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'''Thinx''' is a [[New York City|New York]]–based company that makes [[feminine hygiene]] products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/03/period-pants-thinx-invention_n_7499906.html|title=These Period Pants Stop Leaks So Women Can Get On With Their Lives|first=Natasha Hinde Lifestyle Writer at The Huffington Post|last=UK|date=3 June 2015|publisher=|accessdate=13 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Malone|first1=Noreen|title=Panty Raid|url=http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/01/thinx-miki-agrawal-c-v-r.html|accessdate=31 August 2016|publisher=New York Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dickson|first1=E.J.|title=Meet the startup making panties for your period|url=http://www.dailydot.com/debug/thinx-period-panties/|accessdate=31 August 2016|publisher=The Daily Dot|date=July 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bellafante|first1=Gina|title=The Bohemian Capitalist|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/nyregion/thinx-underwear-underground.html?mtrref=putacupinit.com&gwh=A61919715755C9389B310C27A8D1B635&gwt=pay|accessdate=31 August 2016|work=New York Times|date=February 26, 2016}}</ref> The company is currently under scrutiny for a class action lawsuit <ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-26 |title=Lawsuit Investigation Looks at PFAS Levels in Menstrual Underwear |url=https://www.classaction.org/thinx-underwear-toxic-chemicals-lawsuit |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.classaction.org |language=en}}</ref> that alleges Thinx products contain harmful toxins including [[per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances]] (PFAS) which may be linked to adverse health outcomes like cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=US EPA |first=OA |date=2021-10-14 |title=Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS |url=https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.epa.gov |language=en}}</ref>
'''Thinx''' is a [[New York City|New York]]–based company that makes [[feminine hygiene]] products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/03/period-pants-thinx-invention_n_7499906.html|title=These Period Pants Stop Leaks So Women Can Get On With Their Lives|first=Natasha Hinde Lifestyle Writer at The Huffington Post|last=UK|date=3 June 2015|publisher=|accessdate=13 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Malone|first1=Noreen|title=Panty Raid|url=http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/01/thinx-miki-agrawal-c-v-r.html|accessdate=31 August 2016|publisher=New York Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dickson|first1=E.J.|title=Meet the startup making panties for your period|url=http://www.dailydot.com/debug/thinx-period-panties/|accessdate=31 August 2016|publisher=The Daily Dot|date=July 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bellafante|first1=Gina|title=The Bohemian Capitalist|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/nyregion/thinx-underwear-underground.html?mtrref=putacupinit.com&gwh=A61919715755C9389B310C27A8D1B635&gwt=pay|accessdate=31 August 2016|work=New York Times|date=February 26, 2016}}</ref> The company is currently under scrutiny for a class action lawsuit <ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-26 |title=Lawsuit Investigation Looks at PFAS Levels in Menstrual Underwear |url=https://www.classaction.org/thinx-underwear-toxic-chemicals-lawsuit |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.classaction.org |language=en}}</ref> that alleges Thinx products contain harmful toxins including [[per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances]] (PFAS) which may be linked to adverse health outcomes like cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=US EPA |first=OA |date=2021-10-14 |title=Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS |url=https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.epa.gov |language=en}}</ref>


The company has three brands: Thinx, Speax, and (BTWN). Thinx is underwear that can be worn during [[menstruation]] as a substitute or a supplement to traditional [[Feminine hygiene|feminine hygiene products]]. Speax is underwear that can be worn for light and moderate [[Urinary incontinence|incontinence]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hargrove|first1=Channing|title=Thinx Is Banking Big On Its Pee-Proof Line Of Undies|url=http://www.refinery29.com/2017/07/163750/thinx-pee-proof-underwear-icon-undies-collection|accessdate=7 January 2018|publisher=Refinery29|date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> (BTWN) is a spinoff of the Thinx collection designed for adolescents dealing with menstruation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/bazaar/thinx-btwn-period-panties-review/|title=THINX (BTWN) are period panties aimed at teens–and they're great|date=2018-10-11|website=The Daily Dot|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/intimates/thinx-creates-period-proof-underwear-for-teens-tweens-1202774008/|title=Thinx Creates Period-Proof Underwear for Teens, Tweens|last1=Hughes|first1=Aria|date=2018-08-15|website=WWD|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>
The company has three brands: Thinx, Speax, and (BTWN). Thinx is underwear marketed as a product that can be worn during [[menstruation]] as a substitute or a supplement to traditional [[Feminine hygiene|feminine hygiene products]]. Speax is underwear promoted as a solution for light and moderate [[Urinary incontinence|incontinence]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hargrove|first1=Channing|title=Thinx Is Banking Big On Its Pee-Proof Line Of Undies|url=http://www.refinery29.com/2017/07/163750/thinx-pee-proof-underwear-icon-undies-collection|accessdate=7 January 2018|publisher=Refinery29|date=July 17, 2017}}</ref> (BTWN) is a spinoff of the Thinx collection branded for adolescents dealing with menstruation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/bazaar/thinx-btwn-period-panties-review/|title=THINX (BTWN) are period panties aimed at teens–and they're great|date=2018-10-11|website=The Daily Dot|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/intimates/thinx-creates-period-proof-underwear-for-teens-tweens-1202774008/|title=Thinx Creates Period-Proof Underwear for Teens, Tweens|last1=Hughes|first1=Aria|date=2018-08-15|website=WWD|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>

==Class Action Lawsuit==
Thinx agreed to settle in the case of Dickens, et al v. Thinx Incorporated in 2021, pledging to over $5 million dollars of reimbursement payments to those who purchased certain Thinx underwear products<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/01/19/1150023002/thinx-period-underwear-lawsuit-settlement|title=Thinx settled a lawsuit over chemicals in its period underwear. Here's what to know|date=19 January 2023|publisher=NPR|accessdate=17 March 2023}}</ref> between November 2016 and November 2022. Thinx asserts this is not an admission of wrong-doing, though anyone who claims reimbursement funds through the settlement also agrees to waive their right to sue for damages if health problems related to the lawsuit occur in the future. Once the settlement is paid out, all those who bought involved Thinx underwear products during the time period in question will no longer have a right to sue Thinx for damages related to the case, regardless of whether the individual claimed reimbursement or not.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thinxunderwearsettlement.com/|title=TDickens, et al. v. Thinx Inc. Settlement|date=2023|publisher=Thinxunderwearsettlement.com|accessdate=17 March 2023}}</ref>
It is possible to retain the right to be part of future lawsuits against Thinx regarding this issue by requesting to be excluded from the settlement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thinxunderwearsettlement.com/Home/FAQ#faq13|title=TDickens, et al. v. Thinx Inc. Settlement FAQ|date=2023|publisher=Thinxunderwearsettlement.com|accessdate=17 March 2023}}</ref>

A final approval hearing will take place in May 2023 to determine whether the settlement is fair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thinxunderwearsettlement.com/|title=TDickens, et al. v. Thinx Inc. Settlement|date=2023|publisher=Thinxunderwearsettlement.com|accessdate=17 March 2023}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 39: Line 45:


==Products==
==Products==
Thinx underwear comes in a range of styles from [[Panties#Styles|boyshorts]] to [[thong|thongs]] and includes two patented technologies. One is to absorb different amounts of blood,<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'brien|first1=Sarah|title=This founder makes people uncomfortable and that's a problem |url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/14/technology/miki-agrawal-thinx|publisher=CNNMoney|date=October 14, 2016}}</ref> and the other absorbs different amounts of urine. The underwear is antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, absorbent, and leak resistant.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Eveleth|first1=Rose|title=The Science Behind Period Underwear|url=http://www.racked.com/2016/1/5/10708976/period-underwear-technology|accessdate=31 August 2016|publisher=Racked|date=January 5, 2016}}</ref> In 2019, Thinx launched Thinx Super, which is a double-absorbency product that holds up to four tampons' worth of flow.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/intimates/thinx-period-panties-launches-thinx-super-1203214028/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Thinx Period Panties Are Back, Stronger Than Ever |last1=Ell |first1=Kellie|date=2019-07-09|website=WWD|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>
Thinx underwear comes in a range of styles from [[Panties#Styles|boyshorts]] to [[thong|thongs]] and includes two patented technologies. One is to absorb different amounts of blood,<ref>{{cite news|last1=O'brien|first1=Sarah|title=This founder makes people uncomfortable and that's a problem |url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/10/14/technology/miki-agrawal-thinx|publisher=CNNMoney|date=October 14, 2016}}</ref> and the other absorbs different amounts of urine. The underwear has been reported as being antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, absorbent, and leak resistant.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Eveleth|first1=Rose|title=The Science Behind Period Underwear|url=http://www.racked.com/2016/1/5/10708976/period-underwear-technology|accessdate=31 August 2016|publisher=Racked|date=January 5, 2016}}</ref> In 2019, Thinx launched Thinx Super, which is a double-absorbency product that claims to hold up to four tampons' worth of flow.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/intimates/thinx-period-panties-launches-thinx-super-1203214028/|title=EXCLUSIVE: Thinx Period Panties Are Back, Stronger Than Ever |last1=Ell |first1=Kellie|date=2019-07-09|website=WWD|language=en|access-date=2020-03-13}}</ref>


==Marketing==
==Marketing==

Revision as of 17:28, 17 March 2023

Thinx
IndustryFeminine hygiene
Founded2014; 10 years ago (2014)
FoundersRadha Agrawal
Miki Agrawal
Antonia Dunbar
Headquarters
New York City, New York
,
U.S.
Key people
Meghan Davis (CEO), Shama Amalean (COO)
ProductsPeriod underwear, incontinence underwear, organic tampons, reusable tampon applicator
BrandsThinx, Speax, (BTWN)
Websitewww.thinx.com

Thinx is a New York–based company that makes feminine hygiene products.[1][2][3][4] The company is currently under scrutiny for a class action lawsuit [5] that alleges Thinx products contain harmful toxins including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which may be linked to adverse health outcomes like cancer.[6]

The company has three brands: Thinx, Speax, and (BTWN). Thinx is underwear marketed as a product that can be worn during menstruation as a substitute or a supplement to traditional feminine hygiene products. Speax is underwear promoted as a solution for light and moderate incontinence.[7] (BTWN) is a spinoff of the Thinx collection branded for adolescents dealing with menstruation.[8][9]

Class Action Lawsuit

Thinx agreed to settle in the case of Dickens, et al v. Thinx Incorporated in 2021, pledging to over $5 million dollars of reimbursement payments to those who purchased certain Thinx underwear products[10] between November 2016 and November 2022. Thinx asserts this is not an admission of wrong-doing, though anyone who claims reimbursement funds through the settlement also agrees to waive their right to sue for damages if health problems related to the lawsuit occur in the future. Once the settlement is paid out, all those who bought involved Thinx underwear products during the time period in question will no longer have a right to sue Thinx for damages related to the case, regardless of whether the individual claimed reimbursement or not.[11] It is possible to retain the right to be part of future lawsuits against Thinx regarding this issue by requesting to be excluded from the settlement.[12]

A final approval hearing will take place in May 2023 to determine whether the settlement is fair.[13]

History

Thinx was founded in 2011 by Antonia Saint Dunbar, Miki Agrawal, and Radha Agrawal.[14] In 2018, Thinx released a new line called (BTWN), which offers period underwear for teens and tweens.[15] In June 2019, Thinx released Thinx Air, a quick-drying version of its underwear.[16] As of 2021, Thinx has released its first activewear collection, which includes leggings, cycle shorts, training shorts, and leotards that are available in multiple colors. The four-piece collection functions like other Thinx underwear, but the gusset design is longer and shaped differently to accommodate active lifestyles. [17]

In 2019, Kimberly-Clark made a minority investment in Thinx, and in February 2022, it acquired a majority stake in the company. [18] In May 2022, Maria Molland stepped down as CEO, and the company appointed Meghan Davis as its new CEO. [19]

Products

Thinx underwear comes in a range of styles from boyshorts to thongs and includes two patented technologies. One is to absorb different amounts of blood,[20] and the other absorbs different amounts of urine. The underwear has been reported as being antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, absorbent, and leak resistant.[21] In 2019, Thinx launched Thinx Super, which is a double-absorbency product that claims to hold up to four tampons' worth of flow.[22]

Marketing

Thinx has earned a reputation for its controversial ads.[23] In October 2015, Outfront Media rejected Thinx's subway advertisements due to the fact that the ads used the word "period" and included suggestive visuals of food.[24][25] Following a social media outcry, the ads were finally allowed to be shown.[26][27] In 2016, Thinx received attention for featuring trans male models in its ads for period underwear.[28][29] In November 2016, Thinx launched an ad referencing the Donald Trump Access Hollywood tape. The San Francisco subway banned the ads due to the use of the word "pussy".[30][31] In November 2017, they created a "PMS truck", a truck visiting three cities, allowing visitors to step inside to shop for Thinx products and talk with brand representatives regarding period health.[32] In 2019, Thinx rolled out a national ad campaign featuring a young boy getting his first period with the tagline: "What if we all had periods?" and subsequent campaigns focused on reducing period stigma by showcasing men.[33][34] These ads were banned by several TV networks including CBS for being "too graphic".[35]

Reception

TIME named Thinx period panties as one of the best inventions of 2015.[36] Fast Company named Thinx one of the most innovative companies of 2017, pointing to founder Agrawal's promotional campaigns and her application of "high-tech merchandise, considered design, and a rule-breaking philosophy" to launches of new products.[37]

In 2019 Thinx leaders signed a letter condemning the abortion bans being put into place across the country.[38]

See also

References

  1. ^ UK, Natasha Hinde Lifestyle Writer at The Huffington Post (3 June 2015). "These Period Pants Stop Leaks So Women Can Get On With Their Lives". Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  2. ^ Malone, Noreen. "Panty Raid". New York Magazine. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  3. ^ Dickson, E.J. (July 15, 2014). "Meet the startup making panties for your period". The Daily Dot. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  4. ^ Bellafante, Gina (February 26, 2016). "The Bohemian Capitalist". New York Times. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  5. ^ "Lawsuit Investigation Looks at PFAS Levels in Menstrual Underwear". www.classaction.org. 2020-08-26. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  6. ^ US EPA, OA (2021-10-14). "Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS". www.epa.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  7. ^ Hargrove, Channing (July 17, 2017). "Thinx Is Banking Big On Its Pee-Proof Line Of Undies". Refinery29. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  8. ^ "THINX (BTWN) are period panties aimed at teens–and they're great". The Daily Dot. 2018-10-11. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  9. ^ Hughes, Aria (2018-08-15). "Thinx Creates Period-Proof Underwear for Teens, Tweens". WWD. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  10. ^ "Thinx settled a lawsuit over chemicals in its period underwear. Here's what to know". NPR. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  11. ^ "TDickens, et al. v. Thinx Inc. Settlement". Thinxunderwearsettlement.com. 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  12. ^ "TDickens, et al. v. Thinx Inc. Settlement FAQ". Thinxunderwearsettlement.com. 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  13. ^ "TDickens, et al. v. Thinx Inc. Settlement". Thinxunderwearsettlement.com. 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  14. ^ "How The Team Behind THINX Created One Of The Sexiest Ways To Give Back". 11 December 2013. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  15. ^ "THINX (BTWN) are period panties aimed at teens–and they're great". The Daily Dot. 2018-10-11. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
  16. ^ "Thinx targets the athleisure market with new product launch and influencer campaign". Glossy. 2019-06-05. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
  17. ^ Ell, Kellie (12 January 2021). "Thinx Period Panties Launches Activewear Collection". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  18. ^ "Kimberly-Clark acquires majority stake in Thinx". Retail Dive. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  19. ^ Hughes, Huw (2022-05-25). "Thinx appoints Meghan Davis as new CEO". FashionUnited. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  20. ^ O'brien, Sarah (October 14, 2016). "This founder makes people uncomfortable and that's a problem". CNNMoney.
  21. ^ Eveleth, Rose (January 5, 2016). "The Science Behind Period Underwear". Racked. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  22. ^ Ell, Kellie (2019-07-09). "EXCLUSIVE: Thinx Period Panties Are Back, Stronger Than Ever". WWD. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  23. ^ Stevens, Heidi (March 23, 2017). "Thinx underwear ads on the L try to de-stigmatize periods". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  24. ^ Caterucci, Christina (October 21, 2015). "Ads for Period Underwear Might Be Too Lewd for the NYC Subway". Slate. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  25. ^ Kutner, Jenny (October 20, 2015). "Will the New York City Subway Ban These Ads for Using the Word "Period"?". Mic. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  26. ^ Krantz, Rachel (November 9, 2015). "THINX Underwear Ads On NYC Subway Are Up — But The Company Has Another Big Announcement". Bustle. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  27. ^ Rogers, Katie (October 22, 2015). "Twitter Fury Misplaced? M.T.A. Is Fine With Underwear Ads on Subway". New York Times. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  28. ^ Garza, Frida (May 18, 2016). "A company that makes period underwear featured a trans man in their latest ad campaign". Quartz. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  29. ^ Puckett, Lily (May 18, 2016). "These Genius Advertisements Are a Reminder That Transgender Men Can Get Periods Too". Quartz. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  30. ^ O'Brien, Sarah Ashley (November 2, 2016). "Trump-inspired Thinx 'pussy' ad banned in SF subway". CNN. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  31. ^ Lamb, Jonah Owen (November 3, 2016). "BART rejects underwear ad poking fun at Trump comment". San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  32. ^ Richards, Katie (November 15, 2017). "Why THINX Is Using a PMS Truck to Grow Its Customer Base". AdWeek. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  33. ^ Berwick, Isabel (2019-10-17). "Why the stigma of periods is open for discussion". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  34. ^ "Thinx New Ad Shows What It Would Be Like If Men Got Periods Too". Marie Claire. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  35. ^ Alexandra Steigrad (2019-10-08). "CBS bans TV ad that depicts menstruating men". New York Post. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
  36. ^ "The 25 Best Inventions of 2015". TIME. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  37. ^ "Why THINX Is One Of The Most Innovative Companies Of 2017". Fast Company. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  38. ^ MacKenzie, Macaela (10 June 2019). "Nearly 200 CEOs Just Signed a Letter Calling Abortion Bans 'Bad for Business'". Glamour. Retrieved 2020-03-13.
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