Period underwear represents a significant advancement in reusable menstrual products, offering a comfortable and sustainable alternative to traditional pads and tampons by absorbing menstrual flow directly. For individuals with a heavier flow, a common concern is how these fabrics handle menstrual clots. Clots are a normal part of menstruation, consisting of coagulated blood, tissue, and mucus formed when the flow is so fast that the body’s natural anticoagulants cannot effectively thin the blood before it is shed. The technology built into the underwear is specifically engineered to manage both the liquid and the thicker, semi-solid components of menstrual discharge.
How the Fabric Technology Handles Thick Flow
The functionality of period underwear relies on a highly engineered, multi-layered fabric system, typically consisting of three distinct components. The layer closest to the skin is a moisture-wicking material, designed with microfibers that rapidly pull liquid menstrual fluid away from the body, ensuring the user feels dry and comfortable. This swift wicking action is the first line of defense against both light and thick flow.
Directly beneath this top layer is the absorbent core, which is the powerhouse of the garment, often made from specialized fibers capable of trapping and holding many times their weight in fluid. When a menstrual clot passes, the liquid blood surrounding and within the clot is drawn into this core, while the thicker, solid tissue component remains on the surface.
The final component is a leak-proof barrier layer, typically a polyurethane laminate, which is breathable but completely waterproof. This layer acts as a safeguard, preventing any absorbed moisture from passing through to outer clothing. While the fabric cannot dissolve the solid part of the clot, the rapid absorption of the surrounding liquid prevents saturation and leakage, keeping the semi-solid mass contained until the garment is changed.
What to Expect When Passing Clots
The experience of passing a clot into period underwear is different from the immediate absorption of liquid flow. Because a clot is a viscous, semi-solid mass, it may initially sit on the surface of the wicking layer after it has been passed. This sensation is normal and indicates that the liquid components are being drawn down into the absorbent core, leaving the thicker tissue behind.
The period underwear is designed to manage this by absorbing the liquid and keeping the surface relatively dry, but users should be prepared to see the solid residue. When visiting the restroom, it is often necessary to gently wipe away any visible solid tissue from the gusset with toilet paper. This simple physical removal ensures the absorbent core remains available for subsequent flow and helps maintain maximum comfort.
If a user passes multiple large clots in a short period, the absorbent capacity may be challenged more quickly than with liquid flow alone. Although the barrier layer prevents leaks, a concentration of semi-solid material on the surface can sometimes feel damp or reach a saturation point sooner. In these instances of persistently heavy flow with significant clotting, changing into a fresh pair of period underwear may be necessary rather than waiting for the garment’s full absorption limit.
Washing and Maintaining Period Underwear
Proper cleaning is necessary to maintain the high performance of the absorbent layers, especially after they have managed thick flow and clots. The process must begin immediately after use with a cold water rinse, which is a non-negotiable step to prevent staining and preserve the fabric integrity. Cold water prevents the proteins in the blood from setting into the specialized fibers of the absorbent core.
During this initial rinse under running cold water, any residual solid clot material must be physically removed. This can be accomplished by gently rubbing the gusset with fingertips or using the pressure of the running water until the water coming off the fabric runs clear. This action ensures that the bulk of the organic material is flushed out before the machine washing stage.
The underwear is then ready for a machine wash on a cold or delicate cycle using a mild detergent. Avoid the use of fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh chemicals, as these can coat the absorbent fibers and significantly reduce the garment’s wicking and holding capacity. Finally, the garment must be air-dried only, as the high heat from a dryer can damage the leak-proof barrier and compromise its function.