Modibodi undies - you have to try these if you haven't already
I might be a little late to the period underwear party (perhaps the only party I'll ever be invited to). A few weeks ago I ordered a number of Modibodi underwear. Months prior I had ordered one, but never had a chance to use it because I didn't have a period after falling pregnant and then for around 7 months following the birth of my baby (let's hear it for over a year of lady free days!)
My period came like an unwanted house guest during the holiday season. It showed up unannounced, made life harder, was annoying to deal with and outstayed its welcome. Only after a few days did I remember my original Modibodi purchase. It was amazing. I've never used tampons so I can't really comment on a comparison, but unlike the period pad, Modibodi underwear don't shift around, move or leave you a patch on your undies that is 'unprotected'. I didn't leak while wearing during the day or at night and I found that I could wear it all day without issue.
Following this fantastic experience, I bit the bullet and shelled out for 7 more pairs. I bought several 'recycled seamfree bikini' undies and, just to be extra safe at night (there is SO much annoying clean up if you leak in bed), purchased several 'sensual hi-waist bikinis' for my evening wear.
They arrived pretty quickly! I remember being impressed that they used paper packaging rather than plastic. Another plus is that they print the care instructions on the back of their packaging, reducing the need for more paper waste. The underwear looked really big at first glance. I'm a size 8 and I thought the undies looked like sail masts compared to my usual undies! I was wrong though. They fit like a glove (...perhaps my derrière is not as petite as I imagined it to be) and they are super comfortable.
I love that I basically don't need to ever buy another sanitary towel and can alleviate the planet of some unnecessary plastic.
Just bear in mind that unlike a sanitary towel where you just roll and toss when your'e done, you do need to rinse your undies under cold water before throwing it in the washing machine. Once in the machine, use the cold water setting and don't put in any softener. This means that the rest of your laundry load will also have a cold wash with no softener. This might be considered a minor drawback, but I think it's a small price to pay to not ever have to open the lid of a yuckky public bathroom sanitary towel bin (even the hands free bins are never really hands free - plus have you noticed they're ALWAYS full?!); not have to deal with a smelly toilet bin filled with pads or suffer embarrassment if your bathroom bin is accidentally knocked over by a guest wanting to borrow your throne.
Modibodis aren't cheap compared to regular underwear, their starting price is around $25 a pair - although they seem to do specials frequently. At the time of writing, subscribe to their newsletter and you'll get 10% off your first order. I think it's worth the money - not just for a much better experience on those dreaded lady days (I can actually forget my unwanted guest is in the house), but also think of all money you save from buying tampons and pads! Add that you're doing the planet a favour and it's a win-win-WIN! (Obscure reference to The Office for other Office geeks out there).
Thanks Modibodi for making it easier to be a woman. Honestly, where have you been all my life?
G.G.