MODIBODI: Review After 1 Year + Promo Codes -15€ – Menstrual Panties

After a not-so-convincing trial with THINX, I wanted to test other period panty brands and came across MODIBODI, a brand unanimously loved by French users. Why such love for this Australian brand that’s made in China?

I’ll explain in this long article and give you my review of 5 Modibodi models after 1 year of use.

• the concept
• who it’s for
• how to place an order
• and at the end of the article, why I recommend them

You can use the code FLYFREE for free shipping or REDSQUAD10 to get -10% off with no minimum order. You can also use one of the codes available here to get -15€ for any order over 60€

This post is NOT sponsored

Modibodi, what is it?

Modibodi is an AUSTRALIAN company. It offers menstrual panties but doesn’t stop there: the brand also offers swimwear for periods, sweat-absorbing clothing (for sports or heat), and nursing pads.

Although the brand is Australian, manufacturing is done in China, and shipping is from the UK, allowing for economical retail prices and faster delivery than other menstrual panty brands.

How does it work?

According to the brand, an absorbent area of just 3mm is sewn into the panties. This area is made up of 3 layers:

• The top layer quickly wicks away moisture, eliminates bacteria, and limits odors, so you always stay fresh and dry
• The middle layer safely absorbs fluid (depending on the model, equivalent to 1 to 10 tampons) and odor, while having anti-bacterial properties.
• The bottom layer is an additional waterproof barrier (so blood doesn’t stain your pants)

Apparently, the fabrics used are bamboo, merino wool, and microfiber

Unlike THINX, for now, there are no studies showing harmful chemical processes on the brand’s fabrics.

Who is it for?

The first target is women who care about the environment, because wearing period panties reduces waste.
The second target is travelers, who don’t want to have to carry huge packs of sanitary pads or a stock of tampons (tampons simply don’t exist in some countries).

But MODIBODI is obviously for all women. Especially those who are affected by leaks because of too-heavy flows – especially at night.

How to buy on the site?

I thought the THINX site was terrible, MODIBODI’s is even worse! You don’t know where to go, you don’t know what to buy, how many to buy!! Plus, the site is available only in English. recently the site is half-translated into French. But by following my instructions, you’ll manage too, don’t worry!

You should know that: shipping is free for orders over €70. And shipping costs €10 for any order < €70

You can use the code FLYFREE to get free shipping or REDSQUAD10 to get -10% off with no minimum order. You can use one of the codes available here to get -15€ for any order over 60€

As soon as you go to the site, I advise you to hover over the “SHOP” section to access the following subcategories:

Category	Style	Collection	Absorbency (absorption power)
UNDERPANTS – the panties	BIKINI: slightly high-cut	CLASSIC – classic collection	MAXI-24HRS: 10 tampons
ACTIWEAR – sportswear	HI-WAIST BIKINI: slightly high-cut but high-waisted	SENSUAL – panties with a bit of lace	HEAVY-OVERNIGHT – between 3-4 tampons
MATERNITY – Moisture wicking – to absorb sweat	FULL-BRIEF: granny panty look	SEAMFREE – seamless	MODERATE-HEAVY – between 2 and 3 tampons
CURVY – plus sizes	FRENCH CUT: lace on the hips	VEGAN – does not contain fabrics from animals (no merino wool for example)	LIGHT-MODERATE – between 1-2 tampons
SWIMWEAR – swimsuits	BRIEF: low-rise		SUPER LIGHT – 0.5 tampon
BUNDLE PACKS – bundles	BOYLEG: thong		MOISTURE WICKING – Moisture wicking – to absorb sweat
ACCESSORIES – Accessories	BOY SHORT: boxer briefs
	THONG: thong

Here is what they say about the different absorbency levels:

SUPER LIGHT Super Light	LIGHT-MODERATE Light to Moderate	MODERATE-HEAVY Moderate to Heavy	HEAVY-OVERNIGHT Heavy to Overnight	MAXI-24HRS 24 hours
5ml – 1 tampon	10ml = 2 tampons	15ml = 2-3 tampons	20ml – 3-4 tampons	50ml – 10 tampons
For the last days of your period	Moderate periods: can be used on its own. Heavy periods: can be used as a backup to other protection.	Quite heavy periods: can be used on its own	Heavy periods: can be used on its own Can be worn at night to avoid staining your sheets	Heavy or hemorrhagic periods: can be used on its own Can be worn all day

The site is really poorly designed because even when you’re in the category “Heavy/Overnight” for example, a pair that corresponds to 2-3 tampons shows up (I added the notion of xx tampons in the screenshot below for you. In reality, on the site, you have to click on each model to see the absorbency).

Even when filtering by my size, they show me models that no longer come in my size. Anyway, after struggling for many minutes, I finally manage to place my order.

But what I like is that on each pair’s page, the absorbent area is clearly illustratedso you can tell if the model can be worn at night or not:

The cost

Each pair costs around 27€, which is budget-friendly compared to other brands.
There are also bundles (by 5), so for just over twenty euros per pair, you have protection for your whole period.
This is a very economical price. This is explained by a design in Australia, but a manufacturing in China.

Add to that €10 shipping for any order < €70. From €70, shipping is free.
Right now, shipping is free regardless of the amount, click here to benefit from this

You can use the code FLYFREE to get free shipping or REDSQUAD10 to get -10% off with no minimum order. You can use one of the codes available here to get -15€ for any order over 60€

A reader just told me about bank fees related to international payment (it seems recent to me) even though the site is European and in €. That depends on your bank, it can be €0, like €2, like €3 per transaction.
If you pay with PayPal, you won’t have to pay these fees, that’s how it is. I always recommend paying with PayPal because you can get reimbursed return fees for free. And for an order coming from the UK, return fees can be substantial. If you don’t have a PayPal account yet, I can sponsor you. Click here to create your PayPal account and get €5 off your 1st order (> €10)

Shipping

My review of MODIBODI menstrual panties

for those who can’t be bothered to read, the video version is available here:

Note the photos were taken on a clean panty. You’ll see a link to click to see the used panties, I don’t want to shock anyone 🙂

After receiving the product and before any use, the brand recommends washing it in the machine (there’s a sticker on the panty reminding us to wash it before to soften the fabric). You can wash them twice for the most cautious among you. And air dry.

The size

The models I chose:

• 3-4 tampons:
  • SENSUAL HI WAIST BIKINI Heavy-Overnight UK size 8 or US XS – which corresponds to French 36 / S. This model is equivalent to an absorption of 3-4 tampons.
  • SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF Heavy/Overnight UK size 8 or US XS – which corresponds to French 36 / S. This model is equivalent to an absorption of 3-4 tampons.
• 10 tampons:
  • New! CLASSIC BIKINI MAXI-24HRS. UK size 8 or US XS – which corresponds to French 36 / S. This model is equivalent to an absorption of 10 tampons.
  • New: Sensual Hi Waist Bikini Maxi 24-hrs. UK size 8 or US XS – which corresponds to French 36 / S. This model is equivalent to an absorption of 10 tampons.
• 2-3 tampons:
  • New! DETACHABLE BIKINI Moderate-Heavy UK size 8 or US XS – equivalent to a French 36/S. This model is equivalent to absorbing 2-3 tampons.
  • SENSUAL BIKINI Light-Moderate UK size 8 or US XS – equivalent to a French 36/S. This model is equivalent to absorbing 2 tampons.

Note: There are lots of colors available, it’s just that I like to wear black during my period
Pay attention to the names of the models, they have more or less similar names, do research with the full name or click the link to find the same models. Because the Classic Bikini exists for example with all 5 absorbency levels.

Note: I wear a size 36 during my period because my lower belly is bloated every time. I’d say Modibodi fits true to size, as I bought UK size 8 = FR 36 and it’s the right size. Follow the site’s recommendations! Too many women think they’re clever buying a bigger size and then have to sell their undies at a loss on second-hand sites.

When I received the undies, I was super disappointed because they seemed so huge!!! Plus, I didn’t imagine the high waist to be that high. I cursed myself for long minutes, but then when I tried them on, I was surprised by the Comfort they offered. I expected to feel sausage-cased and not be able to breathe because of the high waist, but no, the fabric is very soft and stretchy. It hugs the body quite well. So I recommend choosing your usual size, i.e.:

US Size	French Size
XS	36
S	38
M	40
L	42
XL	44
2XL	46
etc

The design

Here’s a close-up of the absorbent part, edged with satin fabric on one model and a serged seam line on the other models.

I find that the gusset is a bit smaller compared to other brands (without being too skimpy). But it hugs my body perfectly, while others seem to overflow/curl a bit on the sides. I can’t tell you if it’s just a specific thing for my size (XS) or if all the brand’s undies are like that. In any case, the four models I bought have a fairly small gusset width (6 to 6.5cm).

• SENSUAL HI WAIST BIKINI, 100% Smart Merino / 80% Polyester 20% Polyamide / 100% Polyester – that corresponds to the three layers that make up the absorbent part. The area in direct contact with the skin is merino wool, it doesn’t itch, it’s very soft. Wool is naturally antibacterial, anti-odor, etc.
• SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF : 100% Smart Merino / 80% Polyester 20% Polyamide / 100% Polyester – that corresponds to the three layers that make up the absorbent part. The area in direct contact with the skin is merino wool, it doesn’t itch, it’s very soft. Wool is naturally antibacterial, anti-odor, etc.
• CLASSIC BIKINI MAXI-24HRS : 100% Smart Merino / 80% Polyester 20% Polyamide / 100% Polyester – that corresponds to the three layers that make up the absorbent part. The area in direct contact with the skin is merino wool, it doesn’t itch, it’s very soft. Wool is naturally antibacterial, anti-odor, etc.
• Sensual Hi Waist Bikini Maxi 24-hrs : 100% Smart Merino / 80% Polyester 20% Polyamide / 100% Polyester – that corresponds to the three layers that make up the absorbent part. The area in direct contact with the skin is merino wool, it doesn’t itch, it’s very soft. Wool is naturally antibacterial, anti-odor, etc.
• DETACHABLE BIKINI : it’s a “vegan” undie, so the fabric in contact with the skin is synthetic and not merino wool, it attracts dust and the texture feels a bit like super thick “velvet”, I don’t like it much. In composition, it gives 85% Polyester 15% Spandex / 80% Polyester 20% Polyamide / 100% Polyester
• SENSUAL BIKINI : 100% Smart Merino / 80% Polyester 20% Polyamide / 100% Polyester

The model DETACHABLE BIKINI has the advantage of having snaps, which make it easy to change underwear (without having to take off pants and shoes) and for drying, it’s great! However, it’s a “vegan” underwear, so the fabric in contact with the skin is synthetic and not merino wool, it attracts dust and the texture is a bit “velvet,” a bit “diaper,” I don’t like it too much it at all.

Outer fabric

Here’s what the fabric looks like on the other side (non-absorbent)

• SENSUAL HI WAIST BIKINI, it’s classic bamboo
• SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF, a bit satiny but stretchy… it probably serves to prevent any potential leaks. The fabric contains 91% Polyamide and 9% Elastane, hence its slightly stretchy feel.
• CLASSIC BIKINI MAXI-24HRS, it’s classic bamboo
• Sensual Hi Waist Bikini Maxi 24-hrs : 95% Bamboo, 5% Spandex
• DETACHABLE BIKINI : a bit satiny but stretchy… The fabric contains 90% Polyamide and 10% Spandex, hence its slightly stretchy feel.
• SENSUAL BIKINI : 95% Bamboo, 5% Spandex

Absorbent parts

To give you a better look at the absorbent zones, here are photos showing the absorbent areas at the FRONT and BACK (the darker area).

You can see that, except for the DETACHABLE and SENSUAL BIKINI models with 2 pads, the absorbent zone at the front is particularly large. Women who sleep on their stomachs will love that! The back zone is also very, very wide, going up to the lower back. It’s impossible to stain the sheets with such huge absorbent zones.

The 24-Hrs model has an absorbent part at the front that goes up to the pubis. That’s why it’s called 24h, yes! Almost the entire underwear is absorbent then…

Model SENSUAL BIKINI Light-Moderate absorbs up to 2 pads, so its absorbent part is barely bigger than a sanitary pad (sorry for the missing photos, but I’m too lazy)

Comfort

The six models have different thicknesses, which is strange since some models have the same absorbency.

• With the model SENSUAL HI WAIST BIKINI (3-4 pads), you can feel something there, it’s thicker and less pleasant than the version SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF But it’s still more pleasant than a regular sanitary pad.
• At SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF (3-4 pads), the absorbent part is much thinner than a standard sanitary pad (we’re talking 3mm). The fabric is super soft and comfortable like cotton. You forget you’re wearing menstrual protection. At one point, I freaked out because I thought I didn’t have any protection on ahahaha, the feeling is so liberating. Whereas with a menstrual underwear from the THINX brand, you can still feel an extra layer of fabric. That’s not the case at all with MODIBODI. No feeling of dampness either; I have no idea where it all goes lol 🙂 Even though I’m not used to wearing high-waisted stuff, I’m surprised to find it doesn’t bother me at all. The fabric is very pleasant.
• CLASSIC BIKINI MAXI-24HRS (10 pads) and Sensual Hi Waist Bikini Maxi 24-hrs (10 tampons): the absorbent part is barely thicker than SEAMFREE FULL BRIEFbut still less than a standard sanitary pad; while it absorbs up to 10 tampons, I don’t know how they did it, but it’s a great job. Same remarks as SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF : it becomes completely forgettable.
• DETACHABLE BIKINI (2-3 tampons): it’s less absorbent but the thickest. As soon as you stop using merino wool, you can feel it. I don’t like this “velvet” feeling; it’s unpleasant. It’s as bad as a regular sanitary pad; I’m always stressed when I wear it.
• SENSUAL BIKINI (2 tampons): it’s so comfortable that if I’m out of underwear (because I didn’t do my laundry on time), I can wear it even if I’m not on my period ahihihi

Label

• All models except Seamfree have labels. They don’t itch, but I don’t like this system
• For more comfort, there’s absolutely no label on SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF because seamfree means “no seams”. Everything is printed directly inside the underwear. I really like that the composition is clearly indicated, which is not the case for all menstrual underwear brands. The cleaning instructions for the underwear are also indicated, which is handy for me since I never keep instructions or packaging 🙂

In terms of comfort, clearly the model SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF is my favorite. Even though the waistband goes up very high, it’s not bothersome.

The smell

With MODIBODI, with moderate periods, 0 odor. Even with cotton underwear, outside of periods, there’s still a little not-so-glamorous smell at the end of the day, right, but with MODIBODI, with moderate periods, I don’t know how they manage with their micro-layers of fabric, but no odor to report.

With heavy periods, it smells a bit like blood *when the underwear is full*. Yes, blood has a slightly metallic smell because it contains iron (which also gives our blood its color). I find that compared to Thinx or sanitary products, it’s not as bad. It’s a discreet and maskable odor in a plastic bag hidden in a handbag, for example (if you change underwear at work).

Absorption

During the first trials, I only used the 3-4 tampon underwear (Sensual & Seamfree) during period days periods, just in case… I was on a road trip but could go all day with a single Modibodi underwear. Yes, miracle, it lasts ALL DAY!

Then, convinced by its capacity, I used the 3-4-tampon underwear (Sensual & Seamfree) for the first hemorrhagicdays. I should note that I’m the type to stain sheets, so… I always need top-notch products. Unfortunately, when the flow is too heavy and the blood comes too quickly, there is a damp stain on the underwear. It really struggles to absorb everything at once.

Thus:

• for moderate periods : it’s a delight! even for the Detachable underwear, which is unpleasant because of its crappy texture, but it still remains absorbent (!!)
• for very heavy periods : needs improvement, because there is a feeling of dampness (less than a sanitary pad, but there is still a trace of dampness).

I’ll show you two photos of the model SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF :

• I wore it on the first day of my period (very heavy period), I put it on at 12pm, here’s the state of the underwear at 1:45pm (link to the photo, watch your eyes). The panties are not full because they can hold on for several more hours. Also, I know that in period blood, there’s not just blood; the viscous part (mucus) is hard for period panties to absorb. But what about the blood mark all around? Other brands manage to completely absorb the blood, without leaving any trace of moisture all around like Modibodi.
• After 8 hours, here is the fully soaked panties (photo link, I hope I don’t offend anyone, watch your eyes especially if you’re on a smartphone). The blood is starting to stain the edges just a little bit, there’s no leak but if I keep wearing them a few more hours, we’re close to a leak at the edges.

At night, the absorption area is much wider, it protects perfectly well during the night though : it goes up to the lower back and the front area is very wide, ideal for women who sleep on their stomachs (and whose blood flows forward). Usually, I had to wake up in the middle of the night to check my pads, or wake up very early to change them, but with Modibodi, I could sleep in without worry.

Next, I’ll show you 3 photos of the 10 tampon model CLASSIC BIKINI MAXI-24HRS :

It was worn on the first day of (heavy) period, at 9:30 am, here are the 3 photos (from left to right, click here to see, still watch your eyes) taken at 12 pm, 3 pm, and 8 pm. You can see moisture stains on the first two photos because of the viscous part (mucus), still hard for period panties to absorb. But when the period starts to calm down a bit around 7 pm, the panties become almost dry. After 11.5 hours of use, it’s still NOT full, I think I can keep them on for a good while longer, as you can see, the edges are perfectly dry from start to finish. But hey, I like to change after a workday, so I took another pair for the evening and night. I’m really impressed with this model; it’s the first time a period panty has lasted that long on a heavy period day for me. I think if I have a long train or bus ride, I won’t be afraid anymore. It just came out in October, so it’s often out of stock. Wait a few days if that’s the case, stock comes back pretty quickly, don’t miss out on this model! especially at this price (26€ now €28!)

More info on these 24-hour panties here

[Review] MODIBODI Maxi-24hrs, Period Panties for Heavy Periods

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To be worry-free, you’ll need 2 pairs a day (workday / at home). For a full cycle, including drying time, you need to buy about 6 pairs. Modibodi offers packs of 5, which reduces the cost per period panty.

Leak-proof

If the gusset size makes me doubt its capacity a bit, in the end, I had no leaks : front/back or at the gusset as long as you change the panties as soon as they’re full (in my case, that’s a workday on heavy days and from morning to bedtime on moderate days)

I recommend you make sure the gusset suits you because leaks in period panties are usually at the gusset.
Its width is a tiny bit smaller than other brands. So buy a pair to test – and make sure it’s your size (use the code REDSQUAD10 to get 10% off even when buying a single pair), before you go for a full set. This width is the same for the models I bought.

Washing Guide

I’m adding this section because you’ve been asking me about washing. Know that less is more. Sometimes we buy expensive things and take too much care of them, but in the wrong way, and end up ruining them without knowing why. Period panties are the same:

• Wash in the washing machine at least once before use
• If you don’t have a washing machine at home or don’t have a “quick wash” cycle:
  • As soon as you change your panties, rinse in cold water the used panty under the tap and scrub until the water runs clear. Do you know what happens to blood in hot water? It cooks. Yep! So cold water it is, and don’t not use soap, especially heavy-duty soaps like Marseille soap or Aleppo soap.
  • If you only hand wash, finish with a detergent for hand washing. A standard detergent. At the supermarket, you’ll easily find a liquid detergent like this (Amazon link) in a blue tube.
  • Wring out by hand, then let air dry. Not on the radiator, not in a dryer. Air dry.
  • At the end of your period, gather all your panties and wash them in the machine. With a standard detergent (Skip, Le Chat, whatever…). Not of fabric softener, not of strong detergent (or stain remover). Less is more.
  • Let air dry. Not on the radiator, not in a dryer. Air dry.
• You have a washing machine at home with a “quick wash” cycle:
  • As soon as you change your panties, rinse in cold water the used panty under the tap and scrub until the water runs clear. Do you know what happens to blood in hot water? It cooks. Yep! So cold water it is, and don’t not use soap, especially heavy-duty soaps like Marseille soap or Aleppo soap.
  • at the end of the day, I run a quick 15-minute cycle to thoroughly wash and spin-dry my panties (already hand washed) so they dry faster. I use a normal detergent (Skip, Le Chat, whatever…). Not of fabric softener, not of strong detergent (or stain remover). Less is more.. My first Modibodi panty (Seamfree model) has been machine washed at least 36 times and still works perfectly 😀
  • Let air dry. Not on the radiator, not in a dryer. Air dry.

The Cons –

• The website is really bad: not translated into French, you can’t understand anything. What are we supposed to buy? What panties are available in my size? It’s a complete blur.
• The site is often out of stock.
• You cannot dry them in a dryer but must air dry them. If you don’t have a machine and hand wash, it takes an eternity —a whole day to dry => for a full cycle, you need to buy at least 6 panties and rotate them (so 3 per day, washed the same day to have spares).
• The gusset area is a bit narrower than other brands., you need to try them on to see if they fit your body type
• Made in China. Meh. But shipping is from a European site, hence the fast delivery times
• Feeling of dampness (less than sanitary pads but still damp) for very, very heavy periods

Conclusion

With equal absorbency (3-4 tampons), the model SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF Heavy Overnight, in terms of comfort and absorbency, is preferable to the model SENSUAL HI WAIST BIKINI Heavy Overnight: the absorbent area is thinner, the gusset is edged with satiny fabric (less risk of leaks), and the back is wider.
However, if you’re curvier than I am, I’ve had feedback that the model SEAMFREE FULL BRIEF Heavy Overnight tended to deform and stretch out (this model has no seams). So unless you’re an XS (36) like me, prefer the sturdiness of SENSUAL HI WAIST BIKINI Heavy Overnight.

The model DETACHABLE BIKINI Moderate-Heavy at 2-3 tampons is the one I hate the most because the fabric is very unpleasant and attracts dust. However, it is very absorbent and truly suits very light days. For those who absolutely want a VEGAN model, it’s for you ! Personally, I hate it so much that it ended up in the trash.

October 2020: I just tested the 10-tampon models CLASSIC BIKINI MAXI-24HRS , and Sensual Hi Waist Bikini Maxi 24-hrs, they last all day, and even longer! (detailed review here)

• For periods that are normal or moderate, prefer the 3-4 tampon model (Heavy-Overnight):
  • Smell: 10/10. Absorbency: 10/10. Design: meh, but the comfort is there 🙂 With its 8+ hours of absorbency on a day of moderate flow, you don’t need to change your underwear and wash it at work, which is a huge advantage. I recommend it with my eyes closed if you have normal or moderate periods. The prices are very attractive, plus there are several colors and styles.
• For periods very periods :
  • 10-tampon model (Maxi 24-hrs): Smell: 9/10. Absorbency: 8.5/10 (traces of moisture). Design: meh, but the comfort is there 🙂 No need to change at work, I’m very impressed by this model. It’s thinner than a standard sanitary pad, there’s a tiny bit of dampness that’s not too bothersome, but comfort is at its peak, and above all, the absorbency on a day of hemorrhagic flow, great job! For those who worry the waistband might be too tight, you can opt for the model Sensual Hi Waist Bikini Maxi 24-hrs with lace, but honestly, the elastic is really soft; I was a bit apprehensive at first but it becomes unnoticeable.
  • 3-4 tampon model (Heavy-Overnight): Smell: 9/10. Absorbency: 7/10 (traces of moisture). Design: meh, but the comfort is there 🙂 After 4 hours, when your period is too heavy, it’s better to change because the damp feeling can be uncomfortable. Actually, it still lasts up to 8 hours (maximum). But the advantage is that this underwear doesn’t smell much, so you can change at work, rinse it quickly, hide it in your bag, and wait to wash it at home without any problem. I still recommend it because the value for money is very satisfactory. But keep in mind that you need to change during the day or wear a tampon or a reusable pad as well.
• For end of rules or when I’m not sure if my period is starting today or tomorrow, I wear the model SENSUAL BIKINI Light-Moderate which is equivalent to 2 tampons. It’s really nice, very light, and was a gift. But if I have to pay around twenty euros, I’d rather wear a highly absorbent pair at the end of my period than multiply the absorbency levels and get lost (the underwear all look alike). With 6 pairs and 3 different absorbency levels, I’m already confused 😀

Update January 2021: after a year of use, they’re still just as absorbent.

You can use the code FLYFREE to get free shipping or REDSQUAD10 to get -10% off with no minimum order. You can use one of the codes available here to get -15€ for any order over 60€

Be very careful about which brand you buy, because there are more and more clever people who resell Chinese waterproof underwear bought for 2€ and call them “period panties made in France”. Some have been promoted by reality TV starlets. Avoid buying them on Amazon, and read the terms and conditions and legal notices carefully before buying. Any period panties < 25€ are suspicious.