The menstrual cycle can be challenging, but thankfully a range of products is available to help make this time of the month more manageable. Among these products, period underwear has proven a game-changer and has emerged as a popular option for a comfortable, eco-friendly solution.
If you’re new to menstrual underwear and not sure if it’s right for you, this beginner’s guide to period underwear will help answer your questions about what it is, how it works, and what makes our Scarlet period undies different from others!
Different types of period care products
When it comes to managing menstrual periods, you have several options to choose from:
- Tampons: These are single-use products that are convenient but bad for the environment (and can pose a risk of toxicity if left inside the body for too long).
- Sanitary Pads: Single-use pads that can be less discreet than tampons.
- Reusable Period Underwear: Comfortable, long-lasting, and eco-friendly options that don't leak or carry the health risks of other products.
- Menstrual Cups: A reusable, discreet solution that takes a bit of getting used to.
It's important to note that the safety of menstrual products can vary. External products, such as pads and period underwear, are typically considered safer than internal products like tampons, which carry a risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
What Is Period Underwear?
Period underwear is washable, reusable underwear designed to replace pads and tampons or worn with tampons and cups for extra protection.
Our washable, reusable period underwear looks and feels like normal underwear—but better. Our breathable products are safely made with a mix of high-performance functional fabrics (including recycled polyester and 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton) engineered to absorb period blood and keep you feeling dry and comfortable for longer. They come in a range of styles so you can still feel like yourself, even on your period.
How Does Period Underwear Work?
Period underwear works by utilising a combination of fabric layers to pull menstrual blood away from the body and trap it inside the underwear, preventing leakage. Depending on their absorbency level, the layers are designed to hold numerous tampons' worth of menstrual blood.
Every pair of Scarlet period underwear is made with signature, innovative technology for the ultimate period protection. Our breathable products are safely made with high-performance functional chemical and toxin-free fabrics engineered to absorb period blood and keep you dry and comfortable for longer.
They feature a moisture-wicking top layer that effortlessly pulls away wetness, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable throughout the day. Our most absorbent style is designed to handle an impressive amount of flow—up to eight tampons' worth of blood! With a leakproof layer extending from front to back, you can trust that your clothes, sheets, and jeans will remain free from stains.
Using Pads with Period Underwear
There's no need to wear a pad with period underwear, as they both serve the same purpose. Wearing a pad in addition to period underwear will only add extra bulk (and wastage!).
Using Tampons or Menstrual Cups with Period Underwear
Period underwear is designed to cater to a moderate to heavy flow, but the exact amount it can hold will vary based on personal flow patterns. If you have a heavy flow, especially on the first day, you may consider using period underwear in conjunction with tampons or a Period Cup (don't forget our Wipes to keep your cup clean!). On lighter days, or if you have a light flow in general, period underwear alone should be sufficient.
