WUKA period underwear review: leak-proof undies for every body
Want to give period underwear a try but don’t know where to start and most importantly, which brand to trust? Let me tell you about WUKA, the best reusable and leak-proof period underwear I’ve come across.
This is a collaboration with WUKA. As always, this review reflects my own opinions and I only recommend products & brands I genuinely use. I have worn WUKA long before this collaboration came about.
WUKA: the UK’s first leak-proof period wear company
Founded by Ruby Raut in 2007, WUKA (Wake Up Kick Ass) was the UK pioneer in reusable and leak-proof period underwear.
After learning that over 200,000 tonnes of tampons and pads reached UK landfills annually, contributing to plastic pollution, Ruby started her mission to create an eco-friendly alternative to disposable menstrual products.
The solution? Reusable underwear that not only tackles the environmental impact but is also comfortable to wear, affordable and 100% leak-proof.
Over the years, WUKA have expanded their range into swimwear, leggings and even comfy bralettes. They also offer reusable pads, which can help you start transitioning from disposable to reusable products.
Why should you adopt period underwear?
Here are 5 reasons to introduce period undies into your menstrual care routine:
Cost-effective: While the initial investment in period underwear is higher than a box of tampons, they are a cost-effective option over time as they can be washed and reused for an extended period.
Comfort and breathability: Period underwear is often made from breathable and comfortable materials, making you feel more at ease. WUKA undies are made with responsible fabrics such as GOTS certified Organic Cotton or recycled fabrics like repurposed nylon.
Sustainability: A year’s worth of disposable menstrual products equals nearly 9kg of CO2 emissions per person, and around 15 million individuals menstruate in the UK only. Not to mention the landfill issue. Period underwear is reusable and helps reduce the environmental impact associated with tampons and pads.
Reduced chemical exposure: Period underwear eliminates the need for exposure to the chemicals present in many disposable products.
Finally, no risk of toxic shock. This is a big reason for me. Unlike tampons and period cups, period underwear does not pose a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It’s a rare but very serious condition that is life threatening and can lead to amputations.
How do WUKA period pants work?
WUKA period undies feature a unique fabric in the gusset that is absorbent and designed to quickly pull moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable.
The inner layer of WUKA pants is waterproof, preventing any absorbed fluid from leaking through. This layer is essential for providing leak protection and keeping your clothing dry.
Thanks to the breathable fabric allowing air circulation, the risk of bacterial growth and unpleasant smells is very minimal.
How to choose the right WUKA period pants for you?
Here are the main factors to consider when choosing the right period undies for you:
Absorbency level: Consider your flow intensity, whether it's light, moderate or heavy flow. If you’ve recently given birth, the post-partum range will be ideal to absorb post-partum bleeding.
Size and fit: Well-fitted period pants offer better leak protection and prevent discomfort. WUKA have a comprehensive size chart and I personally find that everything runs true to size.
Design: whether you prefer high waist, hipsters or thongs, there will be a WUKA range for you! If you’re planning on wearing WUKA at night, the Overnight range guarantees leak-free sleep.
Check out the full WUKA range here.
What is the best way to wash period undies?
Step 1: Rinse. After use, it is recommended to rinse your period pants in cold water to wash out most absorbed fluids before laundering.
Step 2: Wash. Whilst hand washing your period pants may extend their life span, it is more convenient to pop them in the washing machine. Use a cool wash at 30 or 40 degrees. Avoid fabric conditioner, which can damage the absorbent layers. For optimal care, use the WUKA wash bag to protect the fabric.
Step 3: Dry. Air dry your period pants instead of using a tumble dryer. This preserves the quality of the leak-proof fabric, ensuring longevity.
You can find a detailed hand-washing guide and care tips for your WUKA undies here.
My honest review of WUKA period pants
Here are my thoughts on each item I got to try:
Stretch Seamless High Waist Medium Flow
Designed to fit every silhouette, this high waisted full brief features the brand’s Stretch™ Microfiber Technology, ensuring a perfect fit for every body shape. It’s seamless, which is not only figure-flattering but also super comfy. Perfect for the first couple days of my cycle.
RRP: £18.99 - Find it here
Lace Hipster & Thong Bundle
The Ultimate™ Lace Hipster Brief is a beautiful piece of lace lingerie, you wouldn’t guess it’s period underwear! But, the high gusset ensures optimal coverage and no leaks for up to 8 hours.
It’s the ideal cut underneath jeans and trousers, and I know I can be out and about without worrying about leaks.
As for the Basics™ Thong, it has the ability to absorb spotting and light leaks. It is crafted from Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) certified cotton which is really soft and comfy.
I wear it at the very end of my cycle instead of a light pad, but you could also use it as a “back up” at the same time as wearing a tampon or cup.
RRP: £30 - Find it here
Re-Purpose™ - French Cut Bikini - Medium Flow
If I had to pick a favourite in my WUKA collection, I’d choose this one. I absolutely love how silky soft and comfy the repurposed nylon fabric is, and the French Cut sits like a high-waist but follows the natural hip curve. Silhouette-flattering at its finest!
Ideal for medium flow, it can absorb 2-4 tampons' worth and can be worn anytime in your cycle.
With the seamless design, it goes completely unnoticed underneath my jeans and I really like the mesh waistband, adding a touch of style.
RRP: £15 - Find it here
Everyday™ Bralette
Whilst I wear high impact sports bras when I train, I’m all about comfort and freedom the rest of the time. As a bralette fan, I was keen to try this one from WUKA, which is a dream for those who prefer wire-free, unpadded bras.
This bralette is crafted from eco-friendly Tencel™️ Modal (made of wood pulp that is responsibly sourced) which is even softer than cotton and feels like second skin.
What I love the most is that it still provides enough support, with the thick underband, triple hook fastening and adjustable straps to fit perfectly and stay in place all day. It’s so comfy that you won’t want to take it off!
RRP: £31.99 - Find it here
Mesh Laundry Bag
If you machine-wash your period underwear, putting them in a wash bag will help protect the fabric and optimise the longevity of your undies. I’ll also use it to store my clean undies in my suitcase when travelling.
RRP: £4.99 - Find it here
What I love the most about WUKA
In a nutshell, here are the main reasons why I absolutely recommend giving WUKA a try.
The brand shows that period underwear doesn’t have to be ugly and boring. It can be lace lingerie, flattering cuts, thongs… There are designs for every style and preference.
The comfort is unmatched. When you’re not feeling your best, you don’t need to add to the discomfort with underwear that doesn’t accommodate the bloating or isn’t soft enough.
It’s actually leak proof. I tried other brands in the past that were not that great at keeping their promises. Before collaborating with WUKA on this post, I already had a couple pieces from the brand and I can honestly say that they’re the most reliable out of the ones I’ve tried.
They will last a long time if cared for properly. I am still wearing the WUKA pants I got 2 years ago, I’ve always machine-washed them following the guidance and they’re still as good as new.
WUKA has made it easier for me to transition to reusable period products, especially with their flattering designs that go unnoticed underneath tight clothing.
If you’ve been thinking about trying period undies, you don’t have to completely give up what you’re used to. For instance, I wear period pants most of the time but I still use tampons when I’m running, because it’s my personal preference.
It’s not a black and white situation, and ultimately it comes down to what works best for you. But chances are, once you’ve experienced the comfort of WUKA period pants and seen that they are truly leak proof, you’ll want to wear them for most of your cycle!
Latest sustainability posts:
This post contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this blog, however it doesn’t change the price of the item for you. Thank you for your support.