A review of Thinx and Knix (from a household of ladies!)
Please note: this post is gonna talk about period products. If that squicks you out or you think it's inappropriate to talk about or anything along those lines, consider yourself warned.
If you keep reading and you end up hating this post, (and I mean this next bit as gently as possible) your discomfort will be your fault and not mine.
I was initially a little hesitant to blog about this, but when I mentioned Thinx and Knix in passing, some readers asked for more info.
So.
I am here to serve.
(If you just want the conclusion: we like Knix better!)
What are period underwear?
Period underwear are washable, reusable, and are meant to replace various other disposable period products.
They're way thinner than cotton pads or disposable pads, which means that they have the potential to be way more comfortable.
What products do they replace?
I know that some people use them to replace tampons or pads, but I have never done that.
Honestly, I personally would not trust them as a stand-alone product, unless you have really light periods, or you wear them as a stand-alone product on lighter days.
I think they serve best as a backup product for a menstrual cup.
Is it hard to take care of period underwear?
Nope. You just throw them in with your regular laundry and then line dry them.
How many pairs do you need to get through a period?
I think four pairs is about the minimum, since they need time to line dry: one pair for the day, one for the night, and then you throw them into the wash and let them dry while you wear your other two pairs the next day and night.
Do period underwear save money?
This is a hard one.
The average woman spends $159/year on period products, so we'll use that as a comparison point.
A menstrual cup (about $25-$35) pays for itself in a jiffy; you only need one, and it completely replaces tampons. Two periods in, you're money ahead. Plus, a menstrual cup lasts for years.
Period underwear are not such a clear money-saver.
For starters, you really need about four pairs, which will cost about $120 with Thinx.
(You can get a set of six pairs of Knix for around $108.)
Then there's the fact that period underwear are probably not going to last as long as a menstrual cup.
And if you are just using them as a replacement for pantyliner, as I do, well...pantyliners don't cost that much!
It would take me a long, long time to spend $120 on pantyliners.
So. If you are able to use period underwear as a replacement for pads or tampons, I think you could be money ahead.
But if you just use them to replace pantyliners, I think you'd have to look at it as an environmentally-friendly investment, not so much as a money-saving investment.
Cloth menstrual pads are most definitely a bigger win in the money-saving department.
Are Thinx safe?
There has been some controversy over the material that Thinx are made out of.
However, Thinx has done recent independent testing of their products that seems to indicate that they are safe.
You can read all about that here.
And here's the Sierra Club article with details about the testing issues.
Of course, disposable period products have their own safety issues.
My person-who-is-not-a-scientist guess is that Thinx are likely not riskier than disposable period products.
But, of course, they are probably not as safe as using something like organic cotton washable menstrual pads.
Are Knix safe?
Knix period underwear are not chemically treated for absorbency improvement, rather they are made of cotton, woven with carbon and spandex, with tiny holes for more absorbency.
So, these are significantly more likely to be safe than Thinx.
(Here's a Fast Company article about Knix.)
Are period underwear durable?
We have had all of ours for less than a year, so I will have to report back in the future.
Knix and Thinx are both made of sturdy fabric, though, and even the lace-waist ones seem like they will last.
You know how the lace on most underwear waists rips in short order? The Thinx lace is the sturdiest lace I've ever seen, so I am hopeful that it will stand the test of time.
Are period underwear comfy?
They are definitely more comfortable than pads! And the wearing experience is surprisingly dry.
We give Knix a slight edge on the dry-wearing-experience, though.
Do period underwear smell funky?
As long as you do prompt washing, no. But I would say that Knix are more consistently fresh-smelling than Thinx.
Thinx and Knix discounts
Get $10 off your first pair of Thinx
If you shop through any links on my blog, you'll get $10 off your first pair.
Get 15% off at Knix
Click the button below to get a 15% off any purchase of $120 (that's $18!) or more at Knix and use code thefrugalgirl at checkout.
Can you return period underwear?
Thinx, yes, Knix, no
Edit: Knix now allows returns within 30 days!
Thinx: 60 days
Thinx has a really good return/exchange policy: exchange or get a refund to your original payment method within 60 days!
I think they understand that people have some apprehension about trying such a new-ish product, so they want to make you feel free to try it out.
Knix: 30 days
Knix allows returns or exchanges on underwear within 30 days of purchase.
Should you get Thinx or Knix?
Overall, we give Knix a bigger thumbs up than Thinx for comfort, leak-proof-ness, and odor control.
In summary:
- Period underwear reduce trash output, but may not save you money
- Period cups or cloth pads will save you more money
- We like Knix better than Thinx for many reasons
Have you ever tried period underwear? Or is there another non-disposable period product you'd recommend?
P.S. I'm sorry I only have photos of Thinx. I didn't have any brand new pairs of Knix to photograph, and while I am a fairly open book, I draw the line at photographing worn undies!
P.P.S. Knix also has bras, swimwear, loungewear, and clothes. But this post is really just about period undies.
This Good to Go crewneck is from Knix. 🙂
And here's a view without a cat litter box in the background. Ha.
I'm so glad you did this very informative post, even though period underwear is something I'm afraid to try personally. My cycles are always in the "I'm going to need a transfusion!" category, so I'm more comfortable with disposable products to minimize mess and accident potential. That said, I think Thinx, etc. are a great idea for those who can use them and will keep them in mind, just in case.
FYI, if you have a CVS account, they have nearly constant sales on their feminine products (buy one, get one 50%) that stack with multiple coupons. Working the sale/coupon mojo, I pay only $5ish for six months worth of pads. I also haven't had any irritation problems with their store brand, unlike Always and a few others. The sales are also a great way to stock up on donations for local shelters.
I think period underwear can also be a great option for those just-before and just-after days where you don't need period products like tampons, but you do need a little just-in-case coverage. So, maybe something to consider.
And yes, you can get great prices at CVS if you work the coupons and sales in tandem! I like the app when I want to search for both manufacturer and in-store CVS coupons.
@N, I also have crazy heavy periods but am completely sold on the Thinx underwear. Haven't tried Knix yet but am planning to purchase the tween kit for my daughter. I no longer wear night time pads, ever. On my heavy nights I wear a tampon and Thinx and can actually sleep through the night. Never in all my years had I been able to do that. I've had mine now for quite a few years and they still work well, a bit faded but I'm not prancing around anywhere in my period underwear so don't really care!!
Thank you for this post!
I used a combination of cup and reusable pads for over 10 years, then discovered Thinx in the years just before menopause when my periods were often unpredictable en generally very heavy. I used cups/Thinx when I had to travel to work and am happy to say I felt both confident and comfortable this way and never had any leakage or smells.
I am now past periods and wish women had been more open about using cups and the like, because in retrospect I would have like to use in earlier years as well. It did save me a lot of money actually and it was definitely more comfortable too. Also, I never had to worry if I had sufficient period products in the house!
Thanks for this post! I just did a bit of research, and period underwear are now FSA-eligible! I'm off to buy a pair! (If you said this already, I apologize for missing it!)
Oh, that is good to know. Thanks for the added info!
@Lauren, That's a big deal! Good to know!
I just started using cloth pads about three years ago to entirely replace disposable pads (I don't use a cup), and I really wish I had even known they were a thing before. I got one of the value packs of Gladrags. They're not real cheap, but since I don't sew (at all), buying was my only option. And they've held up well so far.
What I like about them: They have a snap on the bottom to keep them in place a little better. There are lots of different pieces, so I can sort of customize the arrangement (longer one with more of the thin inserts, or two of the regular ones together to make them longer but not thicker, or a smaller one, or whatever). I never worry if I'm out--which is of course a more-significant factor for me here 100 miles from the nearest drugstore. And they don't create any trash whatsoever.
That said . . . they are for sure not as convenient as disposable pads. They don't stay in place as well, they are bulkier, they don't absorb as much without a lot more layering, and because these particular ones are just cotton, there's none of that mesh layer to sort of separate you from the mess. (Not sure how to put that in a non-gross way. 🙂
So. I do keep one package of disposable pads for the one heavy-flow night I have--night being the time there's most likely to be leaking--and I use one per cycle. The rest of the time, I use the Gladrags. I do laundry often enough that I only needed the one standard pack I got, although I do sometimes wish I had one more of the longer size. Not enough to buy it, though. I just keep Macguyvering what I have. 🙂
The never having to worry if you are out! Yes. That's a big tick in favor of the non-disposable options.
On the other hand, as you point out, there are other inconveniences with the non-disposable period options. I mean, there is a reason that the disposable ones are so popular; they are the easiest option out there.
Thank you for this review! I am a cup-wearer and even after years of practice and use, I still have leak issues (esp during heavy days). I think a pair of these undies paired with the cup would save me many a night-time dash to the bathroom. As most of us can contest, night time surprises are probably the most frequent.
I appreciate your blog so much. Thank you again.
I just had my 3rd child and bought 6 pairs of these! I use a cup but seriously need backup and these do not leak.
Sadly these options were not around when I needed them. One of my daughters uses the underwear. We have different brands in Australia. My daughter far prefers her pants and has experienced far less problems than she used to have.
I wish these had been around when I needed them! I'm going to spread the word, though, to those I know who could use them.
I had a LOT of reproductive system issues when I was a teen, and ended up on hormones (not the pill) for four years to try to straighten me out. Another doctor told me later that giving me those hormones for that long was both irresponsible and dangerous of my first doctor, but hey, that's a whole 'nother story. My point is, due to those issues I had, I sure could have used something like this. And a cup. Women should definitely pass this kind of information around to each other. I am glad you posted it!
I'm sliding not-so-gracefully into perimenopause with a wardrobe-destroying amount of breakthrough bleeding (don't @ me, my primary care physician and endocrinologist are monitoring me).
I'm plus-sized and was concerned about the fit of more expensive brands, so I decided to try a three-pack from another retailer. I fell in love to the degree that I immediately ordered a second three-pack. The underwear are SO comfortable and I no longer have annoying surprises. I'm ordering one more pair so that I have enough to get me through a full week of daily wear with time to line dry.
I think anyone with an irregular period is the ideal candidate for this product. I work long days and can't always get to a place where I can access pads or tampons easily or in time to prevent staining. This is especially annoying and potentially embarrassing if I'm in the middle of teaching when I feel ye olde uterus decide to wreak havoc. If the bleeding is heavy, I need backup, of course. But lots of times it's juuuuuuuust enough to stain my clothes.
So, while I've spent $100 for my period underwear, I've easily saved that much in frustration, embarrassment, and clothing care/replacement.
@ProfesoraH-B, I'm also plus-sized an curious about which brand you bought that worked for you if you are willing to share 🙂
@Jadie, absolutely! I bought the Bambody Absorbent Panties from Amazon. Definitely use the size chart because I think they are Australian sizes. Mine are 5x, but I usually wear a 2x-3x in American plus sizes. They only have the Absorbent Panties available in 5x, but they're incredibly comfortable.
We use period underwear here, myself and daughter. We went with a brand from amazon, and they have been fantastic. I use as back up with cup, and daughter uses alone on light days, and as a back up overnight with pads. Completely recommend. So nice not having to worry about leaks to pants, or bed sheets!
Do you think those could be a option for my grand mother. She has a bit of a different problem. I would need to order them from the USA .
@Bella Lewin,
A pelvic health PT that works with my daughter recommends these for patients that have incontinence issues in case that might be your grandmother's problem.
@Bella Lewin,
I haven't bought them but have been looking for my mom- I found out that Thinx brand also has 'Speax' which are meant for light to moderate urine incontinence. I hope that helps!
@Bella Lewin, om 70 years old and have noajor issues yet but have been thinking about something like this. I have the idea of disposables.
Probably more than anyone else wants to get into but I could not get the cups to work at all! Maybe I need tips but I just wear the thinx and have for 3+ years and I love them. I only have three pairs so I supplement with pads but I do think it is better for the environment.
@Emily, it took me a few months to get the hang of the cup. I almost gave up! But the fourth month it was all of a sudden easy. The first month’s use after each pregnancy was the same: leaky, hard to get the positioning right, etc…and the second month was back to being fine. Maybe it’s a muscle memory thing?
@Emily, like Bethel, it took me a while to get the hang of it. There are also many shapes and sizes out there depending on your internal “shape”. There is a website (can’t remember the name) that has some tips for how to determine what size/shape you need. I’ve even found that I am a different shape over the week so sometimes I have problems in the beginning, but not at the end. They also have different materials, which can make a difference in comfort. I started in 2007 with a natural latex cup and then after my second son was born I developed a latex allergy (that is NOT a place you want to be itchy!!) and switched to a silicone cup and it is much softer and easier to use. So anyway, keep trying! Good luck!
Hello
Thank you for sharing, I don’t have periods anymore but would definitely have used this kind of underwear when I did.
Just wanted to share with as many people as possible my period/menopause story incase it helps anyone.
As I turned 40 I began to have heavier and heavier periods. I was anaemic and could only wear dark clothing on certain days of the month. After suffering for a few years I had an appointment with a wonderful gynaecologist who suggested a womb ablation. Many people have never heard of this procedure which is where the lining of the womb is removed - you have to be absolutely sure you’ve done with having kids though as there is no going back! It’s a day case procedure under general anaesthetic (in the U.K.) but it changed my life.
I haven’t had a period since the op and apart from hot flashes I have sailed through the menopause, I’m 55 now.
Investigate it if you’re having massively heavy periods, it’s a game changer.
I realise I get free healthcare in the U.K. which may be a barrier to some reading this and I’m sorry for that but if you have insurance to cover this please ask your Obgyn if you’re a suitable candidate.
@Joanne in the U.K., Thank you, Joanne. I have friends who have had this procedure as well and say it's the best thing they have done to ease heavy periods.
@Beth B, it really is the most amazing and life changing procedure. I’m glad your friends are able to have an ablation too.
@Joanne in the U.K., I had this done in my late 30's for the same reason, totally changed my life too. It's very common in the U.S. actually, it's called an endometrial ablation and most insurance companies will cover it for excessive and heavy bleeding.
Here's something for those with a warped sense of humor: There is a British show on Acorn called "the Other One". In one of the scenes the woman is using the diva cup as champagne glass. I can't send a link because I'm at work. I thought it was hilarious . It's like a new uses for old things.
Kristen, thank you for this info, I've been thinking about period undies for both me and my daughter and if they would replace pads. I am squeamish about tampons/period cups, but my daughter has no fear.
@Anna Chan, I am squeamish too. I'm glad I'm not the only one! 🙂
My 25 year old daughter doesn't have periods due to her birth control but she does buy "period panties" for another reason. As a Vet Tech she has a very physical and sweaty job and these period panties work well for sweating in the nether regions. There is a common term for it that begins with "swamp". I'll say no more.
@MEM, That's a great idea!
I love Thinx! My period has gotten significantly lighter in recent years, thanks to my current birth control. Tampons are no longer comfortable, but traditional pads tend to irritate my sensitive skin. I invested in some Thinx and they're comfy, dry and long-lasting, and no more irritation.
@Jen, great feedback! Kristen, thanks for reviewing these products. I have always been curious!
Thinx also has some that are helpful for women with bladder control issues!! I learned that from my friend who is a pharmacist and posts about bladder issues (in fact, I just shared an interview with her on my blog).
It's great companies are helping women of all ages this way!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
@jodie filogomo, Thank you for sharing the link to the interview. I found it very interesting!
@jodie filogomo, Thanks for sharing this. In fact I have kept my reusable pads and Thinx for this purpose after my periods ended. We'll see what they are like in 10-15 years time but it is worth a try as you wouldn't pass on period products to other ladies after all.
I don't think you should have to apologize for discussing this, Kristen. If it isn't comfortable for someone to read, there is no shortage of reading material online. Maybe it's the medical professional in me ... but periods are a normal function of the female body and discussing different options in a mature manner is helpful!
You had mentioned these before .... I did a little digging and heard good things about the Bambody brand (available on Amazon). I had some Amazon credits and thought I'd try it--I bought a 2 pack and I love them. They are less expensive than Thinx. I'm perimenopausal and my periods can be very very heavy so for me it's great as a backup. If I'm working with patients, I can't always get to a bathroom quickly so this gives me peace of mind, along with my turbo-powered tampons. Ha. I confess that I have ended up throwing them in the dryer and so far, so good. Typically I don't get much odor with them. I bought a couple for my 15 year old daughter as well.
Along these lines .... I was curious .... and my teen daughter hates tampons but loves to swim. I discovered Ruby Love brand period clothing and got her a one piece "period" swimsuit. She has only used it during light flow days and has good luck with that. I suspect she would need more backup (tampon or cup) if her flow was heavy. Anyway, for those of you with young teen daughters, I thought I'd share. Ruby Love seemed to have the best suits for providing a decent amount of coverage when I compared with other brands. It can take the anxiety out of going to the beach of pool for girls getting acclimated to their changing bodies.
When Thinx first came out I tried using it as a standalone and was very upset when it started leaking through at the end of my first day while I was at work. I requested a refund and had three pairs stashed in my drawers for a year before it occurred to me they would be great to wear in conjunction with tampons and for those last couple of days when I would normally be wearing a panty liner. I ended up buying more pairs and noticed that the newer pairs from Thinx have much thicker padding on them. They've been working amazing as backup and I like not having to worry about my regular underwear getting stained now. Since having children, I've noticed I have more days of spotting before and tail end of period so these have been great! I also just throw them in my dryer and have not had any problems.
Yeah, I cannot imagine wearing these as a stand-alone. I would feel nervous the whole time! Ha.
And yep, they are great for days when some intermittent spotting might happen.
I just had a hysterectomy so I have no need of these for myself! I think they would have been helpful before I had my surgery though.
I have been thinking about these for my daughter, but she's still growing, so I'm hesitant to buy something so expensive that won't last that long. I think we'll wait on these for now.
I was looking forward to reading this, so I'm glad you posted! Thank you. 🙂
I recently started using period pants as standalone protection and it worked perfectly even on my heaviest days. ( M&S brand)
No need to be nervous, just try it on a day when you will be home or a light day and take it from there.
I have tried both menstrual cups (leaked, messy to empty) and period underwear (didn't like it). I have made the choice to go back to disposable products. I buy generic so it is cheap.
At least I drive an electric car, so there's that.
I think that's totally fine. None of us makes EVERY green and frugal choice out there. Which reminds me of this post! https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/we-are-all-making-choices-with-our-money/
FYI for anyone who’s interested—the June menstrual cup is $6 right now plus $4.99 shipping 🙂
Oooh, that is a very good price!
I switched from tampons to Thinx a little over a year and a half ago. Since I'm a SAHM and spend a lot of time at home (so it's no big deal to change them when needed and do laundry frequently), I'm able to use them almost exclusively. I got them when my period came back after my last baby and I was looking for something more sustainable since I was going back to regular periods for a long while! I think they're really comfortable and they've held up well. I have 4 pairs - 2 regular, 2 super. I've only had smell issues a few times and after a quick vinegar/water soak they're good to go. On days where I'm going to be gone for a long time and it's questionable about my Thinx lasting, I use them as a backup to tampons and it takes out all the stress! I'm down to only using about 4 or less tampons per period now. I haven't tried a cup before, but after using Thinx and hearing from people like you, Kristen, who vouch for cups, I'm far more open to giving them a try in the future.
About 3 times a year Thinx will run a sale where everything's 20% off and if you can combine that with the $10 off it's a really good deal.
Off topic here-- I appreciate the work it must have taken to get your website re-formatted and up to whatever speed google now requires of it. I like the spacious layout.
I use a laptop, not tablet or phone. Is it possible to put the notice about how many comments there are back at the top of the page? Or even on the home page, on the notice for the new post, before one clicks to read the story?
The number is now only at the end of the story (currently 43 comments), and getting to that point is a lot of scrolling to find out if the comment conversation is still going. Thank you for your work!
@Heidi Louise,
Yes I definitely miss that feature of the old version.....alot. I liked refreshing the page to see if there were any other comments that appeared. Thank you, Kristen, for checking it out!!!
@Heidi Louise,
That's a great question that I would echo! I always wonder if there is a way to find out quickly if more comments have been added, or to find out if someone has responded to your comment.
I know there is a way to set up an option for people to get notified when someone responds; would that be too much email, though? It might get annoying.
@Kristen, Thank you for replying, and we will watch as you work through more updates over the next weeks!
I wouldn't be interested in emails about replies, as I am likely to look back at the whole of posts I have commented on and see what else is happening. And I am trying to minimalize electronic messages. Yet others might find them helpful.
@Kristen,
If there is a way to send a notification if someone replies to your comment that would be helpful. That way if someone responds a day or so later the person knows. After a few days sometimes its difficult to go back and check.
However, if the notifications go for all comments then that might be too much.
Ok! I will put it on my list to look into; I'm sure there's a way to do it.
Was that setting there before I switched blog themes?
@Kristen, I like it when I get notified so that I can make sure to come back and read the response. If I don't get notified I won't always come back to check and then its like what's the point in commenting? LOL! 🙂
@Heidi Louise,
Same 🙂
Yes!! I miss that feature too. I am going to need to hire someone to do some coding work for me to get back some of the features I liked before and to adjust some font size issues (I think the font that gives the post date and the author name is way too big!)
Thanks for writing this! I am in the perimenopause stage of life (51) and it's like throwing a dart in a hurricane to figure out when I will get a period and then how long it's going to last. They get a mind of their own at this stage and someone recommended the panties. I don't know anyone that has tried them so this was super helpful. I am basing the decision on practicality only, because with the craziness of the cycles at this point, I am going through products at a much higher rate. I think I will give it a go! thanks!
Thank you for such a terrific and thorough discussion. I would have loved it if these cool reusable options existed when I was young. As someone in her 60s with a slight stress incontinence issue, I really appreciate reusable pads to deal with that.
Good information. I will probably refer back to this when my daughters are older. I'm good with my current arrangement but they might want to try something like this.
I wish these were around sooner. I am entering menopause and don't want to invest in them when I may only need them for a less than a year or two, maybe. That being said I do still need pads and tampons, (the cup was a no-go for me), but my skin everywhere has gotten much more sensitive since entering perimenopause. I had to switch to organic brands which are not cheap and the ones that work best for me are not readily available nearby so I have to order ahead. It can be frustrating so I am so looking forward to not needing that stuff anymore! Glad to know they do make incontinence ones just in case I do end up needing those at some point.
Thank you, Kristen for talking about this. If more women speak up and stand up for their wants and needs maybe it will be easier for each of us to find the information and products we need without hassle.
This was helpful as I've been considering these products. I'll probably end up just sticking with the cup (which I highly recommend *). I don't currently have the ability to easily do laundry every night so it sounds like the underwear wouldn't fit in with my lifestyle.
* menstrual cups save money and seem much cleaner than pads/tampons
@Rebekah in SoCal, My daughter washes hers when she takes a shower and hangs them up to dry. She recently bought a house with a washing machine but still does it this way because she would have to do a load every day.
I absolutely love the thoughtful manner in which you handled this discussion.
Since menstrual cups were mentioned, I have to give a shout out to June cups! I tried it because it was super cheap ($6) so I figured it would be a good introduction to menstrual cups. I've liked it so much I never actually tried one of the more expensive brands.
Thanks for this post!
I have been using a Diva Cup (before there were many other options) for 6 or 7 years. I think I paid $20 for it.
I also use reusable pads for light days. I got them off Amazon, for $10 for a 3-pack, 6-7 years ago. I believe they are made of cotton and bamboo. They have snaps on the bottom to keep them in place. They are definitely bulkier than disposable pads. I do boil them in hot water once a month or so.
So, for 6-7 years of periods, I have spent $30 on feminine hygiene products. This is a great savings and even better for our environment!
Any Australia readers, there's ModiBodi which is similar. however, their bamboo fabrix has pilled a bit, and that annoys me. They do a nice lace edge around the waist which I liked.
My mileage on a cup has varied, but that's personal (ie aggravates my sensitive areas, but only in the last year, and been using for years - yes, tried a new one, same issue). Glad to have knickers as a back up and not return to single use as much.
We have not used period underwear but have used Modibodi period swim bottoms and they get two definitive thumbs up.
Modibodi is based out of Australia, but we had no issue getting them shipped in the US.
I haven’t tried them yet as the ones I have seen available here in Norway is made of syntetic fibers only. I love the feeling of using my washable pads versus the disposable pads. Before I made the switch I felt like I neeeded to check for leaks every other minute because the «plastic» disposable pads made me feel so sweaty.
So I’m wondering if the syntetic panties will make me feel the same.
Now I use a Luna cup, highly recommend them if you feel you have trouble finding the right cup for you. They have them in different lenghts and different «firmness». In combination with ImseVimse washable pads I feel safe and hygenic.
PS. Would love the possibillity of getting an e-mail with follow-up comments.
PPS. Also loving your disclamer at the top of the post!
I'm a big fan of the Diva Cup and the reusable pads/liners. I bought a set (like someone else commented earlier) from Amazon years ago and they've been great! It's exciting to see the number of period products available now vs 20 years ago!
Interesting that you don't feel comfortable using them for what they're meant for?? I have worn thinx for over a year now and I love them! I actually only had to buy one pair (for my heaviest day), then I do black underpants and (occasional) pads on the other days, but I think I'm going to buy a few more pairs to eliminate pads. On my heaviest day, it definitely stands up well. My biggest selling point is that there's no more equipment - just wear underpants like normal. I think they're super great.
Maybe the problem is that I don't have any that are the super-duper high absorbency ones; the ones I have would not do the trick for a day at all!
And I need them for multiple days too. You only need a product really for one day? Lucky!
I use a brand of period underwear called bambody that I got on Amazon and I love them. They aren’t as pretty as the other brands like Thinx but considering what they are for I don’t think that matters as much and they are cheaper. It’s just personal preference on my part really. I wear them with pads on my heavy days because then I don’t have to worry about the pads leaking, especially at night, but the rest of the time I just wear the underwear. Never had any leaks and since pads make me itch after about three days these help so I don’t have to wear pads longer than necessary.
Great review, and I hadn't heard of the issues with the chemicals so I was interested to read the link.
I found the gussets in particular didn't last long in my period undies (Thinx & Modi Bodi) but the level of comfort and reassurance they gave me, alongside a cup, during a difficult perimenopause was worth every penny spent (to be fair I was wearing them everyday).
Even with the fabrics used I found they helped control any dampness and sweat which made life so much more comfortable.
Can't recommend them enough and wish they'd been around when I was younger!
My daughter uses these and loves them! She is trying to get me to try the incontinence underwear. I have a horrible time with the paper products for incontinence, as I did when I used them for my periods. Not only are they uncomfortable they make me sore. Has anyone tried the incontinence underwear?
I just ordered some Knix to try! I love their leakproof nursing things. They also seem to have updated their return policy and it is 60 days for period underwear.
Thanks for this post! I've been curious about this underwear for ages but never took the plunge.
I just checked out the Knix site and they now have a 30-day risk free return policy on the leak proof undies - with your coupon and 25% off buying 3 pairs, that's way less than Thinx with no risk. I'm finally going to try some! 🙂
Thanks for doing this! I spent (likely too much) on Thinx and ended up really only love-loving one pair, so was considering Knix but needed a comparison. Thanks! 🙂
Hi the knix link isn’t working 🙁
Ohh, nuts! Something must be wrong on their end, because the link is correct.
Can you try using code FRUGALGIRL10? That should give you the $10 discount as well. And I will reach out to Knix to figure out what is going wrong with the link.
I’ve been using Thinx for several years. I have not tried Knix (newer brand?). I like these. They definitely work and do not leak or feel wet. Very nice material, and thick. They are great as a backup or by themselves. They’ve never leaked. I also think these could give young girls or teens who are new to the routine of periods/leaks piece of mind. I feel totally safe when I have them on. More safe than a pad with regular undies. As far as hygiene safety mentioned in the review, well that’s interesting. I’d say, they are much more breathable than pads. You feel free wearing these. Also, it’s not your every day underwear, just a few days a month.
I think both products will be in the news for being unsanitary. Cold water air fry doesn’t kill bacteria, They may look clean but are teaming with bacteria, or fungal germs. News flash: “Vaginal infections common among women using period underwear. Vagistat sales spike!”
*oops! Typo- That’s Air DRY!
Not Fry! lol
Thank you for your tasteful article on a sensitive subject . I want to know how you wash them ! I don't mean actually in the washer but more like do you put them , rinsed out , in a ' diaper pail ' arrangement ? I would Not wash bloody garments with my clothing . On top of the yuck factor it would stain everything ! So , would you save up a week's worth and run a washer ' load ' for 6 or 7 panties ? I can think of no solution that isn't wasteful . I could use your best ideas !
Yeah, if you don't want to throw them in with the rest of your laundry, you can soak them in a bucket of water for a few hours and then rinse them out before adding them to the washing machine.
But surprisingly enough, it does also work to throw them into the wash; you can do them with a dark load, and since there's soap and water in there, it's not like dumping fresh blood onto your other laundry. So staining is not an issue.
Some people also rinse each pair out after they use them, hang them to dry, and then throw them into a hamper to go with the rest of the laundry.
I have the knix panties. They hold up all day for me without using another feminine product. I have a medium flow for about 5 days.
Unfortunately a cup as a cost-saving method is out of the question for me as I really dislike insertable products. I find period underwear useful to help keep my pad in place and to catch any spillage, especially as my cycle can go from light-heavy-light unpredictably. Though, like you, I'd be wary about relying on it 100%.
I don't know if they had it when you made this post, but Thinx carries a more affordable line called Thinx For All. Those are made from cotton and cheaper than the regular Thinx. They're on sale at my local drugstore so they're pretty convenient to grab.
Uniqlo also has period underwear under their Airism line. When they're on sale they're the cheapest period underwear I've seen. They're on sale for $10/pair at Uniqlo Canada right now.
I am 55 and had a hysterectomy 10 years ago, so no periods, but I do use period underwear for occasional incontinence. They have been a game changer for travel days when I might find myself holding it a little longer than I want and might have some leakage.