Period underwear claims are often given in “tampons worth”, a measure that is hard to compare. This checklist uses an independent consumer group, credited below, and applies it to a real brand. It is general information, not medical advice.
1. Match the style to your flow
Most brands label styles for light, medium or heavy flow. The CHOICE page on how it tests period underwear says its testers wore one daytime pair of moderate absorbency and one overnight pair of heavy absorbency, which is a sensible way to think about it.
2. Ask how the claim was tested
CHOICE bought the products itself, ran a user trial with 56 staff and supporters, trialled each pair at least 30 times and sent five pairs of each product to a lab, where saline was dosed twice to measure absorption time, leaks and wet feel. A brand's own “tampons worth” figure rarely comes with a method like that.
3. Check the fit and size range
Compare the size chart with your measurements and check whether your size is offered in the style you want. Some brands offer extended sizes in only some styles.
4. Plan for washing
CHOICE put one pair of each product through 48 washes and 10 dryer cycles. Follow the care instructions and check how long a pair takes to dry, since you will need several pairs.
5. Read the exchange and refund terms
Because the product is worn, many brands accept no returns. Check whether exchanges are allowed, whether the item must be unworn, whether refunds are in cash or store credit and whether discounted items are final sale. Buy one pair first.
An example: checking a brand against the list
In our Period. review we applied these questions. The brand offers affordable pairs and extended sizes, but its absorbency claim is its own, it accepts no returns and discounted items are final sale.
A note on the sources
CHOICE is an Australian consumer organization that buys the products it tests. We wrote this article in our own words and it is not medical advice; if you have unusually heavy bleeding or pain, see a clinician. Some links to brands on this site are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.