Menstrual panties: what they are, how much they absorb and how to wash them

The tampon and the pad are no longer the only methods of intimate hygiene during the period. Menstrual cups are gaining more and more followers and have been crowned as a sustainable option to save money and waste. In this line, menstrual panties are presented as another comfortable and respectful ally with the planet and the body.

Despite the fact that they are beginning to be talked about and popular brands such as Primark or Etam have included them in their catalogue, for many they are still unknown and generate a certain rejection. In large part, due to the fear of staining clothes or not absorbing enough, but the technology with which they are designed avoids these problems.

What are they and how do they work

Menstrual panties are a type of underwear made with various types of fabrics capable of absorbing menstrual flow without leaking and without the person wearing it feeling wet.

To ensure that they last for several hours, between 8 and 12 depending on the manufacturer, panties usually have three different layers. The first is the one that is attached to the body and is usually made of cotton and other material that helps avoid the sensation of humidity. The second is the one that has the absorbent fabric that makes the panty capable of neutralizing the flow. Finally, the third has a waterproof fabric to prevent possible leaks.

They are all breathable, include some material to neutralize possible odors and, contrary to what you might think, they are not thicker than any other panty.

How long do they last and how do they wash?

It all depends on how much they are used and the amount of flow of each person, although most manufacturers indicate 12 hours. When you start to notice some moisture in the panty, it's time to change it. To preserve them better, manufacturers recommend washing them with cold water so that the absorbent fabric does not degrade. On average, its useful life is two years.

After each use it is necessary to rinse them in a tub until the water becomes transparent and then put them in the washing machine at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees. In addition, some brands advise against using softeners to take care of the absorbent.

Are there various types?

The best panty each person is chosen based on the amount of flow. Thinx, the pioneer brand in menstrual panties, has a tool on its website to know the level of each one and sells up to five different absorptions to adapt to all needs.

At Primark, for example, they have two options: light to medium flow and medium to heavy flow, which would be equivalent to three and four tampons respectively.

As with conventional underwear, there are also several designs depending on the tastes of each one. In Thinx you have models for all kinds of sizes and with a wide range of silhouettes. In Etam there are also many designs and for those who prefer it, they are also sold in thong format.

Where are they sold and how much do they cost?

As with traditional undergarments, menstrual panties are for sale at both specialty stores and intimate apparel brands. The pioneer firm worldwide was Thinx, while in Spain it was Cocoro who paved the way, becoming the first brand to manufacture absorbent panties in Europe.

Panties can also be bought at underwear stores such as Etam or Dim, and in low-cost fashion stores such as Primark. In addition, different models are also available through Amazon, where you can find packs of different colors or designs, even with lace details.

As for prices, the variations are pronounced depending on the store where they are purchased and whether they are part of a pack or not. According to a report prepared by the OCU to analyze panties and menstrual cups as sustainable alternatives to pads and tampons, the average price for one unit is 34 euros. In the study, the respondents also rated these panties: 4.2 out of 5.

An option for urine leaks

In addition to the menstrual flow, these panties have become a good tool for people with incontinence or problems with urine leakage. “With menopause, I was experiencing a little stress incontinence when I run on the treadmill. She was making me stop working out, ”Janet revealed to The Guardian, in a report in which she recounted how the panties had changed her relationship with the sport.

Like her, many women have begun to use them as an alternative to pads for urine loss and brands like Cocoro are already using the claim to advertise their models, beyond menstruation.