Period undies are underwear designed to protect women from period over flow, spotting, light bladder leaks and even sweat. They work by absorbing liquid through the top layer straight through to the middle layer, with a waterproof layer that protects your clothing from leakage. They can be worn on their own or for a heavier flow in conjunction with a menstrual cup. You can wear you period undies all day then change into a fresh pair to sleep in. Soak and then wash them with your normal load of washing. No more worrying about strings and wings, and best of all no waste in your bathroom bin!

We love the period undies (and menstrual cups) by Juju as they have so many options for different women, bodies and flows.

Why are period undies good for your hormones?

Standard period products like pads and tampons are often coated with dioxins, bleached, made of plastic and if not organic have been sprayed with pesticides and scented with fragrance. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors (xenoestrogens), and may interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormone and cell signalling) system and produce adverse reproductive, developmental, immune and neurological effects. Xenoestrogens strongly mimic oestrogen, some examples include dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls and bisphenols (found in pesticides, petrochemicals and plastics). When we use period undies we avoid nasty chemicals that can have a negative impact on our hormones and health.

Why are period undies good for the earth?

Standard period products can create a lot of waste. The sanitary items, their packaging, wrappings and even applicators all end up in landfill. This is why we have swapped to more sustainable and reusable period products including cloth pads, menstrual cups, organic pads and tampons and period undies. Reusable period products are a one time investment that your wallet and the planet will thank you for.

Ten reasons we love Juju period undies!

The feel good!- Made from silky-smooth spandex/nylon outer, and a breathable cotton gusset
No leaks! If changed regularly in accordance with your flow, JuJu period underwear shouldn’t leak. Each pair has a built-in waterproof layer.
Up to 8 hours wear! This is dependant on the heaviness of your flow.
Can be worn as a back up for leaks in heavy bleeding and postpartum. Wear in conjunction with a menstrual cup.
Economical- With proper care, one pair should last 2-3 years or more.
Zero waste- no filling up the sanitary bin and sending waste to landfill
Convenient- no rushing to the shops for supplies
Easy care - JuJu period undies are washed just like regular undies up to ten years
Safe for your body- no nasty chemicals
Can wear overnight - allowing you to get some extra ZZzzs

Which pair of period undies is right for you?

Period undies come in a range of styles and absorbency to suit everybody: Bikini, Midi Brief and Full Brief

Light: Can we be worn alone for a light flow, or worn as a backup for your menstrual cup or tampon. One pair holds up to 5ml of fluid (equal to one mini tampon).

Moderate: Can be worn alone for a regular flow, or worn as a backup for your menstrual cup or tampon on heavier days. One pair holds up to 10ml of fluid (equal to one regular tampon).

Note: JuJu Period Underwear is not recommended to be worn alone as your only method of period protection if you have a heavy flow, unless you plan on changing frequently. Instead, consider wearing them together with a menstrual cup.

Cleaning period underwear

Rinse in cool water
Wash on a cold cycle with the rest of your laundry, in a laundry bag (the kind you’d use for the rest of your delicates)

Avoid the using of chlorine/bleach, strong detergents such as stain removers and fabric softeners, which decrease materials’ absorbency and stop the antimicrobial and moisture-wicking treatments on these from working.

Interview with JuJu

What is Juju and who is behind the business?

JuJu is an Australian reusable period care brand, founded in 2009 by Brenda Tootell. Brenda had a desire to create a period product that was better for people’s bodies, the environment and was more budget friendly. The average person will use over 10,500 disposable period products in their lifetime, and she knew there was a better way! The original JuJu menstrual cup was released in 2011, and since we’ve grown to release a range of reusable cloth pads, four new JuJu menstrual cup models, a range of period underwear and other eco-friendly accessories. Our headquarters are located in Perth, WA and we’re run by a small team of four women.

We love the Juju brand and everything you do to help make menstrual hygiene products accessible. What inspired you to support the Share with Dignity and Days for Girls charities?

Respect, non-judgemental support and compassion are a big part of our values as a business. We strongly believe that everyone should have access to safe period products when they need them – it’s a basic human right, not a choice that should be dictated by privilege. We know that reusable period care products are a reliable and affordable solution for those who struggle to obtain the products they need; one menstrual cup can last someone up to 10 years and reusables eliminate the need for having to constantly stock up on pads and tampons. This is why we choose to support local charities with product donations and partner with selected educators across Australia to empower the next generation with knowledge about reusables.

What inspired you to start a company that makes reusable menstrual hygiene products?

Knowing that there has to be a better way for the environment, our bodies and for our lifestyles! After doing the math, we discovered that on average a person with periods uses around 300 disposable products each year, which works out to be about 10,500 products during their lifetime. Conventional pads and tampons are not biodegradable, so when you multiply that by some 3.5 billion females on the planet you’ve got a huge waste problem. Not to mention the resources used to produce these disposable products that are used once for only a few hours. We also hear from countless people who suffered with sensitivities to the chemicals used in conventional period products or who felt irritated or ‘dried out’ by them. Menstrual cups, cloth pads and period undies are a great way to save money, cut down on waste and be kinder to your body.

Our two biggest drivers for switching to sustainable period products are reducing waste sent to landfill and reducing exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals. Why are sustainable menstrual products important to you?

Largely for the same reasons! It just doesn’t make sense for us to create so much waste with disposable pads and tampons when there are reusable options that are also healthier for our bodies. Another huge reason we advocate for reusables is that they help people feel a greater sense of comfort, freedom and confidence that they just don’t get from disposables. For example, people with heavier flows love menstrual cups as they hold so much more fluid than tampons, which means less runs to the bathroom during their period. And period underwear can be life changing for people who are anxious about leaking through to their clothes. This sense of empowerment helps to create more period positive attitudes and chips away at the negative stigma attached to periods.

What advice would you give to your younger self about periods?

Everyone’s experience around periods is very different, but one thing that can benefit any young person is to listen to your body through the different stages of your cycle. Learn about how your hormones can affect how you’re feeling at different times and what foods to eat or activities to do to support yourself. And if something feels off, don’t be afraid to see a medical professional for advice.

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about switching to reusables but is a bit nervous?

It’s completely understandable to feel nervous if you’ve spent your whole life using disposables! It can seem like a big change, but within a couple of cycles most people find it’s very easy to get into the routine of using and caring for reusable period products. If you’re anxious about leaks when making the switch, perhaps start slow by using your reusable products on the lighter days of your period, or on a day when you’ll be at home. It’s also important to reframe your mind to think about periods as a natural bodily function that you don’t need to fear or feel ‘grossed out’ by. Many of us are used to wrapping up and throwing away our period waste without having to touch or see our blood. Reusables, on the other hand, must be emptied and/or cleaned and you’ll become more comfortable with being a bit more up close and personal with your body and your blood (especially when using menstrual cups). Getting to know and appreciate your body can be such a positive and beautiful thing!