ROADTEST: 3 women try the same LBL and period-proof undies. 

We’re women which means we're pretty incredible. 

We like to laugh. A lot. We occasionally sneeze or cough. And we all like to feel in control of our own bodies... but sometimes all these things don't necessarily go together seamlessly. 

Every so often, a small chuckle or a giant sneeze might lead to some unexpected... leakage. And that's okay. Why? Because it's more common than you think. 

One in two women over 35 experience light bladder leakage and while physiotherapy plays an important part of this, we still need a little help to make us feel more dry. 

And that's why we've decided to conduct this little investigation. Are the new Poise 2 in 1 Washable Absorbent Underwear worth the hype? And are they actually both period and LBL-proof? 

To find out, I enlisted the help of two other women to put them to a test for a month. Here's exactly what we thought.

Natalie

There are a couple of reasons why I was keen to try Poise 2 in 1 Washable Underwear, and both have to do with my age.

I am 43 and a mother of two, and things... ain’t what they used to be down there. 

Don’t get me wrong, I know age is just a number and I won’t let that number stand in the way of a good time – but my pelvic floor occasionally snaps me back to real life by letting me down when I need it most.

For example, I’m a keen AFL fan. I can’t get enough! However, the laughing with friends, the celebratory drinks, the adrenaline rush when it’s a close game and the always painfully long queue for the loos means I often (so often) find myself doing a weird solo ballroom dance on the spot while waiting for my turn in the toilet. 

It's not always been a successful strategy. Sometimes I haven’t kept completely dry and until my trial of Poise 2 in 1 Washable Underwear, I thought this was going to be my embarrassing reality forever.

Like an LBD in your wardrobe, these LBUs (Little Black Undies) are every woman’s must have.

Natalie. Image: Supplied.

Silky smooth and ridiculously comfy, the Poise washable full briefs absorb up to 60ml (the equivalent of 12 teaspoons) and wick moisture to keep you dry, no matter how long that queue is. They passed this test with flying colours!

This brings me to the time of the month when my period comes calling, except in my 40s that time is random and unpredictable. 

Wearing my Poise undies, I was able to stop the crimson wave from ruining my ‘fit, giving me a sense of security I don’t think I’ve ever felt while on my period. They help minimise odours too. 

Did I mention the comfort factor? They were so great for staying in place, they have plenty of stretch and don’t dig in at all – you don’t even notice that they’re different from any other undies you usually wear.

I throw them in the wash and pop them on again straight away, so I’m no longer caught short.

Image: Supplied.

Cate

I have a sneeze dance.

When I know one is coming, I adjust my hips, cross my legs when possible, and squeeze my pelvic floor for dear life. This is because I'm definitely part of that one in two women who have light bladder leakage, so an ill-timed sneeze can majorly impact my day.

But finally, I've tracked down something that helps in this area. 

Poise 2 in 1 Washable Underwear is my new religion. And I don't say this lightly either as I take trials of products very seriously – so serious in fact that I consider myself a little bit of an investigator (or maybe it's a scientist but that's besides the point). 

I’ve had two colds in the last month and though it was awful being sick, I no longer added a fear of coughing to my discomfort as my cough leaks were dealt with by these undies.

Even better, they’re also period undies too! 

I am one of those women who never tracks their cycle, so every month I absolutely hate my life for a couple of days only to realise why I’ve been feeling flat when I’ve ruined another pair of knickers with the arrival of my period. 

Thankfully, this is no longer a concern, now I just wear the Poise washable undies and my period can arrive any old time without issue.

Cate. Image: Supplied.

Other important info to share is that they don’t smell – I was worried about this, but they have built-in anti-odour technology that stops this. 

They also look nice, too. They’re a basic black pair of full-brief knickers in a lovely silky fabric, which coincidentally are my favourite style of undies. 

The undies are super easy to care for as well. I chuck them in with my dark wash and they come out fresh and fabulous, as does everything else that was washed with them.

I am a complete Poise 2 in 1 Washable Underwear convert. They are making my life a lot easier, I only wish I’d had them years ago.

Maggie

After the birth of my son, I knew I wanted to try period undies when Aunt Flo’s inevitable return came. Her return was earlier than expected, which meant I didn’t get a chance to thoroughly research the different period wear brands available, and instead picked up a few to try on one of my grocery runs. 

I quickly learned what I liked and didn’t like about each new pair of period underwear. I considered comfort levels, the type of material and whether it was breathable, and most importantly, how absorbent they were — with each brand hitting a different mark in each area. 

With the first brand I tried, the fit was tight, and it felt like wearing a nappy. The material was stiff and unbreathable which lead to the uncomfortable feeling of ~hot box~. The second brand I tried was not absorbent enough, even on medium flow days, and I could feel myself sitting in my own dampness — how delightful (please sense the sarcasm here). 

So when I tried out Poise’s period undies I jumped at the opportunity, hoping to find my unicorn pair that would tick all the boxes. Poise’s 2 in 1 Washable Underwear did not disappoint.

Margaret. Image: Supplied.

When I pulled the undies out of the box, I could tell immediately they were going to be comfortable. I loved that they weren’t super thick in the padding area — nobody wants to be waddling around like they have a soggy nappy. And the high-rise fit was absolutely perfect and were super comfortable around my bloated waist. 

As for the absorbency, if it wasn’t for the fact I was cramping and could feel my period falling out — you know what I mean — I could’ve easily forgotten Aunt Flo was in town. 

Poise 2-in-1 Washable Absorbent Underwear are specially designed to provide coverage for all your leaks, including period and bladder leaks, and feels just like your regular underwear. 

Shop them at your local supermarket and chemist.

Feature image: Supplied.