How they work

AWWA period-proof underwear look and feel just like your normal underwear, but can hold and absorb up to five regular pads or tampons worth of blood.

Our rigorously tested NZ designed period underwear features:

• innovative super slim fabric - no bulky layers here! 
• a super-absorbent layer to hold and absorb your flow
• anti-microbial and moisture wicking technology to keep you dry and feeling fresh
• a soft organic cotton layer closest to your skin, designed to draw moisture away fast
• a leak-resistant barrier to prevent any leakage
• flattering cuts that fit comfortably but firmly to help prevent spills, and feel stylish and sleek

Depending on your flow, you choose to wear AWWA period underwear as an alternative to pads, tampons or cups, or in conjunction with other menstrual products. Whatever works for you is great with us!

Still have questions? Check out our AWWA period-proof underwear FAQs below.

COMFORTABLE AND SLEEK 

Our period undies are soft and look just like your normal knickers. But better.

Take the worry out of your day 

AWWA period underwear's absorbent, anti-microbial and leak-resistant layers keep you feeling fresh and dry, and take leaks out of the equation. They’re safe and easy to use, with no risk of toxic shock syndrome.  


EASY TO WASH

Simply rinse in cold water, then wash on a cold cycle with your normal clothes. Line dry. Don't use fabric softener as it prevents the moisture-wicking and anti-microbial technologies from working.  

ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE

By choosing AWWA period underwear, you’re helping to reduce the massive number of single-use menstrual products that end up in landfills (over 350 million in New Zealand every year!)

FEEL GOOD

You're helping to end period poverty in New Zealand. We're committed to donating the equivalent of 2% revenue (by way of product donations) in every financial year.

Plus AWWA is designed in New Zealand and ethically manufactured in our partner factories in Sri Lanka and China. Both our manufacturers pay a fair wage, provide ethical work conditions and take environmental sustainability seriously. They have processes and practices in place to reduce their waste output, and source sustainable fabrics.

What’s not to love? Explore our range

SIZE GUIDE

Your hip measurement is the most important one when trying to find the right size underwear. For some of our styles it's also helpful to know your waist measurement.

AWWA underwear is made true to size so your best bet is to use our size chart below and consider the size of underwear you currently wear. 

All the FAQ's on everything you ever wanted to know about AWWA Underwear

HOW MUCH LIQUID DO THEY HOLD? 

AWWA underwear has been rigorously tested. Depending on the style you purchase they can hold between 1 -5 regular pads/tampons worth of menstrual blood.

CAN THEY REPLACE ALL OTHER MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS?

This depends on you and your flow — you know your body best. AWWA underwear can be used instead of other menstrual products, or for those with a heavy flow you may choose to wear them as a backup to your tampon or cup. We suggest you test your own limits.

SO NO ODOUR? NO DAMPNESS?

We have used the latest innovations in fabrics to prevent odour and dampness. The anti-microbial layer fights bacteria and odours, and the moisture wicking cotton quickly draws moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry.

HOW DO I WASH THEM?

We recommend rinsing by hand first, then pop in a cold wash with your other clothes and line dry. DO NOT use fabric softener as it prevents the moisture wicking and anti-microbial technologies from working.  

DO I NEED TO PRE-WASH THEM?

We recommend washing your underwear prior to first use, as this can help activate the absorbent layer, ensuring you get maximum protection

ARE THEY ECO-FRIENDLY?

Hell yes! By replacing single use pads and tampons, AWWA underwear helps prevent millions of pads and tampons ending up in our waterways and landfill every year. 

As a business we lead by example when it comes to environmental sustainability. AWWA is a carbon positive business. This means that we have offset all our business operation emissions to 120%. Check out our sustainability page for more info.

CAN MY TEENAGER WEAR THEM?

Absolutely! Our underwear can be worn by all wahine. We have made them available in a full range of sizes including a specific teen period underwear range.  

CAN I USE AWWA FOR THINGS OTHER THAN MY PERIOD?

Of course! AWWA underwear is also suitable for spotting and minor bladder weakness (pregnant and older women rejoice). You might even love them so much that you decide to wear them every day. You do you.

WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF? WILL THEY IRRATE MY SENSITIVE SKIN?

The layer closest to your skin is 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex. Other fabrics used on our Eva Brief, Frankie Brief and Skye High are are recycled nylon and spandex. They shouldn’t irritate even sensitive skin.

ARE THEY COMFORTABLE THOUGH?

They look and feel just like your normal underwear. We’re not kidding! In fact some would say they’re even more comfortable than your normal underwear.

ARE THEY ETHICALLY MADE?

AWWA underwear is manufactured by a company who provides ethical work conditions and takes environmental sustainability seriously. We spent a lot of time researching how and where our underwear is made. AWWA underwear is made in two factories in Sri Lanka and China. Both our partner factories pay a fair wage and have processes and practices in place to reduce their waste output, and source sustainable fabrics.

HOW CAN I SMASH THE PATRIARCHY?

We’re working on it. But here’s a start:

• buy your underwear from a female-run business
• manage your period in comfort
• get out there and change the world.