Something you should probably know about me is that I’m not afraid to talk about things that others might consider taboo – especially when it comes to our bodies. And so I tried out the Modibodi period underwear, I made a video about them and took some photos of what they look like on – because I’m a blogger and that’s what we do.
If you’ve never heard of period underwear, let me give you a really quick introduction: they’re underwear with an absorbent lining that you wear during your period. After you’ve worn them, you rinse them out and wash them as you would your regular underwear. Then you can wear them again.
I was really interested in trying period underwear because of the sustainability aspect (the creation and disposal of pads and tampons obviously has an effect on the environment) and also the cost of having my period. I was sick of forking out money every month, so I’ve been looking in to other options (some less successfully than others). Modibodi sent me some pairs for review and I’ve also purchased a few pairs of my own – clearly I’m a fan.
Classic Full Brief – Light/Moderate (AU26 / 6XL)
Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini – Heavy/Overnight (AU26 / 6XL)
ABSORBENCY:
I get a lot of people asking me how often I need to change them, what absorbency to choose etc. Since switching to period underwear I’ve gotten to know my cycle a bit better, and noticed that it doesn’t seem as heavy as it used to. Most days I’m fine with the light-moderate absorbency and I don’t need to change them during the day. Day two is usually the heaviest for me (and sometimes day three as well), so on those days I go for the heavy-overnight absorbency.
Modibodi have a number of different absorbencies to choose from:
- Moisture Wicking = 0ml (these ones are for sweat only e.g. hot days/workouts etc)
- Super Light Absorbency = 1 tampon / 1 teaspoon / 5ml
- Light-Moderate Absorbency = 2 tampons / 2 teaspoons / 10ml
- Moderate-Heavy Absorbency = 2-3 tampons / 3 teaspoons / 15ml
- Heavy-Overnight Absorbency = 3-4 tampons / 4 teaspoons / 20ml
- Maxi-24 Hrs Absorbency = 10 tampons / 10 teaspoons / 50ml
WASHING:
In regards to washing, I just rinse mine out in the shower and then pop them in a garment bag to wash as normal. It’s not any extra work to wash them like this, and in fact I prefer them to regular underwear because how often have you thought your period was finished, gone without some kind of period protection and BAM! It comes back. Now I can just wear one of the light absorbency pairs when I’m at the tail end of my period.
If you couldn’t tell from my video, I am most definitely a convert to the Modibodi period underwear. I’ve been using them over the last five months or so and they’ve lasted really well – I’m going to pick up a couple more pairs because some months my periods last longer and I’d much prefer to wear the light absorbency period underwear than use another kind of sanitary product.
SIZING:
My hips are a few cm bigger than the largest hip measurement on the size chart but my waist fit the size 26 and I knew the fabric would be stretch (and I usually wear size 26-28 on the bottom) so I ordered the 26 and am really happy with the fit in both styles.
2021 UPDATE: I’ve since tried the size 24 / 5XL of the Classic Full Brief style and find that a better fit for me most days. For overnight or on day two of my period (the heaviest day) I prefer a 26 / 6XL. I still prefer the 26 / 6XL of the Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini because that’s a closer fit on me (and obviously a different cut).
I love that there is a good range of sizing (AU 2 / 4XS – AU26 / 6XL) and also a bunch of different styles. I’ve only tried two of the styles (Classic Full Brief and Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini) so far and I really like both of those. I usually prefer full briefs as they are higher waisted and give me more coverage on my stomach.
2021 UPDATE:
It’s always good to know how things go over time, so I thought I’d pop an update here. It’s now been three years since I switched to using Modibodi, and I’m happy to say I’m still a fan. I’ve tried some other brands of period underwear, but Modibodi is still my top pick because of their comfy fit and fabric!
I’ve found that I don’t just wear them when I have my period either. If I’m traveling or walking a lot, or it’s really hot and I know I’m going to get super sweaty, I wear some of the light-moderate absorbancy period underwear. They help wick away sweat and keep me feeling fresh.
If you’re wondering how long period underwear lasts, I replaced some of my most-worn pairs after 18-24 months (the light-moderate absorbancy) and the heavy-overnight ones have just been replaced after three years. So the initial outlay is a bit pricey, but definitely worth it as I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of them.
MODIBODI DISCOUNT CODE:
If you’re new to Modibodi, you can get 10% off all orders $100+ with the code MEAGAN21 (new NZ + AU customers only) until 31/12/21.
Now I think I’ve covered almost everything but I can’t be sure. If there is something more you’d like to know about the Modibodi period underwear then please leave me a comment below – I’m more than happy to answer questions! I’d also love to know if you’ve tried period underwear before (either this brand or another one) and how you found it. Let’s take away the taboo and share info!
Modibodi sent me some pairs for review and I've also purchased a few pairs of my own. Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but This is Meagan Kerr will automatically receive a small commission. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us spread our message!
Hello! I saw your video on YT and ended up here. Thank you for your honest review about these panties. I am seriously thinking of buying them. I have a couple of questions. On an average day with medium flow, how many pairs of panties do you need? Do they have recommended hours to wear one pair? I sit a lot at work and have trouble with leakage in the back of my panties, did you notice a problem with these panties? Thank you in advance!
Sorry, I should have watched your video first. The answers were there!
Hey! One pair is fine to get through the day and I spend a lot of my day sitting and don’t have issues with leakage. If it’s a super heavy day I might change before bed, then shower and change in the morning, and go for the heavy flow pair (especially if you often have issues with leakage in the back!)
Hey meagan just have a few questions about modibodi.
Are you still using them?
With it being bamboo material, do they slip down your bum at all?
What is the odor factor of these?
And do they do all night without worry? I have very very heavy periods on my 2nd and 3rd days.
Thanks
Hey Liz! Yes I still use them (I have about 8-9 pairs now). I have them in a couple of sizes, the ones that are now a size too big slip down but the ones that fit properly do not. I’ve got a pretty sensitive nose and don’t notice any odour – I think because of the anti-bacterial layer? I’ve never had any problem wearing them all night, if your periods are heavy then I’d recommend the heavy/overnight ones (and if super heavy then maybe a fresh pair before bed then again in the morning, just to keep your mind at ease). Hope that’s helpful! x
That’s really helpful thanks! I only use reusable pads now (have done for 5 years. A mix of bought and handmade) but I’m seriously sick of feeling like I’m wearing a nappy all day. This is with them being cotton and bamboo so it’s not the material that’s the issue.. They also tend to smell (less then plastic ones of course but as its sitting next to a sweaty dark place for hours it’s bound to get smelly).
I’ve also tried 3 different types of menstrual cups and hate them. So I’m now on the look out for something different.
Thanks again!!
These definitely don’t have the nappy feel! I remember that from plastic pads and that was gross
OK I’m totally sceptical about moon cups and period undies, mostly cause they give me the “unhygienic heebie jeebies” but also HATE the environmental impact of traditional period supplies and the iffy taxing on them. In fact I’m glad you’ve made this post cause honestly, I didn’t understand that period undies were for this usage, like I thought they were for just making you feel comfy while you’ve got your period, not that it’s all fine to bleed into them. Can you explain more about the shower rinse (it’s probably basic as but ya know…I’m stumped)? I’ve spotted someone in the comments say they do it too, like are you wearing them in the shower and rising or you’re not wearing them but rinsing in shower? I’ve read a woman say she forgot about her moon cup and it stayed in for like a month and it was SUPER GROSS when she remembered and took it out. I’m sceptical about THAT too, like really, could you forget your moon cup is in there or whaat?! Teach me!!
They’re not unhygenic if you wash them properly! The rinsing part is basically to get any blood out – I rinse it until the water runs clear (like when you’re dyeing your hair and washing out the colour!). I take them off and jump in the shower and rinse them off (you can also do that in your laundry tub if you’d prefer, I do it in the shower because I figure that I’m in there anyway so I may as well!), then I throw them in my delicates bag and pop them in with the rest of my washing. I’m pretty skeptical about the person who said they forgot their moon cup was in for a month, I honestly don’t see how you could do that? Shout if you have any more questions babe xx
Phew! OK this is making be feel lots better, cause honestly the waste and environmental issue is a crusher every month. I’m SO glad you’ve kinda confirmed what I thought too about the Moon Cup thing, because I just thought no way, NO WAY you’re going to forget it’s there right?!
Yeah based on my experience using both tampons and moon cups, you can still feel them inside you. Obviously not everyone is gonna have the same level of sensitivity as I do (or the same level of body awareness), but I think the likelihood of forgetting they are there is very slim. I totally hear you on the waste/environmental issue – I think that’s something we’re becoming so much more aware of right? Not just plastic bag use we have to think about!
I love this idea but I am in Canada 😀
They ship to Canada! Alternatively, someone on my Instagram suggested a Canadian company called Lunapads (they do reusable pads and underwear)
Finally there’s a brand of period undies that include plus-sizes!! How many years have we been waiting for this?! I might actually give them a try.
Right? I have been waiting so long for options for us. I hope they extend their sizing in future too, it would be awesome to have bigger options available
Thanks for this! I have been able to successfully use a moon cup for years, but I like the idea of these for use on the lighter days of my period. 👍🏾
It seems like a few people use them in conjunction so it sounds like a good combo!
Yes I have these too! Originally got a couple of pairs, to wear when hiking as usually unable to change a tampon while bush. Now I also use them for when at the tail end of my period, and at night too. I need to get more actually! Postage was reasonable and so quick from Aussie. I know there are some stockists in NZ but not all styles/sizes. I do the shower rinse too!
Oh yes, these would be great for hiking! Would love to see these stocked all over in NZ but think some people might take more convincing to give them a go, judging by some of the messages I’ve received
Oh em gee, I am freaking excited! No more putting pads in the environment…. these look like a god send (so its true – God must be a female!) thank you thank you thank you for bringing this to our attention!
You are most welcome! Let me know how you find them if you give them a go!
OMG!!!! Thank you so much for letting us know about these. I most certainly am going to get them. Mine will be for bladder leakage and not periods, I have the IUD, so don’t get them anymore. 🙂
Yay, let me know how you find them!
OMG!!! They are fantastic for bladder leakage. I love the feel of the fabric, the fact there is no smell and how it feels like your not wearing anything.
Only issue with me, is the front doesn’t quite reach my belly button to which I feel more comfortable, and back doesn’t reach my waste. If they made a 28 sz I would guess, that would be better. Because it doesn’t go high enough either way, it tends to want to slide more towards the back and I end up having to hitch them up the front often………lol
I talked about it to a colleague today and told her about them, she was sold and brought a pair today for periods.
Great feedback, thanks Fiona! What style did you go for? I really hope that Modibodi extend their size offerings, it would be so good to have more size options available.
I brought the full brief, heavy to medium flow size 26. The black ones you modeled.
Oh fab, I just ordered some more of those myself. I really like that black lace detail at the top, wearing nice things like that make me feel nice.
Hi Meagan 👋
Wondering if they are odour eliminating as well. Have a giant fear of being stinky 😁 even when someone else walks by with BO I worry it’s me.
Yes! They have a moisture-wicking layer that draws sweat and discharge away and fights bacteria! You can read more about it here 🙂
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have wondered about them for awhile but was too afraid and not totally sold out on the product. I have been using the female cup for about a year now in conjuction with liners. So now I will have to try the underwear, they would be great for my wallet. 😊
I think using the cup combined with the underwear is common, I saw that they sell cups on there so it must be! Awesome that you’re using a cup, is there a particular brand you recommend?
I have only used the diva cup brand. It is amazing. Especially, on heavy days.