You bleed an average of 30–40 times in your lifetime. That's roughly 1,500 days wearing some kind of period protection. So why does so much of it still feel uncomfortable, unreliable, or like it's working against your body instead of with it?
That's the question joni set out to answer. And it's why we're launched joni leakproof period underwear that's built on the same values we've held since day one: radical transparency, unapologetic inclusion, and the belief that period care is a human right—not a luxury.
If you've been wondering what period underwear actually is, whether it'll work for you, how to care for it, or why a brand known for pads and tampons is expanding into reusables, keep reading. We're breaking down everything you need to know.
What Is Period Underwear, and Why Is It Actually Different?
Let's start with the basics. Period underwear looks like regular underwear—because it is. The difference? Built-in absorbent layers in the gusset catch and hold menstrual fluid without any external products.
Think of it as the bridge between traditional pads (which feel restrictive) and tampons (which can dry you out and carry risks that aren't talked about enough). Period underwear lets you move through your day without thinking about your period—not because you're suppressing it, but because your protection is actually integrated into what you're already wearing.
You can go to the gym in it. Sleep in it. Wear it under literally anything. And it actually stays in place, moves with you, and doesn't slip or bunch.
But here's what makes joni's period underwear different: we didn't rush it. We took time getting the science, materials, and design exactly right. And we did it with the same commitment to transparency, sustainability, and equity that defines everything joni makes.
Why joni Started with Disposables (And Why That Matters)
joni launched in March 2020 with one mission: make it possible for everyone who bleeds to access sustainable period care—because period care is a human right, not a privilege.
We started with disposable organic pads and tampons. Here's why that choice matters:
🩸 Accessibility means meeting people where they are. Disposables have the lowest barrier to entry—lowest cost, no learning curve, no upfront investment. By focusing on making sustainable disposables first, we reached hundreds of thousands of menstruators. Since 2020, we've donated over a million joni products to communities in need through our 2% giveback promise.
Our mission was always bigger than pads and tampons.
Why joni Is Launching Period Underwear Now
Since day one, we've wanted to offer reusable options. But we made a deliberate choice to do it thoughtfully—not just jump into a trend.
Here's what we prioritised:
Durability. We wanted period underwear that would actually last—that you'd wear for years, not just a season.
Reliability. We wanted leak protection you could trust. Full coverage. Real absorbency. None of the "hope this works" energy.
Efficacy. We wanted it to feel like wearing underwear, not a medical device. We wanted it to move with you, not against you.
Accessibility. We wanted pricing that felt real, not aspirational. Reusables don't have to be luxury goods.
So we spent years developing, testing, and refining. We worked with manufacturers who share our values. We insisted on closed-loop chemical processing. We tested for PFAS. We designed for real bodies doing real things.
And here's the thing that matters most: every menstruator on the joni team has tried and tested this underwear. And we love it. That's not a marketing line—that's a fact. We wouldn't hand this to you if we didn't trust it completely.
We're launching joni period underwear at the lowest price possible to make it as accessible as possible. Because sustainability shouldn't be a luxury. Because durability means one pair lasts you a long time, which means real savings. Because we mean it when we say period care is a human right.
How joni Period Underwear Actually Works
Let's get into the details, because they matter.
Coverage That Actually Covers
Most period underwear covers the crotch area. joni's design runs 360 degrees—from the front waistband all the way to the back top. This isn't a design detail we're bragging about just to brag. It's functional.
When you're sleeping, moving, bending, sitting, stretching—your body is shifting. Coverage that only covers the front or centre? It moves with you, and gaps open up. joni's full-coverage design moves with your body. No shifting. No leaks from unexpected angles. This is especially crucial if you have a heavier flow or if you sleep on your side or stomach.
Absorbency: What "40ml" Actually Means
joni period underwear holds 40ml of fluid—equivalent to roughly 8 hours of protection on an average flow day, or 4 regular tampons.
If you have a light to moderate flow, this might be your all-day solution. If you have a heavier flow, you might pair it with other products, or you might change more frequently. (And that's okay—the goal is finding what works for your body, not fighting your body.)
We're transparent about absorbency because we hate vague marketing language. You deserve to know what you're getting.
"There Will Be Blood" - Why the Green Gusset
One choice we made deliberately: the gusset green—not black or dark grey.
Here's why: your blood tells you things. Its colour, consistency, and volume are health indicators. Bright red means one thing. Dark, thick blood means another. Clots, unusual volume, changes in flow—these are signs your body is communicating with you.
But if your period underwear has a black or dark gusset? You can't see any of it. You're masking what's happening in your body.
We decided not to do that. The green gusset means you can see your blood. It means you're paying attention to your body instead of pretending your period isn't happening.
This is part of our BLEED ethos: "There will be blood." It's not something to hide. It's something to understand. It's a health indicator. It's data about your body. And you deserve to see it.
The Material Science Behind joni Period Underwear
We could tell you our underwear is "made from bamboo" and leave it at that. But that's not radical transparency—that's marketing. So let's go deeper.
From Bamboo Crop to Bamboo Viscose
94% of joni period underwear is bamboo, 6% is spandex (for stretch and durability).
Bamboo is remarkable as a raw material. It grows fast, requires minimal pesticides, and regenerates quickly. But here's where it gets complex: bamboo fibre doesn't exist in nature in the form you wear. You can't just spin bamboo crop into fabric. It has to be processed.
Here's what we do differently: We use a closed-loop manufacturing process, which means the chemicals used to transform bamboo into viscose are recycled and reused rather than disposed of as waste. Nothing gets dumped into waterways. Nothing gets incinerated. The same chemical solution cycles through production again and again.
Then, at the end of processing, that fabric is certified by OEKO-TEX 100—an independent lab that verifies the absence of harmful substances. This means: you're not wearing toxic chemicals.
That transparency is non-negotiable for us.
TPU Gusset: Breathable, Flexible, Leakproof
The absorbent layer in the gusset uses TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)—a material specifically chosen because it:
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Breathes, so your skin isn't trapped in plastic
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Flexes with your body, so it moves instead of restricting
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Blocks leaks without feeling rigid or uncomfortable
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Is tested to be PFAS-free (more on that below)
TPU is a smart material choice: it does its job without requiring forever chemicals.
Plant-Based Fibers, Not Synthetics
Beyond the gusset, the entire pair is plant-based—no microplastics, no virgin polyester, no petroleum-derived materials. This matters because when you wash your period underwear, any fibres that shed are biodegradable, not microplastics accumulating in waterways.
PFAS-Free: What That Actually Means and Why It Matters
You've probably seen "PFAS-free" on product packaging and wondered if it's a real thing or marketing hype.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—essentially, forever chemicals that don't break down in the environment or in your body. They accumulate over time. They're linked to health impacts including fertility issues, immune suppression, and hormone disruption.
Many waterproof products use PFAS coatings to achieve leakproofing. joni period underwear is tested to be PFAS-free. Our TPU gusset provides leak protection without requiring PFAS. No shortcuts. No forever chemicals.
How to Care for Your joni Period Underwear (It's Easier Than You Think)
Here's where reusable period products can trip people up: if the care is complicated, people don't use them. They sit in a drawer, and you're back to buying disposables.
We designed joni period underwear to be actually easy to care for.
The Basic Routine
Wash: Throw your period underwear in your regular laundry on a normal cycle, in cold water. You don't need special detergent. You don't need a delicate cycle (unless you're delicate with all your underwear).
NOTE: If you're not washing straightaway, rinse your used period underwear with cold water, which prevents blood from setting into the fabric.
Air dry: Skip the dryer. Heat can damage the TPU gusset over time. Hang dry. In a typical bathroom or bedroom, they'll dry overnight.
That's it. No complicated rituals that make reusables feel like a second job.
A Note on Durability
With proper care, your joni period underwear will maintain absorbency and integrity through many wash cycles. Bamboo viscose is genuinely durable—this isn't a marketing claim, it's materials science. The TPU gusset is flexible, so it doesn't crack or degrade the way rigid waterproof layers do.
One pair should last you years. That durability is what makes reusables actually accessible—the longer they last, the more you save over time.
If you're someone who goes through period products quickly (heavier flow, longer cycles, frequent changes), investing in 2-3 pairs of joni means you'll have clean pairs ready while others are drying.
Who is joni Period Underwear For?
Here's the real question: is this for you?
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Period underwear is for anyone who: |
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joni period underwear specifically is for anyone who: |
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It might not be your thing if: |
The point: Your body, your choice! That's why we started with sustainable disposable options and now we've expanded to reusable period underwear. If it's not your thing, we have options! And have plans for more choice in the future. |
Sizing and Styles
joni period underwear comes in:
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Styles: |
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Sizes: |
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We're expanding sizing as we grow, because genuine inclusivity means everyone gets options. All in green.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I swim in joni period underwear? |
No—we don't recommend swimming in period underwear. Water (whether chlorinated, saltwater, or fresh) can affect absorbency. Stick to your regular swimwear or consider other period protection options for swimming. |
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Isn't 40ml not enough for a heavy flow? |
It depends on what "heavy" means to you. 40ml is equivalent to about 2-3 regular tampons. If you change your period products every 3-4 hours normally, joni might be your full-day solution. If you change every 1-2 hours, you might pair joni with other products on heavier days. The honest answer: everyone's flow is different. Some of joni's heaviest-flow users swear by them. Others use them for sleeping or backup. You decide what works for you. |
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Can I wear these for 8 hours straight? |
Yes—that's the whole point. The 40ml capacity and the 360-degree coverage design mean you can wear joni for a full workday, a night's sleep, or travel without worrying. That said, if your period product changes happen more frequently, follow your body's lead. This is about trusting yourself, not adhering to product specs. |
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Will they stain permanently? |
Bamboo viscose, like any light-coloured fabric, can show staining. This is especially visible with the green colour (which is the point—you can see what's happening). Some staining will fade with time and washing. But yes, after extended use, you might see faint discolouration on the gusset. That's evidence that your underwear worked. It's not a failure; it's proof of durability. |
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How many pairs should I buy? |
That depends on your cycle length and how often you want to do laundry. Most people start with 2-3 pairs. This gives you clean pairs while others are drying, and means you're not doing laundry constantly. As you get used to them, you might want more, or you might be fine with fewer. |
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Are they visible under clothes? |
No more visible than regular underwear. The gusset is slightly thicker than standard underwear, but it's not noticeable under most clothing. Thin, tight clothes might show a tiny bit of texture, but you wouldn't know what it was unless you knew. This isn't like wearing a pad under your jeans. |
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Are these covered by my health spending account (HSA)? |
In Canada, menstrual products aren't typically covered by HSA benefits (and that's a whole equity issue we're advocating to change). However, some employer benefits plans now include period products. Sometimes HSA accounts will cover "leakproof" underwear, which joni can also be classified as. Check your specific plan—it changes regularly. |
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Can I use joni period underwear with other period products? |
Absolutely. Wear joni as your main protection and use tampons or pads on heavier days. Use joni as backup if you're worried about leaking during travel. Combine methods however works for you. There's no "period product purity test" here. |
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What's the return policy? |
We want you to feel confident and comfortable in your joni period underwear. That’s why we offer a 30-day risk-free trial on your first pair of underwear. If you’re not completely happy with your first pair, we’ve got you covered with a simple, hassle-free process. The 30-day trial period begins on the day your order is delivered. If you try on your first pair and decide the size or style isn't quite right for you, we are happy to offer you a store credit for the purchase price of that pair. You can then use this credit to order a different size or style that works better for your body. While we are committed to quality, if your period underwear arrives with a fault, defect, or quality issue, we will issue a full refund to your original payment method. |
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Why is your period underwear green? |
The entire pair is green. We chose green deliberately:
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The Bottom Line: Period Underwear Is a Choice, Not a Moral Imperative
Here's what we're not going to do: tell you that reusable period underwear is morally superior.
People who menstruate have the right to choose period products that work for their body, life, and circumstances. Sometimes that's reusables. Sometimes it's disposables. Sometimes it's a mix.
We've donated over a million joni products to communities in need since 2020—and most of those were disposables. Because accessibility means meeting people where they are. Because a sustainable pad in someone's hands is better than aspirational reusables sitting on a shelf.
joni period underwear is here for people who've been waiting for a reusable that doesn't ask them to compromise on safety, comfort, or values.
If that's you—welcome. We're so glad you're here.
If that's not you right now? That's okay too. We'll be here when you're ready. And in the meantime, we're focused on making all period care—disposable and reusable—more sustainable, accessible, and equitable.
Because period care is a human right. And everyone deserves options.
Ready to Try joni Period Underwear?