What are period pants and how do they work?
Period pants are the future!
Period pants are underwear worn by menstruators on their periods. They look and feel like normal undies but have a highly absorbent gusset (lining) which holds the blood. The top lining (next to your skin) is super permeable and quick drying, meaning blood quickly soaks through and you stay nice and dry. Blood is held in the underwear with a super absorbent middle layer, which also has a waterproof lining. This holds all your period with no leaks. After you've worn them, you wash and dry them ready to wear again.
How do period pants work?
Period undies are made up of layers of material, which come together to make a high-tech, comfortable and absorbent underwear. Here, we explain how these layers work in more detail:
Layer 1: Think of this layer like a gym top – it wicks away the fluid (sweat or blood) and keeps you dry. The blood quickly passes through into the next layer, keeping you fresh because it’s so breathable.
Layer 2: The middle layer locks way the blood. It is made of an absorbent technology which can hold various amounts of fluid. It is this layer than makes period pants as effective as sanitary towels, but more comfortable.
Layer 3: The waterproof layer. This ensures everything that needs to stay in the undies does!
Layer 4: Finally the outer layer of the panites keeps you looking and feeling pretty. This is the layer which is what you see all around the garment and which we strive to make in designs which boost your mood even on a bloody day.
Why are they better for me?
COMFORT! Period underwear is so much more comfortable than pads and tampons. In fact, we don't know anyone who has tried them and not been a fan!
Improved comfort is in part thanks to how natural period underwear is. There are no chemicals, nothing moving around or becoming displaced, and free bleeding is the most natural way to experience menstruation.
While some people suffer with rashes and chafing from period pads, or are uncomfortable wearing a tampon, period undies feel like a normal pair of underwear (and no, they don’t feel damp when worn!)
How are they better for the planet?
Period pants reduce waste. Period. They promote a circular economy, reduce plastics in landfill and waterways and have a smaller carbon footprint.
Here are some fun facts to demonstrate how much better for the planet period pants are:
4.3 BILLION disposable sanitary products are used in the UK every year
In the UK 700,000 panty liners, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down the toilet EVERY DAY
Conventional period products contain plastic - a typical sanitary towel can be up to 90% plastic, and a standard pack of sanitary towels contains the same amount of plastic as 4 carrier bags
On average, period pants have x6 smaller carbon footprint compared to disposable pads, and
Approximately x4 smaller carbon footprint compared to tampons.
Think how much good we could do by changing to period undies.
Image thanks to Change.org
How do I care for period pants?
Bloomers are great for the environment because, unlike disposable period pads and tampons, you reuse them. Yes this means washing your period out of your knickers! (I promise it's not as gross as it initially sounds).
After you've worn your Bloomers, rinse them out in the sink until they run clear. If you’re in school or work and this isn't feasible, just do it as soon as you get home.
Wash your Bloomers in with the rest of your laundry at a 30 degree setting. Whichever detergent you usually use will be fabulous, just don't use any fabric softener (they’re soft enough).
Hang them out to dry (don’t tumble dry).
Get ready to wear them again!
3 easy steps to clean period undies
Can I wear them all day long?
Yes!
Although this is dependent on your flow and will be different for everyone. It will likely even be different for each individual on each day as well. Most people find them considerably more comfortable than pads and tampons, meaning you can wear them for as long as your flow allows whilst still feeling dry and comfortable.
For some people, period undies will completely replace all disposables. Others will only sleep in them. Some may only wear them at the start or end of their cycle. Whatever is comfortable for you and makes you feel safe and secure is best. And remember, any reduction in the use of disposables will have a positive impact on the environment.
Something we found when we transitioned to period undies, was how much less blood we lost compared to what we thought we lost. Previously going through multiple tampons a day, changing them every few hours for comfort and scare of toxic-shock syndrome. Now, period undies that hold 3 tampons can comfortably last the entire day.
How many pairs do I need?
Again, this completely depends on your flow and what makes you feel comfortable.
For some people, period undies will completely replace all disposables. In this instance, depending on your flow and length of your period, you may need up to 10 pairs (1 pair for each day and night over a 5 day cycle).
For others, period knickers will be complimentary to disposables. Maybe you only sleep in them instead of sleeping in a disposable pad (recommended 5 pairs, 1 per night for a 5 day cycle). Or maybe you wear them with a tampon to work in the morning, then in the afternoon don't replace the tampon and free bleed into the period pants.
Some people will only feel comfortable using period undies at the start or end of their cycle when they know they'll be lighter, maybe using them as an insurance pair for when they come on / finish or in the event of spotting (recommended 3-5 pairs). This could save ruining other pretty knickers too.
If you're not sure, just buy 1 to test them out. If you're a fan, stock-up!
When cared for with love, period underwear should last around 2-3 years. Over this time, the money (and plastics and CO2) will make both you and the planet better off.
Where can I get period pants from in the UK?
Explore our range of beautiful period underwear today!
