We’ve all been there. Sitting in class, minding our own business and then out of nowhere, Mother Nature comes for a surprise visit. Sometimes we’re prepared, with a stash of menstrual products ready to go; other times, we’re frantically digging around in the bottom of our backpacks for a stray tampon, praying we won’t ruin our white pants.
Periods are rough sometimes (all the time), especially with all the awkward “tampon showcase” moments in the library or adjusting your pad so you don’t leak on the way to work.
Enter Thinx.
Thinx changes the traditional line up of period products by offering super absorbent period underwear. They are washable and reusable, which means they are a more sustainable option than traditional single use tampons and pads. Depending on your flow, Thinx replaces your pads, tampons, menstrual cups and liners or can be worn in conjunction with tampons or cups. Its best-selling Hiphugger supports about two tampons worth of blood. Any set of Thinx is supposed to last up to two years, which may make them a more cost-effective option over disposable products.
The average woman uses 480 tampons in two years. A box of 36 is $7, so you are looking at $100 in tampon purchases compared to the $34 for the traditional Hiphugger, or the Back-to-Basics Saver Set (two pairs for $64).
Thinx reduces the unnegotiable cost of having a period. Also, the brand uses Afterpay, which allows customers to purchase products in four payments two weeks apart from each other with no interest.
The best part is they look and feel like normal underwear. Thinx offers a Classic line, which has styles like the Hiphuggers, Super Hiphuggers, Sport, Hi-Waist, Cheeky, Thong and Boyshort. There are also Cotton, Activewear, Air and Saver Set options, which gives you multiple pairs at a bargain price. The Super holds up to four tampons worth, which makes it both functional and stylish.
The colors range from black, pastel purple and electric blue. They even make a cheetah print option that I adore. Thinx also offers a line called Thinx (btwn), which aims its products toward tweens and teens. The options for patterns are endless. I especially love these adorable high-waisted Thinx with mesh designed to hold up to two tampons worth and to help with bloating.
I found five unsponsored reviews by people with different flows. They rate everything from comfort to effectiveness. Most of the reviews are positive, especially in terms of people with light to medium flows. It seems people with heavier flows considered Thinx as more of an “insurance policy” to a tampon. The reviews also did not report many leaks and raved about the ease of care. People found that with proper care, the product could be relied upon as smell proof, too.
To care for Thinx products, users recommend rinsing them with cold water and throwing them in the wash, with or without your normal clothes, and letting them air dry. Don’t use bleach or fabric softener with this product.
Aside from its innovative product, Thinx is a company you can support. Thinx’s missions include sustainability, ethical manufacturing and menstrual equity. About 12 billion pads and tampons are thrown out every year. If even half of these were replaced by the reusable Thinx product, it would make a big impact on landfills.
The brand’s products are produced in a facility in Sri Lanka that supports female leadership, employee wellbeing and environmental sustainability. They also partner with non-profit organizations to address menstrual inequity, particularly in terms of menstrual health education, legislation and access to basic hygiene products. If you’d like more information on Thinx’s missions, click here.
In terms of sustainability and elimination of harmful chemicals in period products, Thinx takes the cake. This product, more than anything, highlights the fact that change is possible within the period industry, making products more affordable, convenient and accessible.
With the wrap up of the first National Period Day on Oct. 19, it’s important now more than ever to find solutions for the lack of adequate period products. According to a study by Always, 1 in 5 girls in the U.S. have had to leave school early or skip altogether because they did not have access to menstrual products. The first citywide study conducted in the U.S. on period poverty found that about 46 percent of low-income women had to choose between a meal and menstrual products.
It’s heartbreaking that women often have to use socks, tissue paper or cardboard as alternatives because they can’t afford the necessary items. Everyone should experience the irreplaceable confidence that comes from knowing your period is managed, regardless of financial status. Thinx is a bit pricey, with the cheapest pair being $24, but products along this line could be used to address menstrual inequity here in the U.S. and internationally.
Thinx may be the future of periods. The period industry better keep up.