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Replace more than 100 single-use sanitary products with just one pair of these eco-friendly period pants
The term “period pants” doesn’t mean what it used to. They could have been your most comfortable (but ugly) pair of undies at one point, but now these period-proof pants come purpose-made, joining a growing list of reusable menstrual care options, from sanitary pads and menstrual cups.
A single set of period underwear can replace 100 or more disposable pads or tampons, according to the Women’s Environmental Network. While absorbency will vary between brands, they will also be able to hold around two to five tampons-worth of blood owing to several absorbant layers, along with moisture-wicking materials and reliable leak-proofing, so it’s no surprise period underwear is catching on.
According to Tamara Sender, senior consumer analyst at Mintel: “Period pants are no longer a niche product, with one in five British women buying a pair in 2022.” Sender also shared: “Period pants tap into rising awareness of the impact fashion is having on the environment, as well as financial concerns, making them increasingly relevant in the current climate.” Plus, as of 1 January 2024, the UK government removed VAT from period pants, giving them the same VAT-free status as other period products on the market.
What is comfortable and suitable for one person who menstruates may not be for another, so it is worth keeping in mind that period pants won’t be for everyone. The concept may well take some getting used to, but we urge you to try them. We were dubious about period underwear at one time, but now they’re our trusty go-to when those tell-tale period cramps come calling.
Just as there are many styles of traditional knickers, you won’t be strapped for choice. Think high-waisted, bikini, boxer-style shorts and even thongs. To find the best ones for you, it may be worth experimenting with different absorbances given that everyone’s flow is different. We’d also recommend wearing them during a range of daily activities so you can see how they’ll fare, whether it’s while you’re sleeping, spending the evening out or heading to the gym.
Plus, there’s no shame in mixing it up with other menstrual products – some prefer wearing period pants the whole time they’re bleeding, while others will opt for them when at home and then use a menstrual cup or tampon at other times.
Finally, a note on upkeep. Once they’ve been worn, make sure to rinse with cold water before adding to the wash along with your other laundry in the washing machine, and remember not to use fabric conditioner, as this can adversely affect the materials and absorbent layers. Secondly, zip them up in a mesh bag if you have one to hand – just for added protection. Then simply air dry.
We evaluated how these undies performed while we were on our flow, from lighter to heavier days and overnight. We also considered look, feel, cost and how they washed, dried and fitted into our life. So, whether you’re a seasoned period pants user or looking to add a pair to your underwear drawer, here’s our round-up of the best period pants on the market.
While everyone’s flow is different, and these pants won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, the short answer is: yes, period pants do work. Although you may feel dubious about undies that claim to work just as well as your usual products, this is what they’re designed for.
Thicker than normal knickers, they prevent leaks just as well as liners, tampons, pads or a cup. That said, just as these other products aren’t always fail-safe, neither are period pants – so if you have a particularly heavy flow, you may want to double up with a cup or tampon.
Although this will depend on the brand you go for, how heavy your flow is and where you are in your cycle, you’ll be pleased to know that you can actually wear the same pair of undies all day. But again, this will be down to personal preference.
Generally, though, they will need to be changed once they start to feel wet, as dry-feeling pants mean the blood is being held in the material rather than sitting on top.
Period pants are made from an absorbent material with multiple layers designed to keep moisture and menstrual blood away from your skin. Fibres trap the liquid to try and keep any stains or leaks at bay while maintaining your comfort.
If you are hesitant to fully trust a pair, as a beginner, try them out on a lighter flow day or use them as backup protection, to see how you feel.
Yes, they are perfectly hygienic and safe on the skin. Most brands use naturally anti-bacterial fabrics and fibres in the material of their period underwear, and, unlike a disposable pad, the fluid is fully absorbed rather than sitting on the surface.
Just like a normal pair of knickers, period pants are also washable and made without harmful toxins and chemicals.
The high-leg cut of most pairs of period pants does mean you could comfortably wear the absorbent underwear under swimwear on a very light flow day, but they are not designed for the water.
Instead, try period swimwear, which is designed to be worn in the water, absorb your flow and give you the freedom to swim on your period without pads or tampons.
We love our Wuka seamless midi briefs and highly recommend them for their silky soft feel, absorbency and how they eradicate any fears of VPL.
Hey Girls’s mission to help those in need is also worth highlighting and its cherry red pants are a comfort on days when you’re feeling really bloated. It’s also worth commending Love Luna for making a budget-friendly pair of period pants to make reusable menstrual products more accessible.
For more kind-to-planet period products, try our best reusable sanitary pads