Best period pants rated on style and absorbency

Period pants are washable and reusable absorbent pants that can be used instead of, or alongside, disposable products such as sanitary towels or tampons.

They're becoming an increasingly popular option and, while reducing plastic waste is often a catalyst for making the switch, they can also be more practical and comfortable for some people.

There are now quite a few options available, with many styles and absorbency levels to choose from, at a wide range of prices.

As an upfront cost, they are typically more expensive than disposable alternatives. The cheapest are just over £4 a pair (Primark), but some cost up to £35, and you'll typically need multiple pairs to last you through a period.

Choosing the best period pants

In December 2021, we surveyed users of period pants to find out what they liked and disliked, and how they rated the brands they'd used on factors such as leak protection, comfort and value for money. 

Discover how popular brands including Intimawear by Bodyform, M&S, Modibodi, Primark and Wuka fared, and use our unique insights to help you choose the best option for you. 

Silver treatments in period pants

In 2023, we tested a range of period pant brands to check for 'chemicals of concern' after independent tests in the US flagged concerns around PFAs in some products. 

We didn't find any PFAs of the known ones we tested for, but we were surprised to find some brands contained notable levels of silver, and that this wasn't always clear at point of sale.

Silver treatments, in the form of silver ions (silver zeolite and variations, silver chloride) and nanosilver, are added to textiles to give them antimicrobial properties. In the case of period pants, manufacturers told us it's to combat user concerns about the pants smelling over time.

However, we have concerns about this, as it's largely unnecessary if you follow standard hygiene procedures, and, while more research is needed, some studies have raised concerns about potential health impacts of silver in these forms, including affecting the 'good' bacteria in your vaginal microbiome which could make you more susceptible to infection.

We've listed the brands which state they do contain silver below, and our test findings where relevant, so you can make an informed choice. For more on this, read our full investigation into silver in period pants.

Tips for living well - get our free Food & Health newsletter: shop savvy, eat well, stay healthy

Period pants rated

We asked 563 period pant users to tell us their views on the brand (or brands) they used, focusing on aspects such as comfort, durability, appearance, value for money and protection from leaks. 

The most popularly owned brands were the high street offerings from Primark and M&S, but they weren't necessarily the best rated.

Logged-in members can see the full results below (listed in alphabetical order), including the brands that users loved the most. 

If you're not yet a member, sign up to Which? to get access to this and all our other expert reviews and advice. 

Flo

Style: hipster briefs Sizes: UK 6-22 Max absorbency: five tampons Max use: about two years Cost: £25 each. 

Flo makes organic tampons and pads as well as period pants.

They come in pink and black and are made from cotton that Flo says is sustainably sourced and biodegradable.

How users rate Flo - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of Flo period pants.

Do Flo pants contain silver? There's no mention of silver treatments on its site.

Available to buy from Sports Direct and Look Fantastic

Intimawear by Bodyform

Style: hipster and bikini briefs Sizes: UK 8-20 Absorbency: one sanitary pad Max use: more than 50 washes Cost: £25 each. 

Intimawear is the first reusable offering from Bodyform – a stalwart of the disposable pad world. There are two styles of pants, hipster and bikini, and its products are made from a mix of polyamide, elastane, polyurethane and polyester.

How users rate Intimawear - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of Intimawear period pants.

Do Bodyform period pants contain silver? When we tested Bodyform pants in 2023 the pair we tested had the highest level of silver of all the brands we tested (127mg/kg). On the website, this is just noted as an 'antimicrobial treatment'. Bodyform told us this is silver copper zeolite and that it also has products available without this treatment, but we couldn't see any way to tell which is which from the website.

Available to buy from Bodyform, Boots and Tesco

Love Luna

Style: full, midi, bikini, teen and bamboo briefs Sizes: UK 8-24 Absorbency: light (2-3 tampons) to heavy (3-4 tampons) Max use: 9-12 months Cost: £10-£14 each.

Love Luna positions itself as the budget-friendly period pants company. Its range of pants come in multiple styles and levels of absorbency, and are made of a cotton/nylon/polyester/elastane mix or a bamboo/polyester/elastane mix.

Love Luna estimates you'd need about 7-10 pairs if you use them exclusively over your period, or 3-5 pairs if you're using them as a backup. 

How users rate LoveLuna - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of LoveLuna period pants.

Do LoveLuna pants contain silver? No - the website says LoveLuna pants don't contain any silver treatments.

Available to buy from LoveLuna

Marks & Spencer

Style: bikini, high leg and full briefs Sizes: UK 6-28 Absorbency: light and high absorbency Max use: not stated Cost: £12 each.

Lots of people seem to be trying Marks & Spencer's period underwear – it was the second most common brand in our survey, after Primark. 

Marks & Spencer's period undies come in a range of styles and with two absorbency options. There's a cotton option and a polyamide option, both with a polyester gusset.

How users rate M&S - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of M&S period pants.

Do M&S pants contain silver? When we tested M&S period pants in 2023 the pair we tested had the second highest level of silver of all the brands we tested (57.8mg/kg). We couldn't find any information to this effect at point of sale. M&S didn't respond to our enquiries.

Available to buy from Marks & Spencer

Modibodi

Style: nine women's styles, maternity/post-partum, teen and swimwear Sizes: UK 6-18 Absorbency: six absorbency levels, from leak-proof (a panty-liner) to maxi/24 hours (10 tampons). The moderate-heavy absorbency holds up to 2-3 tampons Max use: two years or longer Cost: £14-£36 each.

Modibodi was one of the first companies to sell period-proof underwear, and has one of the largest ranges. 

There are biodegradable and recycled options, and the classic range which is bamboo viscose and spandex with a merino wool gusset. 

How users rate Modibodi - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of Modibodi period pants.

Do Modibodi pants contain silver?  Modibodi says its pants are treated with Agion (silver copper zeolite), but that it will be bringing out a new range without this treatment in 2024. When we tested Modibodi period pants in 2023 the pair we tested had a relatively low amount at 0.9mg/kg.

Available to buy from Modibodi and Amazon

Pantys

Style: 19 styles, from bikini to boxer brief and swimwear Sizes: XS-3XL Absorbency: five levels from light to overnight flow Max use: approx two years/60 washes Cost: £18 - £34 each.

Pantys, a Brazilian brand recently launched in the UK, has a range of period pants in different styles and absorbencies, and a dedicated range for teens.

It says that it uses biodegradable fabrics.

How users rate Pantys - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of Pantys period pants.

Do Pantys contain silver? There's no mention of silver or anti-microbial treatments on its website.

Available to buy from Pantys

Primark

Style: high-waisted midi, hipster and mini briefs Sizes: UK 4-24 Absorbency: light to medium (about three regular tampons) and medium to heavy (about four regular tampons) Max use: Primark told us that they would last as long as regular underwear Cost: £6-£16 each.

Primark's foray into period underwear confirms that the product has gone mainstream, and it was the most commonly used brand in our survey. 

Primark's affordable pants are made from a mix of cotton and polyester, and come in a range of sizes. 

How users rate Primark pants - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of Primark's period pants.

Do Primark period pants contain silver? Primark says its pants contain an antimicrobial treatment called Micro-Fresh, which uses silver chloride. We didn't find any detectable levels of silver when we tested a pair in 2023.

Available in-store at Primark

Wuka

Style: many styles including midi briefs, bikini, boxers, high-waist and thongs Sizes: XXS-6XL Absorbency: four levels, from light (about one regular tampon) to super heavy (12 regular tampons) Max use: about two years Cost: £12-£26 each.

Wuka was another of the early online pioneers of period pants, and has a large range of styles, all of which it says are made from sustainable materials, including organic cotton, Tencel modal and fabric made from plastic ocean waste. 

It also has a range of pants made from recycled fabric off-cuts discarded by fast-fashion manufacturers.

How users rate WUKA - log in or sign up to Which? to see what users thought of Wuka period pants.

Do WUKA pants contain silver? No. WUKA states it doesn't use silver treatments in its period pants, and our tests didn't detect any. However, its new incontinence pants range does include silver in the form of a PolyFresh antimicrobial treatment (silver chloride).

Available to buy from Morrisons, Ocado, Superdrug and Wuka

Thinx, Cheeky, Flux and other period pant brands

We could only include user insights for brands where we received 50 or more responses in our survey, so while our list above covers the more common brands in the UK, there are some options that aren't featured. 

Other brands you might've spotted include:

Cheeky – £12-16 each, sizes UK4-24 – Cheeky started as a reusable wipes company and now also makes sanitary pads and period pants. They come in a range of absorbencies and styles (including pretty lace-topped minis and sporty briefs) and are made from materials including bamboo, cotton and nylon. Do Cheeky pants contain silver? No, Cheeky's website states it doesn't use silver or antimicrobial treatments. Available from Cheeky 

Flux – £17-£35, sizes UK4-30 – wide range of styles and absorbencies ranging from one pantyliner's worth to five tampons. Flux says its materials are sustainably sourced – it uses biodegradable tencel modal from sustainably managed forests. Do Flux pants contain silver? There's no mention of it on the website. Available from Flux, Holland & Barrett, Amazon and Ethical Superstore

Hey Girls – £16-19 each, sizes UK6-22 – a Scottish social enterprise that operates a 'buy one, donate one' model to fight period poverty in the UK. Slightly more limited range of fuller-style briefs. Hey Girls says its pants are either biodegradable or recyclable. Do Hey Girls pants contain silver? There's no mention of it on the website. Available from Hey Girls

Luna by Superdrug - £10 or 2 for £16 - This own-brand range is relatively basic in terms of styles offered, but is well-priced. Do Luna period pants contain silver? The pants state they contain an anti-bacterial / anti-odour gusset. When we tested Luna period pants in 2023 the pair we tested contained 7.4mg/kg silver.  Available from Superdrug.

Thinx – £18 each, sizes S/M/L – a US-based period pants company with lots of different styles and five absorbency levels. They have specific ranges for teens and sports. Do Thinx pants contain silver? Thinx says its pants are treated with Agion (silver copper zeolite), but that it will be bringing out a new range with a different treatment in 2024. When we tested Thinx period pants in 2023 the pair we tested contained 8.3mg/kg silver. Available from Asos and Amazon

Note: Thinx has settled a class action lawsuit in the USA, in which it was accused of having harmful PFAS chemicals in its products. Under the settlement, some US customers who previously bought Thinx products are entitled to claim a refund. The brand did not admit guilt or wrongdoing, it claims PFAS were never a part of its design, and says it will continue to take measures to help ensure that PFAS are not added to Thinx underwear intentionally. It did however agree not to refer to the silver in its pants as non-migratory (i.e. not able to travel into the body).

How to choose the best period pants

If it's your first time buying period pants, you might want to start by trying a couple from different brands to find the perfect fit for you.

If you find a brand you like, many sell multipacks which can save you some money. It's also worth shopping around – period pant brands often have discounts of around 10% for new customers buying direct from their site, although do factor in delivery costs versus other options.

Style

Period pants come in an increasingly broad range of shapes and sizes, including an ever-expanding range of colours. 

Bear in mind, the style may affect the absorbency level – a skimpier pant is likely to have a lighter absorbency. 

Some manufacturers have branched out into period proof swimwear and gym wear, too, or pants that are easily removed and swapped when you're out and about.

Absorbency

You'll need to figure out how you want to use your period pants: as a backup to other products, on their own, or for specific times like overnight. Then seek out options that suit your needs: how long you want to wear them for and how heavy your flow might be.

Some brands only offer one absorbency level, which pretty much replaces one tampon, but others have pants designed to be worn for longer periods of time or heavier flow, and hold up to 12 tampons. 

There are also light absorbency pants, which can be used at the start and end of your period, or as a backup to prevent leaks on heavier days. 

Most (but not all) brands tell you the number of tampons or pads their products are equivalent to. Trying out a light, medium and heavy option may help you to figure out what you need more pairs of.

Cost

Prices vary considerably, depending not just on the brand but also the absorbency level and style. 

Our brand survey revealed that while some cheaper pants were considered good value, they didn't impress as much on some key performance measures such as leak protection, comfort and durability – so you might not end up as satisfied in the long run. 

Period pant costs vs disposable products

While the upfront cost of period pants is higher, especially as you realistically need multiple pairs to last you through a period, they should pay for themselves over time.

How much they'll save you versus disposables depends on a few factors, such as how well you care for them when washing, how often you change them, how many tampons or towels you'd typically go through in a cycle, and the type you buy. 

As an example:

• £2.80 for a box of 18 Tampax regular tampons a month = £33.60 a year
• £75 for three pairs of £25 period pants (such as Modibodi) that hold up to four tampons and last for at least two years = £37.50 a year
• £36 for six pairs of cheaper £6 period pants (such as Primark) that hold up to two tampons and last for at least two years = £18 a year

Or, a pair of £25 period pants costs around as much as nine 18-pack boxes of tampons, and a pair of £6 pants is equivalent to about two boxes. 

Pros and cons of period pants

In our survey, people were mostly positive about their overall experience of using period pants, with 75% saying they liked or loved them. 

Here are the top five pros and cons from users of period pants, along with some of the feedback we received:

Pros

• Feels comfortable (53%)* 'Would definitely recommend. Periods are so much more comfortable with them. I don't have to worry about leaks and can wear at work. It feels like I'm not on my period.'
• Reduces waste (46%) 'Overall it’s a winner: comfort and avoiding landfill waste are super important to me.'
• Easy to wash (42%) 'Washing them is no trouble at all.'
• Doesn't leak (39%) 'Being someone who experiences heavier flows, I have had so many nights were I haven't had to change bedding or rush to change my underwear etc because they have been so absorbent and helpful.'
• Good quality(37%) 'I think they're great, and would have been fantastic to use as a young person whilst at school. I actually bought them first for my daughter. She was only 10 when she started her period and I wanted her to be as comfortable and confident as possible.'

Cons

• Doesn't feel fresh (15%) 'They can be annoying to wash.'
• Expensive (14%) 'I wish they were cheaper, it's not like we have a choice about having periods.'
• Can't wear for long periods of time (13%) 'I just find I can't wear them for long periods of time which is quite a faff.'
• Don't feel well protected on heavy days (10%) 'I have mainly used them on very light days. I tried them on a slightly heavier day and they leaked. I sometimes use them as backup to reusable pads overnight.'
• Leaks (10%) 'My first pair were so big I leaked through them. Thankfully, I was wearing black so it didn't really show but I could feel it.'

*% of those who said they liked/disliked vs other sanitary products

Not sure period pants are for you? See our full guide to eco menstrual products for alternative options including menstrual cups, washable pads and reusable tampon applicators

How eco-friendly are period pants?

We know it's generally better for the planet to reuse things than rely on single-use products, so in this regard, period pants get an automatic leg up over conventional disposable tampons and pads, particularly the plastic-based ones.

But not all period pants are created equally on the sustainability stakes. Many still use synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, which aren't biodegradable, and might release micro-plastics when they break down.

Some are better at providing information on sustainable fabrics, their material's provenance and their supply chain. Some use certified organic fabrics, or recycled fabrics, which tend to be better for the environment. There are some concerns around silver-based anti-microbial treatments in some period pants potentially impacting the environment when washed out into waterways. For more on this, read our full investigation into silver in period pants.

It's worth remembering that, like ordinary pants, period pants won't last forever. Some manufacturers give you a rough idea of how long they're expected to last – from the brands we looked at this tends to be around two years, or 50-60 washes, but some don't specify and one brand (Love Luna) suggests a year at most. 

It may be that they are still wearable after this time but don't retain liquid as effectively, but either way, it's worth checking before you buy.

To find out more about the sustainability issues around underwear, see our story on are your pants bad for the planet?

How to wash period pants

It's not difficult to wash period pants, but you do need to treat them a little differently to your ordinary washing in order to keep them in good shape.

In general, most manufacturers advise:

1. Soak or rinse in cold water
2. Wash on a 30ºC or 40ºC cycle, or hand wash – avoid using fabric softener or bleach
3. Leave to dry (some brands say you can tumble dry on low, but check before you do)

Always check the manufacturer instructions on how to wash your period pants, as it might differ slightly between brands.

Remember to wash pants before first use too, as most brands advise this.

Period pants for incontinence

We've seen anecdotal reports of people using period underwear for mild incontinence issues as well. Some of our survey respondents said they used period pants for this purpose, and indeed some brands, such as Modibodi, advertise their pants for light incontinence leaks too.

The benefits are similar, and potentially offer a more comfortable, stylish and discreet option. 

There are also absorbent pants designed specifically for incontinence issues, which might be better suited to your needs and offer similar benefits. Increasingly brands are diversifying their ranges to better serve each issue.

Brand insights based on a Which? survey of 563 period pant users conducted in December 2021. 

Sample sizes by brand: Flo (71), Bodyform (99), LoveLuna (63), M&S (168), Modibodi (87), Pantys (62), Primark (176), WUKA (51). Minimum sample size 50. 

We didn't receive enough responses to report on some other period pant brands.