Modibodi period pants review

Modibodi period pants review

I love that period pants are an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons. With them, you can reduce or completely stop your period related waste. And depending on your flow you can wear just the pants alone, or as a leak and over-flow back-up with cup or tampons. Sweet.

But, won’t they look like a nappy?
What if they leak or smell?
Do these period pants really work?

All very good questions. So, I put Modibodi pants to the test through several months of real-life perioding-ing.

The test pants

There are loads of attractive styles and material choices from Modibodi. I prefer stretchy, thinner and silky materials to cotton pants. I also like them invisible under my clothes. My everyday knickers are no-VPL shorts from good old M&S. So, the seam free collection from Modibodi immediately caught my attention. And the sensual range looks comfy and pretty too.

Here’s what I chose:

  • Seam free full briefs with moderate/heavy absorbency £23.50, two black and one tan
  • Sensual hi-waist bikini with light/moderate absorbency £20 in grey mist
Very simple cardboard sleeve packaging and the 3 different colours/styles to trial.
Each pair comes in a recyclable cardboard wrapper, packaged in a plastic postage bag.

Modibodi quality & wear

I love the beautiful quality of these premium pants. The finishing is excellent, the cut and shape is symmetrical, and the leg curves have no gathers or pleats.

The seam free pants are stitched only at the very top and bottom of the side seams. Everything else is perfectly smooth on the silky-soft and stretchy polyamide outside. Inside, the folded seams are (I assume), glued together. And they’re all perfectly flat, smooth and secure.

Photo of the tan and black seam free full brief from Modibodi
Thin, silky & smooth seamfree full briefs, 95% polymide 5% Elastane outer.
Photo of the smooth soft no stitch seams on the inside and outside leg of the seam freefull briefs from Modibodi
Smooth, flat and strong seams with no itchy bits.
Close-up of the inside leg seam of the seam free full brief
Close-up of the smooth seams and edges on the inside of the pants

The Sensual hi-waist pants are a super-soft stretchy bamboo material that’s a bit thicker than the seamfree range. The stitching around the legs, side seams and lace tummy trim is neat, strong and secure, with no loose ends.

Photo of the sensual hi-waist bikini brief with lace trim in blue from Modibodi
Super-soft stretchy sensual hi-waist bikinis, 95% bamboo and 5% spandex and a pretty lace trim
Close up of the outside and neat insdie stritches around the elastic and lace on the sensual hi-waist period pant from Modibodi
Neat & precise stitching with a good amount of stretch

Reassurringly, the gusset is much bigger and more substantial than regular pants. On both styles, it’s a knitted soft black wool fabric that’s thicker than a standard pair of pants (3 to 4mm). But it’s still soft and flexible.

Inside front and back view of the black absorbent gusset on the Modibodi seam free pants.
The black merino knitted fabric gusset (vegan friendly options available too!)
Inside front and back view of the black absorbent gusset on the Modibodi sensual hi waist pants.
The full coverage, black gusset on the sensual hi-waist bikini

There’s not much difference in the gusset thickness between the moderate/heavy and light/moderate absorbency pants. I like that Modibodi explain the construction of the gusset too. I know that Merino wool has antibacterial properties so it gives me confidence they’ll be no nasty wiffs.

Side on view of the gusset to show slightly thicker than average pants (around 3mm)
Modibodi gusset: Thin merino wool, polyester & spandex gusset
Illustartion from Modibodi website showing the absorption and breathability of the gussey construction
Gusset construction diagram from Modibodi

The top layer keeps you fresh and dry by wicking away moisture, fighting bacteria and stopping smells

The middle layer absorbs and locks away fluid

And the bottom layer is breathable and waterproof to stop leaks

I asked Modibodi for more information on the waterproof layer. They said “the bottom layer has a specific material technology” making it waterproof and secure, but they wouldn’t elaborate. Very secret squirrel!

Modibodi say the pants last between 6 to 24 washes, or 6 months to 2 years if you wear each pair once during your period. How long they last depends on how well you care for them. Here’s what you must do:

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Care instructions:

1) When you take them off, rinse and squeeze them in cold water until the water runs clear.

2) Then, machine wash soon after in a delicates bag to protect them.

3) Then, air dry.

I’ve used mine for 7 months now. Both styles wash well, stay soft and keep their shape. However, one seam free pair developed slight bobbling on the silky fabric after 4 washes. I think this is because I didn’t use a delicates bag to start. Naughty.

Modibodi fit & comfort

Sticker reads "I'm abit snug at first but give me awash & wear and I'll be super comfy - Promise!
Sticker on the seam free full briefs

I made a mistake with sizing.

Modibodi say the seam free collection comes up a bit small. So, despite measuring a Modibodi size XS (UK 8) I panicked and ordered mine in size Small. They were too big. Therefore, I suggest you trust with the sizing guide on the Modibodi website! I kept one pair for comparison and returned the others for an exchange (there’s more on that later). Size XS is perfect for me in both styles.

The seam free style is a flattering cut and feels super. Not only that, but these pants are BIG. And just like Bridget Jones, I love a big pair of pants.  I love the silky second-skin feel and that there’s no VPL! I can’t feel any itchy bits and the high waist is very comfortable with no muffin top in sight. And the low-leg fabric is thin, smooth, secure and stretchy. They’re secure with no wedgies or slipping down!

The waist band looks teeny when you first open the pants! But don’t worry – it stretches out the first time you wear them.

Photos of different angles wearing the seam free full briefs in tan size Small
Tan size Small seamfree full briefs from Modibodi. Just a tad too big for me!
Photos of different angles wearing the seam free full briefs in black size Extra Small
Black size XS seamfree full briefs from Modibodi. A snugger and more secure fit – perfect.
Rear view of the Modibodi seam freefull brief pants fit around the bum
The pants feel normal and very lightweight because the gusset ends low down on the pants (see where I’m pointing).

The gusset is quite thick compared to the other brand period pants we’ve reviewed. That’s because these babies absorb both period and escape pee. So, you can feel the gusset when you first put them on. And it tends to crease in-between my lower butt cheeks (thanks, hungry bum). But it’s comfortable and undetectable under even tight clothes. I forget I’m wearing thesm.

The sensual hi-waist bikini pants feel different. They’re soooo soft and snug. Again, the cut is flattering and the lace pretty. They feel tighter because of the leg elastic which also creates a small VPL under clothes, but they’re not restrictive or too bulgy.

Again, the gusset feels less thick once these are on, and you soon forget you’re wearing them.

Photos of different angles wearing the sensual hi waist bikini in blue size Extra Small
Soooo soft and snug sensual hi-waist bikini in size XS.

I recommend both these styles for all-day comfort, especially the seam free if you don’t want a VPL. And the super soft sensual hi-waist are very comfy and secure under my PJs throughout the night.

Absorbency test

To get an idea how well the gusset absorbs and wicks away moisture, I tested it by slowly dripping around 10 ml of water onto it. This gusset construction literally sucked in the beads from the surface so you couldn’t see any wet spots. It felt only very slightly damp to the touch with no leakage onto the sides or outside of the gusset.

Modibodi are proud of their gussets. And I’m jolly-well reassured and feel confident, so was keen for a few months of real-life period pants testing. I tested them both as back-up to my menstrual cup and sole protection during my period.

Just the period pants

To do a thorough trial, I first tested pants on their own as sole period protection. It’s a proper test of their comfort and absorbency. The moderate/heavy absorbency pants hold up to 2 to 3 regular tampons or 15ml of blood. So, by my estimate I need three pairs of moderate/heavy absorbency pants in 24 hours, changed every 8 hours. Learn more about how many pairs you need here.

Modibodi period pants seamfree full brief & sensual hi-waist bikini styles reviewed
ITest #1: period pants as sole protection!
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TIP: It’s a good idea to test your pants at home first. You can safely check you’ve the right absorbency for your flow, and how often you must change them. And how to rinse them out after use without the stresses of public bathrooms.

My flow comes in waves, along with severe cramps. And because I take painkillers, I don’t always ‘feel’ my flow. This worries me a little because what if it’s too heavy for the pants?

I needn’t have worried. I’m seriously impressed with the excellent absorbency and dry feeling throughout 8 hours of my heaviest flow.

On visits to the loo, I see just small patches of blood sinking in the woven black gusset. Any fibrous or thicker mucus-type goo sits on the surface and it’s easily wiped away on a bit of loo roll. So, this aside, these babies look clean and dry, with no nasty wiffs. They absorb my flow easily, working equally as well with heavy night time flow. I’m confident they won’t leak, and feel I could even wear them a little longer than 8 hours.

When I change and rinse them, there’s a surprising amount of blood. It takes a minute or two of ‘squeeze-and-rinse’ until the water runs clear. Impressive.

From day 4, I can switch to one pair for the day and another for the night. And the light/moderate absorbency pants are good for my ‘transition’ days (5 and 6) when my period is almost gone. I love not faffing about with a cup on these days.

As a menstrual cup back-up

Test #2: as back-up to a menstrual cup

Second, I tested the pants as a back-up to my menstrual cup. I love the cup but (before I found the perfect one) I’d suffer a leak at some point, usually at night. Sometimes, I feel a bubbling sensation and other times nowt at all. And then the dreaded mess. So, these pants seem the perfect reassurance that my knickers, sheets and PJs stay stain-free.

Now, I don’t always catch the start of my period and get my cup in on time. So, my first revelation was wearing the pants in anticipation of coming on. Then you can ‘monitor’ the situation on loo visits, without worry or faff when you’re late with tampons or cup. Thus, I avoid staining my everyday knickers. Yay!

And during my period, they work very well. I’m confident in the moderate/heavy absorbency pants because I know they can handle around 8 hours of my heavy flow. I wear a pair during the day, and change into a fresh night-time pair. However, you could wear just one pair in 24 hours.

They’re clean, dry and smell fine throughout. Admittedly, it’s hard to tell if they’ve caught any cup leaks in the black gusset. However, there’s sometimes a little blood when I rinse them after use. So, they worked. Ands if you often suffer overflow or leaks I think they do a super job.

Our tests found Modibodi period pants work very well as a back-up to tampons or a cup.
Modibodi period pants work very well as a back-up to a cup or tampons

I chose to ditch to cup and wear pants alone on my lighter days too. They’re much less faff and more comfortable for when your flow doesn’t warrant a cup or tampon.

The negatives

There are a few negatives with both Modibodi service and their pants.

First, they’re pricey! They cost the same as a pair of premium lingerie knickers (or pulling pants).

How many pairs you need depends on your flow and how you’ll wear them (as back-up or sole absorption). If you’re organised, you can wash worn pairs in batches and wear them again during the same period. So, here’s an example of what the pants could cost:

Wear as Pairs per day Total Cost per wear*
Back-up to cup/tampons 1 or 2 3 pairs @ £72 £1
Back-up to cup/tampons 1 or 2 5 pairs @ £120 £1
Just pants 2 or 3 5 pairs @ £120 £1
Just pants 2 or 3 7 pairs @ £168 £1

*Based on £24 per pair and a lifetime of 24 washes per pair

I do love that these pants are better for the environment, but I also wish they were more affordable too. They cost about the same as Thinx pants, another premium brand. You can buy cheaper period pants, but you must compromise on choice and style. Learn more in this Tulip comparison review.

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TRY This…

You can buy just a few pairs to test, before committing to several pairs of period pants. Modibodi give a 60-day money back guarantee on ONE PAIR. This is a bit stngey and hard to test. But you could test this one pair at your heaviest flow, alone or as a bac- up and see how you feel. If you like them, commit and open the others. If not, fill in the guarantee claim form and return the other pants for a refund.

Next, Modibodi UK’s returns and refunds process are pants (pun intended)! I mentioned earlier I returned a pair of pants for an exchange. My experience was very poor. Here’s why:

#1 First, my return wasn’t free despite my high order value.

#2 Second Modibodi UK don’t have an effective system for refunds and exchanges. The customer service team lost track of my exchange request, more than once. Combine that with regular out of stock items and it made for a very frustrating 6 months of email-tennis trying to get my pants. In desperation, I simply placed a new order when my size was in stock and asked for a refund for the missing pants. They tried several times but couldn’t process a refund.  It took an astonishing 4.5 months to process.

So, this is disappointing because if you have any order issues, need an exchange or a refund, your experience could be as frustrating as mine. But if you don’t need any assistance, you’re laughing.

60-day money back guarantee

Modibodi also give a 60-day money back guarantee on your first order. Yay!

However, the guarantee extends to one pair only. Boo. So, you can try a pair during your period and if they’re not for you request a refund. If you ordered additional pairs, return these unused pants with hygiene seals intact within 60 days of purchase for a refund on the rest of your order. You must pay the return postage cost too.

Modibodi period pants review summary

I love big pants from Modibodi, but they are rather pricey!

Here’s a summary of my test scores, and pros and cons for Modibodi period pants to help you decide:

Quality & wear

👍👍👍👍

A superb variety of beautiful, stretchy & breathable fabrics, with excellent quality finishing that’s secure & strong. You must follow the washing guidelines so they keep their shape & absorbency. 

Fit & comfort

🩲🩲🩲🩲

Several flattering styles & coverage options for day & night comfort. Rather thick reassurring gussets, but all very comfortable.

Results

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Very absorbent and quick wicking gussets for a dry and comfy period. 

Pros

  • Eco-friendly & reusable, reducing tampon & pad landfill waste
  • Quality fabrics, styles & finishing for second skin comfort
  • Look like regular knickers under clothes
  • Excellent absorbency, no leaks, wetness or smells!
  • Fast & free shipping, no taxes
  • Vegan-friendly pants available
  • They wash well (follow the care guidelines!)

Cons

  • They’re pricey!
  • No free returns
  • 60-day money back guarantee extends to one pair only
  • Poor UK customer service for online exchanges & refunds,
  • Items are often out of stock (UK)

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I love these BIG seam free period pants from Modibodi
I love big pants (and I cannot lie – sorry)
How many period panties do you need?

How many period panties do you need?

This isn’t something you can just wing. It’s important to match the panties you buy to your flow, so they’re comfortable and effective throughout your period. But working out how many period panties do you need isn’t so easy.

So, in this article I’ll share some important tips with you and a way to work it out based on my trial of Thinx, Modibodi and Tulip period panties. First, we’ll look at how you’ll wear your pants, then measuring your own flow, matching the pants to your flow, deciding how many pairs you’ll need, and finally testing them out.

How will you wear them?

First, decide how you want to use your period pants.

Period pants work with or without tampons and menstrual cups. find out how's best for you.
Wear period panties alone, as back-up or mix it up!

#1 You can wear period pants as a back-up to a menstrual cup or tampons. If you often suffer leaks or overflow, period pants are an excellent solution for extra protection and reassurance. You’ll need between 1 and 2 pairs per day, for day and night.

#2 You can wear your period pants alone. You can reduce your waste from tampons or pads by switching to period pants. You must match the pants to your flow so you know how long you can wear each pair without leaks or discomfort. Then, check this fits with your lifestyle and daily routine. Depending on how heavy your flow is, you’ll need between 1 to 3 pairs per day. Consider wearing as a back-up if you need more than 3 pairs.

#3 Or you could always try a combination of the above. I like to mix it up and wear a pair of pants when I’m due on. This catches the start of my period so there’s no rush or stress to fit my cup. They’re also brilliant during my latter days where the cup feels like overkill.

We’ll look at both options later. Next, how to measure your own flow.

Know thy flow

To work out your flow, write down:

  1. How many days your period usually lasts
  2. For each day, note if you feel your flow is heavy, moderate or light. Don’t worry how this compares to other people, it’s all about you!
  3. Then, how many period products do you use on each day and how much blood do they each absorb/hold? You’ll usually find the absorbency on the packaging in either grams or millilitres

TIP: It’s best to work in millilitres (as we’ll find out later). To convert grams to millilitres, assume one millilitre of blood weighs approximately 1 gram (it’s precisely 1.06 grams). So, if the absorbency is 9 grams it converts to slightly less than 9 millilitres.

Here’s my flow as an example, first for tampons and then my menstrual cup:

Day Flow # of Tampons & flow
1 Heavy X4 super tampons @ 9 to 12g each = 36 to 48g
2 Heavy X4 super tampons @ 9 to 12g each = 36 to 48g
3 Moderate X3 super tampons @ 9 to 12g each = 27 to 36g
4 Light X3 regular tampons @ 6 to 9g each = 18 to 27g
5 Light X3 regular tampons @ 6 to 9g each = 18 to 27g
(but lots lighter than this)

I find it difficult to manage my flow with tampons. I expect overflow at some point on day 1 & 2 because my flow is inconsistant. And I always leak during a night’s sleep with my heavy flow. Therefore, I switched to a menstrual cup because it holds more fluid. And I love it.

Mooncup menstrual cup has millilitre measurement lines on the cup!
Millilitres gauge lines on the walls of the menstrual cup

It’s easier to measure my flow with my menstrual cup because it has a gauge on the side in millilitres. Although the cup can hold up to 29ml (yikes!), I empty my cup every 8 hours or so (as recommended) and it’s never this full.

Day Flow # menstrual cups & flow
1 Heavy X3 cups @ around 15ml each = 45ml
2 Heavy X3 cups @ around 15ml each = 45ml
3 Moderate X3 cups @ around 10ml each = 30ml
4 Light X3 cups = around 15ml total
5 Light X3 cups = less than 15ml total

Once you have this information you can then decide how many pairs of period panties you’ll need.

Match to your flow

If wearing the pants alone, the aim is to stay protected whilst wearing as few pairs as possible during 24 hours. That’s because you must rinse them after use, so changing them is a bit of a faff especially if you’re at work or out from home.

the fewer period pants you need to match your flow the better!
You need as few pairs as possible, between 1 to 3 per day, depending on your flow.

Tulip advise most people need 2 or 3 pairs per day. Modibodi say it’s common and convenient to change them every 8 to 12 hours. So, this gives you adequate protection overnight through an 8-hour sleep.

Both Thinx and Modibodi say you can wear one pair for 24 hours (if it matches your flow). I’m ok with this if as a back-up to tampons or a cup. That’s because you’ll stay relatively clean and dry throughout. But the idea doesn’t appeal to me when free bleeding into a pair on my heaviest days. You may feel different though, and that’s ok!

Now, different brands have different absorbency pants you can choose. They state the equivalent absorbency in different ways from number of pads, tampons, menstrual cups, millilitres, and even teaspoons! However, it’s tricky to compare pants brands by menstrual product absorbency because these absorbencies aren’t consistent.

For example, Thinx say one tampon absorbs 9ml of blood, Modibodi say it’s 5ml, and Tulip say 7.5ml. Wow! That’s quite a difference.  Therefore, it’s best to compare in millilitres.

Here’s a comparison table of the test brands and the absorbencies you can choose:

Absorbency name # of tampons Absorbency in millilitres
Modibodi
Super light ½ tampon 2.5ml
Light/Moderate 2 tampons 10ml
Moderate/Heavy 2 to 3 tampons 15ml
Heavy/Overnight 3 to 4 tampons 20ml
Thinx
Lightest days ½ tampon 4.5ml
Light days 1 tampon 9ml
Moderate days 2 tampons 18ml
Heavy days 3 tampons 27ml
Super days 4 tampons 36ml
Tulip panties
One absorbency 2 tampons 15ml

Thinx one tampon = 9ml, Modibodi one tampon = 5ml, Tulip one tampon = 7.5ml

Wearing pants alone

So, using the table above based on wearing pants alone for one day of my heavy flow (45ml):

  • In Tulip panties I need x3 pairs per day
  • For Thinx, a choice of either x2 heavy or super days pants, or x3 moderate days pants
  • And I need x3 moderate/heavy or x3 heavy/overnight Modibodi pants

For my lighter flow days, the same options work but I can wear just one or two pairs per day. This keeps it simple, and most flexible vs buying less absorbent pants for these lighter days.

Note: If my period was any heavier, I don’t think Tulip would suit for me if wearing them alone. But both Thinx and Modibodi can accommodate heavier periods with 3 pairs of pants per day. Modibodi is up to 60ml and Thinx up to around 100ml of flow.

Wearing as a back-up

And if wearing pants as a back-up to tampons or a cup, I’d choose from the same absorbencies as above. That’s because I know they can handle my heavy flow for several hours if I leak or overflow. However, I’d wear just a single pair every 24 hours, or 1 pair during the day changing into a clean pair at night (depending on your preference).

  • In Tulip, Thinx and Modibodi I need 1 or 2 pairs per day of the above absorbencies is wearing as a back-up

So, now match your heaviest flow to the pants absorbencies in the table above. Try to match to 1 to 3 pairs per day, depending on how long you can wear them with your flow.

Next, how many pairs you should buy in total.

How many pairs?

Once you know how many pairs you need for your heaviest days, you must then decide how many pairs you need overall. You can buy enough pairs for each day of your period. Or, to save money, you can wash-&-wear the pants during your period. If you do the latter, you must work out when you can wash and dry them so they’re ready for the next day’s wear.

My preference is to wear the pants primarily as a back-up, but alone on day 4 and 5, so I did it like this:

Day # Tulip Thinx Modibodi
1 with cup 1 pair 1 pair 1 pair
2 with cup 1 pair 1 pair 1 pair
3 with cup 1 pair 1 pair 1 pair
4 alone 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair
5 alone 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair
Total 5 to 7 pair 5 to 7 pair 5 to 7 pair

Note: I prefer at least 2 pairs per day when wearing alone.

Therefore, if wearing them as a back-up over 3 days and alone on 4 and 5 I’d buy:

  • 5 pairs to wash and wear
  • 7 pairs for every day

Also, here’s the breakdown if wearing the pants alone over my 5-day period:

Day # Tulip Thinx Modibodi
1 alone 3 pair 2 or 3 pair 3 pair
2 alone 3 pair 2 or 3 pair 3 pair
3 alone 2 pair 1 or 2 pair 2 pair
4 alone 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair
5 alone 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair 1 or 2 pair
Total 10 to 12 pair 7 to 12 pair 10 to 12 pair

So, if wearing them alone over my 5-day period I’d buy:

  • 5 or 7 pairs to wash and wear
  • 10 or 12 pair for every day

TIP: Another alternative is to buy just enough pairs to test against your heaviest flow. If you’ve got it right and you like them, you can then buy more!

Test them!

And finally, it’s very important to test the pants against your flow, especially if you’re wearing them alone!

Ideally, do this at home. You can monitor how the pants are doing on trips to the loo. See if you can wear them for as long as you expect without feeling damp, or experiencing leaks or smells. Test they work all through the night too. If not, you may need a higher absorbency pair, or to change them more frequently.

However, if you need more than 3 pairs of the highest absorbency in one day, it’s probably best to wear the pants as a back-up.

I hope you find the right pants to give you good protection, so they fit into your day and lifestyle. You can learn more about the quality and wear, fit & comfort, and performance of these brands in this comparison review:

Related: which period pants are best comparison review

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Thinx vs ModiBodi vs Flowette period pants

Thinx vs ModiBodi vs Flowette period pants

I’ve had mixed success with my menstrual cup, with some leaks of varying severity. And I HATE pads, so for me they’re not an option even for extra safety. So, these reusable period panties I see plastered all over Facebook seem just the thing. I love they’re an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons too.

And so, because reviewing is what I do, I bought pants from Modibodi, Thinx and Flowette (previously Tulip/Floweret) to test, compare and share my feedback.

Photos and tried & tested feedback on thinx, Modibodi and Tulip pants over several periods.
Thinx, Modibodi & Tulip pants compared for quality, style, comfort, fit & perfomance during several of my periods.

How I test

I’m quite particular about what makes a good pair of pants. So, for each pair I explain why I chose the style. Then I look at the overall quality of fabric, finishing and how well they wash and wear over time.

Next, I describe how comfortable and secure they feel, and how flattering they look.

Then, it’s how well they perform. I share my feedback over several months of daily wear during my period. I test both as a back-up with a menstrual cup and on their own, reporting back on absorbency, wicking and dryness, and any dreaded wiffs or leaks.

In this period panties comparison review:

Choosing your pants

It’s very important you choose a period pant style you’ll feel comfortable in and that fits well. So, it makes sense to choose a familiar style. But not everyone wants the same. So, what choice is there?

Flowette started out with a simple black low-leg brief, but have recently extended their range. They now have their original Classic comfy cotton pants, 24 hour full briefs, gym active knickers (all in black), and cotton stretch comfort bikini pants (in red or green). Sizes range from UK 6 up to UK 26. These pants started out super-cheap, but gradually the prices rose. However, they are still some of the most affordable you can buy online and they’re very good value. Get 5% off a 3 pack bundle and 15% off a 6 pack bundle.

Various fabrics from Modibodi & Thinx pants
Various fabrics, colours, styles & absorbencies from Thinx & Modibodi

Both Modibodi and Thinx have several style options, fabrics, colours and absorbencies. Generally, the higher absorbency and fuller coverage pants are more expensive. Some pairs cost up to £35! So, these brands are a considerable investment, especially if you want enough pairs to wear throughout your period.

Modibodi pants features merino wool fibres in the gusset to combat odours. But they also have a vegan alternative. You can choose cotton, microfibre, bamboo and silky fabrics in various flattering styles. I especially love the slinky seamless pants. Set bundles in 5, 7 or 10 packs save you some cash, but the style/colour/absorbency combos are limited.

Thinx don’t have a seamless option but the Air style is super-breathable and light. You can choose from organic cotton, silky or mesh materials, in several flattering styles. Their saver sets save you a little. And I love that you can build your own bundle too; save 10% on 3+ pairs, save 15% on 5+ pairs, and save 20% on 7+ pairs.

To test and compare I bought these styles and absorbencies:

I tested Modibodi Seamfree full brief period pants over several months

x3 Modibodi Seam free full briefs, x1 Sensual Hi-waist, moderate/heavy

View Modibodi deals
🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸🇨🇦🌎

I tested Thinx Hiphuggers period pants over several months

Thinx Hiphuggers After Dark set, moderate days

View Thinx bundles
🇬🇧 🇦🇺 🇺🇸

I tested Tulip period pants over several months

Flowette/ Tulip/ Floweret period pants, 15ml absorbency, 4 pack

View Flowette deals
🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸🇨🇦🌎

You can learn how to choose absorbencies and how many pairs you need here. Now, let’s get stuck in to the specifics!

Quality

Tulip/Floweret pants are basic but ok. The pattern and construction of these simple pants copies Thinx Hiphuggers.

Tulip basic cotton pants are like the shape & design of Thinx pants
Tulip (black) shape and construction is like Thinx Hiphuggers (dusk, top right)

I like the soft, quality cotton. There’s a decent amount of stretch, but not as much as Thinx around the gusset area. The seams, waist and leg elastic are well-finished but not as soft as the others. Overall, the finishing is good, and what you’d expect from everyday pants.

Close up shots of the fabric, finishing and detailing on Tulip period pants.
Tulip have good stretchy cotton and decent finishing

But Tulip/Floweret pants lack the detail and precision that goes into Thinx and Modibodi pants.

To start, as well as cotton options, their materials are varied, quality and tactile. I like Modibodi’s super-soft bamboo sensual hi waist with lace and love the slinky seam free material. And Thinx Hiphuggers have the best of both with a dual layer construction; a slinky outer and soft, comforting cotton inner.

The finishing from both Modibodi and Thinx is excellent too. They have strong, smooth seams and stitching, no loose ends, ruffles or pulls. Their shapes are symmetrical and flattering. The lace is soft, stretchy and not itchy. There’s much more care and attention than goes into a pair of everyday pants.

Close-up detail of the fabric and finishing on Modibodi's seam free underwear.
Quality, smooth, strong & durable finishing with Modibodi seamfree
Close-up detail of the fabric and finishing on Thinx Hiphugger underwear.
Thinx precise construction, strong stitching and quality finishing

Wash & wear

All these pants wash and wear very well.

After 7 months of use with around 14 washes per pair, all are still intact, colours bright and fabrics stretchy. And the gussets on all are stain-free and smell fresh.

Close up of the care instructions inside a pair of Modibodi pants
Follow the care instructions for years of period protection

Modibodi and Thinx pants’ size and shape remains true. Thinx Hiphuggers crinkle after a wash, but soon smooth out to the perfect shape over my butt. The Tulip/Floweret pants have shrunk a little overall, and feel tight after a wash. But they soon stretch out once they’re on.

TIP: One pair of pants bobbled because I washed them without a delicates bag. These really help care for the pants in the wash!

Gussets

‘Gusset’ is now firmly in my top 10 favourite words. I like to say it how I imagine the Queen says it.

That aside, let’s understand gusset thickness and construction with each brand.

Side view of the 3 to 4mm thick Modibodi period pants gusset
Modibodi thickest 3 to 4mm woven 3-layer gusset. Merino or Vegan option.

Modibodi’s is the thickest gusset at 3 to 4mm thick. It has 3 layers. The woven top layer wicks away moisture and is antibacterial to fight odours. The middle locks away fluid and the outer is breathable and waterproof to stop leaks. It’s made from antibacterial merino fibres, polyester and spandex.

Modibodi seam free full briefs inside out showing the size and shape of the black gusset
Modibodi black gusset is longer than a regular pair of pants for excellent crotch coverage.
Side view of the thin Thinx period pants gusset
Thinx surprisingly thin 3-layer gusset

Thinx has a surprisingly thin gusset of 3 layers. The first against your skin wicks moisture and controls odours, then super-absorbency and more odour control, and finally stopping leaks on the outside. It’s made from either cotton and elastane, or Polyester and elastane, with Agion® anti-odour treatment, and polyester laminated with Poly Urethane plastic (PU). There’s a full explanation here.

The gusset layers start higher at the front than a regular pair of pants and extends quite far up the back of the pants. There’s an arc of tiny stitches securing it on the inside of the pants. Then, the top gusset layer extends and narrows right to the waistband of the pants. This means business.

photo of the inside back gusset in Thinx Hiphuggers.
Thinx gusset blends into the pants by extending up the back

Tulip have 4-layers with a very similar description to Thinx. The first layer wicks moisture, then odour control, then super-absorbency and finally stopping leaks on the outside. They’re made from cotton and spandex. Tulip don’t elaborate on the anti-odour/anti-bacterial or waterproof characteristics of the materials they use.

All layers of the gusset extend up the back of the pants to the waist band.

So, Thinx and Tulip seem similar with a surprisingly thin gussets. However, the precision and finishing on Thinx is superior. Modibodi is different with a robust, thick gusset. Will you feel and see it? And which is best?! Keep reading…

Fit & comfort

Let’s start with Tulip/Floweret.

Front, back and side shot of me wearing Tulip period pants.
Tulip period panties are comfy, but don’t stay put.

Tulip/Floweret pants are basic, but comfortable enough. They feel like regular snug cotton pants, with no itchy bits or digging in. However, I dislike that I can see them under tighter clothes. There’s also less stretch around the bum because of the extended gusset layers. So, they feel just a bit too low at the top of my bum (problem now solved – see below 👇!). Also, occasionally when moving about I must reposition and pull them up because they slip down. But they’re comfy enough for lounging and sleeping in.

Hurrah! All Tulip/Floweret pants now have an extra 2 inches for a high rise fit, so they feel even more comfy.

Now Thinx…

Front, back and side shot of me wearing Thinx period pants.
Super-secure & comfy, moulding fit from Thinx

Thinx pants fit like a glove. And they look much better on than off! The precise design and stretch fits my curves perfectly for super coverage and a flattering look. I like the leg seams because they’re thin and just slightly visible under tight clothes. The stitching and lace are soft against my skin and cause no irritation. They’re snug and mould to my body because the gusset is thin and thoughtfully positioned. They feel like super-secure engineered period protection, the closest I’ll probably ever come to tailored underwear. They don’t slip, twist or gape. They’re very comfortable for day or night and I forget I’m wearing them.

And Modibodi…

Front, back and side shot of me wearing Modibodi period pants.
Second-skin ‘cant-feel-em’ comfort from Modibodi

Then there’s Modibodi, which are basically a hug in pants form. You’ll catch me smiling as I put on the seam free full brief because they’re BIG and comfy, have a silky second-skin feel and I know they’re going to take care of me. I find the thick gusset reassuring. It gapes a bit around my bum, but I can’t feel it once it’s on and it’s invisible under clothes. So, the seam free are a good day time choice.

The sensual hi-waist feel lush and soft, comfy and secure too. I love this style for lounging and sleep. They’re like regular pants crafted for ‘can’t feel them’ comfort, and happen to look good too. Modibodi are my favourite here.

Do they work?

First, here’s a quick reminder of my test pants absorbency:

Brand Absorbency category Absorbency tampons & ml
Modibodi Moderate/Heavy 2 to 3 tampons or 15ml
Thinx Moderate days 2 tampons or 18ml
Tulip - 2 tampons or 15ml

To wear the pants as my sole protection, I worked out I needed 3 pairs of pants per day to absorb my heaviest flow. That means changing the pants every 8 hours or so. This is fine during the day and is long enough for me to get a good night’s kip too.

So, over the course of several periods I tested each brand on all days of my period. I regularly visited the loo to check them, and I kept a simple diary to record my thoughts. Here’s my feedback.

Just the pants

Modibodi seam free full brief pants in tan and black
Modibodi: Excellent absorbency and second-skin comfort

I’m very impressed with the excellent absorbency and performance of Modibodi pants. I felt dry, comfortable and confident all throughout each 8 hours of wear. The gusset is super-absorbent so on loo visits I see only a small amount of blood; the rest is below the surface. I also experience no nasty wiffs nor leaks. I feel very confident and could maybe wear them a little longer during my heaviest flow if necessary. But this routine works for me.

Thinx excellent quality Hiphuggers in black and dusk
Thinx: super-secure and absorbent

Thinx’s thin gusset is impressive too. It feels dry and comfortable for several hours. I notice a small amount of blood during toilet stops. Also, the gusset material darkens as it absorbs blood. This dark patch then spreads, absorbing along the gusset. You can see it working!

But it doesn’t leak or spread onto the outside fabric. However, close to 8 hours of wear I feel a slight crotch dampness. And I can detect a faint smell with a close-up ‘sniff test’ during a loo visit. So, 8 hours of wear during my heaviest flow feels the right time to change these pants.

Tulip low-leg mid rise black cotton period pants
Tulip: comfortable and effective

Tulip pants do a decent job too. Like Thinx, the gusset material darkens and spreads as it absorbs more blood. On loo visits there are often small pools of blood. So, whilst they do absorb my flow and never leak, I feel the absorption isn’t as efficient as Thinx and Modibodi. They also feel quite damp and have a faint wiff about them when I take them off. Therefore, although I’m confident they won’t leak, changing them every 6 or 7 hours is more comfortable for me.

There’s a surprising amount of blood when I rinse each pair and they take a few minutes of squeezing until the water runs clear.

I occasionally have a ‘second-wind’ later during day 3, so I continue with 3 pairs per day. Then, from day 4 for my lighter days, I switch to one pair during the day and another for night. All the pants perform very well.

Menstrual cup back-up

You can wear period panties as back-up to tampons or a menstrual cup
Extra confidence to catch leaks or overflow

First, I like to wear the pants when I’m due on because there’s no worries about staining my everyday knickers if I’m too late with the cup. It’s much less stress and faff.

With my cup, it’s rare I have an overflow scenario, but sometimes the position just isn’t right and I leak without knowing. For this, all the pants do a super job as back-up.

I like the simplicity to wear a pair during the day and another throughout the night. I feel confident and comfortable with all of them. And I prefer to wear just the pants on my ‘transition’ days (4+) when my period is almost gone. I love not faffing about with a cup on these days. There’s little blood anyway but the pants catch the dregs and discharge. Once it stops, I switch to my regular knickers.

I love the extra reassurance and confidence these pants give as back-up.

Pants cost comparison

There’s not much difference in price between the premium pants from Thinx and Modibodi. I think they’re expensive, and Tulip are much more affordable. Here’s a comparison cost table, based on the number of pants you could buy. I calculate the cost per wear by dividing the total cost by the likely lifetime of 24 washes you’ll get from each pair.

How many pairs you need depends if you want to test with just a few first, and if you’ll use them as a back-up or as sole protection throughout your period. You can learn how to choose absorbencies and how many pairs you need here.

Brand & style Approximate cost Cost per wear*
Modibodi Seam free full brief
Moderate/Heavy
3 pairs @ £72 £1
Modibodi Seam free full brief
Moderate/Heavy
5 pairs @ £120 £1
Modibodi Sensual Hi-waist 5 pack
Heavy/overnight
5 pair set £108 (was £120) £0.90
Modibodi Seam free full brief
Moderate/Heavy
7 pairs @ £168 £1
Modibodi Seam free bikini 7 pack
Moderate/Heavy
7 pair set £135 (was £150.50) £0.90
Thinx hiphuggers After Dark set
Moderate absorbency
3 pair saverset @ £72 £1
Thinx hiphuggers
Moderate absorbency
5 pairs (15% off) @ £108 (was £135) £0.90
Thinx hiphuggers
Moderate absorbency
7 pairs (20% off) @ £152 (was £190) £0.95
Tulip 5 pair set @ £35 £0.29
Tulip 8 pair set @ £59.99 £0.31

* based on 24 washes per pair

DON’T FORGET: Orders from SheThinx dispatch from the US and are subject to UK import tax, and other international fees & taxes. So, your final cost is higher and is paid to receive the item from the Post Office. Modibodi & Tulip/Floweret are not subject to additional taxes.

So, are Modibodi and Thinx worth the extra investment?

I think this depends on what is most important to you. I much prefer the extra choice in absorbencies, fabrics, colours and styles. Also, I find them more flattering, comfortable and absorbent than Tulip pants. So, to me they’re worth it, especially for confident daytime wear when you’re out and about.

But Tulip pants do work. And if you want a cheaper option, are happy with black cotton and if they fit you well, I think they’re exceptionally good value. I happily wear these for loafing around the house and sleeping in.

However, unlike Modibodi and Thinx, Tulip don’t offer a money back guarantee or returns and refunds. They will send out a different size if you need them (there’s an admin fee of £3/$3 plus postage costs). But, if you don’t like them you can’t get your money back. So, it’s worth considering if you’re happy with this or want the reassurance of a refund from Thinx and Modibodi.

So, which period pants should you buy?

Which should you choose: Modibodi, Thinx or Tulip?
Modibodi vs Thinx vs Tulip

The good news is all these pants work!

I love the styles and options with Modibodi. And because they’re designed to catch bigger wee leaks as well as period flow, I feel extra reassured and confident in their protection. I think the fit and quality are excellent, but they are very, very expensive. I’m glad I have a few pairs that are invisible under clothes, but don’t think I’d invest in many more.

Thinx are very absorbent and comfortable despite being a rather low style. I’m really impressed with the technical and thoughtful design, attention to detail, and the very thin absorbent gusset. These feel super secure and look flattering too. I’ll continue to wear them day or night. But again, they’re pricey so I won’t invest in any more.

And finally, Flowette pants. They’re decent quality, the fit is good and comfy, and they work. Wearing the basic cotton pants I do feel the need to change them slightly more frequently than Modibodi and Thinx. But I’ve since invested in the 24 hour wear full brief and these offer longer wear and better protection. And I don’t mind the only colour option is black – this means I can wash them all together in a single dark wash once my period is done. Easy.

Modibodi Thinx Tulip
Pee & period-proof Period-proof Period-proof
Moderate absorbency pants*
From per pair:
🇬🇧 £21 | 🇺🇸 $24 | 🇦🇺 $27
5 pairs from:
🇬🇧 £108 | 🇺🇸 $139 | 🇦🇺 $150
Moderate absorbency pants*
From per pair:
🇬🇧 £28 | 🇺🇸 $34 | 🇦🇺 $48
5 pairs from:
🇬🇧 £115 | 🇺🇸 $144 | 🇦🇺 $205
Moderate absorbency pants
Per pair:
🇬🇧 £18.99 | 🇺🇸 $25 | 🇦🇺 $35
4 pairs:
🇬🇧 £35.00 | 🇺🇸 $46 | 🇦🇺 $64
8 pairs:
🇬🇧 £59.99 | 🇺🇸 $79 | 🇦🇺 $109
Size: XS to 6XL Size: XXS to 3XL Size: XXS to 6XL
Quality & wear
A variety of beautiful, stretchy & breathable fabrics, with excellent quality finishing that’s secure & strong. Keep their shape and wash well. Reassuring 3 to 4 mm gusset.
Quality & wear
Soft, stretchy, breathable & comfy materials with superb technical-like, precise & strong finishing. Keep their shape and wash well. Surprisingly thin gusset.
Quality & wear
Basic cotton, stretchy knickers with decent finishing. They wash ok, but shrink a little. They stretch and reshape once on. Surprisingly thin gusset.
Fit & comfort
Several flattering styles & coverage options for day & night comfort, including no VPL big knickers! Second-skin forget you’re wearing them comfort.
Fit & comfort
Very secure, snug & comfy fit, with different coverage & style options. All day or night comfort.
Fit & comfort
Just one low-leg, mid-rise knicker style in black. Fit is soft & comfortable enough not as stretchy as others so they sit low on the butt and occasionally slip down a bit.
Performance
Excellent, most absorbent gusset with the driest, cleanest feel. No leaks or smells.
Performance
Very good absorbency, feels dry and no leaks. Slight smell when time to change them.
Performance
Good absorbency and no leaks, but feel damp and slight smell when it’s time to change them.
30-day money back guarantee on one pair 60-day money back guarantee on whole order No money back guarantee
Fast & free shipping, no taxes Free shipping on first order
UK import taxes to pay
Free worldwide shipping, no taxes
30-day returns for refunds & exchanges on unworn items
Must pay return postage
60-day free returns for refunds & exchanges Size exchanges with admin fee of £3/$3 per item plus £3.99 shipping
No returns or refunds

*Prices based on Thinx hiphugger and Modibodi sensual hi-waist

I’m happy I now have period-pants in my life. I prefer wearing them as a cup back-up during my heavy flow because I feel cleaner. But I love the flexibility they give. It’s less worrisome to just pop on a pair when I’m due on, or to manage the dregs when I’m almost done, without the faff of a cup.    

I recommend all these brands, but you can check out the full Modibodi review here if you need more information. If you’ve decided and are ready to buy, please shop via the links below. I earn a small commission but your price stays the same.

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Flowette (previously floweret & tulip) period panties logos

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