Many people who menstruate are making the switch to reusable and sustainable period underwear.
Instead of using disposable pads and tampons that create waste, leak, and can be uncomfortable, period underwear offers an eco-friendly alternative that contains your flow comfortably and effectively.
Two popular brands in the reusable period underwear sphere are Thinx and Period Company. But how exactly do these brands and their underwear compare when it comes to features and performance? Let’s take an in-depth look.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Thinx | Period Company |
| absorbency levels | offers light, medium, heavy, and super absorbencies with 7-12 hour protection estimates depending on flow | offers light, medium, and overnight with 5-12 hour estimates depending on flow |
| sizes available | XXS-4XL | XS-4XL |
| fabric composition | 86% nylon, 14% spandex | 76% nylon, 24% spandex |
| gusset fabric options | organic cotton, recycled nylon mesh | organic cotton, modal |
| styles available | bikini, thong, cheeky, boyshort, high waist brief, french cut, tanga shorts | bikini, thong, cheeky, boyshort, high waist |
| price range | $$/pair | $/pair |
As you can see at a glance, these two brands offer comparable reusable period underwear with some small key differences to consider. Let’s explore further…
Comparison of Absorbency and Leaks Prevention
One of the main purposes of reusable period underwear is to absorb and contain your menstrual flow comfortably so you don’t have to worry about leaks or stains.
So how do Thinx and Period Company stack up in this category?
Both brands use breathable, quick-drying performance fabrics and multiple layered constructions to effectively contain leaks and stains during your cycle.
Thinx offers four different absorbency levels (light, medium, heavy, super) while Period Company has three (light, medium, overnight).
Depending on your typical flow levels, you can find an option that fits your period protection needs with both companies.
Thinx provides estimated protection times ranging from 7-12 hours depending on which style and absorbency level you select. Meanwhile, Period Company says you can expect 5-12 hours of protection with their underwear.
So in summary, both seem capable of safely containing your flow without leaks based on reviews. Thinx may provide slightly longer coverage times, but both will get the job done during your cycle.
Fit, Sizing, and Comfort
How comfortable and natural period underwear feels will impact how much you reach for it over disposables each month. So fit and fabric quality are very important!
Thinx offers a wider range of sizes from XXS-4XL, while Period Company spans XS-4XL sizing. Both carry size-inclusive ranges. Thinx also provides more style options (7 vs. 5 from Period Company) so you can opt for your preferred silhouette and leg coverage whether that’s cheeky, thong, bikini, etc.
Now as far as fabric composition, the gussets (or crotch area) of the underwear use similar soft, breathable fabrics from both brands—either organic cotton or other moisture-wicking fabrics like modal.
Both should feel very pleasant against the skin.
The shell fabric differs slightly with Thinx using 86% breathable nylon and 14% spandex compared to Period Company’s 76% nylon, 24% spandex blend.
That extra spandex/elastane should provide more stretch and retention from Period Company.
So their fabrics may better mold and move with your body.
While personal preference will always come into play, reviewers overall report both brands as being exceptionally soft, comfortable, and non-irritating for prolonged wear.
The high cotton and modal content helps the gussets stay dry and fresh which is key when wearing for hours!
Also Read: Comparison of Victoria’s Secret And Thinx Period Underwear.
Care and Durability Comparison
Investing in reusable underwear makes sense long-term both environmentally and financially. So you’ll want your pairs to last for as many wears as possible before needing to be replaced.
The good news is both Thinx and Period Company use durable fabric blends that are designed to withstand repeat washes and wears over time. As long as you wash them properly after each use and avoid fabric damage, you should get over two years of wear before any noticeable degradation in performance.
Now for cleaning, both advise using a delicate cold wash cycle and hanging pairs to dry instead of putting them in the dryer. This protects the fabrics and lets them fully air dry which avoids any musty smells developing over time.
While Thinx pairs are said to withstand over 250 washes before retirement, Period Company does not provide a numerical estimate. But based on materials used and owner reviews, you can expect at least several years of life from both if cared for properly.
So for longevity and washability, both brands rate highly and should far outlast what you’d get from disposables.
Style Variety and Patterns
While absorbency and leak protection are primary when shopping for reusable undies, it’s always fun to have some stylish designs and colors to choose from too!
In this category, Thinx clearly takes the lead by offering around double the style options of Period Company. Thinx has speciali styles like reversible prints, mesh paneled pairs, tanga shorts, French cuts, and more.
So beyond the standard bikini and cheeky silhouettes, they provide more modest full coverage choices or daring sexy styles depending on your needs and preferences each day the month.
Thinx also allows for more self-expression through fun limited edition prints and collaborations that pop up. Right now they have cute florals, trendy tie dye, and vibrant trellis options amongst their standard solid colors.
Meanwhile, Period Company sticks mostly to basic solids and neutrals without as much flair.
So if you want reusable period underwear that pulls double duty as cute regular underwear on your non-flow days, Thinx is the place to shop. Period Company still offers high quality basics, but not nearly the stylistic range if that’s important to you.
Price and Value Comparison
When making any purchase decision, it always comes down to that ultimate question – am I getting good value for money spent?
As you may have noticed in the key specs earlier, Thinx underwear costs roughly $$ per pair while Period Company comes in around $ per pair. So while Thinx has more style and absorbency options, you will pay a small premium per pair over the models from Period Company.
But when you calculate lifetime cost in use, the math shifts more favorably towards reusable underwear saving money over traditional disposables. If you were to buy a 40-pack of pads or liners every month, you’d easily spend $300+ per year just on disposables. The same yearly investment in reusable undies that last for years will pay themselves off quickly.
So relatively speaking, both brands provide tremendous value over just a few years. But if first cost is most important or budget is very tight, Period Company gets you into reusables at the best price point. Thinx provides more premium features and fabrication for the slightly higher investment.
Also Read: Comparisn of Saalt And Thinx Period Underwear.
Additional Perks and Offerings
A few other small differences between Thinx and Period Company to note – Thinx provides an optional subscription model for auto-delivery every 1-6 months so you never run out. Period Company does not currently offer subscriptions but does have free shipping at $49+ purchases.
Thinx also has a teen line specifically designed for young menstruators just getting started if you want to purchase for a daughter or younger sibling.
And on the philanthropic side, Period Company is a Certified B Corporation on a mission to divert waste from landfills through reusable products. One percent of all sales goes towards supporting menstrual equity organizations. So if charitable giving factors into your purchase, note Period Company’s admirable corporate initiatives.
Which Is Best For You?
At the end of the day, Thinx and Period Company both make excellent reusable period underwear with slight variations between their offerings.
Thinx tends to edge out with more style and absorbency options, longer protection times per pair, and specialty teen/petite collections.
The reversible prints and mesh panel detail provides more fashionable choices for wearing as everyday underwear too.
So for maximum features and combo use, Thinx gets the nod. But be prepared to pay more per pair over entry-level brands.
Period Company delivers utter basics and streamlined silhouettes at the best price point. Their fabrics contour exceptionally well and provide full leak protection at 5-12 hours just like the pricier brands.
So if you want simple neutral undies purpose-built for periods at an affordable cost, Period Company checks the boxes.
No matter which brand you choose, switching from disposables to reusables pays off over time by reducing waste and saving money. Both these underwear leaders make the transition totally painless and worry-free!
Also Read: Differences Between Unders By Proof And Thinx Period Underwear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Period Company underwear is highly effective at absorbing menstrual flow based on customer reviews. The layered construction and moisture-wicking fabrics successfully contain leaks for 5 to 12 hours depending on the absorbency level you select. If cared for properly, the underwear can handle many cycles over 2+ years of use.
Knix is currently involved in a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising regarding absorbency times and lack of transparency about possible toxins in some fabrics. However, this lawsuit pertains specifically to Knix and does not directly involve Thinx or Period Company products which remain free of controversy. Both Thinx and Period Company uphold transparency and truth in marketing according to all available reviews.
No, Knix and Thinx are separate competing brands in the reusable period underwear space. While they both offer leak-proof underwear, their business practices, fabric blends, style offerings and price points show key differences. Thinx provides more style variety while Knix offers wider sizing up to 6X. But each brand has faced its own unique criticism and controversy around advertising claims. They remain distinct companies.
Thinx was founded in 2011 by entrepreneurs Miki Agrawal, Radha Agrawal, and Antonia Dunbar. In 2021, Miki Agrawal stepped down as CEO and sold her remaining shares after a sexual harassment scandal. The company brought on new CEO Maria Molland Selby and is currently owned by external private investors. Thinx continues operations with an emphasis on innovation, inclusivity and sustainability across their lines.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, both Thinx and Period Company make excellent reusable period underwear packed with features to make your cycle more comfortable and eco-friendly. Thinx offers more style variety while Period Company focuses on affordable basics.
But no matter which brand you choose, you can look forward to saving money over disposables in the long run while reducing waste. Give one of these top rated companies a shot to see how reusable undies can upgrade your monthly experience!
