5 Trans-Affirming Period Brands That Make Pads, Tampons, Cups, and Underwear for Many Bodies

Shopping for period products can be a nightmare scenario for some transgender people. Between the bright-pink gendered packaging to the fact that they’re usually found in the “feminine hygiene” aisle at the grocery store or pharmacy—everything about conventional period products screams one thing: These are for women.

But the marketing around period products, from pads and tampons to “diva” cups, ignores the reality that trans men and gender non-conforming folks can menstruate, too. And language matters, because menstruation is already something that is very charged for many transgender people. “In terms of the gender non-conforming and transmasculine community, getting your period for the first time, or just having your period, might be really traumatic or disappointing,” Joanna McClintick, LMSW, the youth sexual health coordinator at The Center in New York City, previously told Well+Good. Periods can also triggergender dysphoria, the severe mental distress caused by the mismatch of a person’s true gender with what they were assigned at birth.

Thankfully, there are finally other period product companies that are working to be inclusive of all menstruators, not just cisgender women. We’ve covered five who have decided to do something about it and support everyone who gets periods.

Keep reading to find some of the best period products for transgender folks

1. If you’re looking for the basics: Aunt Flow

Aunt Flow‘s mission is to make sure everyone can access menstrual products, and its inclusive language in all of its packaging and website messaging is proof of that. (No “you go girl!” here!) Its mission page specifically mentions inclusive language to foster an environment of gender inclusivity. The company’s period products are made of 100 percent organic cotton, and extra supplies get donated to period.org. A case of 50 tampons or tampons will run you $15, plus shipping, and you can order recurring monthly shipments on your schedule.

Shop now:Aunt Flow 100% Organic Cotton Pads, $15

2. If you’re passionate about sustainability: Glad Rags

Glad Rags makes reusable period products for the environmentally conscious. These period products are free from fragrances, adhesives, and other chemicals that often come with disposable products—and they feature a variety of different patterns that aren’t just the standard pink of the drugstore aisle. Plus, none of the brand’s language on its site or product packaging assumes that its customers are women. (It uses “menstruating person” instead.) You can get a variety of pads or cups, as well as accessories to help clean and carry your reusable products. Each pad costs between $15-$30 and their cups cost around $35 before shipping. Or nab a starter kit that comes with a few of everything.

Shop now:Glad Rags XO Flow Starter Kit, $85

3. If you’re looking for a menstrual cup: Lunette

Lunette offers sustainable menstrual cups all of the colors of the rainbow. The organization is also committed to activism for sustainability, education, and inclusivity. Lunette has printed more than 150,000 educational booklets and donated more than 30,000 cups to organizations in need. One cup from Lunette costs about $40, while cup cleaning materials start at $10.

Shop now:Lunette Menstrual Cup, $40

4. If you want super-inclusive period underwear: TomboyX

TomboyX is a bit different than the other organizations listed in that it makes more than just period products—it sells underwear, pajamas, and other clothing. TomboyX’s leakproof period underwear comes in several styles and many sizes (from 3XS to 6X) beyond the now-standard “period panty,” making it a more accessible option for trans men and other people who menustrate. Pairs start at $22 and go as high as $36.

Shop now:TomboyX Boxer Briefs, $36

5. If you want a wide variety of styles: Thinx

Although Thinx does still use some gendered language in its marketing (its URL is still “shethinx” and it calls its products “undies”), the OG period underwear is still a gold standard for many transgender folks. (Just look at the reviews.) The company’s charity arm fights for puberty education access and advocates for gender equity and donates menstrual products to students who can’t afford them. The cheapest pair of underwear starts at $24, and prices get as high as $65 per pair.

Shop now:Thinx Boyshort, $39

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