Be honest, what’s your first thought when it’s that time of the month again? Is it, oh shoot! I need to run out and grab some supplies? This is often the case for me and many of the women I know.
For years, our period has meant that it’s time to break out our wallets to shell out money on pads, liners, and tampons. It wasn’t until recently that a new crop of D2C brands have stepped forward and started to bring attention to and innovate the menstrual industry.
We’re now seeing an insurgence of menstrual cups (like organicup) and period underwear options on the market, giving women more freedom over their periods.
In this article, I’m reviewing ModiBodi, one of the pioneers in the period panty market. How does period underwear work? Is it really leakproof? How do you clean period underwear?
I’m answering all these questions and more as I review ModiBodi, their products, and the concept behind these absorbent undergarments. But first, let's define period underwear.
What is Period Underwear?
Hold the phone...what the heck is period underwear? If you’re new to the concept then you might be trying to wrap your head around period underwear and how they work.
Period underwear is underwear that absorbs your period, eliminating the need for pads and tampons. Basically, it’s like a regular pair of panties, but better, because it has the ability to absorb pee, blood, and sweat, eliminating embarrassing leaks and saving you hundreds in feminine hygiene products.
Modibodi is one of the first brands to create this type of underwear, pioneering the revolution of period health. Let's dive into Modibodi's story and their why.
Introducing Modibodi
ModiBodi is an Australian period underwear brand founded in 2013 by Kristy Chong, a new mom who was experiencing bladder leaks postpartum. Kristy was shocked that, despite all the advancement in technology, underwear seemed to be an industry that hadn’t changed in years.
ModiBodi features a collection of absorbent underwear, swimwear, activewear, and accessories. They also have a teen line as well. All their products have a wide range of styles, fabrics, and absorbances.
How ModiBodi’s Leakproof Underwear Works
There are a lot of brands that have begun jumping on the period panties bandwagon, but ModiBodi is one of the originals and best period underwear available thanks to their four different game-changing linings.
They recognize that everyone has different needs when it comes to period flow, sweating, and leakage, so they designed four different linings to accommodate all types of needs. Let’s break down what each of their lining options are below:
The Period and Pee-Friendly One
This lining is designed to be super-thin while holding up to 20 ml or 4 tampons worth of liquid. Their patented Modifier Technology allows you the coverage you need while still maintaining the comfort you deserve. There are three layers to this lining:
- The top layer is made to quickly wick away any moisture, keeping you dry, fresh, and bacteria-free.
- The middle layer absorbs all the liquid and locks it away.
- The bottom layer has extra waterproof protection so you can be confident that you’re protected, always.
The Perspiration Proof One
This is the lining you’ll want for sweaty days in the gym or hot days spent outdoors when things get a little damp down there. Their Modifier Air Technology, in combination with their breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics ensures that you stay cool and dry, no matter how hot and sweaty things get.
This level of protection features just one layer that’s designed to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping you cool, dry, fresh, and odor-free all day.
The Period and Pee Friendly For Beach or Pool
Their swimwear line features patented Modifier Swim Technology which allows your garment to dry quickly while holding up to 2 tampons worth of period blood.
This level of protection offers two layers. The top layer fights off bacteria and stops odor. The second layer offers extra waterproof protection with its water repellent fabric which dries up to 3 times faster than any other option of the market.
For Leaky Books, Hungry Babies, and Social Mommas
This is the design that’s used for their breastfeeding tops. With Modifier Technology, each cup can hold up to 2 teaspoons of leaked milk per breast cup.
The top layer works to quickly wick away moisture, fight bacteria, and prevent any odors, keeping you dry and fresh. The middle layer efficiently absorbs fluid and locks it away. And the bottom layer is extra waterproof for peace of mind that you won’t experience any embarrassing breast leaks.
Finding The Right Flow (Absorbance level)
In addition to their lining options and styles, ModiBodi offers four different levels of protection so that you can get customized undergarments that work for your body and your “leaks.” Let's take a look at the table below to see which one is right for you.
Level | Absorbancy | Best used for | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
Superlight | 1 tampon or 1 teaspoon of liquid (5ml). | Occasions discharge, spotting, little drips | Dry, clean, fresh |
Light / Moderate | 2 tampons or 1-2 teaspoons (10 ml) | Light to medium flow days, as back up on heavy flow days, sneaky bladder leaks, and heavy vaginal discharge | Your new best friend during your period |
Moderate / Heavy | 2-3 tampons or 3 teaspoons (15 ml) | Solo use on heavy period days, overnight protection, bladder leaks, and heavy vaginal discharge | Secure, carefree, all-day comfort |
Heavy / Overnight | 3-4 tampons or 4 reasons (20 ml) | Overnight protection, heavy period days, extreme urine leaks | Comfy, dry, and secure all night long |
What Style Underwear Do They Offer?
ModiBodi offers an impressive 7 different panty styles so that users can use the same kind that they typically reach for when shopping for undies. We all have our own preferences, and just because underwear is deemed for periods or leaks, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t still be comfortable and cute.
Here are the 7 different options:
- Bikini
- High-waist bikini
- Full brief
- Boyleg
- Boyshort
- Thong
- Brief
What Other Apparel Do They Sell?
Aside from period underwear and swimwear, which are their main product offerings, ModiBodi also carries a line of teen period underwear, men’s leak-proof underwear, athletic wear, and maternity wear.
Basically, no matter who you are or what kinds of embarrassing leaks (period, urine, discharge, breastmilk, etc.) that you’re dealing with, ModiBodi offers a solution for you to stay dry, discreet, and comfortable.
FAQs
If period or leak-proof underwear is a new concept for you, there’s no doubt that you have a few questions about specifics, so I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions below.
Q: How to Wash Period Underwear?
A: I’ll be honest, this was one of the first questions I had when checking out Leak-proof underwear. How do you wash them and ensure they are clean and sanitary? Here’s how it works for ModiBodi’s line:
- Rinse your period underwear in cold water immediately after use. Do not soak them in water as it can break down the lining.
- Wash your panties in cold water in your washing machine (in a delicates bag, if possible!).
- Avoid using any fabric softening with your wash as it can reduce the effectiveness of the fabric.
- Hang your undergarments to dry (clothesline, clothes rack, back of a chair…)
Q: How long will these garments last?
A: ModiBodi offers a 6-month warranty on all their garments, so they guarantee them for at least 6 months of use, however, they can last up to 2 years. How long your garment last will depend on how you care for it, how much you use it, etc.
Q: Does period underwear smell?
A: No, not if you care for them properly, following the proper cleaning, washing, and drying procedures. The only way that your period underwear will develop an odor is if you soak them for too long or you put them away before allowing them to dry properly.
If you do notice an odor to your underwear, you can use some diluted white vinegar and water to soak it for about 20 minutes before placing it in the wash. For best results, hang them dry in the sun before storing them.
Q: Are ModiBodi garments stain-resistant?
A: Yes, as long as you follow the care instructions closely, your garments should not stain. Nor should you experience any leaks or subsequent stains on your pants as leak and odor are absorbed within the panty so nothing ends up on your pants.
Q: Do these garments run true to size?
A: Yes, you should order your leak-proof underwear in the same size that you would your regular underwear.
Q: Will I feel wetness when wearing this underwear?
A: No, Modibodi has been extenuously and scientifically tested to be the most absorbent, driest leak-proof products on the market - including against disposable products! Assuming you match your absorbancy level with your personal flow, you will remain dry and protected all day (and night!) long.
Q: Will I still need a tampon, menstrual cup, or pad when I use these undies?
A: As long as you purchase underwear with the absorbency level that matches your flow and needs, then no, you do not need any additional period products. Modibodi is designed to be a complete replacement for disposable feminine hygiene products.
That said, some women do experience extremely heavy periods or flow days. In this case, many women choose to use their Modibodi underwear as a backup layer of protection for those heavy days.
Modibodi reviews: What are women saying online?
According to their own website, there are over 25,000+ positive reviews, which is incredible to say the least. It's fair to say that modibodi is a 100% legit website that helps women (and now men) solve a nagging problem - leakage. Most reviewers absolutely rave about the quality, style, comfort and most importantly, absorbancy level that's able to be absorbed.
Below, you'll see screenshots of the amount of testimonials and what these women are saying:
My Thoughts and Is This Period Product Worth It?
Although I was skeptical at first, I will say that I have changed my mind about period undergarments. I know how inconvenient it can be to need to spend hundreds per year on disposable period products and how annoying it is to need to run out to the store everything your period shows up out of nowhere.
With Modibodi, the biggest potential issue is the care that these garments require to keep them working effectively and being odor-free. However, it’s really not a big deal to rinse and cleanse these items as it takes only one extra step from your traditional wash.
I think that these are perfect for young girls who are getting their first periods. The designs are comfortable and fun and it takes away the intimidation and awkwardness of using traditional feminine hygiene products. I also love that they offer leak-proof maternity and nursing wear. Any momma that has ever breastfeed will tell you how frustrating leaks and traditional breast pads can be.
After doing a ton of research and reading countless reviews, I 100% support these products and think that they are a wonderful contribution to womanhood. Brands like Modibodi are making period care easier, more convenient, and a lot less embarrassing - that’s something all of us ladies can feel good about!