Anybody try THINX underwear?

[wildbeast]

This new underwear is designed for women on their periods.  The concept sounds fantastic and I've read a couple of positive blogger reviews on it, but they're pricey - $34 each, and I never know if those blogger (compensated) reviews are true.  I think if you used them, you would need several pairs to switch out as needed, so the investment could be substantial.  But might be worthwhile from an environmental and comfort aspect - if they work as advertised.

Would love to hear if anyone has tried them and what you thought of them. 

[galliver]

I got one pair to try. They basically work as advertised, including the time limit (10-12 hrs). I rather like them for the lighter days, and have been thinking about getting a few more pairs, though I don't think they would substitute for other products on all days.

[galliver]

A few more notes: I've only had them a few months, can't speak to durability. You can machine wash them, but I usually hand wash. You have to air dry and they take longer than regular panties. 

[Kitsune]

...Oh, man, these sound perfect. Pricy, but perfect.

(I usually control bleeding via IUDs or continual pill-taking, but... I'm planning on another 3 pregnancies over the next 10 years. Postpartum bleeding is 1.5-2 months, can't use a tampon, and pads give me the equivalent of a diaper rash, it sucks. This may just be worth buying 3-4 pairs for the postpartum period alone, next time...)

[NonprofitER]

A few of my friends have tried them and they report:
1. They love that they look/feel high quality and non-ugly
2. They all said they work great for any day except the heaviest flow day, where extra support was needed
3. All said washing them out before laundering was no big deal
4. One friend has a dog that has become super attracted to digging THNIX out of the laundry and eaten them... to the tune of doggy surgical removal. Even after putting the laundry behind a closed closet door, the dog is still irrationally focused on getting them whenever the door is left open. Just a data point to consider if you  have nosy dogs.

[wildbeast]

Thanks for the reply gallaver.  Are they really as comfortable as promised?  I have a hard time believing that they won't feel icky after a few hours.  Although I want to believe!  :)

[wildbeast]

A few of my friends have tried them and they report:
1. They love that they look/feel high quality and non-ugly
2. They all said they work great for any day except the heaviest flow day, where extra support was needed
3. All said washing them out before laundering was no big deal
4. One friend has a dog that has become super attracted to digging THNIX out of the laundry and eaten them... to the tune of doggy surgical removal. Even after putting the laundry behind a closed closet door, the dog is still irrationally focused on getting them whenever the door is left open. Just a data point to consider if you  have nosy dogs.

Thanks for the feedback!  Too bad about the dog's surgery. 

[galliver]

Thanks for the reply gallaver.  Are they really as comfortable as promised?  I have a hard time believing that they won't feel icky after a few hours.  Although I want to believe!  :)

They feel slightly "diapery" but not as much as a pad--after a few minutes you feel pretty much like wearing normal undies--which is good except (as someone else mentioned) the heaviest flow day, or two. They have a fluid locking layer so they only get slightly damp (not much different than a pad). They do get...unpleasant if you wear them too long on a moderate/heavier day and can start to leak a bit...much like a pad.

If you're considering them, I do recommend getting one pair and trying for yourself. I would definitely definitely recommend for the last day or two or three (depending on how it tapers off for you) so if you don't think they can handle more you can just use them for that.

4. One friend has a dog that has become super attracted to digging THNIX out of the laundry and eaten them... to the tune of doggy surgical removal. Even after putting the laundry behind a closed closet door, the dog is still irrationally focused on getting them whenever the door is left open. Just a data point to consider if you  have nosy dogs.

I had a roommate with two dogs, one of which would get into the bathroom trash that time of month and scatter it ALL over! I want to think I was always the one who found that mess...else it's too embarrassing to consider >_< I can totally believe a similarly-minded dog would go for THINX with single-minded determination. :/

Same dog also tore some keys off other roomie's computer, and apparently went to doggy ER for getting into razor blades and pills on two occasions...it just had an oral fixation and a death wish and little training to balance these out,  it seems...

[frances]

Yes, I have 3 pairs. I use them in addition to my Keeper on heavy days and on their own towards the end of my cycle. They're incredibly comfortable and don't feel like I'm wearing a diaper and they don't shift around like pads. I have gone on long bike rides with them too and it's such a difference in comfort. It set me back like $80 for 3 pairs but I'd say it's worth it for the quality of life and environmental friendliness factors.

Here's a referral link for anyone interested. You get $10 off, I get a $10 credit: http://fbuy.me/dPSOM

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I want these so much but I already have cloth pads, so can't justify the cost. Thinking of sewing cloth pad liners into spare undies to make my own, for cup backup.

[Missk]

Yes! I have two pairs and I love them. Even use on heavy days and they are fine.

There are two problems with them but I feel they are way better than pads or a tampon (still have not tried a diva cup so I cannot rightfully compare):

1. Feels like you have on a wet swimsuit.
2. They do trap and retain an odor.

[Kriegsspiel]

As I lay there, struggling for breath, fading to black, and unable to move, I had an epiphany. There really ARE some things worth living for. So I tore off my new Spanx top.

[catccc]

I personally wouldn't like the wetness.  I love the diva cup, which I've been using for maybe 8-10 years now.

[pbkmaine]

As I lay there, struggling for breath, fading to black, and unable to move, I had an epiphany. There really ARE some things worth living for. So I tore off my new Spanx top.

I love you, Kriegsspiel.

[Elle 8]

I haven't tried this underwear but I have recently discovered cloth pads and I'm really liking them.  They come in all shapes and sizes.  Check out Etsy if you're interested.  Some are like works of art!  I started with some light absorbency liners because I was needing them every day due to erratic spotting.  Now I'm hooked.  It seems to me that the cloth pads would be more convenient than a pair of underwear because you can change them as needed without having to take your pants off.

[Basenji]

I'm gonna TMI a bit, but since you asked...
I bought a pair to try. My main issues that I hoped Thinx would help with were super flow days where I want a little backup to the tampon, the last taper off days to avoid wearing a pad or tampon, and most importantly nighttime. I wear a pad at night (paranoid about TSS and wearing tampons overnight), but no matter the length or wings I get leakage forward and back. I was hoping the Thinx would solve that. But on heavy nights I'll still need to wear a pad with the Thinx because I leaked through them in the "center." They'll be great for the last few days of my period definitely and as insurance against leaks on super heavy days. I find the pair I have, hiphuggers, very comfortable and better than a pad. I don't feel wet. I hand washed them and they dried in less than a day, so you wouldn't need one per day of you wash every day. They aren't frugal and reusable pads would be cheaper, so I haven't yet bought more pairs. Experimenting this week, so to speak...

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I haven't tried this underwear but I have recently discovered cloth pads and I'm really liking them.  They come in all shapes and sizes.  Check out Etsy if you're interested.  Some are like works of art!  I started with some light absorbency liners because I was needing them every day due to erratic spotting.  Now I'm hooked.  It seems to me that the cloth pads would be more convenient than a pair of underwear because you can change them as needed without having to take your pants off.

I liked cloth pads at first, but over time, I have come to hate them passionately. They're gross and they always shift around and feel wet, and the metal snaps are uncomfortable for bike riding. I now have a menstrual cup and use them only as backup.

It does seem like Thinx alone would be problematic for heavy flow days because of the difficulty of changing them. They could be cup or tampon backup. Or what my sister does is wear a pad and a tampon together, then later pull the tampon out and just wear the pad. (She works 12-hour shifts and I guess she doesn't want to linger in the work toilet.) Seems like that would also work with Thinx. (In fact, she just bought a supply herself.)

I WANT THEM. I want them so much. But they are so expensive!

[marblejane]

I'm gonna TMI a bit, but since you asked...
I bought a pair to try. My main issues that I hoped Thinx would help with were super flow days where I want a little backup to the tampon, the last taper off days to avoid wearing a pad or tampon, and most importantly nighttime. I wear a pad at night (paranoid about TSS and wearing tampons overnight), but no matter the length or wings I get leakage forward and back. I was hoping the Thinx would solve that. But on heavy nights I'll still need to wear a pad with the Thinx because I leaked through them in the "center." They'll be great for the last few days of my period definitely and as insurance against leaks on super heavy days. I find the pair I have, hiphuggers, very comfortable and better than a pad. I don't feel wet. I hand washed them and they dried in less than a day, so you wouldn't need one per day of you wash every day. They aren't frugal and reusable pads would be cheaper, so I haven't yet bought more pairs. Experimenting this week, so to speak...

That's so interesting- my experience is that they take exceptionally long to dry, like 2 days, for me.

[Basenji]

Re drying, to be clear, I'd need 2, day 1, then wash, day 2 a new pair, wash, then day 3 could be pair 1 again.

[syrelle]

I originally bought three pairs of THINX. I like them quite a bit, but I did find that I had trouble getting them to last the whole day (particularly on the heavier flow days). So, I combined them with cloth panty liners (bought from GladRags). I think I can officially say that my troubles are over. This past cycle was the very first one in which I did not have to use any disposables. 

Maybe it's TMI, but I have never been able to use tampons. I hated the DIVA cup, even after trying it for several days (and I was so excited about it, too... highly disappointing), so that's why I was really wanting a solution that would work for me. For those of you who prefer pads to tampons, do consider THINX and resuable cloth pads as a backup. I think you'll be quite happy with the results.

[galliver]

I'm gonna TMI a bit, but since you asked...
I bought a pair to try. My main issues that I hoped Thinx would help with were super flow days where I want a little backup to the tampon, the last taper off days to avoid wearing a pad or tampon, and most importantly nighttime. I wear a pad at night (paranoid about TSS and wearing tampons overnight), but no matter the length or wings I get leakage forward and back. I was hoping the Thinx would solve that. But on heavy nights I'll still need to wear a pad with the Thinx because I leaked through them in the "center." They'll be great for the last few days of my period definitely and as insurance against leaks on super heavy days. I find the pair I have, hiphuggers, very comfortable and better than a pad. I don't feel wet. I hand washed them and they dried in less than a day, so you wouldn't need one per day of you wash every day. They aren't frugal and reusable pads would be cheaper, so I haven't yet bought more pairs. Experimenting this week, so to speak...

I've tended to have bad leakage front and/or back at times. Two ideas to consider: I've had luck with "normal" (for me) ultrathin pads with (in a pinch) a second pair of undies or (my preference) tight stretchy shorts to keep everything close to the body and avoid shifting/gapping that allows leaks. If you already do that or it's not enough, a past roommate of mine pointed out that old-school maxi pads (rather than thins) are better at preventing leaks. Obvious in retrospect but I'd never considered it. Haven't actually needed to try it yet, but I thought I would share in case it helps. Also, obviously compatible with strategy #1. May your cramps be mild and the chocolate be flowing during your, er, experimentation.

On a different note, Thinx really only hold up for 8-12 hrs. So even if they take 24 hr to dry (I think mine take longer and I'm in CA so what are you doing?) you need 3-4 pairs to wear continuously... 1st 12 hrs, 2-3 during the 24 hr drying period, then recycle. :)

[kitkat]

I love my THINX!

I started using DivaCup ~ 2 years ago, and while I really love it I still had occasional issues with small leaks, not being prepared the day my period started, etc. Now with THINX I have literally no worries. The 8-12 hour limit I would say only applies when you're using them sans-tampon/cup, so with them on as a backup I can go 1-2 days before changing. I bought 3 pairs and love the way all of them look/feel. I usually wash-as-I-go (especially when they actually get "used", as they do get some smell after a while) so by the time the 3rd pair is used the first 1 or 2 are ready to go (if needed). I guess I can see others' concerns with wetness/odor/dry time if you are trying to use these in isolation (on med/heavy days), but I would say none of that matters if you also use tampons or a cup. As someone who absolutely hates the waste from any disposables and the feel of any sort of pad, the cup+thinx combo has been a game changer.

[spicykissa]

Love these! I had seen them online and thought they were too expensive, but then I found an unopened three-pack for $6 at the thrift store. I'm on the pill, so my flow is never very heavy, but I can work an entire 12-hour shift in these and feel totally fine. No more going to my locker for tampons (or worse, leaking on my scrubs or risking TSS because I'm too busy for a bathroom break!).

[galliver]

2. They do trap and retain an odor.

Noticed an issue with this this week, and I think it really helped to soak in detergent overnight (I then rinsed them out in the shower in the AM). I also plan to put them through the machine to give them 30+ minutes of agitated washing to really rinse things through (vs the ~5 mins I can give them hand-washing). Maybe you've had yours longer and it becomes more of an issue, but thought I'd share with the group. :)

[RosieTR]

I got one each of the heavy, med, and light control per their ratings. I almost always use either light for taper or the heavy for backup. These are super esp for a couple of my activities. Swimming when on a heavy day means I can count on a fresh tampon for the hour workout but it's unpredictable how long it'll be til I need backup, and these mean no fiddling in the locker room after I change and go to work. Also quite nice for long summit climbs when I might otherwise have really awkward situation (me plus like 5 dudes above timberline is not a great situation to change a tampon).
I could not use a cup satisfactorally even trying two different brands. The reusable Gladrags are fine for light backup but not great for a serious issue on days when bathroom breaks are scarce.

[cheapbarb]

In reply to the odor issue- I've found that soaking stinky items in a white vinegar and water mix overnight removes the smell. I've used this method before with smelly workout gear. Just wash them normally after their soak and they should be fine.

[wildbeast]

I'm glad to see that the majority of the experiences with this product has been positive.  I'm in the process of losing weight so will wait and buy some when my size becomes stable.  And maybe they'll go down in price by then!

[Counting_Down]

I've also had good luck removing smells by adding a little bit of baking soda to the wash (fyi - 13 lb bag for $5 from a bulk store).  This is the only thing that will work for the significant's workout clothes.  Yeesh.

Also, I love my Thinx.  Worth every penny. 

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I am just trying mine out! First impressions!

1. Not wild about the fit. I like undies to come up higher, and these ride a little low on the hips, then the lace band makes them feel even lower. I keep wanting to yank them up, and they do sometimes roll into my c-section divet.

2. LOVE the protection level. In the six or seven hours it took me to get from the beach house to the airport and the plane and then the Uber back home, I couldn't go to the bathroom alone (small kids) and my menstrual cup, umm, started to overflow. This has happened before and it has been a gross mess, but my Thinx were THERE for me. I felt a lot more secure than when I am using a cloth pad as backup.

[norabird]

I like these a lot (though some pairs do fit better than others--I like the thong version for comfort surprisingly). I got mine from a friend, but worth buying if you're currently using a disposable.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I like these a lot (though some pairs do fit better than others--I like the thong version for comfort surprisingly). I got mine from a friend, but worth buying if you're currently using a disposable.

If you have interested friends, you can band together and order in quantity to get a discount. That's my sister and I did. They are normally $38 but I only paid $30 each with all the discounts.

If I wash them in the washing machine (so they get spun out), they dry overnight hanging up in the laundry closet. Even if they're kind of hidden behind the feather duster in case there's a showing on the house!

[Basenji]

Just bought 5 more. Not Mustachian, but I love them. TMI, since going off the pill I have vigorous periods. I like the backup. But expensive...

[Kitsune]

Can anyone answer a fit question? Do they fit big or small?

Also, if I'm planning on wearing these for the post-pregnancy bleeding period, are they high enough that they'll stay up, or is the post-partum belly likely to make them just roll down and wedge uncomfortably under the belly?

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Can anyone answer a fit question? Do they fit big or small?

Also, if I'm planning on wearing these for the post-pregnancy bleeding period, are they high enough that they'll stay up, or is the post-partum belly likely to make them just roll down and wedge uncomfortably under the belly?

I wear the same size in them as in my regular undies. I do NOT recommend for postpartum use. For one thing, extra laundry. I would do disposable. For another, I can't speak to vaginal delivery but they would be out of the question if you need a C-section. My Thinx still occasionally roll down into my incision area... and my "baby" is four.

[Kitsune]

Can anyone answer a fit question? Do they fit big or small?

Also, if I'm planning on wearing these for the post-pregnancy bleeding period, are they high enough that they'll stay up, or is the post-partum belly likely to make them just roll down and wedge uncomfortably under the belly?

I wear the same size in them as in my regular undies. I do NOT recommend for postpartum use. For one thing, extra laundry. I would do disposable. For another, I can't speak to vaginal delivery but they would be out of the question if you need a C-section. My Thinx still occasionally roll down into my incision area... and my "baby" is four.

Ugh. Last time, the regular pads basically gave me a diaper rash. And stuck on my stitches.

This sucks.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Can anyone answer a fit question? Do they fit big or small?

Also, if I'm planning on wearing these for the post-pregnancy bleeding period, are they high enough that they'll stay up, or is the post-partum belly likely to make them just roll down and wedge uncomfortably under the belly?

I wear the same size in them as in my regular undies. I do NOT recommend for postpartum use. For one thing, extra laundry. I would do disposable. For another, I can't speak to vaginal delivery but they would be out of the question if you need a C-section. My Thinx still occasionally roll down into my incision area... and my "baby" is four.

Ugh. Last time, the regular pads basically gave me a diaper rash. And stuck on my stitches.

This sucks.

I'm sorry! Let's hope that stitches were just a first-baby problem. And maybe a different brand of pads? I used regular maxis after the first, I dunno, four days or so.

[Kitsune]

Can anyone answer a fit question? Do they fit big or small?

Also, if I'm planning on wearing these for the post-pregnancy bleeding period, are they high enough that they'll stay up, or is the post-partum belly likely to make them just roll down and wedge uncomfortably under the belly?

I wear the same size in them as in my regular undies. I do NOT recommend for postpartum use. For one thing, extra laundry. I would do disposable. For another, I can't speak to vaginal delivery but they would be out of the question if you need a C-section. My Thinx still occasionally roll down into my incision area... and my "baby" is four.

Ugh. Last time, the regular pads basically gave me a diaper rash. And stuck on my stitches.

This sucks.

I'm sorry! Let's hope that stitches were just a first-baby problem. And maybe a different brand of pads? I used regular maxis after the first, I dunno, four days or so.

I hope the stitches were a 1st baby problem... but 9lb babies with huge heads tend to leave a mark (1st degree tear that was healed in 10 days, but still). I needed to soak the pads off the stitches a few times, it sucked.

I used the Always brand nighttime maxi pads, I think, and it was mostly ok but not great. Some uncomfortable rashiness I was hoping to avoid, but... bah, humbug.

[ariapluscat]

I want these so much but I already have cloth pads, so can't justify the cost. Thinking of sewing cloth pad liners into spare undies to make my own, for cup backup.

cloth pads are so worth it and waaaaay cheaper. there are actually a lot of non-absorbent period underwear available if you just want no leak back up

my friend got these and she loves them, but i can't justify the cost for the same reason (i already have cloth pads and could buy 3-4 more pads for 1 pair of thinx)

[greengardens]

cloth pads are so worth it and waaaaay cheaper. there are actually a lot of non-absorbent period underwear available if you just want no leak back up

my friend got these and she loves them, but i can't justify the cost for the same reason (i already have cloth pads and could buy 3-4 more pads for 1 pair of thinx)

Where did you find your cloth pads? How are they on odor?

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

cloth pads are so worth it and waaaaay cheaper. there are actually a lot of non-absorbent period underwear available if you just want no leak back up

my friend got these and she loves them, but i can't justify the cost for the same reason (i already have cloth pads and could buy 3-4 more pads for 1 pair of thinx)

Where did you find your cloth pads? How are they on odor?

You can get them from drugstore.com or maybe Amazon. I had both Gladrags and Luna Pads.

But I would not recommend anyone buy them. I know they're cheaper than Thinx, but they are so gross-feeling and so much less comfortable. If you insist, at least take the plunge and get a cup so you are only using the pads only for backup, and then it will help a little if you safety-pin them to the inside of your underwear. (I have only had this make a hole in my undies once, and they were old ones.) Otherwise, they will shift high up your backside.

These days I am using my cloth pads only at home in my jammies, where the shifting doesn't matter 'cause I can adjust as often as I want with no one seeing.