I will never forget the first time I switched from pads to tampons. I went to a junior high basketball camp and I had a splash pad. For days, I tried to hold it on with big, bulky pads taped to the inside of my underwear. But as I ran through basketball camp, my inner thighs were worn out and the pads turned into a mess. I gave in to the awkward transition from pads to tampons and never looked back. Until I encountered THINX period underwear. These regular (cute, even!) underwear claim to be able to catch your period while keeping you clean, dry, and stain-free—maybe even without the need for tampons or cups as a backup.
This seemed too good to be true, so I decided to put it to the test. I bought two black hiphugger panties that claim to hold two tampons worth of blood, and a black sports panty that can hold one and a half tampons worth of blood.
THINX Hiphugger , $34, THINX; THINX Sport, $32, THINX
On the first day of my next menstrual cycle, I put on a new pair of hip huggers. No tampons, no pads - just THINX underwear. I was bleeding profusely and nervous. Like, nervously checking my butt in the mirror every hour because on the big day I have to change super tampons every three hours.
Ten hours later, I was dancing. The underwear worked . In fact, underwear does much more than that. One pair lasted 10 hours! One day, when I normally use three or four super tampons, I only wore a pair of hip pads. At that moment, I decided to do a real test. I will wear three pairs of THINX underwear for the next three menstrual periods. I do not use tampons or any type of pads to replenish them. Then I will report my experience honestly. This is what I learned.
1. They really hold up even on the heaviest days
My two pairs of THINX hip hugging shoes lasted nine "super" periods without backup, which lasted over three months. In fact, they not only survived. They rocked it. Sometimes they only last 10 hours before I start to feel damp. However, most of the time, they last a full 12-14 hours. At first, I didn't understand how this was possible—especially since I'm used to changing Super Tampons every three to four hours. But I can't deny the evidence.
2. Washing and drying them is not as difficult as you think
THINX's website says to soak THINX briefs in cold water, then run your washing machine on the delicate cycle, and finally dry them. Now, I only have three pairs. If I want them to last 7 days, I have to wash them several times a week. Plus I sweat a lot from running, so I wash them every night.
Personally, I find that if I soak them in cold water for five to 20 minutes and then put them on the delicate cycle, it takes eight hours to dry them on the drying rack. So I washed two pairs between dinner and bed (while wearing a third pair), and then those two clean pairs were ready to wear the next morning. Not bad – although I’m starting to salivate just thinking about how easy it is to get seven pairs of shoes.
3. I no longer have to remember tampons
Like any underwear you've ever owned, you have to wash your THINX underwear. But the task of tossing them in the washing machine pales in comparison to escaping the confines of a tampon box. Of course, during my first test of THINX, I worried about carrying around spare panties or tampons - but I never needed them. If I'm not away from the apartment for more than 10 hours, even when I'm in a good mood, I'm not affected. So I no longer worry about buying, owning, carrying or replacing tampons. This is true mental and physical freedom. Plus, no more worries or risks of toxic shock syndrome!
4. I can wear them while running
My basketball career never took off, but my running career did. I was the New England cross country champion in high school, and I continued running in college. As an adult, I continued to run. So I needed to know if these bras would hold up. (Let’s not forget that I secretly wanted revenge for my horrific trauma during basketball camp.) THINX helped me. After my regular five to seven mile runs, I didn't experience any leakage issues. I didn't ruin them with my sweat (trust me, I sweat), nor did I stretch them out. Take this, basketball training camp!
5. They actually keep me clean and dry
When I put on THINX, I didn't feel anything at all. Even though it had been 10 hours, I didn't feel like I was sitting in a pool of my own blood. I felt like I wasn't wearing a diaper, not even a pad or panty liner. I feel clean and dry, just like I would in any pair of hiphugger underwear. Even better, that clean and dry feeling lasts despite multiple washes and uses.
6.Accurate size
Buying clothes online has always been a gamble. Is this item really the correct size? I've been a size 10 most of my life, so I'm torn between a size 8 and a size 12 depending on how the product is made. Depending on the THINX sizing options, I can choose between a size 6-8 medium or a size 10-12 large. I decided to buy two large hiphuggers and a medium sport one.
The first time I put on the large size hip hugging pants, they felt very comfortable. Not too tight, but comfortable. From that point on, they relaxed my touch and made me feel like I was wearing a regular pair of underwear. But they don't stretch - they maintain their shape and absorbency. The medium sweatpants fit well too - however, the bra is cut higher than I'd like. It's probably designed to be cute, but personally I chalk it up to the fact that I ordered them a little too small.
Luckily, THINX also provides measurements for each pair. If you haven't measured your hips in the past three months, get one. Doing this doesn’t always bring out my favorite number, but you’ll be glad you do when your period bra fits you right!
7. They make me feel like a do-gooder
The bras are expensive (the hiphugger model costs $34 a pair, but you can get discounts if you buy in bulk). Fortunately, when I invest, I know it's not only good for me and the company.
When you purchase a pair of THINX underwear, a portion of your purchase will be donated to their partner organization AFRIpads in Uganda. The organization trains women to sew and sell washable, reusable cloth pads, empowering local women to become entrepreneurs. This enables girls to purchase affordable and sustainable sanitary napkins that keep them in school every day of the month. I feel good about my investment because I support the work and education of other amazing women.
8. They stick with it for the long haul
So far I’m really impressed with the quality of the THINX panties. I had three packs of them that lasted me three months straight. That means I use each pair at least six to eight times, if not more, depending on how often I work out during the week. They've passed my test and I'm proud to say that I just ordered a set that will last me a week. I can't wait to get them in the mail. I think it's worth the investment and look forward to washing it just once a week!
Want more women's health insurance? Check out Bustle's new podcast, Let's Be Honest , which answers all the questions you're afraid to ask.
Images: THINX (2); Molly Ryder (6); Kate Harris Photography (1)
