Period panties are a reusable, absorbent alternative to disposable menstrual products like pads and liners. They are designed to look and feel like regular underwear but feature a specialized multi-layered gusset to manage menstrual flow. They offer comfortable, reliable protection and a sustainable option for managing your cycle.
Selecting the Right Fit and Absorbency Level
Choosing the correct period underwear begins with accurately assessing your typical menstrual flow volume. Absorbency levels are categorized as light, moderate, heavy, and sometimes super or overnight, correlating to the capacity of a certain number of tampons or pads. For instance, a light absorbency pair might hold the equivalent of half to one regular tampon, while a heavy pair may hold up to five or more tampons’ worth of fluid over a 12-hour period. Select an absorbency level based on the volume of your flow, and consider sizing up if you are between measurements for maximum confidence.
Understanding your flow pattern helps you build a practical collection, perhaps using heavy absorbency for the first few days and lighter pairs toward the end of your cycle. The fit of the underwear is just as important as the absorbency for preventing leaks. Period underwear is designed to fit slightly more snugly than conventional pairs to ensure the absorbent gusset remains close to the body.
A pair that is too loose will not provide the necessary protection, potentially leading to leaks around the leg openings. Styles like hipsters or briefs offer more coverage for heavier days or overnight, while bikini or thong styles are better suited for light days or when wearing fitted clothing. When measuring, use your hip size at its widest point as the primary guide, since brands often use firmer elastic materials for a secure, leak-proof fit.
Wearing and Timing Changes
Once you have selected the right pair for your anticipated flow, you wear period panties just like ordinary underwear. The multi-layered gusset works by wicking moisture away from the skin, trapping the fluid in an absorbent middle layer, and relying on a leak-proof outer layer to prevent saturation. Many styles are engineered to provide protection for up to 12 hours, though this duration depends heavily on your flow volume.
You can gauge the need for a change by the feeling of dampness or saturation on the surface, or if the underwear begins to feel heavy. On your heaviest days, you may need to change them more frequently than the maximum wear time, perhaps every 4 to 8 hours, while on lighter days they may last the full 12 hours. Period underwear can be used alone as a complete replacement for other products or as a reliable backup, such as when paired with a menstrual cup or tampon on heavy days.
If you need to change a pair while away from home, bring a small, discreet, and preferably waterproof bag for storage. Simply remove the used pair and place it directly into the bag to be rinsed later. Putting on a fresh pair allows you to continue your day, and the used pair can wait in the sealed bag until you return home for the initial rinse.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper post-use care ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your period underwear. Immediately after wearing, pre-rinse the underwear under cold water until the water runs clear. Using cold water is necessary because hot water can cause blood proteins to set into the fabric fibers, making stains much more difficult to remove.
After the cold-water rinse, the underwear can be machine washed with your regular laundry on a cold or cool cycle. Use a gentle cycle with a regular laundry detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh detergents, as these substances can compromise the absorbent technology and the leak-proof barrier within the gusset.
Following the wash cycle, air drying is the recommended method for period underwear. High heat from a machine dryer can degrade the technical fabrics and the integrity of the absorbent layers, reducing the product’s effectiveness over time. Hanging the underwear to dry allows the multi-layered gusset to dry completely, though this process may take longer than regular underwear due to the internal layers.