Here’s a guide to help you know exactly how to use period panties! I recently tried period panties for the first time and here is everything you need to know before you buy!
“Aunt Flow”, “Shark Week”, and “That Time of the Month”. Yup, we’ve all heard these slang terms for monthly visitors that grace its presence every month. The period or menstrual cycle is how your body sheds the lining of your uterus that has built up over the month. Lovely, right?
For some, a period is just an inconvenience. For others, your period may be the time of the month that you dread the most. Personally, my period has always been a slight inconvenience. While I do experience mild cramping and PMS symptoms, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a relatively “normal” cycle.
After I had my second child, however, my relationship with Aunt Flow changed. My periods were more sporadic and uncomfortable. Tampons, even the organic brands, also became incredibly uncomfortable. Pads irritated my skin and I was left wondering what alternatives were left.
As an eco friendly mom who teaches and incorporates sustainability throughout my lifestyle, I had been wanting to try more sustainable period methods for a while. I tried reusable pads and they were for me. They felt bulgy in my underwear and weren’t as absorbent as I would have liked.
I figured my next option would be period panties. Spoiler alert – period panties are single-handedly the best decision I’ve made concerning my menstrual cycle. They’re comfortable, sleek, easy to use, and actually absorb!
If you’re considering trying out period panties, I want to give you a full period panty guide to help you decide if they’re right for you.
This post is all about how to use period panties for beginners!
What is the point of period panties?
Period panties are a great way to enter the zero waste period scene if you’re hesitant about ditching your traditional pads or tampons. They’re also a great backup. For those with a heavy flow and occasionally have leaks, period panties are an incredible way to provide an extra barrier.
How often do you change period panties?
How often you change period panties is dependent on the level of absorbency in the panties you’ve chosen. Most panties will compare the amount of flow absorbency to the number of pads/tampons a person would typically use.
In other words, the time it takes to fill up your period panties will differ slightly with each person and may differ from day to day, if your flow changes over the course of your period.
Tip: before you make the switch to period panties, track how many tampons or pads you use per day. This will give you an idea of how many period panties you’ll need.
How to wash period panties?
Period panties can be washed in the washing machine on cold. Avoid hot water because it can negatively impact the panties. Panties should also be air-dried. This means you’ll need to make sure you have enough panties to give your panties at least 24 hours to fully dry for reuse.
It is best to wash your panties each day after use. Try to avoid letting them dry out in between washes. If they happen to dry out, soak your panties in cold water before you wash them.
Panties can be washed with other clothes or they can be washed separately. You can also purchase a mesh bag to wash your panties. Currently, I wash my panties altogether.
Your panties should not smell if they are well maintained. If they do happen to develop a smell, soak your panties in cold water in the sink with a cap full of vinegar for about 30 minutes to strip them. Then wash them as you normally would.
Can period panties replace pads?
Yes! Period panties can replace pads or tampons. If you choose, you will not need to add any other menstrual products along with your period panty.
However, many people use period panties along with other forms of menstrual products such as a cup, pad, tampon, or panty liner.
I personally prefer only using period panties. This keeps my periods easy, simple, and avoids the bulky feeling.
Are period panties worth it?
If you’re new to period products, I would definitely say period panties are worth it. It’s truly as simple as putting on a pair of underwear! Although the cost upfront is an investment, these panties last for years before they need to be replaced. Compare this to the rising cost of disposable tampons and pads and it’s a definite cost saving.
Are period panties better for the environment?
I love to advocate for reusable products over single-use disposable products. If you think back to the famous environmental slogan – reduce, reuse, and recycle. These words are listed in that order for a reason!
Reusing a product over and over is one of the most eco friendly options because it reduces waste and decreases the need to continuously repurchase.
Keep in mind that most menstruating people have their monthly cycle for about 40 years. In fact, according to research, by the time a menstruating person enters menopause, they’ve cumulatively menstruated for about six and a half days (source).
Each disposable pad and/or tampon used over the course of 40 years will take about 500 years to decompose.
Review of Bambody period panties
I purchased three pairs of Bambody period panties.
Bambody Period Panty Advantages:
- It was incredibly convenient to purchase these panties from Amazon
- These panties are excellent for lighter days. They hold the equivalent of two tampons.
- Bambody period panties are PFAS-free. PFAS is a forever chemical that the EPA has just ruled as a hazardous substance (source). It is found in many common items such as dental floss, popcorn bags, and even some period panties like Thinx.
- Super comfortable and not bulky. It does not bunch or create a wet feeling.
- What are period panties made of? According to the website, here is what Bambody Period panties are made of: The central leakproof gusset is a bamboo fabric that is polylaminated, which is then covered by a second layer of bamboo fabric. The absorbent styles have a central crotch section that is made from polyester (80%) and nylon (20%). The hipster waistband is made from nylon (52%), rubber latex (30%), and polyester (18%).
Bambody Period Panties Disadvantages:
- These panties are not designed for heavy flow
- Run small. Order up a size or two. I typically wear a medium and ordered a large. It fit great, but I could have also gotten away with an extra large.
- If you let the panties sit for too long, they will start to leak into other parts of the panty. This is why I recommend tracking how many tampons you typically use before you make the switch.
- If you experience large clots during heavier parts of your period, I would recommend using these panties after your flow has slowed. If I had a large clot I was able to easily clear it off the top with a tissue, but it was not incredibly absorbant for these types of situations.
Bambody period panties are best as supplemental period protection – in addition to other menstrual protection. They are also great for lighter days, but I would not recommend these as period panties for heavy flow
As I continue to try new brands each month, I’ll continue posting reviews!
I hope you enjoyed this post about how to use period panties!
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