the best period underwear brands that are PFAS free, based on our rigorous research and testing.
What are PFAS and why are they used in period underwear?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industries and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are known for their water-repellent, stain-resistant, and nonstick properties, which make them useful for applications such as firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, food packaging, carpets, and clothing.
However, PFAS are also persistent, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body. They can accumulate over time and cause adverse health effects, such as cancer, hormone disruption, immune system impairment, and reproductive problems. PFAS are sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their longevity and ubiquity.
Some period underwear brands use PFAS to create a waterproof layer that prevents leaks and stains. However, this layer may also come into contact with the sensitive skin and mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina, potentially exposing the wearer to PFAS. Moreover, PFAS can leach into the water and soil when the period underwear is washed or disposed of, contributing to environmental pollution and contamination. Therefore, many consumers and experts are concerned about the safety and sustainability of period underwear that contains PFAS.
What are the benefits of using PFAS free period underwear?
Using PFAS-free period underwear can have several benefits for your health and the environment, such as:
- Reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals that may affect your hormonal balance, fertility, immunity, and cancer risk.
- Protecting the environment from further PFAS pollution and contamination, which can affect wildlife, plants, water quality, and human health.
- Saving money and resources by using reusable menstrual products that can last for years, instead of buying and throwing away single-use pads and tampons every month.
- Supporting ethical and eco-friendly brands that use organic, natural, or recycled materials to make their period underwear, and that have transparent and sustainable practices.
- Feeling comfortable, confident, and stylish in period underwear that comes in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, and that can suit different flows and preferences.
How to choose the best PFAS-free period underwear?
Choosing the best PFAS-free period underwear depends on several factors, such as:
- Absorbency: Period underwear can have different levels of absorbency, ranging from light to super, depending on the amount of menstrual blood they can hold. Some brands indicate the absorbency in terms of tampons, pads, or milliliters. You may need to use different absorbency levels for different days of your cycle, or combine period underwear with other menstrual products for extra protection.
- Fit and style: Period underwear can come in various fit and style options, such as bikini, thong, boyshort, high-waist, hipster, and more. You may want to choose a fit and style that matches your body shape, comfort level, and personal taste. You may also want to consider the coverage, support, and breathability of the period underwear, as well as the quality and durability of the fabric and stitching.
- Material and design: Period underwear can be made from different materials and have different design features, such as organic cotton, bamboo, modal, nylon, spandex, lace, mesh, and more. You may want to choose a material and design that is soft, smooth, stretchy, and moisture-wicking, and that does not irritate, chafe, or cause allergic reactions to your skin. You may also want to choose a material and design that is easy to wash, dry, and care for, and that does not fade, shrink, or lose its shape over time.
- Price and value: Period underwear can vary in price, depending on the brand, quality, and quantity. Some period underwear can cost as low as $8 per pair, while others can cost over $60 per pair. You may want to compare the price and value of different period underwear brands, and consider factors such as the absorbency, fit, style, material, design, durability, and customer reviews. You may also want to look for discounts, bundles, or subscriptions that can save you money and time.
What are the best PFAS-free period underwear brands?
Based on our rigorous research and testing, we have selected some of the best PFAS-free period underwear brands that offer high-quality, comfortable, and eco-friendly products. Here are our top picks:
Thinx
Thinx is one of the most popular and well-known period underwear brands, and it claims to be PFAS-free since 2020. Thinx offers a wide range of period underwear styles, sizes, colors, and absorbency levels, as well as other menstrual products such as cups, discs, liners, and reusable tampons. Thinx uses materials such as organic cotton, nylon, elastane, and recycled plastic bottles to make its period underwear, and it has a patented four-layer technology that consists of a moisture-wicking layer, an odor-trapping layer, an absorbent layer, and a leak-resistant layer. Thinx also has a social impact program that supports menstrual education, access, and advocacy around the world.
Some of the best-selling and highly-rated Thinx products are:
- Thinx Hi-Waist: A sleek and flattering high-waisted style that can hold up to five tampons’ worth of blood, and that features breathable mesh panels and a soft elastic waistband. It comes in sizes XXS to 3XL, and in colors such as black, beige, ocean, and grapefruit.
- Thinx Hiphugger: A classic and comfortable hip-hugging style that can hold up to four tampons’ worth of blood, and that has a full-coverage back and a low-rise front. It comes in sizes XXS to 3XL, and in colors such as black, beige, ocean, and grapefruit.
- Thinx Air Bikini: A light and airy bikini style that can hold up to two tampons’ worth of blood, and that is made from ultra-thin and quick-drying fabric. It comes in sizes XXS to 3XL, and in colors such as black, beige, ocean, and grapefruit.
Knix
Knix is another leading period underwear brand that is PFAS-free, as well as free of other harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and azo dyes. Knix offers a variety of period underwear styles, sizes, colors, and absorbency levels, as well as other products such as bras, tanks, loungewear, and accessories. Knix uses materials such as nylon, spandex, cotton, and Lenzing Modal to make its period underwear, and it has a three-layer technology that consists of a moisture-wicking layer, an absorbent layer, and a leak-resistant layer. Knix also has a social impact program that supports women’s health, empowerment, and education around the world.
Some of the best-selling and highly-rated Knix products are:
- Knix Leakproof High Rise: A smooth and supportive high-rise style that can hold up to eight teaspoons of blood, and that has a seamless design and a bonded waistband. It comes in sizes XS to XXXL, and in colors such as black, beige, and plum.
- Knix Leakproof Boyshort: A cozy and cute boyshort style that can hold up to three teaspoons of blood, and that has a seamless design and a bonded waistband. It comes in sizes XS to XXXL, and in colors such as black, beige, and plum.
- Knix Leakproof Thong: A sexy and discreet thong style that can hold up to one teaspoon of blood, and that has a seamless design and a bonded waistband. It comes in sizes XS to XXXL, and in colors such as black, beige, and plum.
Modibodi
Modibodi is an Australian period underwear brand that is PFAS-free, as well as free of other harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and azo dyes. Modibodi offers a range of period underwear styles, sizes, colors, and absorbency levels, as well as other products such as swimwear, activewear, maternity wear, and accessories. Modibodi uses materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, merino wool, nylon, and spandex to make its period underwear, and it has a patented Modifier Technology that consists of a moisture-wicking layer, an absorbent layer, and a leak-resistant layer. Modibodi also has a social impact program that supports menstrual education, access, and advocacy in Australia and beyond.
Some of the best-selling and highly-rated Modibodi products are:
- Modibodi Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini: A soft and sensual high-waist bikini style that can hold up to 20 milliliters of blood, and that features a lace trim and a silky fabric. It comes in sizes 2XS to 6XL, and in colors such as black, beige, navy, and coral.
- Modibodi Classic Full Brief: A comfortable and reliable full brief style that can hold up to 20 millliters of blood, and that has a full-coverage back and a mid-rise front. It comes in sizes 2XS to 6XL, and in colors such as black, beige, navy, and coral.
- Modibodi Seamfree Bikini: A smooth and seamless bikini style that can hold up to 10 milliliters of blood, and that is made from a stretchy and breathable fabric. It comes in sizes 2XS to 6XL, and in colors such as black, beige, navy, and coral.
Bambody
Bambody is a US-based period underwear brand that is PFAS-free, as well as free of other harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and azo dyes. Bambody offers a selection of period underwear styles, sizes, colors, and absorbency levels, as well as other products such as sleepwear, loungewear, and accessories. Bambody uses materials such as bamboo, cotton, and spandex to make its period underwear, and it has a three-layer technology that consists of a moisture-wicking layer, an absorbent layer, and a leak-resistant layer. Bambody also has a social impact program that supports menstrual education, access, and advocacy in the US and globally.
Some of the best-selling and highly-rated Bambody products are:
- Bambody Absorbent Hipster: A comfy and cute hipster style that can hold up to two tampons’ worth of blood, and that has a full-coverage back and a low-rise front. It comes in sizes XS to 6XL, and in colors such as black, beige, pink, and blue.
- Bambody Absorbent High Waist: A cozy and chic high-waist style that can hold up to two tampons’ worth of blood, and that has a full-coverage back and a high-rise front. It comes in sizes XS to 6XL, and in colors such as black, beige, pink, and blue.
- Bambody Leak Proof Thong: A sexy and sleek thong style that can hold up to half a tampon’s worth of blood, and that has a minimal-coverage back and a low-rise front. It comes in sizes XS to 6XL, and in colors such as black, beige, pink, and blue.
Aisle
Aisle is a Canadian period underwear brand that is PFAS-free, as well as free of other harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and azo dyes. Aisle offers a range of period underwear styles, sizes, colors, and absorbency levels, as well as other products such as pads, liners, cups, and accessories. Aisle uses materials such as organic cotton, Tencel, recycled polyester, and spandex to make its period underwear, and it has a four-layer technology that consists of a moisture-wicking layer, an absorbent layer, a leak-resistant layer, and a soft outer layer. Aisle also has a social impact program that supports menstrual education, access, and advocacy in Canada and internationally.
Some of the best-selling and highly-rated Aisle products are:
- Aisle Boxer Brief: A sporty and snug boxer brief style that can hold up to four tampons’ worth of blood, and that has a full-coverage back and a mid-rise front. It comes in sizes XS to 5X, and in colors such as black, navy, and olive.
- Aisle Bikini: A simple and elegant bikini style that can hold up to two tampons’ worth of blood, and that has a full-coverage back and a low-rise front. It comes in sizes XS to 5X, and in colors such as black, navy, and olive.
- Aisle Thong: A flirty and fun thong style that can hold up to one tampon’s worth of blood, and that has a minimal-coverage back and a low-rise front. It comes in sizes XS to 5X, and in colors such as black, navy, and olive.
How to care for your PFAS-free period underwear?
Caring for your PFAS-free period underwear is easy and simple, and it can help extend their lifespan and performance. Here are some tips on how to care for your PFAS-free period underwear:
- Rinse your period underwear in cold water as soon as possible after wearing them, until the water runs clear. You can also soak them in cold water for up to 30 minutes, if needed.
- Wash your period underwear in cold water with a gentle detergent, preferably by hand or in a mesh laundry bag. You can also wash them with other dark-colored clothes, but avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh chemicals.
- Dry your period underwear in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can also tumble dry them on low heat, but avoid using dryer sheets or ironing them.
- Store your period underwear in a cool and dry place, away from moisture or dust. You can also fold them neatly or roll them up to save space.
Final Word
PFAS-free period underwear is a great option for anyone who wants to have a comfortable, convenient, and eco-friendly period. PFAS-free period underwear can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, protect the environment from further pollution, save you money and resources, and support ethical and sustainable brands. PFAS-free period underwear can also come in various styles, sizes, colors, and absorbency levels, to suit your personal preferences and needs. We hope this guide has helped you learn more about PFAS-free period underwear and how to choose the best ones for you.
