La underwear for the cycle – or absorbent underwear – has become so indispensable that it can now be found almost everywhere. But be careful: not all brands are the same. While some of us are happy to have finally found a comforting solution to the menstrual period It's not always easy, others are left in uncertainty, without fully understanding the appeal of such a product... Don't panic: we've done the necessary research!
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MENSTRUAL PANTIES: THE 10 BEST BRANDS
Our top picks are the brands of absorbent underwear that stand out for their virtues alone: eco-friendly, effective, inclusive, socially committed, with an infinite number of styles to choose from… some period underwear brands seem truly perfect! Others are a little less so, but they still convinced us. Thanks to our standings, absorbent panties will no longer have any secrets and you will finally be able to choose THE model that best suits your needs.
ALSO READ: Tampon tax: some in Italy are abolishing it, too.
ELIA LINGERIE
- menstrual panties Elia Lingerie's underwear is our absolute favorite! Made from organic cotton, the brand's underwear is STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX and Origine France Garantie certified: a plus for the planet. By limiting the use of chemicals and promoting short supply chains to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the brand keeps its promises.
Beyond the eco-responsible approach, Elia Lingerie has entered the field against a still little-known disease: endometriosisThe brand, in fact, donates 10% of its profits to research and support projects for women who suffer from it.
Elia is an extraordinarily inclusive brand, with styles ranging from 10 years old to size 60. High-waisted, low-waisted, thong, cycling, culotte... whatever your preference, you'll always find the right menstrual panties for your needs and body type. The same goes for absorbency: you can choose from four flow intensities, including one designed for very heavy flows.
Depending on the model, the price of Elia Lingerie period panties varies between €35 and €50.
REJEANNE
The menstrual underwear brand Réjeanne also offers a wide choice, proposing models that are different from the usual ones you see around, without sacrificing comfort and effectivenessLike Elia, we promote both product quality and brand commitment. Réjeanne also produces its period underwear in France, using OEKO-TEX certified materials, and supports organizations like Basic Rules and Action Santé Femmes.
Depending on the model, you can choose between four different absorbency levels, from size 10 to size 50. From original high-waisted panties to menstrual leggings, including thongs and culottes… here's another brand that aims to be accessible to all body types.
The price of Réjeanne period panties varies depending on the model, but ranges between €34 and €55.
MOODZ
Joyful and inclusive, the menstrual underwear brand Moodz rhymes with creativity and diversity. The goal: for all women to find hygienic support for their periods. comfortable and reusable, perfectly suited to their needs, but also to their style. Here too, the brand's social commitment is impeccable: Moodz supports organizations that fight menstrual insecurity, sexism, and gender dysphoria. With its products made in Portugal from GOTS-certified cotton, Moodz is doing its duty to the environment.
Firmly committed to body positivity, the brand aims to break down period taboos. The current line ranges from sizes 32 to 50, with plans to expand further. It offers three levels of absorbency.
The price of Moodz absorbent panties starts from €29 and goes up to €45.
FEMPUS
Fempo is a brand that has greatly contributed to promoting the concept of menstrual underwear. Beautiful and colorful, its absorbent panties are comfortable and perfect for active women who want to live the cycle without compromiseFempo products are made with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified fabrics in production workshops located in Portugal, Tunisia and Morocco.
The brand offers its models in classic, satin, and even shimmering fabrics, thanks to the addition of lurex. The products are available for light, medium, or heavy flow, and can be purchased individually or in packs. In terms of sizes, Fempo period panties range from 34 to 52, also available in teen sizes, for ages 9-10.
Fempo menstrual underwear starts at €29; some styles, like panties, go up to €55.
SO' CUP
So' Cup, as the name suggests, is a menstrual cup brand, or "cups." However, it offers several models of absorbent underwear and swimsuits, and even some very useful accessories, including a stain remover "specific for period underwear" and a portable sterilizer for menstrual cups. The materials used vary depending on the model: So' Cup emphasizes transparency, specifying where and how each line is produced. In terms of certifications, the brand has obtained the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 label from France, Italy, and Turkey. The products are manufactured in France, Tunisia, or Turkey, depending on the model.
So' Cup offers menstrual panties for day and night, the latter perfect even for very heavy flows. Eye-catching colors, plumetis lace, small details, and unique designs: So' Cup period panties stand out for their originality, without sacrificing comfort. Sizes range from 26/28 to 50/52.
With prices starting at just over €20, this brand is admittedly among the most affordable in its category. Excluding packs, the most expensive model retails for €44,90.
BERTYNE
Bertyne conceives period underwear differently, opting for a minimalist approach, qualitative, and resolutely eco-responsible. The brand has obtained the SloWeAre label (trusted label for eco-responsible fashion), OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, and is certified Better Cotton Initiative. Recognizing that the textile industry is among the most polluting and ethically challenging on the planet, it wants to make a difference. Staff at the Portuguese factory work in extremely respectful conditions, as demonstrated by the SA 8000 certification. The production facilities also benefit from the ISO 9001 standard and comply with the European REACH regulation.
What's surprising is Bertyne's collection, which features just two styles (a pair of briefs for medium flow and a pair of culottes for heavy flow), available exclusively in black and available for purchase individually or in packs. This choice reflects the desire to limit consumption to what's strictly necessary, in keeping with a strong commitment to the environment. Furthermore, shipping is also designed to avoid waste, thanks to reusable packaging. Sizes range from 10-12 years to 50-52.
Excluding packs, Bertyne menstrual panties are offered at €34,90 and culottes at €39,90.
MINA STORM
Mina Storm is a brand that offers all types of lingerie, without focusing exclusively on period underwear. The menstrual panties line, however, is particularly comfortable, high-quality, and original, embodying the values of diversity and bodily freedom that characterize the entire collection. Mina Storm underwear is produced in Morocco and Tunisia, where the workshops work alongside local associations to offer training courses to young women in need. The materials are OEKO-TEX Class I certified, and the brand avoids any overproduction.
The Mina Storm menstrual briefs range from sizes 32 to 46. They feature sophisticated cuts and unique materials, such as those in the iridescent line.
As for the price, the Mina Storm period panties start at €36 and go up to €43 for the iridescent or recycled lace models.
THE PARISIAN CULOTTE
La Culotte Parisienne doesn't mince words: the cycle must not be synonymous with compromiseFor the brand, ineffective menstrual pads with questionable compositions and an inconvenience no one should be subjected to are simply unacceptable. The brand's mission is to protect women's health and the environment by offering comfortable, eco-friendly menstrual panties that are 100% made in France.
Menstrual panties are available in four absorbency levels, regardless of the model, to suit everyone. You'll also find a collection of lace absorbent panties in sizes 34 to 48.
Prices at La Culotte Parisienne range between €27 and €39,50.
SMOOTH
If you look for during your period comfort and softnessSmoon menstrual panties will be your favorite. Seamless, they fit snugly and stay perfectly in place. Effective and colorful, Smoon period panties are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified and made in Tunisia. The company regularly donates to the La Maison des Femmes association.
Sizes range from 8/10 years to 44 (a sore point for adult sizes) and models are available in three absorbency levels.
Price question: calculate between €32 and €39.
ETAM
Etam period underwear enters our ranking because it is an already well-known brand for its classic lingerie, available in stores. For a conventional company like Etam, some efforts, such as the use of recycled polyamide and organic cotton, are commendable. The brand has also made progress in terms of traceability, with 96% of its factories certified as compliant with social standards.
Etam period panties, in various styles and colors, are available for light, medium, and heavy flows. Sizes range from S to XXL.
Etam period briefs are sold at a price of €25 and €29 for culottes.
If you want find out more about the brands on the marketDon't forget that you can contact them directly, for example, through their social media pages. The most serious ones will be more than happy to answer your questions.
HOW DO MENSTRUAL PANTIES WORK?
The way a menstrual panty works is actually quite simple: they are normal underwear from every point of view, except at the bottomThe latter is composed of a layer that “sucks the flow” inside the panty, an absorbent layer that retains it for up to 12 hours and a waterproof layer that stops any leaks.
If period panties are revolutionary, it's precisely because they allow you to experience your period in complete safety, day and night, without having to constantly change. This new, externally worn menstrual support also eliminates the risk of toxic shock syndrome (associated with the use of tampons). And by choosing a brand that uses healthy and safe materials, you're not only protecting your health, but also the planet (period panties are reusable).
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MENSTRUAL UNDERWEAR
Reading our ranking, you will have understood that the choice of period underwear is a very personal matterFortunately, there are brands for all tastes.
If your priority is commitment (eco-friendly, socially responsible, diversity-related, health-related, etc.), pay attention to certifications. If your choice depends primarily on style, materials, and sizes, carefully read the label and the composition of the menstrual panties you're interested in.
Ditto for the absorbency level: it must respond perfectly to your flow to offer you the comfort and serenity you need.
If you are worried that your period underwear might not fit, make sure that the brand you choose includes the possibility of return, in case you are not satisfied with your purchase.
HOW TO WASH MENSTRUAL LINEN
Taking care of your period underwear is very simple. Just rinse your underwear from cycle in cold water after use. This way, you won't risk "heating" the stain during washing in the washing machine. So wash at 30°C with delicate items, preferably in a laundry bag to preserve the fibers. Choose a detergent without Marseille or Aleppo soap (which would alter the effectiveness of the fabric in the long run) and do not use fabric softenersYou can also hand wash your period panties. Air dry them (do not use a dryer).
There you have it, now you know all about period panties! Why not try them?
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