Menstrual protection is typically designed for traditional underwear, making it seem impossible to wear a pad with a thong. Standard pads are wide and require a broad gusset for full adhesion, while a thong only provides a narrow strip of fabric. However, you do not have to abandon your preferred underwear style during your period. Manufacturers have developed specific products, and a simple modification technique exists for standard pads, allowing you to maintain comfort and reliable protection.
Using Pads Specifically Designed for Thongs
The most straightforward solution involves using specially shaped pads or panty liners engineered for thongs. These products are identified by their distinct hourglass shape, which is extremely narrow in the center where the thong’s fabric sits. The adhesive base is smaller than a standard pad, preventing the sticky material from bunching up or contacting the skin.
Thong-specific liners often feature a unique wing design or wing-free construction to accommodate the narrow material. Disposable versions with wings are typically positioned toward the back and fold over the narrowest part of the thong’s strip, securing the pad with a targeted wrap. Some reusable cloth thong pads use a snap closure on the wings to fasten securely around the material instead of adhesive.
To apply the product, ensure the underwear is lying flat. Peel off the backing and center the pad’s narrowest section directly along the thong’s central fabric strip. If the pad has wings, peel off the wing backing and wrap them tightly around the underside of the fabric, ensuring they meet and adhere firmly for maximum stability. Press the entire pad down to activate the adhesive, which secures the product against the minimal movement of the thong.
Modifying Standard Pads for Thong Wear
If specialized thong pads are unavailable, a standard winged pad or liner can be modified to fit the narrow gusset of a thong. This technique works best with thin, flexible pads, as thicker varieties are more prone to bunching and discomfort. The method uses the pad’s wings to create a secondary, secure point of attachment around the narrow fabric strip.
Start by peeling the main adhesive backing and centering the pad onto the thong’s center strip. The outer edges of the pad will naturally overhang the underwear fabric. Next, peel the backing from the wings, but instead of folding them outward and under the fabric as usual, fold them inward.
Fold the wings from both sides of the pad toward the center, wrapping them securely around the thong’s fabric strip until they meet and adhere to the underside of the pad itself. This inward fold effectively narrows the pad’s base, creating a secure pouch that locks the pad onto the thong material. Using extra-long pads can also provide better front-to-back coverage, compensating for the lack of width security.
Non-Pad Menstrual Options for Thongs
For those seeking an alternative that removes the need for any external adhesive product, several internal and specialized options pair seamlessly with thongs. Internal products like tampons and menstrual cups are fully contained within the body, making them completely compatible with any underwear style, including thongs. Tampons absorb menstrual fluid within the vaginal canal, while menstrual cups collect the fluid, both offering protection for several hours.
A popular alternative is period underwear designed in a thong style. These garments feature a multi-layered, absorbent panel built directly into the fabric of the thong. This absorbent layer is engineered to wick moisture and hold a specific volume of fluid, often equivalent to one to two tampons or liners. These options eliminate the concern of shifting pads and visible lines, providing a completely discreet solution.