WUKA Period Pants Review: Do They Really Work?
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Thinking about making the switch to period underwear? This WUKA period pants review can help!
Whether you want to cut down on single-use plastic or you’re looking for fuss-free comfort, a good pair of period pants is a game-changer for your menstrual cycle.
After testing out a few period pants while travelling and in everyday life, WUKA has become my firm favourite, so I’m sharing my review to help you decide if they’re right for you.
WUKA period underwear is some of the best on the market. They’re sustainable, effective, comfortable and ideal for travel. Here’s why.
Disclaimer: I’m an affiliate of WUKA which means I earn a small commission for every purchase at no extra cost to you. This is a sponsored post, however, all opinions in this WUKA review are 100% my own. I only promote products I know and trust.
What is WUKA?
WUKA Founder and Environmental Scientist Ruby Raut grew up in Nepal where the taboo around periods was widespread.
After arriving in the UK, she noticed there were a lot of period products but very few were comfortable, leakproof or eco-friendly.
In 2017, she founded WUKA to make the UK’s first-ever reusable and leakproof period pants.
WUKA stands for ‘Wake Up and Kick Ass’ to empower all those who menstruate no matter their background.
They continue to fight for period equality, bust taboos and put sustainability at the heart of their period wear.
WUKA period pants review
The pants I’m focusing on in this WUKA review are the WUKA Ultimate™ Midi Brief – Heavy.
It’s their bestselling pair and it’s suitable for heavy flows. It’s a good starting point if you’re wondering which pair to try first.
No matter which pair of WUKA pants you buy, they all feature effective leakproof fabrics. The only differences are the materials used, the shape of the underwear and how much liquid they can hold.
Performance | Rating |
Effectiveness | |
Size | |
Quality | |
Long-lasting | |
Sustainability | |
Value for money | |
Overall performance |
How the period pants work
So, what are WUKA period pants and how do they stop leaks?
Most period pants feature a multi-layered gusset with a mixture of fabrics.
- The top layer is moisture-wicking to draw moisture away from you and help you feel dry.
- The highly absorbent middle layers lock in the blood and prevent it from seeping through.
- The outer layers are moisture-wicking, breathable and odour-resistant to prevent smells or leaks from escaping.
Many period pants have multiple layers of microfibre polyester with outer layers made from nylon or lycra which are treated with a water-repellant film (PFAS).
No WUKA pants are treated with PFAs or antibacterial sprays. They regularly test their fabrics for chemical traces.
They also use eco-friendly and responsibly sourced materials. I’ll talk more about that later!
My WUKA period underwear review: Do they really work?
Here’s how I got on in this WUKA period pants review:
First impressions
My pair of Ultimate Midi Briefs arrived wrapped in plastic-free and compostable packaging. They felt soft and I liked the look of the delicate mesh detail paired with the thick waistband.
I was impressed with the construction of the gusset which rose high up the pants for good front and back protection.
The stitching around the gusset wasn’t visible on the outside which made the lines less noticeable and I couldn’t see anything showing through clothes.
When I put them on, they were true to size. I was pleased to see the absorbent layers weren’t noticeable and I didn’t have a nappy-like look going on.
The mesh wrapped around the hips and looked stylish. I didn’t feel like I was wearing enormous underpants!
Heavy / medium flow
At first, I was apprehensive to try them with nothing else so I eased in with a menstrual cup. There were no leaks so I took the cup away and was impressed to find there were still no leaks.
The gusset didn’t feel heavy or damp so the moisture-wicking fabric was doing a good job of keeping the outer layers dry.
Overnight
Since WUKA period pants heavy flow briefs can last between six to eight hours, they should last the night but I decided to play it safe with an additional menstrual cup.
It was a good match. I was more comfortable so I slept better and didn’t wake up in the middle of the night.
I tried the pants on their own without the cup and while there were no leaks, I still felt better with the cup as it felt drier and more secure. I may feel different with WUKA’s Super Heavy or Overnight period pants.
Long days
Long days when I’m sightseeing, running errands, travelling or on walks are all activities I prefer to avoid when it’s the heavy time of my cycle.
I used the period pants on long heavy days with a cup as they lasted longer. I could treat them like a normal pair of undies rather than worry about changing them every few hours.
They worked a treat as they stopped leaks from the cup and I felt comfortable and dry. My days were much more productive too!
Travelling
I talk more about travelling later in this WUKA period pants review but I’ll briefly mention that they did work well.
Cleaning and storing damp pants was tricky at times though. You need good bathroom facilities with running water to rinse them out and hanging them dry isn’t very hostel-friendly unless you don’t mind them being on show.
Still, no period product is 100% perfect for travel. Pads and tampons can be expensive abroad so you have to cram as many of them as possible in your bag.
You need hot running water to clean your menstrual cup and boiling water to keep it hygienic.
It comes down to what works best for you. As for storing wet laundry, WUKA has a washbag for that.
How to use WUKA period pants
WUKA’s Ultimate Midi Brief is a complete replacement for all other period products.
Wear them like a standard pair of underwear and change them up to every 12 hours. You may have to change them a few times a day depending on your flow.
At the very least, have a pair for the day and a pair for the night.
If you’re just starting to make the switch to period pants, I recommend using them with a menstrual cup. Then wear them on their own during a lighter day to build confidence.
How to wash WUKA period pants
Step 1: After use, put them in a sink with cold running water and ring them out gently until the water runs clear. You don’t need to use detergents at this point.
Step 2: Add them to a mesh underwear bag and put them in the washing machine. The bag isn’t essential but it will prolong the life of your pants.
Step 3: Wash at 30 degrees Celsius with other similar colours. Use a gentle washing detergent and avoid fabric conditioner.
Step 4: Hang or line dry somewhere warm. Don’t put them on radiators or tumble dry as the heat will cause the fabrics to degrade.
Editor’s tip: If you’re not ready to wash your period underwear in the machine, you could handwash them. Or rinse and hang them up until laundry day and follow from step 2 of these WUKA period pants washing instructions.
Can you use WUKA period pants for travelling?
Yes! I like wearing my Heavy pair for long journeys as it gives me peace of mind. It also saves me from carrying around endless boxes of tampons in my luggage.
I still sometimes use a menstrual cup for more protection.
I also feel better about my impact as a traveller as I’m not contributing to plastic waste with disposable tampons.
Cleaning
The biggest challenge is storing used period pants when travelling. I recommend getting a zip-up waterproof changing bag to pop them into on the go.
As soon as you can, wash and dry them as you don’t want to carry around wet undies for too long. *Mildew alert.*
At the airport
I’ve taken clean damp undies in a washbag in my suitcase through airport security and have been fine.
I haven’t worn them though as extra padding and liquid may flag the scanners. If I wear them for a flight, I put them on after security just to avoid any awkwardness!
Editor’s tip: Airport security scanners can’t see inside the body so they wouldn’t detect tampons or menstrual cups.
Hiking and sightseeing
Period pants are best for when I’m hiking or sightseeing on a trip. I don’t have to worry about bathroom facilities or leaks.
They’re comfortable, discreet and allow me to confidently enjoy my day.
I’m not inhibited if I want to spend most of the day outdoors. WUKA even has period-proof swimwear for the beach!
How long can you wear WUKA period pants?
The answer is it depends on your flow, but here’s what you can aim for:
- Super Heavy – up to 24 hours, but ideally 12 hours (x12 tampons or 60ml)
- Heavy – up to 6-8 hours (x4 tampons or 20ml)
- Medium – up to 6-8 hours (x3 tampons or 15ml)
- Light – up to 6-8 hours (x1 tampon or 7ml)
As you can see, most WUKA pants can be worn for up to eight hours depending on how heavy your cycle is.
If you want to wear them overnight or travelling, I recommend Super Heavy or Heavy as they give you extra leakproof protection.
Should you size up or down with WUKA?
WUKA has an inclusive range of sizing from XXS to 6XL and a size chart so you can find your best fit.
I got the Ultimate Midi Brief in XS and they fit well. They have an elasticated waist so if they pinch a bit, they should stretch after a few washes.
If you shop from the Basics collection, WUKA recommends a size up as they run small.
How long do WUKA period pants last?
Period pants are most effective for about two years depending on how well you look after them and the length of your cycle.
There’s no reason why you can’t keep them for longer if you look after them. Just watch for wear and tear or leaking around the seams.
If you’re unsure about whether they’re still effective, add a menstrual cup for extra protection.
Can period pants save you money?
WUKA period pants require an initial upfront investment which is significantly more than a pack of pads or tampons but can they save money in the long run?
WUKA states that the Ultimate Midi Briefs save about 200 tampons from going to landfill.
According to the charity Bloody Good Period, the average person spends around £8 a month on disposable period products.
That’s a total of £192 after two years.
Eight pairs of WUKA Ultimate Midi Briefs – Heavy at £20.99 each is £167.92. This is supposing you don’t use any discounts and don’t buy Super Heavy, Medium or Light pairs or any of the Basics collection.
We’re all different so the exact amount varies. Which? recommends calculating the average amount you spend on period products a month.
Then work out the price of each tampon and multiply it by how many you go through in a cycle.
WUKA might not be the cheapest period pants but buying cheap only leads to you replacing them more frequently.
Editor’s tip: Did you know period pants are classed as essential and no longer have VAT? Scrapping the period pants tax has saved you up to £2 on average.
Do period pants smell?
Not if you maintain them properly!
WUKA’s underwear is odour-resistant as it contains antibacterial properties. It’s a good idea to change them regularly as a build-up of wet fabrics can start to smell.
If you notice mustiness, add a few drops of white vinegar to cold water and soak your period pants for up to 20 minutes.
You can also add white vinegar to your laundry to further combat it.
The pros and cons of WUKA period pants
Pros | Cons |
Comfortable and easy to use | You need multiple days for each day |
Zero leakage | A little expensive |
No added chemicals | They take a while to dry |
A more sustainable choice | Difficult to transport while wet |
An ethical company | N/A |
An inclusive range | N/A |
What I love about WUKA period underwear
Comfortable and easy to use
There are no weird contortions, no long and complicated instructions and no alarming warnings about toxic shock. I can just slip period pants on like normal pants and then go about my day.
The elasticated waist stops them from sliding down and while the material around the gusset is thick, the pants don’t balloon and have a nappy-like look.
Zero leakage
WUKA’s period pants do what they say on the packet. They’re leakproof!
I don’t have to panic about ruined underwear or clothes and the moisture-wicking material prevents any disconcerting feelings of dampness.
No added chemicals
There is some concern over the long-term effects of period underwear on health. According to WebMD, some period pants contained high levels of PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), AKA ‘forever chemicals.’
PFAS are used for waterproof fabrics (e.g. outdoor gear). They can take over 1,000 years to break down and they build up in the environment, animals and us.
Long-term exposure to PFAS in the most intimate parts of your body may have health risks.
With WUKA, you don’t have to worry. None of their period wear is treated with PFAS or antibacterial sprays. They regularly test to ensure the fabrics they source are safe.
A more sustainable choice
Period pants are more sustainable than pads or tampons as they’re reusable. WUKA is even more sustainable than most other high-street period pants.
Their period underwear is made from high-quality and eco-friendly materials, including:
- Organic cotton certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)
- TENCEL Modal, biodegradable fabric made from responsibly sourced wood pulp
- Recycled nylon from plastic waste certified by Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
The gusset contains polyester which helps it stay leakproof. It’s plastic but it’s better than the 200+ disposable plastic tampons it saves from landfills.
I’m yet to see effective period pants that don’t include polyester.
Ethical company
Garment workers are often exploited so a transparent supply chain is critical for ethical brands.
I’m pleased to see that WUKA doesn’t disappoint.
Their period pants are made by a female-founded factory in Shenzhen, China which is audited by ISO, BSCI and FDA. All workers have health insurance and get paid a fair wage.
WUKA also visits the factory regularly to maintain their close relationship and ensure practices align with their ethical values.
An inclusive range
I’m not just talking about the impressive sizing from XXS to 6XL. WUKA provides leakproof solutions for teenagers as well as adults.
I’m sure most of us can recall embarrassing moments dealing with periods as teens.
It’s great to see that girls today have much better options for period wear that help them feel empowered about their cycle.
If only they had been around a decade earlier!
What I don’t love about WUKA period pants
You need multiple pairs for each day
Period pants aren’t like regular underwear. You should change them multiple times a day, which means carrying spare pairs.
You might get away with a day pair and night pair if you use them as a backup with a menstrual cup.
A little expensive
Period pants are an expensive upfront investment as you have to buy multiple pairs for your cycle.
The WUKA Ultimate Collection is pricey in comparison to others on the market. The Basics Collection is a bit cheaper but they add up if want to buy a pack.
If buying a full set of period knickers is too much, start with two or three pairs and add them strategically to your cycle. I like to do nights or when I’m out for most of the day.
After a few months, add another two or three pairs to your collection and repeat until you have a system you like.
Editor’s tip: WUKA does regular discounts and rewards to help you save money when buying multiple pairs. Look out for sales and 3 for 2 discounts on their website.
They take a while to dry
They take a while to get fully dry since you can only hang them up. You can’t just wash them and expect them to be ready to go the next day.
In winter, they can take even longer to dry out. That’s why I recommend getting a pack of them so you always have one or two clean, dry pairs lined up.
What else is in WUKA’s range?
Period pants
WUKA’s period pants cover teenagers and adults. They also have collections for menopause, postpartum and incontinence.
If you’re not a fan of midi briefs, you can find a style that suits you best, including hipsters, bikinis, high waist, thongs and boxer shorts. You can also get sports shorts and leggings.
Most period pants come in black but there are a few colours and prints available. There’s even a lace collection!
WUKA swimwear
WUKA has a range of period-proof bikini bottoms and swimsuits available in five colours. I have the Period Racerback Swimsuit in black.
It has a capacity for 15 ml or three tampons and it’s waterproof so you don’t get half the ocean in the gusset. It’s also anti-chlorine.
It’s my go-to for period days at the beach or by the pool. I can jump in the water and not worry about leaks. On heavier days, menstrual cups are recommended for extra backup.
The swimsuit looks good too with its flattering shape and diamond-cut back. The chest is well-padded and the all-important leakproof gusset is subtle. You can’t tell it’s period wear.
WUKA swimwear is made from recycled nylon. After use, I cold wash it and hang it to dry.
WUKA period pants review: The verdict
WUKA period pants are ideal if you’re keen to cut single-use plastic out of your cycle, want leakproof comfort and prefer to avoid forever chemicals.
Washing and storing period pants when travelling can be challenging, but their long-lasting leakproof comfort makes them worthwhile for me.
The period pants have an absorbent layer which is slim, inconspicuous and easy to fit in my suitcase with my other clothes. They are essential to my sustainable packing list.
Along with my WUKA swimwear, I can enjoy complete protection and peace of mind on holiday and in everyday life.
I hope you found this WUKA review useful. Are period pants right for you? Let me know in the comments!
