The feminine hygiene industry has come a long way to save women from regular menstrual inconveniences and acknowledge hygiene as the primary determinant in all its endeavours. From when women used dirty clothes as makeshift pads to period undies, this industry has empowered women to live their successful realities by aiding them with unhindered movement and confidence. Period care is no longer relegated to whispered conversations between friends; these changing times that allow open conversations about feminine hygiene are a marker of progressive times. The market has seen an influx of new menstrual hygiene products.
Since the beginning trend of tampon products in the 1930s, there have been few advancements in menstrual product offerings. Period underwear is a valuable alternative that has raised the bar for comfort and unrestricted movement provisions. With their rising popularity, period panties have made their way into the mainstream market with quite a following.
What are Period Panties?
Period panties are undergarments designed to be worn during your period to replace disposable protection products such as sanitary products or pads. Though some women prefer to use the former only on lighter flow days and as a backup on heavier flow days, these have taken the market by storm!
How Do Period Panties Work?
Period panties are typically made of a combination of moisture-wicking and heavily absorbent material on the innermost layer and water-impermeable layers on the outer layers, so any feeling of wetness or potential leakage is minimal. Shapes and styles vary by brand, but most, like tampons and pads, offer a range of coverage from light to heavy, depending on one’s flow. The period undies market has grown from a niche subgroup to a thriving industry worth more than $410B by 2030.
How are Period Panties Different from Tampons and Pads?
Period underwear is designed to function like regular undies but with the capacity to absorb menstrual flow. This post discusses a few benefits of period panties over regular pads and tampons.
1. Design
Period panties typically have a moisture-wicking upper surface, one or more water-absorbing layers in the gusset, and a leak-resistant final layer. However, the exact design varies by brand.
2. Size
Because the blood flow in the menstrual cycle does not remain constant on all days, period undies come in various sizes ranging from light to heavy flow. Period panties designated for ultra-light days are equivalent to one tampon. Using them for light period days, period highlighting, or backup protection is recommended if you are still determining when your period will arrive.
Period panties designated for the light days are equivalent to two tampons and are recommended for light period days and period spotting. Similarly, those designated for use during moderate days are equivalent to three tampons. And lastly, those recommended for heavy-flow days are equivalent to four tampons. These are recommended for heavy period days, as a backup for extremely heavy flow days, or extra late-night protection.
3. Pro-Hygiene Properties
The main reason period underwear outperforms traditional tampons is that they are designed with technology that neutralises unpleasant odours. They also absorb moisture, ensuring that one remains dry and worry-free.
4. Easy Handling
When you are certain that your period panties are completely dry, place them in your usual undies drawer. Furthermore, washing them is a relatively easy task. It’s as easy as washing regular underwear. It requires a cold wash and air-drying only.
Bottom Line
Aside from the comfort and leak-proofing benefits, period undies are becoming popular as an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective option. Give period underwear a try if you want something more comfortable than sanitary products and less messy than using a tampon.