Everything you need to know about period underwear

What are period panties ?

Period panties or period underwear are underwear that can be worn in place of or in addition to other period protection products, like disposable pads or tampons, or menstrual cups. They work by incorporating an absorbent or leak proof layer that helps prevent leaks from getting onto the outer layer of the underwear, and then onto your clothes. Bambody period panties come in two categories: absorbent, and leak proof. Keep reading to find out the difference between the two, and figure out which option will work best for you!

What is the difference between your absorbent and your leak proof panties?

Consider the differences between the following hipsters. The leak proof hipster on the left has a front to rear leak proof layer, which sits between the outer ‘shell’ of the underwear and an inner bamboo fabric lining. The absorbent hipster on the right has the same leak proof layer, with an additional absorbent layer that sits directly under the crotch.

• Our leak proof style offers a minimal level of protection, where the only absorbency is offered by the inner lining.

• The absorbent style has a layer of gauze that can comfortably contain 30mls (2 x tampons) worth of fluid.

Ok, so which one is best for me?

Here are the most common reasons you may choose one, or both styles:

Leakproof

1. You experience irregular periods or light spotting, and you’d like some extra peace of mind.
2. You’d like some back-up to a tampon or a cup.

Absorbent

1. You experience heavy, irregular periods and you’d rather not constantly wear sanitary items. You expect your period and prefer to use the absorbent style with or without extra sanitary wear.
2. You want to work-out or play sport without sanitary wear.
3. You’d like to wear a pair as pajama bottoms so that you don’t wake up with stained sheets.

Do the undies show stains?

The inside layer of the colored styles is black, as can be seen by the cross section of the nude absorbent style pictured.
The only time stains may show is if you completely saturate the underwear and fluid starts to carry across the leak-proof layer and seep through the seams.

How often do they need changing?

In general, you should feel comfortable and dry when wearing period panties. If start to notice dampness, then it’s time to change into a fresh pair. Particularly if you’re wearing them as your only form or protection, you may wish to carry an extra pair with you and change them during the day.

Any tips for first-timers?

If you’re new to period underwear, we suggest trying them out as a backup to your other period protection products, or even just wearing them around the house first. Why? Because it’s essential that you understand how far you can ‘push’ the undies before you wear them as your only form of period protection. Everyone’s flow and cycle are different, and even with the absorbent style, there is a risk of completely saturating the protective layers and increasing the chances of leakage, especially if you experience heavy periods. That’s why it’s best to ‘test drive’ them at home, or as a backup option, until you get a feel for how long you can comfortably wear them before you need to change them.

How should I wash and care for my period undies?

The first and most important thing to do is make sure that the underwear doesn’t dry out. Try to soak or at rinse them soon after wearing. After soaking, machine wash your underwear with regular detergent and warm water. We recommend warm, but not hot, as hot water may damage the waistband and fabric. If you find there are some hard to remove stains, rub them with regular soap, and soak before washing. Any odor that may arise can be eliminated with a scoop of baking soda in a bucket of water. Place your undies in and soak for a few hours before washing. You can also add vinegar at 2 cups per gallon (4 liters) and soak for 30 minutes. Please don’t use bleach. Fabric softener is okay, but slightly reduces the absorbency of the absorbent layer. Tumble drying is not recommended, unless you have a dryer that can be set to a low temperature to reduce the risk of the underwear shrinking. Ideally, we recommend line drying your underwear.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Are period panties odour-proof?

They will remain odor-free if they are washed correctly, and if they are changed when they start to feel wet during the day. Please see our care instructions above for how to eliminate odors.

Are period panties hot to wear?

With the extra layers of fabric, the underwear is warmer to wear than regular underwear.
However, bamboo fabric is more breathable than polyester and cotton, which is why Bambody underwear is cooler than other brands of period protection underwear.

What are the undies made from?

The fabric body of the underwear is made from predominantly bamboo, with cotton and spandex for structure and stretch.
The central leak proof gusset is a bamboo fabric that is polylaminated, which is then covered by a second layer of bamboo fabric.
The absorbent styles have a central crotch section that is made from polyester (80%) and nylon (20%).
The hipster waistband is made from nylon (52%), rubber latex (30%), and polyester (18%).

Do Bambody period panties make a rustling noise?

Nope. The underwear will not make any noises as you walk, dance, run, skip and move around.

Do the undies contain silver particles?

No. Silver is toxic, so we don’t use silver particles or threads in our fabric.

Can period panties be used for incontinence?

Yes, period panties can be used for incontinence. While they do not offer the same level of protection as a diaper, the advantage is that period panties basically feel like regular underwear. If you want to use Bambody period underwear for incontinence, we recommend the absorbent style rather than a leak proof style. The absorbent style is also a favorite amongst pregnant women who are experiencing incontinence due to pregnancy.

Can Bambody period panties be worn for swimming?

You can wear period panties while swimming, but as soon as they are saturated with water, their ability to absorb any discharge is significantly decreased.
We recommend a menstrual cup as the best form of protection while swimming.

Are period panties re-usable?

Yes, absolutely! Bambody period panties are designed to be re-used like regular underwear.
Washing, or at least soaking or rinsing directly after wearing will ensure that get a long life out of Bambody period undies.

Can period panties replace pads?

Yes. Many of our customers use our period panties to replace pads.
However, please note that hygiene is very important. If you expect a heavy discharge or flow, it’s best to consider using another period protection method along with your period underwear, or changing your period underwear throughout the day, when you notice that they start to feel wet.
Particularly if you’re new to period underwear, we recommend trying them as ‘back-up’ protection first, until you know how they work for you.

Do the undies contain PFAS?

No. Bambody has been tested by the Hohenstein Institute in Germany and has obtained the Oeko Tex Standard 100, Class 1 Certification. This proves that our garments don’t contain any chemicals that are harmful to human health.

Please see our Oeko Tex Standard 100 Certificate for more details.

Do period panties make a panty line?

Yes. To make an effective period protective style of underwear, we cannot make a thong style.

Is it a problem if my underwear dries out before I rinse or wash it?

You’ll need to soak the underwear in soapy warm (not hot) water for an hour. Rinse, check for stains and repeat. Wash by hand or by machine once most of the stain has gone.

Do period panties require additional inserts?

No. There is nothing that you will require to insert into the underwear.
Period panties are designed with a built-in leak proof and/or absorbent layer.

Are period panties safe?

Yes. Please ensure that you follow the care instructions, as hygiene is important when caring for period panties. If left to dry after wearing, they will become much harder to wash, especially the absorbent style.

Returns, refunds and more

What is your refund and return policy?

All refunds are handled via Amazon! If the underwear isn’t the perfect fit, or wasn’t exactly as you had hoped, please feel free to return and size up/down accordingly!
We’re keen to work with you to get the right fit, or the right style for you!

What about International Shipping?

At this time we only ship to the USA, Mexico (via Amazon US), Canada (via Amazon US), UK, and Germany via Amazon. If you would like to purchase outside of these countries, please buy directly from your closest Amazon marketplace.

WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION

Unfortunately, we do not offer any wholesale or distribution arrangements at this time. Please reach out if you have any additional questions.

Where is the underwear designed and produced?

Bambody is designed in Australia and made in China.
We chose bamboo as the primary source of our material, and China is the only place in the world where you can source yarns made with bamboo.
The bamboo is grown without irrigation, and no fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides are required.
We source our fabric from a mill that is in Shenzhen, which is about 300 km from the bamboo plantation. Our factory based in the same city, and it currently produces all our underwear.
Our workers are treated very well. They are paid the award wage and the working conditions are very comfortable. They are also given 2 month’s holiday over the Chinese New Year – 1 month more than most businesses in China – because we have found that offering a generous holiday allowance is one of the best ways to retain our highly skilled staff.

What are the Maasai undies?

In 2020, The Maasai Water Project contacted us to help with their work destigmatizing periods in the communities they assist, as well as providing access to period protection and sanitary items.

We suggested that not only could we provide free period protection underwear, but we could also make a range of underwear with bold and colorful patterns, inspired by the Maasai culture. 

So far, we have donated 1,000 pairs of protective underwear to the Maasai, and we aim to donate more – with your help!

Buy One – Give One!

When you buy a pair of the Maasai print underwear, we will donate a pair to a girl in need through the Maasai Water Project. Your purchase will cover the cost of making another pair, and delivering it to Africa. 

We currently only have this print available in the USA, in the following styles: Absorbent Panty, Absorbent Hipster, Absorbent Midi Brief and Leak Proof Hipster.