ORDERS, SHIPPING & RETURNS
My order is incorrect, what do I do?
If we accidentally send you the wrong item or order please contact hello@awwaperiodcare.com so we can get it sorted. You have up to 20 days post order date to notify us that you have received an incorrect item or order.
I made a mistake in my order, how can I change it?
We work hard to get your order to you fast, if you discover that you have made a mistake with your order please contact us immediately at hello@awwaperiodcare.com so that we can try and fix the error before courier collection. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee we will be able to amend your order, but we will do our best.
How fast are shipping times?
DOMESTIC ORDERS
We send your parcel via nationwide overnight courier service within New Zealand. Orders received before midday (NZST) on weekdays, excluding public holidays will be sent on that day. Rural deliveries can take up to 2 working days longer. Please note, all delivery times are approximate, and during sale or high volume order periods dispatch may be slightly delayed
We send our online orders via a courier which requires signature upon receipt. AWWA is not responsible for the loss of parcels if the customer has created an Authority to Leave at the address which an order is delivered to. Please ensure your address details are correct as AWWA takes no responsibility for deliveries which are made to addresses entered in error.
Please note: We do not ship to PO Boxes as we require the signature of the recipient.
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS
We ship all over the world. Please be aware we cannot be responsible for individual countries customs fees and import taxes.
Any costs incurred by AWWA for the return of parcels where there has been a refusal to accept and pay any duties or taxes in import country will be deducted from the refund total.
What is your return policy?
We are happy to accept returns of unopened, unworn, non-sale underwear within 20 days of delivery, for store credit. Due to the intimate nature of our products, we are unable to offer refunds.
For the health and safety of our staff, we are unable to accept returns of worn underwear. Additionally, since worn items cannot be donated and must be discarded, accepting returns of used products does not align with our values around sustainability and the protection of our environment.
Because we are not able to offer returns on underwear that has been removed from its packaging, we recommend opening and trying only one pair of underwear to ensure fit, before opening any remaining pairs in your order.
At this time, we are unable to accommodate exchanges. As a small business with limited inventory, we have established a policy of providing store credit for returns in order to effectively manage our inventory.
Click here to initiate a return.
CLEARANCE
Clearance items are final sale and cannot be accepted for return. All other products not listed under this policy are final sale.
PLEASE NOTE:
Customers are responsible for all costs associated with return shipments. Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
You will receive store credit via email, for any returned goods, minus any discounts applied to your original order.
Returns will be processed within 7-10 days of receipt at our warehouse.
Awwa is not responsible for lost return shipments, or any charges associated with return shipments. All sales are final 20 days after delivery.
FUNDRAISING PURCHASES
All fundraising purchases are final sale.
PRODUCT INFO
How do period underwear work?
Our rigorously tested, NZ designed period underwear features 4 layers to absorb and hold your period blood, discharge or bladder leakage:
• 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
Can AWWA period underwear replace disposable pads and tampons?
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.
Will they smell or feel wet?
We have used the latest fabric innovations to prevent odour and dampness. Our anti-microbial layer fights bacteria and odours, and the moisture wicking cotton quickly draws moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry.
How much blood can AWWA underwear hold?
AWWA underwear has been rigorously tested for absorbency. Depending on the style you purchase they can hold up to 5 regular pads/tampons worth of blood.
Do they feel bulky, like you're wearing a nappy?
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.
What are AWWA underwear made of? Will they irritate my skin?
Awwa underwear are available in three main fabrics - Tencel, organic cotton & recycled nylon. In all of our styles the absorbent layer closest to your skin is 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex. For sensitive skin, we recommend our Tencel and organic cotton styles.
Do they contain PFAS?
We are committed to revolutionising periods for menstruators while doing everything we can to care for you and Papatūānuku, our planet. We would never intentionally add anything harmful to our period underwear, including PFAS. Read our PFAS Policy.
Fabrics used in the production of our underwear have been tested by Bureau Veritas in China. They test for Fluorine, as this is the key detection which would indicate the presence of PFAS (as there are thousands of different variants of PFAS).
The test results came back as ND (None detected). NOTE: A test result under 10 ppm (parts per million) is considered “ND”. If PFAS are intentionally added, the quantities will be much higher!
You can view our test results here:
How long do they last before I need to replace them?
AWWA last up to two years following our care instructions, as long as you haven't used a dryer or fabric softener during that time. These can inhibit absorbency and ruin the leakproof membrane. You'll know when it's time to replace your period undies when you notice leaking through to the bottom of your undies, indicating that the leakproof membrane has worn out.
What size should I buy?
Firstly, make sure you measure yourself using our size guide. Your hip measurement is the most important one when trying to find the right size underwear. For some of our higher waisted styles it's also helpful to know your waist measurement.
Can I wear them for pregnancy or postpartum?
Yes! For pregnancy, AWWA are great for light bladder leakage and discharge. For postpartum, generally we advise to wait the first few days after giving birth as your discharge will include blood, clots and lochia. Clots and lochia contain solid and mucousy discharge and will (similar to the way a pad works) not allow the gusset to absorb effectively.
Can they be used for light bladder leaks or discharge?
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!
HOW TO CARE FOR AWWA
Should I wash my underwear before wearing?
Yes! As with any garment, we recommend washing your AWWA before wearing on your ikura (period.) This step is very important for activating the absorbent technology in the underwear.
How do I wash my period underwear?
We recommend rinsing thoroughly by hand first, then pop in a cold wash with your other clothes and line dry. DO NOT use fabric softener as it can block and prevent the moisture wicking and anti-microbial technologies from working.
Why do my underwear smell, even after washing?
There are a few reasons why your AWWA might develop an odour. Here are some tips to help avoid odour issues:
- Be sure to properly rinse your AWWA underwear, until the water runs clear, before washing.
- Don't leave your rinsed, wet undies sitting for too long before washing. If you aren't going to be washing them right away, hang them up to dry after rinsing, then put them in your hamper until you're ready to wash a load.
- Don't use too much laundry detergent when washing your AWWA undies. If you use too much detergent, it wont rinse clean and will lead to build up in your underwear, which bacteria can cling to.
- Avoid fabric softener, scent boosters and other laundry additives that might leave a residue on your underwear. Bacteria can cling to this residue and lead to odour issues.
- Ensure your underwear are fully dry before storing.
If you are still experiencing odour issues, try washing with a hygiene rinse, or try soaking your underwear in a vinegar soak (one part white vinegar, 4 parts water.) Soak for 30 minutes to an hour, then wash as usual and dry in sunlight.
Can I put my period underwear in the dryer?
We do not recommend putting your AWWA period underwear into the dryer, as you are unable to control the temperature of a dryer once the machine is running. Even on a low heat setting it is still unknown what that temperature could be. Excessive heat can compromise the leak proof layer resulting in leakage.
IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY
Is AWWA carbon positive? What does that mean?
Yes, we have measured and offset 120% (at least) of our carbon footprint for our business operations with certified carbon credits through Ekos.
Does AWWA use sustainable materials
We only use natural, organic and recycled fabrics, and toxin-free processes. Including: Certified recycled nylon, fabric dyed in an Oeko-Tex certified mill and 100% certified organic cotton yarn.
Does AWWA have a traceable supply chain?
We use a mix of ethical suppliers and have full traceability across our supply chain from cotton growers to nylon recycling processes, spinning, dyeing, fabric & trims supply, to cut & sew production.
Are AWWA period underwear sustainable?
By replacing single use pads and tampons, AWWA underwear helps prevent millions of pads and tampons ending up in landfills and waterways 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.
Are AWWA period underwear ethically made?
AWWA underwear is manufactured at factories that provide ethical work conditions and take 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.