When it comes to taking care of your flow, the options are more varied than ever before. From traditional pads and tampons to the increasingly popular menstrual cups and period pants, each product offers its own unique benefits.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to explore different period care solutions, understanding how period pants stack up against other options can help you make the best choice for your body and lifestyle. Let’s dive into the world of period underwear comparison and help you find what works best for you, whether it’s sticking with one type or switching it up each cycle.
What types of period products are available?
Period products can usually be separated into two categories, disposable and reusable.
Disposable period products
Disposable or single-use period products are used and then thrown away after a number of hours, depending on the type of product you're using.
Here's a quick guide to disposable period products and how often you need to change them (but if you want to change them earlier, that's fine too!):
- Period pads: Every 4 hours
- Tampons: Every 4-8 hours
- Disposable period underwear: Every 6-12 hours (this can vary depending on what you use, always follow the changing instructions)
- Panty liners: Every 3-4 hours
Reusable period products
Reusable period products can be washed and reused several times, and you can even find reusable versions of products you may already be familiar with.
Here's a breakdown of how often reusable products need to be changed:
- Menstrual cups: Every 12 hours
- Period pants: Every 12 hours
- Reusable period pads: Every 4-6 hours
These changing frequencies are just maximums, so feel free to change more often if you have a heavier flow (or empty out the flow in the case of menstrual cups) or if it simply makes you feel more comfortable! Remember to always follow the instructions on your particular product, and make sure you're choosing the correct absorbency for your flow.
Period underwear vs pads
Period pads, often known as sanitary towels, have been a commonly used period care product for a number of years. They're easy to use - just stick them to your regular underwear, and you're good to go. They're usually readily available in shops and have a fairly low upfront cost.
Period pants work pretty much the same way as period pads, as they are both made from absorbent material that takes in and holds your flow.
The only difference is that with pads, you need to change them throughout the day. Period pants, on the other hand, are made to feel just like your regular underwear, except you can bleed in them for up to 12 hours! They do have a higher upfront cost than pads, but you can use them, wash them then reuse them again and again, up to 50+ times!
Period underwear vs tampons
Tampons, another widely known and widely used product, are different from period pants and pads. While period pants and pads are worn against your vulva to absorb your flow, tampons are inserted into your vagina to absorb your flow before it leaves your body. But don't worry, even though the idea of inserting something into your vagina can feel a little intimidating at first, it's easy once you get the hang of it. Plus, you can't feel the tampon once it's inserted.
Like pads, tampons are often readily available, and the upfront cost can be lower. Another unique benefit of tampons is that they can be used while swimming, so no need to avoid the pool during your period! Just make sure you change your tampon often throughout the day as wearing one for longer than 8 hours can increase the risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
If you find insertion methods a bit intimidating, period pants could be a great alternative, just pop them on like you would your regular underwear and carry on with your day! Some people also like to wear period pants with a tampon for extra protection, or on lighter flow days when you don't feel like using an insertion method.
Period underwear vs menstrual cups
Menstrual cups have been around for a while, but have risen in popularity recently. In case you haven't come across one before, it's a small, flexible cup that is inserted into your vagina, but instead of absorbing the flows like a tampon, a cup collects them.
Aside from the benefit of being reusable, they can be worn for longer than other products and are often quite comfortable to wear as you can't feel it once it's inserted. You can wear a menstrual cup for up to 12 hours, but you might need to empty and wash it a bit earlier if you have a heavy flow. Just like with a tampon, wearing a cup for longer than recommended can also increase the risk of TSS.
Menstrual cups are a great innovation in period care, though they may take some practice to get used to at first. Unlike some tampons that come with applicators, menstrual cups require manual insertion, which may be a new experience for first-time users or those less familiar with their bodies.
Menstrual cups come in a variety of sizes, and finding the best fit can take time. Something to also bear in mind is that reusable products need washing so that you can use them again and again. Cleaning a menstrual cup is a pretty simple process, all you need to do is rinse it out with water and let it dry before you reinsert it. Then, between cycles, remember to sterilise it in boiling water for around 3-5 minutes.
On the other hand, the washing process for period pants isn't that different from washing your normal underwear. Just make sure your washing machine is set to 40 degrees, avoid fabric softener or bleach, and hang them out to dry completely before storing them. It's that simple! For more detailed instructions, check out our guide on how to wash period underwear.
Period underwear vs disposable period pants
Disposable period pants are designed to look like normal underwear, meaning they offer more coverage than a pad or tampon, for example. Depending on which ones you use, they also offer more longevity than other disposable products, meaning fewer changes. However, this type of product isn't as readily available as pads or tampons and usually doesn't have a wide absorbency range.
On the other hand, our reusable period pants are available in various absorbency levels, from light flow to heavy flow, to handle everything from slight spotting to gushes galore.
We even have a range of reusable period underwear specially designed for overnight! With a longer gusset at the front and back for complete coverage, your flows won't stop you from getting a peaceful night's sleep.
Period underwear vs panty liners
Liners are great options for dealing with lighter flows like spotting, discharge and everything in between. Liners can be especially beneficial for flows outside of your period, providing a discreet and comfortable choice. If you choose liners, just remember to change them every 3-4 hours for optimal comfort and protection.
If you're looking for a similar solution to absorb smaller amounts of flow at other times during your menstrual cycle outside of your period, then light-flow period pants are another option. They can deal with discharge, sweat, spotting, after-sex fluids - you name it.
Period underwear vs reusable pads
The basic design of reusable period pads is similar to that of their disposable counterparts, protecting the gusset of your underwear from any flows. However, the reusable versions are usually made from cotton, polyester and other absorbent fabrics and can be washed and reused. Unlike disposable pads, they attach to your underwear via clips, poppers or Velcro.
Reusable pads are ideal for users who want to wear something similar to period pads with but with the added benefit of sustainability.
In the case of reusable period pads, the time between changes is slightly longer than disposables, though they may not be as widely available. Just like their disposable counterparts, they add an extra layer along with your underwear. If you're looking for a more sleek alternative, period pants use our innovative TriTech Performance technology, featuring 3 absorbent and moisture-wicking layers to keep you comfortable and protected throughout the day. That may seem like a lot, but it won’t feel like it! They’re an easy and convenient way to merge two products into one with no hassle.
Can I wear period pants with other products?
Of course you can! Even though our period pants are designed to keep you protected and comfortable on their own, if you would prefer to use other products too, go for it!
Some people with heavy periods can feel more secure by adding an extra layer of protection, whether you wear a pad with your period pants or double up with a tampon or cup.
In the end, choosing the right period product is all about finding what works best for you. Whether you prefer the ease and comfort of period pants, the convenience of tampons or pads, or the longevity of menstrual cups, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. And of course, many of us choose different methods based on our flow that day, or how we feel - there's no rules when it comes to our periods. It's all about what feels good for you and your body.
If you do decide to try period pants, we've got a guide for everything from choosing your favourite style to finding your perfect fit and the correct absorbency level for your flow.
