Period pants

Period pants are worn exactly like a normal pair of underwear but the pad is built-in. They come in a variety of sizes, absorbencies and styles to suit your needs and preferences.

How many pairs of period pants

It’s up to you whether you want to buy a full set or whether you try a couple of pairs first to find out what you like and how to use them. If you do want to switch completely to period pants, general advice is to get seven to 10 pairs, but this can vary as everyone’s cycle is different and this will be based on your flow and how often you wash them.

All reusable period products have a use-by date. On average, pants will last three years but this will depend on how frequently you use them and how they are cared for.

How to use period pants

Just put them on! You can wear a pair of period pants for up to 12 hours depending on your flow and absorbency level.

When it comes to changing your period pants, you need to take the whole pair of pants off. You’ll need to decide whether this is something you are able and comfortable to do. If not, reusable period pads or a menstrual cup may be a better option for when you are away from your home.

It’s normal to feel unsure about trying a new product like this so you can try them at home first where you are comfortable so that you can get used to them. You can even try them when you are not on your period to know how they feel.

How to clean period pants

This is based on personal preference, but reusable period pants can be washed with the rest of your washing in your washing machine.

Before washing, it is advised to rinse the pads before you put them in the washing machine. Use cold water when rinsing as hot water can set blood stains and damage the fibres of the material and they won’t last as long. Rinse the pads until most of the blood has been removed.

If you are at home, you can rinse them directly in the sink and then place them in the washing machine ready for your next wash.

If you are out and about, you can place your used period pants in a bag or wet bag so that you can rinse the pants once you are home.

You can choose to wash them in two ways:

hand wash them in a sink with some powder or liquid laundry detergent
wash them in the washing machine with your usual laundry detergent

Don’t use fabric softener. It can cause a build-up on the pad which affects the absorbency, and they won’t work as effectively. You can use white vinegar instead which will act as a softener.

Essex is also known as a hard water area. You can add a water softening tablet or soda crystals to the wash which will allow the detergent to lather more and wash the pads better. This can be added to general washes too.

To dry the pants, give the pants a squeeze when you take them out of the wash to remove any excess water make sure any excess water is removed. Air dry the pants by hanging them on an airer or washing line. Make sure they are laid out without any bunching so that they retain their shape and dry quicker. Don’t use a radiator as the heat can damage the material.

Top tip

For really heavy days, you can combine pads and pants together for an extra layer of protection. Alternatively, double up a pad with a menstrual cup for extra confidence.

Period pant brands

We’ve collated a list of various period pant brands for you to try. Check them out!

What our residents say

“All of a sudden, it clicked for me one day that my period was creating so much waste. I decided to try reusable period products in an attempt to be more eco-friendly. First, I tried a menstrual cup but it just didn’t work for me, maybe because I’m not used to using tampons. Then I tried reusable pads and period pants and I LOVE them so much! They are so soft and comfortable; they make my period a little bit easier to handle!”
- Amanda