Do you wear a pad with period pants?

Do you wear a pad with period pants?

Whether you’re a period novice or it’s far from your first rodeo, when integrating a new product into your period care routine, it's understandable that you might have questions. You might be wondering period pants are up to the challenge of dealing with any flow or how you can use them alongside your usual choices. Luckily, we're here to make sure that you know all of the options available to you so you can live fearlessly whether you double up or not.

So, do you need to wear a pad with period underwear?

One of the most significant benefits of period pants is that you don't need to use disposable products such as single-use pads while wearing them.  

Imagine this — you've got a busy day ahead, meetings, gym, catching up with friends, and the last thing you want to worry about is your flow. Bodyform™ period pants offer a super comfy extra layer of protection while feeling just like your regular underwear.  

Even though Bodyform® period pants are designed to be relied on for complete coverage and protection, you can also use them as a backup to your single-use period products.  

So, if you really wanted to, you could wear a pad with period pants, but you totally don't need to! At the end of the day, it's your body and your flow, and whatever makes you feel the most comfortable will always be the best choice.

Can I wear period pants with a menstrual cup or tampon?

Period pants can be combined with any type of disposable or reusable product for enhanced protection. Some people prefer wearing period pants while using tampons or a menstrual cup on heavy flow days. They provide an extra layer of protection that won’t become stained by any excess fluids like your favourite pair of regular underwear might.  

Even with the extra protection, if you choose to use other period products along with your period pants, you still need to change them as recommended. Tampons should be changed every 4-8 hours (wearing a tampon for longer than 8 hours can increase your risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)), depending on your flow, while menstrual cups can last up to 12 hours. 

But you're probably thinking what kind of magical powers do our period pants possess to keep you protected without pads, tampons or liners? Let's delve a bit deeper and find out more!

How does TriTech Performance work?

TriTech Performance is the innovative technology exclusive to Bodyform that is built into our absorbent gusset for best-in-class period protection.  

The absorbent layers of our TriTech Performance are highly effective at locking your flows in place without the need for additional products. So, in this case, you don't need to wear any type of absorbent product, like a period pad, because the pants have you covered. 

Our TriTech Performance material features three layers: 

  1. A moisture-wicking, cotton-soft top fabric that quickly moves blood and moisture deep into… 
  2. A super absorbent middle layer that holds the fluid in securely for up to 12 hours 
  3. An external secure and breathable material enables airflow and dries fast 

As long as you choose the right absorbency for your flow, a pair of period underwear alone will have you covered for up to 12 hours.

How do I choose the right absorbency for my flow?

If you want to make period pants your cycle staple, it is very important that you choose a pair with the level of absorbency you need. 

Here's a simple guide to help you figure it out: 

  • Light flow: Equivalent to up to 1 pad/tampon change per day 
  • Moderate flow: Equivalent to up to 3 pad/tampon changes per day 
  • Heavy flow: Equivalent to up to 6 pad/tampon changes per day 

If you experience very heavy periods (sometimes known as menorrhagia), you might want to double up with a disposable product or even another reusable product, like a menstrual cup or reusable period pads. This will make sure that you have a layer of extra protection no matter what your flow throws at you. But if you still want to go solo with a pair of period pants, that's great! You know your flow better than anyone, so whatever works for you.

Should I wear a pad with period pants overnight?

Some of us might be worried about our flows escaping when we toss and turn throughout the night.  

But fear not, period pants by Bodyform® have you covered with our Sleepwear range. Our special overnight gusset is longer at the front and back, similar to what you might be used to with overnight pads. Our overnight period pants have the exact same absorbency level as our heavy flow period pants, equivalent to up to 6 pad/tampon changes. 

So even if the urge for a midnight snack wakes you up, your worrying about your overnight flows won't.  

However, if you would still feel more comfortable doubling up overnight, you do you! The most important thing is your peace of mind and sweet dreams, whatever your flow may bring.

Can I wear period pants all day without disposables?

Our flows can often be difficult to predict, and the thought of going all day without a change might seem impossible when you're so used to disposables. However, one pair of period pants is designed to keep you comfortable and fully protected for up to 12 hours.  

But, if you feel like your pants aren't absorbing any more of your flow, or you just feel like changing, you can pop on a fresh pair earlier! The key to your period pants lasting all day is choosing the right absorbency level, but fear not, we’ll guide you to the right pair for you and your flow.

Can period pants be used instead of liners for other fluids too?

We know period blood isn't the only flow that needs to be dealt with in an average cycle, luckily, Bodyform® has got you covered. Our period pants can not only replace pads and tampons for menstrual flow, but also liners for discharge, sweat, after-sex fluids. Our All Intimate Fluids pants can even lock in little drops of pee too, with moderate absorbency for periods and light absorbency for all other fluids.  

These pants make sure that no matter what type of flow your V-Zone (everything to do with your vagina, vulva and the V-shaped front of your body that you can see) throws your way, you'll feel fresh, confident and protected all day. 

Whether you choose to wear pads with period underwear or not, the most important part is that you feel comfortable whatever your cycle brings. Our range of period pants is available in a multitude of sizes, colours, styles and absorbency levels so you can feel comfortable and protected without compromising on style.  

If you're hesitant about the initial upfront cost of period pants, you can find out more about how much money you can save in the long run by making the switch to period underwear. 


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Top tip

We recommend one size larger if you are between sizes.

Product Size Dress Size (UK) Hips (cm) Hips (in)
2XS 4 81-86 32-34
XS 6 86-91 34-36
S 8 91-97 36-38
M 10-12 97-102 38-40
L 14-16 102-10740-42
XL 18-20 110-11542-44
2XL 20 116-12144-46
3XL 22 122-12746-48

How to get the right size

To find the right size, please measure your hip circumference as shown in the picture and choose your size from the table below. We recommend one size larger if you are between sizes.