Menstrual Panties: Everything You Need to Know

Have you used or heard about menstrual panties? These products seek to revolutionize intimate hygiene in terms of protection and comfort.

Menstrual panties represent a sustainable option compared to disposable pads and tampons. These garments are designed to be worn during periods and are reusable, healthy, and comfortable.

Specifically, they act as classic underwear, but with the ability to retain the flow without staining the rest of your clothes. How do they work? What types are there? Here are all the details!

What are menstrual panties and how do they work?

Menstrual panties are a model of intimate apparel whose materials are absorbent and safe. They’re used to replace sanitary napkins and tampons, with the advantage that they don’t add to environmental pollution or cause discomfort.

While some women prefer to wear them by themselves, there are those who use them as a complement to the menstrual cup and other protection systems. It all depends on the level of flow.

A report by the market research firm Transparency Market Research (TMR) states that the absorbency of menstrual clothing varies from half a tampon to two tampons. Generally, this is a type of undergarment made with a base that has three layers of fabric.

• The mantle that touches the skin is made of cotton and is the one that drains the fluid.
• Another is made of waterproof polyurethane so that you don’t feel damp and there’s no blood leakage.
• The third cover blends breathable elastane to neutralize bacteria and odors.

The science of how they work is simple: you wear them like traditional panties and change them every 8 to 12 hours, depending on the abundance of flow.

The benefits of using menstrual panties

The Spanish Organization of Consumers and Users surveyed a group of women on the perception of period panties and the response pointed to the versatility of the garment. They consider them ideal in cases of heavy flow cycles, during the day, at night, or in combination with other methods.

Their main benefits include the following:

• Zero toxicity: Unlike tampons and disposable sanitary napkins, the manufacturing material doesn’t contain silver nanoparticles, a component that can be toxic.
• Comfort: Since it behaves like a common panty, it doesn’t get uncomfortable or move, as is the case with towels. In addition, you stay dry.
• Ecology: Its usefulness extends for 2 years, a time in which you collaborate with the environment by minimizing plastic waste. However, the duration of your menstrual panties also depends on how well you take care of them.

Are there any disadvantages of menstrual panties over other products?

It’s true that the reviews so far are positive. However, there are also a few drawbacks:

• For the most part, the panties are made of dark fabrics, which doesn’t reveal the menstrual stain, so it’s difficult to know where it is or how heavy it is.
• On the other hand, the garment can be expensive compared to other options. However, if you contrast it with what you spend on pads and tampons in the long term, it’s a long-term investment.

Types of menstrual panties

The previously mentioned review points out the factors segmenting the period panties market in its report. Type, style, and size are some of the elements that outline the analysis.

There’s a special type of menstrual panty for all stages of menstruation. In general, they’re distinguished by waterproof ability, antibacterial care, odor cancellation, and comfort. Below, we’ll take a detailed look at the classification.

For light flow

The patches of this kind of underwear are designed for the first and last days of menstruation or when the bleeding is light. In fact, there’s even a thong model!

Medium flow

Medium flow panties also vary in design. You can choose from lace, high-waisted versions, or classic fabrics.

Heavy flow

For heavy flow, menstrual panties are made with the necessary layers to offer greater absorption.

For the night

Menstrual panties for the night are those that allow you to sleep with the peace of mind that the blood will not stain your sheets at the slightest movement. This is a common situation with sanitary napkins, as they don’t always cover what’s necessary and could shift or peel off the fabric.

Panties for sports

Some women prefer not to exercise in the midst of menstruation for fear of leaking in public or having the pad visible. Luckily, there are different types of panty or leggings-style panties that are perfect for sports.

Swimwear

Perhaps panties will lessen your anxiety about wearing a tampon to the beach or pool. Those who have experienced them comment that they’re absorbent enough and feel safe and supportive.

Menstrual panty care and upkeep

Menstrual hygiene is about taking good care of yourself and, in this case, cleaning your panties. Remember that this garment is reusable, and if you want it to last for a long time, you must take care of it.

Wash them with a classic detergent in the washing machine and without fabric softener. Let them air dry, preferably where they can receive sun. An extra recommendation is to rinse them with cold water to rinse them before putting them in the washing machine. Now that you know about panties, are you going to try them?