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What are the benefits of using period pants over disposable products?
Period pants have many advantages — one being that you can wear the best period pants all day without worrying. “They are especially useful for overnight wear, as the absorbent area is often larger than with pads but without the bulk,” says Unsworth. “And for those with irregular cycles, period pants can also be worn like regular underwear, meaning you’re protected if your period starts unexpectedly. With a range of absorbency levels available, you can tailor them to your flow throughout the cycle.”
But switching to period pants can also save you money. “Whilst they require a bigger initial investment, the average woman will spend around £120 on disposable period pads in just two years, but with reusable period pants, the cost is no more than £75,” adds Ruby.
As previously mentioned, leak-proof pants are also a more sustainable choice. “We’re in the midst of an environmental emergency when it comes to the impact of single-use plastic,” details Ruby. “In fact, around 91% of the 380 million metric tons of plastic that is produced globally every year isn’t recycled. The environmental savings of switching to a more sustainable period product like reusable pants or pads are vast. Each of us has the power to divert 9,600 plastic-filled sanitary waste.”
What are the disadvantages of period pants?
Since you’re buying something reusable and washable, period pants require quite a high initial investment. They’re also still, at the time of writing, classified as a “clothing” product – rather than a menstrual one – which means they’re subject to 20% tax. Marks and Spencer’s Say Pants To The Tax campaign aims to change that – and some retailers like TESCO now cover the tax for you.
expensive upfront compared to disposable products, and they require regular washing and proper care to maintain their effectiveness. Additionally, some users may find them less convenient for heavy flow days or extended wear.
Do period pants last all day?
“This depends on how heavy your flow is,” Ruby said. “You can wear our pants for up to 12 hour,s but we always say, you know your flow best.” Take WUKA’s High-Waisted Stretch Seamless Heavy Flow pants, for example.
They are designed to hold three tampons’ worth of blood, so consider how long it takes you to get through three tampons and go from there. Personally? I have a medium flow and manage around eight hours in one pair of period pants before I start feeling uncomfortable.
The duration that period pants can be worn depends on the individual’s flow and the specific product’s absorbency level. On lighter flow days, the best period pants can last all day without needing to be changed. However, on heavier flow days, they may need to be changed more frequently to prevent leaks and maintain comfort. It’s important to choose period pants with the appropriate absorbency level for your needs to ensure optimal performance throughout the day.
How do you wash period pants?
“With the right care, a good pair of period pants can last for years,” adds Allen-Augustin. “After each use, rinse them in cold water, pop them in the machine at 30°C, and air dry — no bleach, no fabric softener, and no tumble dryer. Just rinse, wash, repeat.”
