A Beginners Guide To Period Pants and Leak-Free Underwear

We're about to reveal a secret that will change your life forever. Ready? Here it is: You don't have to suffer through yet another period with leaky pads or uncomfortable tampons. Instead, you can wear pants with built-in leak protection that prevents embarrassing leaks and stains.

If you're not sure what period pants or leakproof undies are, how they work, or how to wash them, this is a good first place to start. With leakproof underwear, you don't have to worry about stains on your favourite clothes or embarrassing accidents.

But with so many types available, how do you know which period pants are the best? In this post, we'll break down all your options, so that when it comes time for your next period — whether that's now or in six months — you'll know everything there is to know and be ready to find the best period pants for you!

What are period pants?

Period underwear, also known as period pants, are a type of underwear designed to be worn during your period. They're basically like regular underwear, except they feature absorbent and leak-proof built-in technology that can handle your menstrual flow.

Period pants are designed to absorb blood and protect clothing underneath from staining during your menstrual cycle. They have a leak-resistant layer of absorbent fabric inside that can hold up to two tampons worth of fluid before it needs to be changed out—no more worrying about creating embarrassing situations where there’s no place private enough for a trip to the bathroom!

They are washable and reusable, usually lasting 2-3 years before needing to be replaced, and depending on the brand, they can either be a complete replacement to disposable pads and tampons, or work as a backup. Our period pants and leak-proof underwear completely replace disposables, so you can wear them alone. Just like regular underwear, they are available in different styles, from high waisted to boxer shorts, so there's something for everyone. Take a look here.

Using period underwear is easy: just put a new one on when your old one gets full! It might take some getting used to at first, since they're different to using pads or tampons – but once you go down the path of comfortable period pants, there's no going back!

How do period pants work?

Period pants are designed to absorb menstrual blood and prevent leaks. They have built-in layers of specialised materials, usually consisting of a moisture-wicking top material, middle absorbent layers, and bottom leak-proof barrier. This built-in tech ensures you feel dry and fresh all day long. They are usually available in different absorbencies, so you can wear a pair with the correct absorption capacity for your flow, depending on the day. Absorption rates vary between different brands, but our range of period pants come in absorbencies from super light (holding 1 tampon's worth) to super heavy (holding 5 tampon's worth).

In short, good quality period pants should feel as comfortable as regular underwear (if not more!), but catch leaks before they happen. Want to learn more about how period pants work? Take a look here. 

How long do period pants last?

The lifespan of your reusable period pants depends on how you care for them. It's recommended to wash them after each wear on a gentle washing cycle of your washing machine, and hang to dry. If you care for them properly, they can last up to 5 years.

It's also worth noting that these products are reusable, which means less waste and less cost over time—you'll spend less money buying disposables every month, and you'll save on ruined underwear!

Are period pants hygienic?

Period pants are hygienic. They are usually made of natural, breathable materials and can be machine washed, just like your regular underwear—no special treatment is necessary.

When it comes to period pants, people often ask: are they hygienic? The answer is yes. Period pants are hygienic. They are usually made of natural materials, so they're super soft and comfortable, and can be machine washed, just like your regular underwear—no special treatment is necessary.

One thing to look out for when looking for period pants is whether they contain any PFA/PFAS. Our period underwear has no added applications like silver during the manufacturing process to avoid this, but some period underwear brands have been known to contain them, so do your research.

How long can you wear period pants?

Depending on the absorbency level of the period underwear you are wearing, you can wear period pants for the whole day. You'll know when it's time to change them, as they will start to feel damp (which is a normal indicator that they are getting full). If you're worried about being caught off guard in the middle of the day, we recommend carrying an extra pair of undies just in case!

We recommend finding a pair of period pants in an absorbency that suits your flow, to allow you to feel confident and comfortable when out and about. Our find your fluxies quiz will help you find the perfect style and absorbency of period pants for you.

Are period pants better for the environment?

This is a simple question, but one you should consider if you're interested in making more sustainable choices when it comes to period products.

Conventional disposable sanitary pads and tampons are usually made from plastic, which doesn't break down easily in landfills and can cause a lot of environmental harm if it ends up in the ocean. They also contain chemicals that may be harmful for you or the environment. On top of all that, disposables use up water during manufacturing—so much so that some countries have had to ration their citizens' access to water due to drought conditions caused by the manufacturing processes!

So what about reusable options? Compared to disposable pads and tampons, period pants are much better for the environment. They're machine washable and can be reused for years, which means they don't have to be thrown away after each use.

Reusable menstrual products work well when they're designed with good function and durability in mind. Our reusable period pants are built to last, and we use high quality, breathable materials that are also environmentally friendly and cruelty-free. However, be sure to check out the brand you purchase from, as different brands use different materials, and some brands are not vegan or cruelty-free.

How to wash period pants

To keep your period pants clean and fresh, and help them last as long as possible, it’s important to follow a few basic rules:

Wash your period pants in cold or low temperature water: Period panties and leakproof underwear are made of delicate materials like organic cotton, so they need to be washed gently. We recommend washing them on a setting lower than 40 degrees. The cooler, the better.

Use a gentle detergent and don't overload the washer: We've found it's best to use a gentle detergent and allow room for your period pants to move freely during the cycle. That way, they get a proper clean and you can be sure they're fresh for the next wear.

Don't use fabric softener or bleach: This will make your period pants less absorbent and may leave residues on the cloth that could irritate your skin.

Hang your period pants to dry: Air-drying is essential when it comes to period pants, as the high heat in a tumble dry can cause the leak-proof layer to disintegrate, meaning they won't work as designed. We've found letting them dry outside in the sun or near a warm radiator, works best.

Remember: we recommend starting with three to five pairs of period underwear, so you always have a fresh pair when needed!

Breathable period pants that keep you leak-free and comfortable

So there you have it, a beginner's guide to period pants and leakproof underwear. By now, you should have a better idea of what period pants are and how they can help you during your menstrual cycle. If you're ready to ditch the disposables, it's time to give period pants a try. They're easy to use, comfy to wear, and you can try our period underwear risk-free today, with our 60 day money back guarantee. Take a look here.