When talking about performance panties, vivid images of uncomplimentary, oversized underwear can come to mind. But, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that you can get high-tech performance underwear in a range of fabrics and cuts. From styles lined with lace to a bootleg cut, there are a myriad of designs to choose from. Because having your period doesn’t mean that you have to feel unsexy. Ever.

How comfortable can a pair of period-proof panties be? Well, very comfortable, apparently. Far from bulky and made from the highest quality, technically superior natural and synthetic fabrics, they’re slim, breathable and give the wearer the confidence to feel dry and fresh from morning to night.

Depending on how heavy your flow is and what your vaginal moisture levels are like, some performance underwear has the potential to replace tampons and pads. How? Essentially performance underwear features an in-built, state-of-the-art panty liner.

The gusset is fitted with the ultimate trifecta: moisture-wicking fibre technology to absorb moisture, antimicrobial properties to combat odour and a waterproof layer to prevent any leaks.

Period-proof underwear is made to be practical, in every sense. Far from just a one-hit wonder, you can wash them and use them again and again. Simply rinse the underwear in water and then pop them in the washing machine (set your machine to cold wash and be sure not to use fabric softener). Then, just hang your underwear out to dry.

Unlike disposable hygiene, period-proof panties are built to last (in the most sanitary way) making them a budget-friendly option in the long run. Most period-proof panties are made up of three core fabrics: bamboo, sports merino and microfibre. Bamboo is more absorbent than cotton and is naturally anti-bacterial, sports merino is eco-friendly, biodegradable and renewable, and microfibre is quick-drying, holds it shape and is known to be a long-lasting fabric.

Some users this period-proof panties that last 2 to 3 years are environmentally inferior to cloth pads that can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years. But manufacturers say that because their offering look and feel like a regular pair of underwear you’ll get much more comfort out of period-proof panties and not feel like a big pad is between your legs. That’s why they say you shouldn’t really compare them to a cloth pad.

Don’t think you have to relegate these panties to simply when you’re menstruating. You can use them as regular panties when you’re not on your period too! They would be great for anyone who experiences light bladder leakage, or to wear a few days before you know that you’ll get your period so that you don’t ruin yet another pair or underwear. They can even double as swimsuit-bottoms in a pinch!

Overnight pads are often uncomfortable due to how huge they are but period-proof panties eliminate chaffing and that wet feeling overnight because it absorbs menstrual blood while you sleep. While we don’t tend to bleed a lot overnight, having a tampon in all night isn’t particularly healthy either so period-proof panties are a happy medium.

(Text: bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting: Natalya Molok)