Reusable period pants
Period pants are a reusable period product that last for years and can hold around 20ml of blood. They can be worn just like regular underwear and are an alternative to single-use menstrual products.
Reusable period pants
Imagine a world where you wake up and don’t have to rummage around the bathroom drawers for that last tampon that you know must be hiding in there. A world where there’s no need to panic about whether there’s a bin in the bathroom whenever you visit friends. Or what about not having to find a bathroom every four hours? Sounds like science fiction, right?
Enter period-proof underwear. Over the last few years there has been an influx of brands bringing innovation to the humble knicker. Many of the pants range from light to heavy absorbency levels and can hold around 20ml of blood, this varies from brand to brand(that’s two tampons worth to me and you).
Period pants are moisture-wicking, odour-controlling, super absorbent and leak-resistant. Though we can’t promise that the first couple of time you use them there won’t be a few trips to the loo just to check.
Amy’s thoughts on period pants
What I really like about the pants is the fact that I don’t need to think about removing anything or changing a pad. I can wear the pants and then wash them for next time.
When I first tried the pants, the heavy flow pants I was interested in weren’t available, so I tried the low/medium flow version. I bravely tested them on an early morning run and, unfortunately, they did leak a wee bit. I think this is because they were designed for low/medium flow and I needed the heavy flow – especially when doing exercise!
Overall, the pants are great and super comfortable, but I would recommend getting pants that have the correct absorbency for your flow to see the full benefit.
Benefits of reusable period pants
- Convenience of not having to change them throughout the day
- Comfortable for bed
- Hygienic – antimicrobial fibres and moisture-wicking technology neutralises odours and bacteria
- Can be mix and matched with other reusable products – wear with a cup for extra peace of mind or use your cup on heavier days and keep your pants for towards the end of your period
- Easy to use – just rinse in cold water, then most brands suggest machine washing at 30 degrees and line drying
- Environmental – reports suggest that around 35-47% of all menstrual products are flushed each year.
Reusable period pants FAQs
How do these work?
You wear planet-loving pants like any regular pair of pants. They have an absorbent lining that absorbs menstrual blood. The breathable and super absorbent material means they keep the moisture away from your skin so you feel dry and fresh all day.
How often do I change them?
This is entirely dependent on your flow; typically, period pants can take up to two times the menstrual blood of regular tampons. If you have a heavy flow, you may want to carry around a spare pair – just pop the used pair in a waterproof bag.
Where can I get them?
You can get various types of pants from different retailers online, in some high street stores, and the period product aisle of some supermarkets. Have a look and try one that works for you.
How do I wash them?
Period pants can be hand or machine washed. If you soak them before in cold water, this helps to reduce any staining. However, if you don’t have the time to soak them, don’t worry – just give them a rinse under the cold tap. You can pop them in the machine with the rest of your washing, some people like to put them in a wash bag.
How long do they last?
The life span of period pants can vary greatly depending on the care you give them and how often you wear them. Generally, they can last up to two years.
How many pairs do I need?
It’s entirely up to you and whether you intend to opt for a pants-only approach to your period, or whether you wish to go for a mix, say wearing pads for daytime and pants at night.
Some people also change their product depending on what they have in their diary that day. It is handy to have at least a couple of pairs to make sure you are always experiencing a comfortable period. Many packs come in multipacks of five for better value.
Can they really hold a day’s worth of blood?
Absolutely! For some people, period pants will only need to be changed once a day. If you are someone that experiences a heavier period, you could wear them in conjunction with a menstrual cup or pad for a more sustainable period.
Will they leak onto my clothes?
Some pants can hold two times the amount of menstrual blood than tampons, so if you change them when you need to (like disposable tampons), there will be no leakage.
Do they feel damp?
No, if you change them after a heavy or prolonged flow during your period, the pants will feel comfortable.
What are pants made of?
Pants will most likely be made from cotton or a small amount contain bamboo fibre.
It has been reported that some brands of period underwear may also contain chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
How do I dispose of my pants?
At the end of their lives, pants should be disposed of in the general waste bin. Using reusable pants cuts down on the number of disposable period products that end up in landfill or are flushed down the loo.
Reusable cloth pads
Reusable pads are comfortable, easy to clean, and you can wear them for up to five years, making them good for the planet and your purse. Find out If reusable pads are right for you.
