This post is a little different from the recipes and food content I normally share, but healthy living has always been something I'm interested in beyond just what I eat. And today we're talking about something that approximately half the population deals with at some point: periods!

Years ago, I was given a pair of Thinx period underwear to try, and at the time the idea of underwear that could actually absorb your period without a pad or tampon seemed almost futuristic.

I originally wrote this Thinx review after testing the Hiphugger style myself. A lot has changed since then, though, including Thinx products, menstrual product research, and the conversation surrounding PFAS in period underwear.

So I wanted to revisit my original review, keep my real experience with the product, and update the information for 2026.

Disclosure: The original version of this post was sponsored by Thinx. I received a pair of Thinx underwear in exchange for my review. As always, all opinions and experiences shared here are my own.

What Is Thinx Period Underwear?

Thinx is reusable underwear designed with absorbent layers that collect menstrual flow, helping it function as an alternative or backup to pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.

You wear it like regular underwear, then wash and reuse it.

Current Thinx styles are designed to wick moisture, absorb menstrual flow, help control odor, and prevent leaks. Thinx says its newest styles provide leak protection for up to 12 hours, although absorbency varies depending on the particular style and your flow.

Why I Originally Wanted to Try Period Underwear

One of the things that interested me most about reusable period underwear was simply having another option.

Pads and tampons work perfectly well for many people, but disposable menstrual products also mean buying and throwing away products every month.

Period underwear can be washed and reused, so I liked the idea of having something I could wear repeatedly rather than relying entirely on disposable products.

There are plenty of menstrual product options now, including:

• Tampons
• Pads
• Menstrual cups
• Menstrual discs
• Reusable pads
• Period underwear

There really isn't one product that is going to be best for everyone. Comfort, flow, lifestyle, cost, and personal preference all matter.

My Experience With Thinx

When I first tested Thinx, I tried the Hiphugger style.

And I decided I was really going to test it.

I wore the underwear by itself on one of my heavier-flow days without using a tampon or pad as backup.

What surprised me most wasn't simply that it absorbed my period.

It was how relatively normal it felt.

I had expected period underwear to eventually feel noticeably wet, bulky, or uncomfortable, especially on a heavier day. Instead, the absorbent portion did a surprisingly good job of keeping moisture away from the surface.

For much of the day, I honestly forgot I was wearing period underwear.

And most importantly: I didn't have a leak.

My original pair performed much better than I expected it to, and that was what initially made me such a fan of the concept.

A Note About How Long to Wear Thinx

In my original review, I mentioned wearing my pair for an extremely long stretch while testing it.

I would not use that old experiment as a recommendation today.

Thinx currently says its newest period underwear can provide protection for up to 12 hours and recommends changing into a fresh pair at least every 12 hours to help prevent leaks.

How frequently you personally need to change period underwear will also depend on your flow and the absorbency level of the style you're wearing.

Does Thinx Feel Wet?

This was one of my biggest questions before trying period underwear.

I mean… if the underwear is absorbing menstrual fluid, wouldn't you feel it?

In my experience, not nearly as much as I expected.

It didn't magically feel identical to completely dry underwear all day, but the moisture-wicking layers made a noticeable difference. I wasn't walking around constantly conscious of the fact that I was on my period.

Current Thinx products similarly use moisture-wicking fabric designed to help keep the surface feeling dry while absorbent layers hold the fluid underneath.

Of course, everyone's flow is different, so your experience may not be identical to mine.

Can Thinx Replace Tampons or Pads?

Potentially, yes.

Thinx says its newest period underwear styles can be worn without an additional tampon, pad, or menstrual cup. They can also be used as backup protection if that makes you more comfortable.

Personally, I think this is one of the nicest things about period underwear: you can use it however it works best for you.

On lighter days, period underwear alone may be plenty.

On heavier days, you may prefer a higher-absorbency style or decide to use it as backup with another menstrual product.

How Do You Wash Thinx?

One of the benefits of period underwear is that it's reusable.

Current Thinx care instructions say to machine wash the underwear in cold water before the first wear and after each use. They recommend skipping bleach, ironing, and dry cleaning, then allowing the underwear to dry completely before storing it.

Always check the care instructions for your particular pair since materials and styles can change over time.

Pros and Cons of Thinx Period Underwear

What I Like

• Reusable: You can wash and wear them again instead of using a disposable product every time.
• Comfortable: They feel much more like regular underwear than I originally expected.
• No tampon required: Depending on your flow and the style you choose, you may be able to wear them by themselves.
• Great backup protection: They're also useful if you're worried about leaks while wearing a tampon or menstrual cup.
• Convenient for lighter days: You don't necessarily need to keep changing pads or tampons.
• Less disposable waste: Reusing the same underwear means fewer single-use menstrual products going into your trash.

Things to Consider

• Upfront cost: Period underwear costs more initially than buying a small package of disposable products.
• You need multiple pairs: If you want to use period underwear throughout an entire cycle, one pair probably isn't going to cut it.
• You have to wash them: Obviously!
• Heavy flow varies: You may need to change pairs sooner than someone with a lighter flow.
• They aren't everyone's thing: Some people simply prefer tampons, pads, cups, or discs, and that's perfectly fine.

Is Thinx Worth It?

Based purely on my personal experience, I was genuinely impressed when I first tried Thinx.

My biggest concerns were whether it would leak and whether wearing absorbent underwear would feel uncomfortable or wet.

Neither turned out to be nearly as much of an issue as I expected.

I especially like the concept for people who want a reusable menstrual product but aren't interested in using an internal product such as a menstrual cup.

Would I say everyone needs to abandon tampons and pads and switch to period underwear?

No.

But if you've been curious about period underwear, I definitely understand the appeal. Having another comfortable, reusable option during your period can be incredibly convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear Thinx without a tampon?

Yes. Thinx says its newest period underwear styles are designed to be worn on their own without a tampon, pad, or menstrual cup. You can also use them as backup protection if you prefer.

How long can you wear Thinx?

Thinx currently states that its newest styles provide leak protection for up to 12 hours and recommends changing pairs at least every 12 hours. Depending on your flow, you may need to change them sooner.

Does period underwear feel like wearing a pad?

To me, not really.

The absorbent section is thicker than ordinary underwear, but I found my Thinx much less noticeable than I expected.

Can you wear Thinx overnight?

Some Thinx styles are designed for extended or overnight protection. Check the absorbency and instructions for the specific pair you're considering and change the underwear according to the manufacturer's directions.

Do you have to rinse Thinx before washing?

Follow the care instructions for your specific style. Thinx's current general instructions say its period underwear can be machine washed cold after use and then hung to dry completely.

Are Thinx PFAS-free?

Thinx currently states that PFAS are not part of its product design and says it uses supplier controls and third-party laboratory testing for PFAS and fluorine.

There was also a class action settlement involving allegations about PFAS and other product representations. Thinx denied the allegations, and the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing.

Anyway, are you interested in trying a pair?

Try it now with $10 off!! 

Note:
This post is sponsored by Thinx - I received a pair of THINX underwear in exchange for this review.
However, all opinions are my own!