Best Eco-Friendly Period Underwear Brands

Sustainable, reusable, and budget-friendly, period underwear is a top choice for your monthly visitor. Here are the very best ones to choose from.

Disposable pads and tampons are a traditional choice for managing periods everywhere. Unfortunately, these items cause a lot of waste to our environment.

According to Stanford Mag, 7 billion tampons and 12 billion pads are thrown away yearly in the U.S. Most of them clog sewers, contribute plastic to our ocean, and end up in landfills.

Beyond the environmental issue, there’s a potential concern for human wellness. EWG reported a study that found elevated levels of toxic chemicals in menstrual pads. These chemicals have been linked to reproductive harm.

What is period underwear?

Period underwear is made of multiple layers of microfiber fabric, which is more absorbent. The materials often used include polyester, cotton, nylon, and lycra.

Many brands have started making sustainable period underwear made of natural, organic, or recycled materials, including organic cotton, TENCEL, and bamboo viscose. Add convenience to your monthly cycle while helping the planet simultaneously.

Instead of throwing them away, rinse by hand in cold water (or in the shower), put them in with your laundry, and hang them up or lay them flat to dry.

Best eco-friendly period underwear

• Thinx
• Nat’v Basics
• Saalt
• Modibody
• 4period
• Goat Union

1. Thinx

Thinx sells period underwear that is certified according to Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®. That means it’s been tested and proven to be free of harmful levels of toxic substances. Thinx’s period underwear is partially made of Modal cotton.

Some of their best-sellers are their super hiphuggers, hiphuggers, and their sleep shorts. Their smallest waist size is 23-24,” and their largest waist size is 57-59″. Thinx partners with Safe Horizon and other companies to help expand access to basic hygiene products.

2. Nat’v Basics

Nat’v Basics sells period underwear in a classic black bikini cut. It can be used for light to moderate days or as a backup for heavy days.

The material used to make the underwear is 95% GOTS Certified organic cotton. Nat’v Basics states that the ultra-thin built-in liner can hold up to 4 tampons worth of fluid.

The sizes range from a size 8 to a size 18. Their fabric care guide notes that the underwear should be washed with warm water and mild detergent.

Orders are delivered carbon-free in packaging made of mostly plant-based materials. Nat’v Basics also makes use of low-impact dye when creating its items.

3. Saalt

Saalt offers more variety with their period underwear. They have leak-proof comfort boyshorts, briefs, bikini cut, high waist, and more.

All the underwear options are made of soft TENCEL modal. It’s a fabric made from the pulp of beech trees. The quality is considered to be flexible and soft.

Depending on the type of underwear, the color options vary between dark and light colors. According to Saalt’s size chart, their lowest size, XS, has a hip size of 30 – 33”. Their highest size, XXL, has a hip size of 47 – 50″.

Saalt is a certified B Corporation. That means they exemplify transparency along with excellency in social and environmental performance.

The company donates 2% of its revenue to help give period care in regions with the most need. You can learn more about the social and environmental work Saalt is doing on its impact page.

4. ModiBody

ModiBody was responsible for developing the first leak-free underpants prototype. Their period underwear is partially made of sustainable materials like recycled nylon and merino wool.

The company also sells a vegan line with the outer part mostly made of 95% bamboo viscose. The styles include bikini cut, full brief, and boyshorts. When you donate a dollar to ModiBodi, they donate a five-pack of reusable leak-proof underwear to people in need.

5. 4period

4period underwear can hold up to 50mL worth of fluid. The material the company uses to make the body and top inside layer is viscose and bamboo-derived spandex.

The period underwear is also free of PFAs and other toxins. The size range for their underwear is between 30-33 inches for XS and up to 52-54 inches for 4XL.

4period is a woman-owned business that was founded in Memphis, Tennessee. They use some of their proceeds to donate to charities that help out women in need and give back to the world.

6. Goat Union Period Underwear

Goat Union describes their period underwear as specially designed for nighttime use, perfect for back and stomach sleepers. The company states if you do wear it in the daytime, you’ll have to change it 2 to 3 times a day, depending on your flow.

Their briefs are one of the more affordable options on this list.

The waist size ranges from 23.5-26 inches for XS to 46.5-50.5 inches for 4XL. If you’re in between sizes, it’s recommended to go for the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a more relaxed fit.

The colors don’t vary much, as the period wear only comes in black. The outer body of the underwear is made of 95% bamboo cellulose.

The main materials meet the requirements of Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX. All of these period underwear brands can effectively make for an easier time of the month.