Close-up of a pair of Etam black high-absorbency Period Panties with lace inserts

ETAM Period Panties: Test + Credible Alternatives

You know Etam for its sexy and comfortable lingerie. A few years ago, the brand launched Period Panties with its "We Care" line. Priced between €25 and €40, with seven colors available, and regular promotions (buy two, get the third free)... On paper, it sounds pretty good. But what about the quality, comfort, and effectiveness? We analyzed customer feedback to tell you if it's worth it.

Etam has an undeniable advantage: stores all over France where you can see and touch the products before buying. But in terms of technology, does it measure up to specialist brands? Get an honest answer in this article, with three alternatives based on your profile.

The essentials to remember about Etam We Care

Medium-high price: €39,99 (regular 2+1 free offer)
Store availability: Fitting possible in Etam store
Beautiful design: 7 colors, neat Etam style finishes
Heavy flow limit: Additional buffer required depending on returns
Comfort praised: Soft microfiber, seamless finishes
Our Verdict: Good compromise between style and efficiency, but high price

Etam We Care: What You're Really Buying

Etam has 100 years of history in lingerie. When they launch Period Panties, we expect style and comfort to be on point. And on this point, it's validated. But beyond aesthetics, does it really absorb well? Does it last 12 hours as promised?

The We Care range offers several styles of Period Panties: light, medium, and heavy flow. Available in 7 colors (not just black, after all!), from XS to XL. The price is around €39,99 for a pair of medium flow panties, but Etam regularly offers "buy 2 = get the 3rd free" promotions.

Composition and characteristics

Materials

Microfiber (polyamide/elastane). Wicking, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant technology. Seamless finishes for added comfort.

Absorption announced

Equivalent to 2 to 4 tampons depending on the model. 12 hours of protection advertised. But be careful: for very heavy flows, Etam itself recommends combining them with a tampon for the first few days.

Wecare Program

Recycled materials, audited workshops. However, there is no clear information on the manufacturing location (probably outside France).

The big advantage: the boutique experience

Etam has stores in every city in France. You can see the panties, touch the fabric, compare colors, and ask a sales associate for advice. Free delivery to stores and free returns are available. For a first purchase, it's reassuring. However, be careful: once opened, you can neither return nor exchange items for hygiene reasons.

What Users Are Really Saying

Etam as a brand has an excellent reputation: 4,8/5 on Trustpilot with over 14,800 reviews. But be careful, this applies to the entire brand, not specifically to Period Panties. We dug into forums (Doctissimo, Madmoizelle) and product reviews to get concrete feedback.

The Positive Points That Stand Out

Comfort and softness

"Super soft, comfortable to wear all day long." The microfiber and seamless finishes make the difference. You'll forget you're wearing it.

Neat aesthetics

7 colors available, Etam-style finishes. They're pretty, they don't look like "granny panties." You'll want to wear them even if you're not on your period.

Drastic reduction in tampons/pads

Users confirm that they use much less disposable protection. For light to medium flows, the panties alone are sufficient.

Good cutting

Unlike some brands, the tailles Etam are consistent. You take your taille usual and it's fine.

Limits to Know

!
Very heavy flow problematic

A recurring theme on forums: "I had to add a tampon for the first two days." Even Etam says so in its recommendations. If you have heavy flow, it's not enough on its own.

!
High price for positioning

€39,99 for panties is the price of premium brands made in France (Réjeanne, Elia). Except that Etam doesn't manufacture in France and doesn't have any patented technology. The price is justified by the brand and the design, not by the technology.

!
No recovery possible

Once you have opened the package, it is impossible to return or exchange. If the taille Don't go, you're stuck. Even though Etam has stores, this policy is frustrating.

!
Actual lifespan unknown

Etam advertises "up to 7 years" in its marketing. But the brand launched recently, so there's no real perspective on durability. Be careful with this promise.

A return that sums it up well

"I love the comfort and style of Etam; it's definitely better than basic panties. But for the price, I would have preferred something made in France. And on my heavy flow days, I still had a little leak." - Madmoizelle Forum

Who Etam Works For (And Who to Look Elsewhere)

Etam has a clear positioning: style + comfort. But depending on your priorities (price, flow, manufacturing), other brands may be a better fit.

Etam is perfect for you if...

Style matters to youYou want pretty, colorful panties with neat finishes. Etam excels in this area.

You have a light to medium flow. On this profile, Etam keeps its promises of 12 hours without supplement.

You want to try in storeBeing able to see, touch and ask for advice before buying is reassuring.

You are already an Etam customerYou know the brand, you trust it, you have a loyalty card.

Etam probably won't be enough if...

You have a heavy/hemorrhagic flowThe feedback is clear: buffer supplement necessary on intense days.

Made in France is importantEtam does not communicate on manufacturing (probably Asia).

Your budget is tight. €40 per pair of panties is expensive when there are €17 alternatives with similar performance.

You want technical choiceEtam offers 3 levels of flow, it is limited vs. specialized brands (thongs, boxers, seamless, sports, etc.).

3 Alternatives According to Your Profile

Etam has opened Period Panties to the general public with its network of stores. But depending on what you're really looking for (price, performance, ethics), other options deserve your attention.

CHOICE #1

Oduho

✨ Style 💰 Unbeatable Price
Smiling and confident woman wearing Oduho Period Panties with polka dots
17,30-25,90 €
€17,30 (pack) or €25,90 (single player)
vs €39,99 at Etam

🎁 -10% with the code

ODUHO10

A French brand launched in 2020, Oduho offers the Etam style at the price of DIMIf you want choice, colors and an affordable price, this is it.

The assets that make the difference

13 MODELS
vs 3 at Etam
XS TO 5XL
vs XS-XL at Etam
VARIED COLORS
Like Etam!
PRICE -57%
vs Etam

Types of models available

Classic Seamless High waisted Shorty String Tanga Boxer Detachable Sports Swimming costumes

Why choose Oduho over Etam?

  • Price 2,3x cheaper than Etam (€17 vs €40)
  • Complete range: Period Panties + swimwear
  • More choice: 13 models vs 3 at Etam
  • Dedicated teen collection
  • Without nanoparticles

The defects

Online sales only (no physical store like Etam). Delivery time 6-10 days. Trustpilot 4.1/5 with after-sales service returns, but products are well rated in terms of quality/price ratio.

Who is it for? Women who want Etam style without paying €40 for panties.

ACCESSIBLE ALTERNATIVE

DIM Protect

🏪 Available in store 💰 Unbeatable price
Four smiling women highlight the diversity and comfort of the different Dim Protect Period Panties
26,99€
DIM standard price
(€19,90 on sale)
VS
39,99€
Etam standard price
(€26,66 in 2+1 promotion)

DIM is Etam's direct competitor in the "in-store" segment. Same availability (Leclerc, Carrefour, pharmacies), but 30-50% cheaper.

(I.e.
Available everywhere
Retail
💰
Unbeatable price
€19,90 on sale
Certifié
OEKO-TEX

✅ The most DIM

  • Much lower price
  • Available immediately
  • 93% organic cotton
  • Tailles 34-52 + teens

⚠️ The least DIM

  • Taille small (take +1)
  • Basic design (3 colors)
  • Thicker than Etam
  • Lifespan 2-3 years

The smart calculation

Etam on sale 2+1 = €26,66/panties. DIM on sale = €19,90. Savings: €7 per pair of panties. On a pack of 5 panties: €35 savings for similar efficiency on average flow.

Who is it for? Women who want Etam's boutique availability without paying the high price.

TECHNO PREMIUM

Smoon Lingerie

🔬 Seamless technology 🇫🇷 French brand

Three women pose in colorful Period Panties from the Smoon brand.

Launched in 2018, Smoon is a French brand that sets the standard for seamless technology. If you loved the comfort of Etam but want even better, this is it. Similar price to Etam (€35-40) but with real technical innovation.

35-40 €
depending on model
Price equivalent to Etam
But with patented technology

Why Smoon > Etam?

1
Seamless = total invisibility
Patented 4-layer seamless technology. Even more invisible than Etam under form-fitting underwear.
2
Ultra-fast drying
Technical microfiber that dries 2x faster. Practical when you're wearing 3-4 pairs of underwear.
3
Strict certifications
OEKO-TEX, no nano silver, hypoallergenic.
4
Specialist since 2018
Smoon ONLY makes Period Panties. Etam is a generalist. That changes everything in terms of R&D.

Faults

Prices similar to Etam, no physical store (online only). But if you want real technical innovation for the same price, Smoon > Etam.

Who is it for? Women who want Etam quality with real technical innovation.

Complete Comparison Table

Visual summary to help you choose according to your priorities.

Criterion Etham Oduho DIM Smoon
Unit price €39,99 (€26,66 for 2+1) 17,30€ (-10% ODUHO10) €26,99 (€19,90 promo) 35-40 €
Maximum absorption 2-4 tampons / 12h* 3-4 tampons / 12 hours 3 tampons / 8 hours 3-4 tampons / 12 hours
Available in store Yes (Etam) No Yes (large distribution) No
Specific technology No No No Yes (seamless)
Colors/Design 7 colors, Etam style Varied, colorful 3 basic colors Varied, elegant
Choice of models 3 flow levels 13 models + swimsuits 3 forms 15+ models

* Etam itself recommends a tampon supplement for very heavy flow

Questions About Etam We Care

Where to buy Etam Period Panties? +
In Etam stores (all cities) and on etam.com. Free delivery to stores, free returns in stores. Standard price €39,99, regular promotions "Buy 2 = get the 3rd free" (i.e. €26,66/panties).
Can you return Etam panties if they don't fit? +
NO. For hygiene reasons, once the packaging is opened, you cannot return or exchange it. Not even in a store. That's why it's important to choose your product carefully. taille from the start. This is Etam's biggest drawback with this product.
Are Etam panties suitable for heavy flows? +
With reservations. Etam itself recommends "combining it with a tampon for the first few days" for heavy flow. Forum feedback confirms: a supplement is necessary on heavy days. For really heavy flow, consider Elia or Smoon.
How to wash Etam Period Panties? +
Rinse in cold water after use. Machine wash at 30°C maximum, without fabric softener. Air dry (no tumble dry). Avoid harsh soaps that damage the absorbent fibers.
Does Etam manufacture in France? +
No, or at least, Etam doesn't disclose the manufacturing location. The "Wecare" program mentions audited workshops and recycled materials, but not their specific origin. Probably Asia, like the majority of their products.
How long do Etam panties last? +
Etam advertises "up to 7 years" in its marketing materials. But the brand recently launched, so it's impossible to verify. Be careful with this claim. Expect 3-4 years with proper care.
Etam or DIM: which one to choose? +
Choose Etam if: Style matters, you want colors, you are already an Etam customer. Choose DIM if: your budget is tight (30% cheaper), you want the essentials without frills.

Our Final Verdict on Etam We Care

After analyzing customer feedback and comparing with competitors, we can give you an honest opinion.

What Etam does well

  • Exceptional comfort: Soft microfiber, neat finishes
  • Careful design: 7 colors, recognizable Etam style
  • Shop accessibility: Fitting possible, delivery to store
  • Effective average flow: Delivers on this profile

The real limits

  • High price vs. performance: €40 for panties without patented technology or made in France
  • Heavy flow limit: Additional buffer required according to Etam itself
  • No returns/exchanges: Si taille incorrect, you're stuck
  • Unknown lifespan: “7 year” promise impossible to verify

Our final recommendation

Etam We Care is the underwear for Etam customers looking for style and comfort. But the price-quality ratio is not optimal :

  • Same price as Etam but more efficient? Smoon (patented seamless technology)
  • Same style as Etam but -60%? Oduho (€17 with more choices)
  • Cheaper store accessibility? SUN (€19 on sale, mass distribution)

Our advice: if you have €40 to spare, invest in Smoon (same price, better technology) or buy 2 Oduho panties for the same price.

Etam Style at Entry-Level Prices

Oduho offers colorful and stylish panties for 2,3x less than Etam. Teen collection, menstrual swimwear, tailleFrom XS to 5XL, 13 different models.

Promo code : ODUHO10

This article is based on Etam customer feedback (Trustpilot 4.8/5 on 14,800 brand reviews), specialist forums (Doctissimo, Madmoizelle) and technical specifications provided by Etam.

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The articles on the site contain general information which may contain errors. These articles should in no way be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or doubts, always make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist.

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