Are period pants reliable? Are they suitable for heavy flow? How to wash them? And what about period pants for young girls? We answer all your questions about period pants.
What Are Period Pants?
Menstrual underwear to be used during your period. They’re made of an absorbent and a waterproof layer so they’ve got you covered. Period pants are a reliable alternative for conventional period products (sanitary pads and tampons).
Do Period Pants Work?
Of course. Their use is very similar to sanitary pads without the need to dispose of them after you’ve used them. Period pants absorb menstrual blood and don’t let it through on your clothes. Most often, period pants consist of these three layers (in various combinations, according to the brand and used fabrics):
- Stay Dry Layer: Directs wetness away from skin, to “deeper” layers inside the panties. This layer is often made of fleece or merino wool. Some layers might even be anti-bacterial — Underbelly Period Pants are a good example.
- Absorbent Layer: Absorbs menstrual blood and locks it inside the pants. Usually made of cotton (often terry) or other absorbent fabrics, preferably from natural materials.
- Waterproof Layer: Has you covered. Typically, it’s made of polyester with waterproof coating (PUL). Contrary to disposable sanitary pads, the waterproof layer of period pants is more breathable — which means more comfortable and healthier. A great prevention against gynaecological inflammations.
How to Use Period Pants?
The same way as any other period item. Put on your period pants, wear them and change into a fresh pair whenever necessary. How often? That depends on your flow (light or heavier). During light flow days, it’s sufficient to change your period pants twice a day (usually morning and night).
Period pants are a popular solution for those practicing so-called free bleeding — when you release period blood primarily in the bathroom. In such case, period pants can be used even for heavy flow days. Read more about the free bleeding method in our article.
How to Wash Period Pants?
There’s not much difference to washing period pants, compared to washing regular underwear. If the next-to-skin layer is made of fabric susceptible to stains, we recommend soaking used pants in ice cold water prior to washing. Cold water prevents staining — contrary to when blood dissolves in warm water, and the haemoglobin (blood colouring) stains the fabric for good. After having soaked your pants in cold water for a few hours, machine wash them as usual. Don’t tumble dry them — hot air in the dryer might damage the waterproof layer.
Are Period Pants a Good Choice for Girls?
Absolutely! It’s a smart choice — they look and feel just as standard underwear. Underbelly Period Pants look really youthful and come in many colours to choose from.
Are Period Pants Suitable for Heavy Flow?
Depends on your flow and also on your willingness to change pants during the day. With heavy menstrual flow, you will most likely need to change into fresh period pants a few times a day. Not very comfortable in winter as it requires taking off everything you’re wearing from the waist down (shoes included). Based on our own experience (and on our customers’ feedback), we’d say that heavy flow presents no problem in summer. Changing period pants under a skirt or a dress is easy.
Choose period pants with thicker absorbent layer for heavy flow days. Also, check the waterproof layer and how high it reaches. Ideally, it should be high enough in the front and also in the back. To be sure. High-wasted Yuuki Period Pants are perfect.
Another way to use period pants during heavy flow days is to use them as back-up to a menstrual cup. A popular combo for many people with heavy flow.
Can I Use Period Pants for Swimming?
Physics doesn’t allow for that. Period pants absorb any liquids (including pool water) the moment you submerge in water. Menstrual blood inevitably mixes with it. Not a desired effect.
How Long Do Period Pants Last?
Years! It’s an investment that returns in a couple of months. No need to buy sanitary pads or tampons any more. Or at least significantly reduce their amount.
What About Period Pants for the Night?
Choose more absorbent period pants with an elongated waterproof layer both in the front and back. That way your sheets are safe no matter whether you sleep on your back or belly. We’ve tried out Yuuki Period Pants for the night and are happy to report you can rely on them 100%.
Can I Use Period Pants instead of Maternity Pads?
Yes! Maybe not in the first days right after delivery but they’re a great option for the following post-partum weeks. As comfortable as your favourite underwear.
Do You Have Period Pants Made in Europe?
Of course we do. Just have a look at our Period Pants category. Underbelly Period Pants are made in the Czech Republic and come in two types of absorbency levels — for light and heavy flow days.
I Want High-Wasted Period Pants. Can You Help Me?
Happily. Not only are Yuuki Period Pants high-wasted, their absorbing layer is thick enough to keep you safe even at night.
The Best Period Pants
When choosing period pants, take into account not just your size but also the desired absorbency. Underbelly Period Pants come in multiple variants — to make your choice easy, we’ve put together this size chart:
Have more pressing questions about period pants on your mind? Get in touch — use the chatbox on this page (we don’t employ bots, you get answers from real people here). Call our hotline or drop us a line on social media. We’ve got plenty of experience under our belts (pun intended!) and are willing to share it with you.
