Last Updated on April 25, 2024

Did you know it’s estimated that a woman will use approximately 11,400 pads throughout her lifetime? Each of these pads are disposable, which means they end up in a landfill.

Pads are typically made from plastics, cotton, wood pulp and synthetic fibers. Since some of these components are synthetic, the entire pad will not break down. That means the pad you wore when you were a teen is probably still around today, sitting in a landfill.

Some disposable pads also include artificial fragrances and synthetic chemicals into the mix, which may cause allergic reactions.

Tampons aren’t much better: During the average 40-year span that a person typically spends menstruating, an individual uses more than 9,000 tampons.

That’s why I co-founded Kayaness, a sustainable period company, with Shleby Orme, a sustainable lifestyle YouTuber who happens to be one of my best friends.

Period underwear is a reusable alternative to pads and tampons, but not all period undies are created equal.

Kayaness is committed to creating high-quality reusable items with ethical manufacturing, recycled and reclaimed materials that undergo rigorous testing for safety, and building products that are made to last.

If you’re considering switching over to period underwear but don’t know where to start, here’s a guide to period panties and how to use period underwear.

what is period underwear?

Period underwear are undergarments you wear during your menstrual cycle to take the place of disposable pads and tampons. They are constructed to look and feel like regular underwear.

Period panties have extra layers and specific fabrics that line the crotch area. This enables them to absorb menstrual blood.

Period panties can be washed and then re-wore on repeat. They are a reusable option that can be worn all throughout your period, varying from heavy to light days.

why switch to period underwear?

There are two main reasons to switch to period underwear: Reducing waste and saving money. Let’s look at each a little more in-depth.

period underwear helps the environment

It’s estimated menstruating women will go through more than 11,000 pads in their lifetimes. Disposable period pads may contain up to 90% plastic, which means when they’re discarded and sent to a landfill, they take hundreds of years to break down into tiny pieces, aka microplastics.

Period products also have excessive plastic packaging: A 12 pack of pads is wrapped in plastic film, and each pad is individually wrapped in plastic (for sanitary purposes). Plastic film cannot be recycled via curbside recycling in most areas.

Additionally, pads are made in factories, which are often powered by fossil fuels. It takes a lot of energy to transform raw materials like cotton and crude oil into useable products. Not to mention both conventional cotton and plastic have negative impacts on the environment.

Conventional cotton, not organic cotton, is frequently used in most period products. It is a water-hungry plant and heavily sprayed with pesticides that can pollute groundwater.

Each of these materials has their own carbon footprint individually (you can learn more about cotton’s carbon footprint here). But plastic must be transformed from crude oil into moldable plastic which takes up a lot of energy, water and resources.

A year’s worth of disposable pads and tampons for one person produces 8.9kg of CO2 emissions, the same as charging a mobile phone more than 1000 times.

That’s why Kayaness period panties are made from organic cotton and recycled polyester. This, paired with the fact they’re reusable, dramatically cuts down on their carbon footprint.

period underwear save money

Using disposables adds up over time. Let’s assume a person menstruates for 40 years and buys a $8 pack of disposable pads every month (excluding tax). That adds up to $3,840 over a lifetime, $96 a year.

This is likely an underestimate as the cost of menstrual pads, the taxes, and frequency of purchase can vary. For example, if you have a heavy flow, you may find yourself purchasing two packs instead of one per month.

That said, let’s look and see how much period panties will save you. Upfront, period underwear will cost more: For 5 pairs of Kayaness’ high waist briefs, it would cost $160 without tax.

However, if you use and take care of them for 2 years, that’s $192 saved based on the prior example above. At that point, the period underwear would’ve already paid for themselves and then some.

If you use them for five years, that’s $480 saved: Think of all the matcha lattes that could go towards instead!

how to use period underwear: a simple step-by-step break down

If you’re interested in trying out period panties but feel intimidated, here’s how to use them. Hint: It’s really simple!

1. Order your period panties (we’ll talk about finding the right fit for you below).

2. Wash them before your first wear. This can be in the washing machine (done on delicate) or handwashing, but always let it air dry. More instructions on how to wash your period panties are given below.

3. When your period starts, just slip on your period underwear like normal panties. Depending on your flow, you can wear these for several hours. You may even be able to wear them all day, if your period is light enough. However, you should make it a point to change after 24 hours into a fresh pair.

4. Change into a fresh pair of period undies and remove/clean the soiled ones. Repeat this process until your period is over!

how to wash period underwear

To clean your period underwear, there are a few steps you must take:

• After you remove your period underwear, soak or rinse them in cold water. Do this until the water runs clear.
• If using a washing machine, wash them on a delicate or gentle cycle with a mild detergent. To make your underwear last, consider handwashing in the sink.  
• Don’t put them in the dryer, let them air dry by laying the underwear flat or hang drying them. You can even improvise and use coat hangers to hang them up to dry. 

finding the right fit

At Kayaness, we offer two styles of period underwear: High waisted briefs and boyshorts. Both these styles provide ample coverage, all while prioritizing comfort. We also offer sizing from XS to 4XL, so there’s something for everyone.

faqs

do you wear a pad with period underwear?

You don’t have to wear a pad with period underwear, unless you want to. It also depends on your flow: If you’re a heavy bleeder, you may prefer a little extra protection.

However, Kayaness underwear offers heavy absorbency and can hold up to 3-4 regular tampons worth of flow. This will last for hours.

Can you use period panties for postpartum bleeding?

Yes, you can use period underwear for postpartum bleeding. However, during the beginning of it, you may want to pair them with pads for fuller coverage.

Can you swim in period panties?

There are specific period swimwear brands out there for this purpose. Generally speaking, a reusable menstrual cup or organic tampon is recommended for swimming on your period. 

how often should you change your period underwear?

On average days, it’s good to change your period underwear at least once every 8-12 hours. However, it will entirely depend on your flow: If you have a heavy flow, you may need to change your pads more frequently.

how many pairs of period underwear do you need?

How many pairs of period underwear you need will depend on your unique flow.

If you’re new to period underwear, consider investing in at least two pairs to wear on your average-to-lighter days. This will let you try them out and get a feel for what works for your body.

You could also use period underwear only at night to have comfortable, fuller coverage.

If you’re committed to fully transitioning to period underwear, having about 8-10 pairs of period undies should be enough.

So, will you be making the switch to period underwear? Let me know in the comments!

The post How to Use Period Underwear: The Ultimate Guide to Period Panties appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

How to Use Period Underwear: The Ultimate Guide to Period Panties