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Published 14 February 2026 . United Kingdom
UK Women Test Period Underwear — Which Brand Comes Out On Top?
We looked at 10 popular brands across the UK. Here is what we found.
UK-wide testers
10 brands tested
User feedback
All brand names shown are the property of their respective owners
Period underwear has become one of the most talked-about switches in women's health over the past few years. More and more women are choosing to move away from disposable products like tampons and pads — and for good reason. Period underwear is reusable, comfortable, and can save you a significant amount of money over time.
But not all period underwear is created equal. Some pairs offer reliable protection for up to 12 hours. Others let you down within the first hour. Some feel like regular underwear. Others feel thick, uncomfortable, or simply do not stay in place.
With so many brands now available — from supermarket own-labels to specialist online brands — it can be genuinely difficult to know where to start.
That is why we decided to run an in-depth comparison of period underwear available in the UK. We analysed feedback from women across the country on 10 of the most popular brands available today — and report back honestly on what worked, what did not, and what they would actually recommend to a friend.
The brands in our test: Lunã, WUKA, M&S, Modibodi, Cheeky Pants, Primark, Tesco, Thinx, Flowette and Snuggs.
Jump to the winner
Assessment Criteria
Each pair was evaluated across seven categories. Each category was scored from 1 to 10 — from very unsatisfied to very satisfied. Scores are based on internal evaluation across these criteria.
Absorbency & leak protection
How well does the underwear absorb flow — and does it actually prevent leaks?
Dry & fresh feel
Does the underwear keep you feeling dry and comfortable throughout the day?
Comfort & fit
How does it feel to wear — and does it fit as expected?
Size inclusivity
Is the brand available in a range of sizes, from smaller teen fits to extended plus sizes?
Style variety
Does the brand offer a range of cuts, colours and designs — or just the basics?
Material quality & skin safety
What are the materials like, and is the brand transparent about certifications and safety testing?
Value for money
Is the price fair for what you get — especially compared to the long-term cost of disposables?
Absorbency & leak protection
How well does the underwear absorb flow -- and does it actually prevent leaks?
Dry & fresh feel
Does the underwear keep you feeling dry and comfortable throughout the day?
Comfort & fit
How does it feel to wear -- and does it fit as expected?
Size inclusivity
Is the brand available in a range of sizes, from smaller teen fits to extended plus sizes?
Style variety
Does the brand offer a range of cuts, colours and designs -- or just the basics?
Material quality & skin safety
What are the materials like, and is the brand transparent about certifications and safety testing?
Value for money
Is the price fair for what you get -- especially compared to the long-term cost of disposables?
Summary Score Table
Here is a summary of all 10 brands and their overall scores:
Rank
Brand
Overall Score
#1 🏆
Lunã
9.6/10
#2
Flowette
7.8/10
#3
Cheeky Pants
7.4/10
#4
M&S
7.1/10
#5
WUKA
7.1/10
#6
Modibodi
6.6/10
#7
Snuggs
6.6/10
#8
Primark
6.2/10
#9
Tesco
6.1/10
#10
Thinx
6.1/10
Detailed Scorecards Per Brand
#1 Lunã — WINNER
🏆 WINNER
Lunã
9.6/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Available in styles with waistband-to-waistband coverage
9.8
Dry & fresh feel
Available in bamboo and cotton styles that keep you
feeling fresh all day
9.7
Comfort & fit
Feels like regular underwear — soft, breathable and true to size
9.6
Size inclusivity
Teen range in smaller sizes plus adult range up to 6XL
9.8
Style variety
From seamless everyday styles to feminine lace designs
9.5
Material quality & skin safety
OEKO-TEX certified, free from harmful substances
9.7
Value for money
Current Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer makes it exceptional value
9.4
Overall rating: EXCELLENT
9.6/10
Lunã stands out as the most complete period underwear brand in our test. What sets it apart is the sheer range of options available — from bamboo and cotton styles to seamless and lace designs, there is something for every body and every preference. Lunã is one of the few brands offering both a dedicated teen range in smaller sizes and an adult range up to 6XL, making it genuinely inclusive.
Several styles feature waistband-to-waistband coverage, which testers found particularly reassuring on heavier days. Materials are OEKO-TEX certified and free from harmful substances. With the current Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer, it also represents outstanding value compared to premium brands.
#2 Flowette
2nd Place
Flowette
7.8/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Reliable protection, also for heavier flow days
8.0
Dry & fresh feel
Consistently positive feedback on staying dry
8.0
Comfort & fit
Comfortable fit, though some styles run small
7.8
Size inclusivity
Teen range available, reasonable adult range
7.5
Style variety
Functional range, limited colour options
6.5
Material quality & skin safety
PFA-free and vegan materials
8.0
Value for money
Strong value, regular multi-buy offers
8.5
Overall rating: VERY GOOD
7.8/10
Flowette is a solid UK brand that performs well, particularly for heavy flow. Testers appreciated the reliable leak protection and comfortable fit. The range includes a teen option and a high-absorbency style for overnight use. The main limitations are a modest style selection and limited colour options — those looking for something more feminine or varied may find the range a little basic.
#3 Cheeky Pants
3rd Place
Cheeky Pants
7.4/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Reliable for light to medium flow
7.5
Dry & fresh feel
Generally positive, few specific complaints
7.5
Comfort & fit
Comfortable when sizing is right
7.2
Size inclusivity
Teen range available, limited plus sizes
7.0
Style variety
Mostly basic styles, limited variety
6.8
Material quality & skin safety
Established reusables brand, limited certification info
7.5
Value for money
Fair pricing, though return costs frustrate some
7.5
Overall rating: GOOD
7.4/10
Cheeky Pants has a loyal following and performs well for light to medium flow days. The brand is well-established in the reusable market and offers fair pricing. However, several testers found the sizing inconsistent — the brand itself acknowledges on its website that sizing up or down is sometimes necessary. Style variety is limited compared to specialist brands.
#4 M&S
M&S
7.1/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Works well for lighter days, less reliable for heavy flow
6.5
Dry & fresh feel
Comfortable but reports of dampness on heavier days
7.2
Comfort & fit
Comfort is their strongest point — 79% of testers satisfied
7.8
Size inclusivity
Standard sizing only, no teen range
6.5
Style variety
Limited colours and cuts, basic range
6.5
Material quality & skin safety
No OEKO-TEX certification listed, some synthetic styles
7.0
Value for money
Good value in 3-pack format
8.0
Overall rating: GOOD
7.1/10
M&S period underwear is widely available and comfortable to wear, which is why it came up frequently in our research. It works well for lighter days and is good value in a 3-pack. However, some users reported that the heavy absorbency range may not always match expectations on genuinely heavy days, and the style selection is fairly limited compared to dedicated period underwear brands.
#5 WUKA
WUKA
7.1/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Good for light days, some users reported leaking on heavy days
7.2
Dry & fresh feel
Some users reported odour and dampness after several months
7.0
Comfort & fit
Sizing inconsistency reported across multiple testers
7.0
Size inclusivity
Reasonable range, teen range available but limited
7.5
Style variety
Functional range, few feminine or decorative styles
7.0
Material quality & skin safety
OEKO-TEX certified, though some styles use nylon
7.5
Value for money
Premium price point, value depends on durability
6.5
Overall rating: GOOD
7.1/10
WUKA is one of the better-known UK period underwear brands and performs well for many wearers. The brand has strong sustainability credentials and a good reputation overall. Some testers noted that sizing can be inconsistent — particularly when ordering online — a small number of users reported reduced absorbency after several months of use. At 15 GBP or more per pair, value for money depends heavily on long-term durability.
#6 Modibodi
Modibodi
6.6/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Functional for moderate flow, some users reported leaking
6.8
Dry & fresh feel
Some users reported a damp feeling, particularly overnight
6.0
Comfort & fit
Thick feel, sizing issues with newer models
6.5
Size inclusivity
Teen range available, reasonable plus size range
7.5
Style variety
Reasonable range, though design has changed recently
7.2
Material quality & skin safety
Some reports of durability issues after washing
6.5
Value for money
Premium price harder to justify given recent quality concerns
6.0
Overall rating: AVERAGE
6.6/10
Modibodi has been around for years and built a strong reputation, but some users reported a change in product quality compared to earlier purchases. some users reported durability issues after only a small number of washes, and the fit felt thicker and less discreet than expected. It remains a functional option for moderate flow days, but the premium price point may be harder to justify for some.
#7 Snuggs
Snuggs
6.6/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Some users reported flow transferring through the outer layer
7.0
Dry & fresh feel
Some users reported that pilling over time may reduce effectiveness
6.8
Comfort & fit
Sizing runs inconsistently — larger or smaller than expected
6.5
Size inclusivity
Limited size range, no dedicated teen range
6.5
Style variety
Clean design aesthetic but mostly basic styles
6.8
Material quality & skin safety
Pilling reported after only a small number of washes
6.5
Value for money
Mid-range price with frustrating return process
6.5
Overall rating: AVERAGE
6.6/10
Snuggs offers a range of period underwear with a clean design aesthetic. Testers found the concept appealing, but several raised concerns about sizing accuracy and fabric quality over time. some users reported pilling after a small number of washes, and the return process was described as frustrating by those who needed to exchange sizes.
#8 Primark
Primark
6.2/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Insufficient for medium to heavy flow
6.5
Dry & fresh feel
Black lining makes it difficult to gauge protection level
6.5
Comfort & fit
Comfortable feel but runs small
7.2
Size inclusivity
Sizes 6-20 only, no teen range, no extended plus
7.0
Style variety
Very limited, only a small number of basic designs
7.5
Material quality & skin safety
No certifications listed, quality concerns over time
6.8
Value for money
Low price but performance reflects that
5.5
Overall rating: BELOW AVERAGE
6.2/10
Primark's period pants are among the most affordable on the market and widely available in-store. For very light days or as a backup layer, they offer reasonable value. However, some users reported that the leak protection may be insufficient for medium to heavy flow, and the style range is limited. The brand does not offer an extended size range or a dedicated teen range.
#9 Tesco
Tesco
6.1/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Covers the basics for lighter days only
6.5
Dry & fresh feel
No specific complaints but limited absorbency data
6.8
Comfort & fit
Basic comfort, no major complaints
7.0
Size inclusivity
Most limited size range of all brands tested
5.5
Style variety
Smallest range — black and beige only
5.5
Material quality & skin safety
No certifications or skin safety information available
5.8
Value for money
Budget pricing, convenient in-store availability
7.8
Overall rating: BELOW AVERAGE
6.1/10
Tesco's F&F period pants are a convenient and budget-friendly option for those who prefer to shop in-store. They cover the basics for lighter days. The range is limited in terms of styles, sizes, and absorbency levels, and there is little information available about material certifications or skin safety testing.
#10 Thinx
Thinx
6.1/10
Criterion
Tester feedback
Score
Absorbency & leak protection
Functional absorbency across most styles
6.0
Dry & fresh feel
No specific complaints about dry feel
6.5
Comfort & fit
Comfortable fit, good style variety
6.8
Size inclusivity
Reasonable range but no dedicated teen range
6.0
Style variety
Best style variety of the lower-ranked brands
6.0
Material quality & skin safety
Brand has faced trust challenges in recent years around transparency
5.5
Value for money
Highest price point of all brands tested
7.5
Overall rating: BELOW AVERAGE
6.1/10
Thinx is the original period underwear brand and remains well-known globally. The range includes a wide variety of styles and cuts. However, the brand has faced significant reputational challenges in recent years following legal proceedings related to its product safety claims, and trust among UK consumers has been slow to recover. For those prioritising transparency around materials and certifications, other brands may offer greater peace of mind.
Our verdict — and the clear winner
Based on our evaluation, one thing becomes clear: not all period underwear delivers on its promises. The difference between the best and worst brands in our test was significant — particularly when it comes to heavy flow protection, size inclusivity, and material transparency.
Lunã stood head and shoulders above the rest. It was the only brand in our test to offer both a dedicated teen range in smaller sizes and an adult range up to 6XL. Several styles are available in bamboo and cotton, and certain models include waistband-to-waistband coverage — a feature testers on heavier days found genuinely reassuring. On top of that, the current Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer makes it one of the best value options on the market despite being a premium product.
For anyone looking for reliable protection, a wide choice of styles, and a brand that takes material safety seriously — Lunã is our clear recommendation.
How to get Lunã at the best possible price
At the moment, Lunã period underwear is only available through the brand's official website — not in supermarkets or high street stores.
They are currently running a limited Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotion across all underwear styles. Free shipping is included on all orders.
1
Visit the Lunã website and choose your style and size — teen range and adult sizes up to 6XL are available.
2
When your Lunã underwear arrives, wash it before first use. This activates the absorbent layers and ensures optimal protection.
3
Wear your Lunã underwear and enjoy your period with confidence. Many of our testers said they wished they had made the switch sooner.
Buy 1 Get 1 Free — across all styles
Free shipping included | Limited time offer
Helpful tip: Lunã also offers a dedicated teen range — a great option for younger girls who are just starting their period journey.
What Lunã customers are saying
Verified reviews from Trustpilot . Rated 4.2/5 based on over 44,000 customers
Emma Richardson
“I was honestly surprised by how comfortable Lunã feels. It genuinely feels like normal underwear, but with far better protection than anything I’ve tried before. I’ve worn it on heavier days and didn’t have to worry once.”
Sophie Bennett
“I switched to Lunã after years of using pads, and I wish I had done it sooner. The fit is spot on and it actually keeps me dry all day. It’s also saved me quite a bit of money over the past few months.”
Hannah Collins
“I was a bit sceptical at first, but this completely changed my routine. It feels secure without being thick or uncomfortable, and I don’t get that damp feeling I had with other brands. Definitely sticking with these now.”
Charlotte Hughes
“I’ve tried a few different brands, but Lunã is the only one that ticks every box for me. It’s soft, doesn’t feel bulky, and I feel completely confident wearing it even when I’m out all day. The quality really stands out.”
Rebecca Turner
“What I liked most is how normal they feel. No shifting, no awkward bulk, just reliable protection throughout the day. I’ve already recommended them to a couple of friends.”
Lauren Davies
“I’ve tested a few options and these are by far the most consistent. They hold up well even on longer days, and I don’t feel the need to constantly check or change. It’s made my periods a lot less stressful.”
Sources
OEKO-TEX® Association – www.oeko-tex.com
Information about textile certification and harmful substances in clothing.
Trustpilot – www.trustpilot.com User reviews and ratings of various period underwear brands.
Consumer experiences and forums – including Reddit, Facebook groups and product reviews Used to gather practical experiences and compare models, fit and comfort.
(c) 2026 Women's Health Guide . All rights reserved
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This is an advertorial and not a news article or independent consumer publication. This content has been created for promotional purposes and may contain commercial links. If you purchase through links on this page, we may receive a commission. This does not influence the assessment criteria used. The information is based on our own research and publicly available sources. While care has been taken in compiling this content, it does not constitute medical advice.
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