Why I Switched from Period Underwear to Period Shapewear

Thanks to one of our Calm Curvers for writing and sharing this article about why she decided to make the change from period underwear to Calm Curve period shapewear! 

Over to you Julie! 🩶

I'll be honest - I was a period underwear convert for years. The idea of ditching disposable pads and tampons felt like a revelation, and for lighter days, period underwear worked fine.

But on my heavy days? It just wasn't enough.

I'd go through multiple pairs, worry constantly about leaks, and still end up planning my entire day around my cycle. Work meetings, social plans, even just leaving the house felt like a logistical challenge. I needed something that could actually keep up with me.

The problem with period underwear on heavy flow days

Standard period underwear is designed to replace a pad or liner. For light to medium flow, that's fine. But for women with heavy periods, flooding, or perimenopause-related bleeding, the coverage and absorbency often fall short.

The other thing nobody talks about? Period underwear does nothing for how you feel physically. On heavy days I deal with cramping and bloating, and the last thing I wanted was to feel uncomfortable in what I was wearing on top of everything else.

Why I tried period shapewear

A friend mentioned Calm Curve - an Australian brand making period-proof shapewear. I'll admit I was sceptical. Shapewear and periods didn't exactly sound like a match made in heaven.

But the concept made sense. Instead of just underwear with an absorbent layer, Calm Curve builds full shapewear with built-in leak protection. Sculpting, smoothing, and period-proof all in one piece.

I started with Aphrodite, their heavy absorbency style, which holds the equivalent of 6 super tampons. For the first time I got through a full heavy flow day without a second thought.

The unexpected bonus — compression for cramps

What I didn't expect was how much the gentle compression helped with cramping. There's something about the light, supportive pressure of shapewear that takes the edge off. It's not a medical solution, but on difficult days it genuinely makes a difference to how I feel.

What's different about Calm Curve

Unlike regular shapewear — which is miserable during your period — Calm Curve is specifically designed for it. OEKO-TEX certified breathable fabric means no overheating, and the front zip on Freya and Aphrodite makes bathroom trips actually manageable.

There are three styles to match your flow:

• Freya — light absorbency, perfect for spotting and light bladder leaks
• Oshun — medium absorbency, seamless with zero panty lines
• Aphrodite — heavy absorbency, full front-to-back coverage for your heaviest days

Would I go back to period underwear?

Honestly, no. For light days I still reach for Freya, which does everything period underwear does but with the added benefit of shaping and support. For heavy days Aphrodite changed everything.

If you've ever felt let down by period underwear on your worst days, period shapewear is worth trying. Calm Curve ships Australia-wide with free standard shipping. Check them out & chat to Angela!

- Julie R