Table of contents[Hide][Show]
We are becoming more and more Sustainability is the focusWe must stop and reflect. How much waste is generated by our monthly cycle? Most pads and tampons aren’t exactly recyclable or biodegradable. The cost of buying period products every month can add up. What are our other options? Well, many women are turning to “period underwear.”
What is period underwear?
The reusable pantyhose are extra-absorbent and reusable. The goal is to eliminate or reduce the use of disposable menstrual items like pads and tampons. So, if you’re sick of dealing with panty liners, pads, tampons, or even The menstrual cupKeep reading. Period underwear can be a fantastic alternative — (or addition), depending on how you use them.
Panties with moisture-wicking gussets can be used as period underwear. This thick bottom part is designed to absorb the menstrual flow. The gussets may be made from cotton or wool. They can also be made out of synthetic fabrics such as fleece.
According to the brand, a pair of period underwear may hold as much fluid as five tampons. Period underwear has more uses than just the menstrual cycle. They can be used for incontinence caused by maternity, exercise, or postpartum. Learn more about leaks. pelvic floor here.
Period Underwear Choices
Menstrual underwear comes in many sizesYou can still get bikinis, boyshorts, briefs, hi-waists and hiphuggers. There are still bikinis, boyshorts and briefs available, as well as hipsters. If you’re concerned about panty lines, don’t worry — they even make thongs!
These are also available in many different fabrics such as cotton, bamboo and polyester. They can even be made from spandex/elastane or spandex/modal. More often than not, they’re a blend of these fabrics. The waistband might be just Spandex or elastane.
So, you can find panties in cotton, bamboo, or other natural fabrics. The gusset, however, may be made from a material different than the rest, as it must be absorbent.
Can you wear period underwear?
It sounds good, but is it safe to wear period underwear? There’s some concern that certain brands have The per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals” are often found in waterproof fabrics like raingear because they repel water. They’re linked to hormone imbalance, reduced fertility, immune system problems, and low birth weight.
Thinx, Inc., a New York City based brand, serves as a umbrella for three collections. Underwear designed to absorb periods. For teens, there’s Thinx Teens. Speax is an underwear that prevents bladder leaks. Between 2020 and 2022, there will be three class action lawsuitsThinx was cited for PFAS contamination.
They reached a settlement after combining these lawsuits and settling them in December 2022. Women who purchased the underwear but were worried about PFAS, could request a refund or a coupon for a future order.
PFAS tests look for fluorine. Fluorine levels in Thinx were as high as 3,264 parts per millions (ppm), a very high level. Knix (373ppm), Sustain (71-61ppm), Ruby Love (26-7 ppm) and Saalt (10ppm) were other brands with lower amounts of fluorine.
I’ve listed the panties that tested 0 ppm of fluorine below.
The Pros and Cons Of Period Underwear
There are pros and cons of wearing specialized period underwear.
The benefits of period underwear
Period pants have many advantages:
- Environmentally Friendly – Period panties Lower monthly waste. You can also find out more about the following:As I have just mentioned, the material is important. Some period underwear brands don’t just have PFAS or fluorine. Some brands use synthetic fabrics like nylon and polypropylene, which are made from petrochemicals. Plastics are also known as what they’re made of. These synthetic materials can be washed. MicroplasticsThese eventually flow into our groundwater, lakes, rivers and oceans. They eventually end up in our lakes, rivers and oceans. That’s why you’ll want to opt for organic cotton, bamboo, and other natural materials when possible.
- Leading Up & Trailing Off – With busy schedules, it’s understandable if we You may occasionally lose trackWe can also be sure of the exact date of our period. Sometimes we’re also too quick to put away the panty liner. That’s where period underwear can really help.
- Nighttime flow – Why risk stainingThe sheets? Period pants are a good option for sleeping.
- Postpartum bleeding – Vaginal births can lead to postpartum bleeding, and wearing a tampon isn’t ideal. Thick pads can be aggravating; that’s where period panties come in!
- Backup Leak protection – Sometimes tampons leak, especially with heavier flow days. Period panties are a good insurance.
- It is more comfortable than pads – The gussets of period underwear are much thinner than pads, so they’re more comfortable to wear. Period panties Move with You and don’t go off-center as menstrual pads can.
- Fewer Cramping – Some women report Less crampingWhen they use period pants instead of tampons. Period panties are not invasive.
- Travel convenience – Long flights can make it challenging to get to the bathroom when we need to switch out a tampon. Period panties can hold a couple (or more) of tampons’ worth of flow, giving you more time (up to 24 hours!). They’re a great addition to your travel packing list.
- Machine-washable – You can machine wash most period underwear brands, at least after briefly soaking., making This makes them convenient to wash and wear.
Cons of Period Wear
There are a number of potential downsides to the use of this technology.
- Other chemical contaminants and PFAS – Regular PFAS, fluorine, and Other chemical exposuresIt may become hazardous with time. That’s especially the case for anything in close contact with your private parts.
- Cost:They tend to cost more than regular underwear. The price ranges from $12 to $55 a pair.
- The washing process – Handwashing some of the underwear in cold water before Machine washing isn’t so fun. As mentioned above, soaking the sand first is an option.
- Need for Change – Heavy flow days may require changing mid-day, just like pads or tampons.
- Leakage of a product is possible – Unfortunately, not all period panties are leakproof. While some designs can hold up to five or even 10 tampons’ worth of liquid, others hold two or fewer.
- Odors that are harmful – Depending on the material, usage (period vs. incontinence), and time wearing them, there’s a potential to build up an odor.
You can find out the pros and con of different brands, fabrics, and cuts. Review the latest reviews and make the right purchase.
How to take care of period underwear
Special care is required for the fabric of period underwear. Choose a Gentle soapsUse mild detergents instead of harsh detergents or bleach. Avoid using fabric softeners and other chemicals.
Top Period Underwear Brands
The best underwear for periods is comfortable, free of toxic chemicals, and easy-to-clean. Here are some of today’s most popular brands that do not contain chemicals.
The Period Company’s
The Period Company’s “The High-Waisted” underwear gets excellent reviews. The company uses organic cotton 95% certified by OEKOTEX (the remainder is polyester) and has tested to be 100% free of PFAS. They’re also affordable, starting at $12 a pair, and can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.
Modibodi
ModibodiThe period pants are 95% viscose bamboo with 5% lycra for added stretch. The lining is made of a mixture of polyester, polyamide, and merino. Modibodi’s organic cotton styles are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The estimated lifespan is at least 2 year. Independent lab testing found zero PFAS. If your man has leakage issues, Modibodi has him covered! They have a men’s line as well.
Bambody
BambodyThis brand also tested clean and was free of PFAS, other chemicals, and other contaminants. Named after the bamboo fabric that is blended with spandex and cotton. However, the lining is made of synthetic material. Bambody has been certified by OEKOTEX. The Hohenstein Textile Testing Institute, in Germany, also certified them safe. They’re estimated to last about a year and a half.
Aisle
AisleThis is a sustainable underwear brand from Canada. Independent testing is used to verify that there are no detectable PFAS levels (less than one ppm). Materials used include organic Cotton, Tencel, Recycled Polyester, Technical Cotton, Thermoplastic Polyurethane and others. The lining is made of Truetex™ which is a blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. Aisle has been certified by OEKOTEX and Control Union under the OCS standard (organic content). The average lifespan of these products is 3 years.
WUKA
WUKA wasn’t part of the study, they do regular testing to ensure their products are PFAS-free. They use Tencel modal from beech trees, and GOTS certified organic cotton. Tencel modal is biodegradable and compostable, so it doesn’t burden our landfills. WUKA’s certification is also through OEKOTEX. Plus they’re estimated to last at least 2 years.
Some of these companies have also swimsuits. BrasSleepwear and other intimates.
Period Underwear: Bottom Line
When you next need to buy underwear, think about period pants. Menstrual products can be reduced or eliminated from your life. your budget. They’re accessible and easy to find – you’ll even see them on Amazon. But if you’d prefer to shop locally and feel the fabric before you buy, you can also find them at natural products shops and department stores. Period pants will help you to relax during your period!
Have you tried period underwear? What is your experience? You’re either a fan or hater? What brands would you recommend? Please share your favorite brands with us!