The menstrual cycle can be a challenging time for many women, but thankfully there are a range of products 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 women looking for a comfortable and eco-friendly solution.
If you’re new to menstrual underwear and not sure if they’re right for you, this beginner’s guide to period underwear will help answer your questions about what they are, how they work, and what makes our Scarlet period undies different from others!
When it comes to managing menstrual periods, you have several options to choose from:
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).
Period underwear is a type of washable, reusable underwear that is designed to replace pads and tampons or to be worn with tampons and cups for extra protection.
Our washable, reusable period underwear look and feel just 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) that are 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.
Period underwear works by utilising the combination of fabric layers to pull menstrual blood away from the body and trap it inside the underwear, preventing leakage. The layers in period underwear are designed to hold numerous tampons' worth of menstrual blood, depending on their absorbency level.
Every pair of Scarlet period underwear is made with signature, innovative technology for the ultimate period protection. Our breathable products are safely made with a mix of high-performance functional fabrics that are chemical and toxin-free and engineered to absorb period blood and keep you feeling 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.
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!).
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.