Period underwear is increasingly popular. Here’s how to buy the right pair | Canada Voices

Reusable menstrual products such as period underwear, menstrual cups and washable pads are not only environmentally friendly but can also be more cost-effective over time. And, they are rising in popularity.

A 2023 report for Women and Gender Equality Canada found that 30 per cent of menstruators are interested in using them in the future, while 19 per cent of respondents in a University of Toronto Mississauga project on sustainable menstruation reported currently using them.

There have been concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in period underwear and other menstrual products, reusable and otherwise. Phyllis Mugadza, a doctoral student in Population Health Sciences at Harvard University whose research focuses on menstrual products, explains that while these chemicals can be found in various products that we encounter day-to-day, their presence in underwear would be particularly concerning because the labia are “highly permeable.”

The good news is that in recent years, brands are more aware of the issue and regulations are being introduced. In Canada, for example, companies now have to report information about any PFAS in their products.

In addition to seeking out PFAS-free products, Mugadza suggests avoiding styles that have fragrance, or that promise to be superabsorbent, odour-free or stain-free. “When you think stain-free, too, we immediately think that must be some sort of PFAS,” says Mugadza. “So if you can stay away from all these glamorous sounding embellishments, that’s usually also a pretty safe option.”

Finally, you want to buy period underwear that fits well. A loose pair may be messy, but one that’s too tight can contribute to yeast infections by reducing airflow and increasing heat and moisture in the area, says Mugadza.

Period underwear should be changed at least once every 12 hours, and washed and dried well following the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Six buys to try

These picks are all made without added PFAS, and each brand shares third-party testing information online as well.

Canadian label Knix offers period underwear in a variety of absorbency levels and styles, including ones specifically for teenagers. This style, designed for heavy-flow days, features an extra-long liner and can absorb as much as 5.5 super tampons. Knix super leakproof Dream short, $48 through knix.ca.

Made for heavy-flow days, this high-waisted style from the Period Company is made with an organic cotton-blend body fabric and gusset. Available in rose and black, and sizes XS to 6X. Period. The High Waisted, $18 through period.co.

This high-absorbency style from Kitchener, Ont.-based Diva is made with 81-per-cent recycled nylon. The zinc-infused DryTec gusset boasts anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking properties. Diva reusable period underwear, $34 through shopdiva.ca.

Available in sizes XXS to 5X, this boxer-style period underwear from Vancouver-based Aisle can hold as much fluid as four tampons. Its body is made with a soft blend of TENCEL lyocell, organic cotton and spandex. Aisle Essential period boxer, $40 through periodaisle.com.

Available in a wide range of colours, this mid-rise style designed for moderate-flow days is made with a soft bamboo and cotton jersey blend fabric. Plus, all of the company’s products are manufactured in Winnipeg. The Tree Hugger Cloth Pads period underwear, $42 through treehuggerclothpads.com.

Best for light-flow days, this thong can absorb as much fluid as one liner or two light tampons. It features a mesh material that’s breathable and light, and you won’t have to worry about visible panty lines. Saalt leakproof mesh thong, $44 through saalt.com.