Real talk: I tested Thinx period underwear on my heaviest day

I got my first period when I was 12 years old, and although I didn’t know anything about menstruation at the time, I knew I had to prevent it from leaking through and staining my clothes. For years I resorted to using pads and tampons during that time of the month, and although I’m now a menstrual cup type of girl, my interest was piqued when I saw advertisements for Thinx underwear posted all over New York City.

The female-founded brand claims that some of its period panties can hold up to two tampons’ worth of blood while also protecting against leaks—so obviously it had to be a lie, or at the least an extremely uncomfortable experience. I squirmed at the thought of marinating in a period-filled diaper all day, but as time passed by I kept hearing raving reviews about Thinx. But how could that be possible?

I made up my mind to put a pair to the test to settle my itching curiosity, and in the name of journalism and true reporting, I decided to try them out on the heaviest day of my period.

The ones I chose were high-waisted with mesh paneling on the side, and despite being period panties, they were actually really cute and kind of sexy(?!). I wore them with black jeans and an oversized top that covered my derriere in case of an accident, but it turns out those extra steps were was completely unnecessary—they worked!

I went a whole day without any leaks and I’m happy to report that it did not feel like I was sitting in a moist diaper—it felt, dare I say it, completely normal. If the leak-prevention aspect doesn’t pique your attention, then I urge you to think about the amount of ruined underwear you’ve accumulated over the years due to period stains—now remember that Thinx panties are literally designed to withstand even your angriest flow.

Sold? Me too.

I won’t lie and say I’m not still skeptical, but I think it’s more the mental block than anything else since I’ve had nothing but incredible experiences using them. I now use them every time I get my period and can’t imagine not having them in my life. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but if you’re curious to try them out, I highly recommend you do.

Thinx panties range in price from $24 to $39 and can be purchased on their website. If you fall in love with them like the same way I did, the brand also offers savers sets, so you can get more pieces at a discounted price—just FYI.