The best period pants - Non-toxic, organic, leak-proof (Review)
- Josie Shillabeer
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
I searched for the best non-toxic, organic, leak-proof period pants available within the UK. Here are my top recommendations after putting each one to the test.
Switching to non-toxic, organic period products is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Conventional menstrual products are made from a mix of rayon, synthetic fibres, and bleached pesticide ridden cotton [1]. To improve their absorbency and appearance, they are treated with chorine bleach, hormone disrupting fragrances, dyes, and super-absorbent polymers. It would not be so bad was it not for the fact that tampons and pads are intimate items — literally worn inside or against one of the most absorbent parts of your body. These chemicals and synthetic materials can cause a wide range of health issues from hormonal imbalances (irregular cycles, cramps, fertility issues) to toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening bacteria infection.
Luckily, there has been a recent boom in non-toxic, organic period product options from menstrual cups to period pants. You can read a review of my favourite menstrual cup here and check out our product directory for our full menstrual product range.
I have spent the last twelve months searching for and testing out non-toxic organic period pants that are available within the UK. Find out how I got on below...
The best organic period pants UK - At a glance
Searching quickly for the best options for you? Check out my quick organic period pants recommendations list below. Alternatively, scroll down to read more about each pant.
Best overall: Nudie Classic brief period pant medium flow
Best fit: Boody Classic bikini period pants light - moderate
Best comfort: Boody Classic bikini period pants light - moderate
Best materials: Nudie Classic brief period pant medium flow
Best for lighter flows: Boody Classic bikini light - moderate
Best for medium flows: Nudie Classic brief period pant medium flow
Best budget: Boody Classic bikini period pants light - moderate
Best option for teenagers: Dame High waist period pants moderate flow
What are the benefits of wearing period pants?
Period pants (or period underwear) are becoming a go-to choice for people seeking a more comfortable, sustainable, and worry-free way to manage their periods. Whether you’re new to them or considering making the switch, here’s a full breakdown of why so many are making period pants their go to menstrual product.
All-in-one convenience: Period pants replace the need for pads, tampons, or liners.
Comfortable fit: They feel like regular underwear and are soft, stretchy, and breathable.
Reusable and cost-effective: A few pairs can last for years and save you money over time.
Leak protection and peace of mind: They provide reliable protection from leaks and odour throughout the day or night.
Eco-friendly choice: Period pants reduce waste and are often made from sustainable, planet-friendly materials.
Beginner and teen-friendly: They’re easy to use and ideal for teens, first periods, or anyone new to menstruation.
Skin-safe and non-toxic: Many are made without fragrances, dyes, or harmful chemicals, making them gentle on sensitive skin.
Period pants offer freedom, comfort, and confidence in one package. Whether you use them alone or as backup, they simplify period care — making it more sustainable, body-friendly, and stress-free.
The best organic period pants, UK
Best period pants for medium flow
Key info:
Price: £19.95
Materials:
Outer: 96% organic cotton & 4% elastane
Gusset 1: 97% organic cotton & 3% polyurethane
Colour options: Black
Sizes UK: XS - XL
Absorbency: Up to 4 regular tampons
Care instructions: Rinse in cold water and wash by hand or in a washing machine at a maximum of 40 degrees. Do not use fabric softeners or tumble dry.
Brand certifications: Members of 1% for the planet
Delivery & returns: Free shipping on domestic orders over £40. Non-returnable.
Nudie period pants review:
I was initially put off with the look of the Nudie period pants because they had a cheap-looking label and a thin waist band. However, these are my favourite to wear on the first few days of my period. With its ample gusset I feel protected but without feeling I am wearing a nappy. They have the highest quantity of organic materials when compared to the other products within this review, a big win in my books. I can easily wear these all day without fear of leaks or smells. So far they have washed really well, with no annoying gusset bunching or loss of colour. I will certainly go back for more pairs in the future.
Best brand for teenagers
Key info:
Price: £21.99 (multi-packs available offering greater discount)
Materials:
Outer: 90% organic cotton & 10% spandex
Gusset liner: 100% responsible cotton
Waterproof gusset inner: 90% responsible cotton & 10% polyester
Waterproof layer: 100% polyester
Colour options: Black
Sizes UK: Size 6 - 20
Absorbency: Absorbs the equivalent of 3 tampons or pads each wear
Care instructions: Rinse pants in cold water, then add to an existing dark wash up to 40 degrees. Do not use fabric softeners or tumble dry.
Brand certifications: B-corp, vegan & carbon insetting
Delivery & returns: Free shipping over £30. Refundable if unopened.
Dame period pants review:
These are the pants that I feel most trendy in (I am only 32 and I already sound like my mother!). Dame has partnered with Guide Guiding UK offering discounted products to volunteers, parents and girls. They also have many blog posts helping to support both parents and their teens through what can be a very challenging time. The reasons these are not my favourite are: 1) they look like granny pants off but look great on, 2) the material that is closest to your skin is not 100% organic cotton, 3) they are bulkier than other period pants that I have tried with a similar absorbency level. I am, however, excited to see Dame period products in public bathrooms, including the National Trust and Pret.
Best period pants for lighter flows or extra protection
Key info:
Price: £13.95 (multi-packs available offering greater discount)
Materials:
Outer: 79% viscose made from organic bamboo, 15% Nylon & 6% Elastane
Gusset 1: 100% cotton
Gusset 2: 72% viscose made from organic bamboo & 28% Cotton
Gusset 3: 86% Modal, 7% Seaweed Fibre & 7% Elastane
Colour options: Black
Sizes UK: XS - 3XL
Absorbency: Up to 2 regular tampons or up to 2 regular pads—holds 10ml
Care instructions: Cold machine wash on gentle cycle, do not tumble dry or iron
Brand certifications: B-corp & partnered with FSC®️
Delivery & returns: Free shipping on domestic orders over £45. Non-returnable.
Boody period pants review:
It has been really difficult to find period pants suitable for light flow or to be worn as extra protection, such as alongside a menstrual cup. I was elated when my light-medium classic bikini period pant arrives from Boody. It was exactly what I had been looking for, basically a pair of pants with a slightly thicker gusset for extra protection. These are perfect for wearing when my period flow is lighter or alongside my menstrual cup. I previously used disposable organic panty liners, but these would sometimes become unstuck and were not reusable. The only thing that lets these pants down are that they are not 100% organic, for example, the cotton gusset that sits against your skin, only Boody's viscose made from organically grown bamboo is organic.
Organic period pants we tried but did not meet our criteria:
Boody classic bikini period pants medium - heavy: The gusset of these pants bunched up and did not lie flat after being washed.
References:
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