When it comes to period care, the priority should always be protection and comfort, whatever your flow throws at you. But, if you're having regular monthly cycles from puberty all the way to perimenopause, the cost of any product that you regularly use can quickly add up.
Balancing product preference with cost can be tricky. Let's find out how switching to period pants can not only give you flexible and reliable period protection but also save money over time!
How much do we spend on period products?
From reusable to disposable period products, they all come at a cost, and we may not realise just how much we're spending to take care of our flows.
As we go through the motions of our lives and our periods, we're not exactly keeping count of how many cycles we have. Between the ages of 12 and 52, we will have about 480 periods, minus some due to other factors like contraception, pregnancy or deciding to breastfeed. [1] The bill your body racks up over your menstrual journey depends on the products you use and how often you need to use them. The Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association (AHPMA) estimates that we use about 22 sanitary products per month, but this will, of course, differ slightly depending on your flow. [2]
With this in mind, studies show that women+ spend £13 a month on average on products such as tampons. [3] That might not seem like much at first, but after 480 cycles, it can really add up.
How much money can I save buying period pants?
We admit it, period pants have a slightly higher upfront cost than single-use products. But their longevity per cycle and per individual use make them a great long-term investment for those 480 or so cycles.
Most of our period pants can be washed up to 50 times, which means they can be used and reused for at least 2 years before you have to change them. Better still, our TriTech Performance technology features absorbent layers that keep you protected for up to 12 hours, whatever your flow, whether it's slight spotting or copious amounts of clots. So, all you need to do is pop on a pair of period pants and get on with your day!
Our heavy flow period pants for example, are equivalent to up to 6 changes, which can equal half a pack of tampons in some cases.
To spread out the cost, you can buy one pair of pants to start with and use pads, cups or liners when it suits you or even combine them. The choice is yours! It is very common to start with just one pair to see if you like how they work with your flows and your body. Then, you may want to add two, four, or more pairs of period pants of different absorbencies and in a range of styles to match your mood, wardrobe, and flows, so you have your full menstrual cycle covered.
Bundle and save with Bodyform
Whether it's on your weekly grocery shop or a brand new outfit, a good discount will always be a win. That satisfying feeling can apply to your period products too, with affordable period underwear.
If you just can’t decide which pairs to fill your period care wardrobe with, our pre-made bundles make it easy! Just add one to your basket and enjoy the savings!
With this in mind, we've crunched the numbers so you don't have to!
If you buy three pairs of period pants, this should be enough to protect you for an average period (including a wash or two). Each pair of pants will last you at least 2 years before you have to buy more, so with the 20% bundle saving, switching will save you almost 91%* at the highest end of the lifetime cost!
If you want to save even more money, you can always look out for sales and other discounts on our website. You can even get discounts and offers sent straight to your inbox when you sign up for our newsletter, plus 10% off your first order.
With a number of options to save you from any wallet woes, affordable period pants are just a click away.
Do I pay VAT on period pants?
Following the removal of VAT on disposable and other reusable products (such as menstrual cups) in 2021, VAT has been removed on period underwear as of 2024, including ours. This was an important step forward in making sure that all women+ have access to effective and affordable period products and ending period poverty.
Are period pants worth it?
While period pants have a higher initial cost compared to tampons for example, they also have many other unique benefits that make spending a bit more upfront totally worth it.
So, what are the benefits of period pants?
They’re comfortable
Period pants feel just like regular underwear and are ideal if you're not fully at ease with insertion products like tampons.
The fabrics we use for period pants ensure a soft and smooth feeling on the skin and protection from sweat and odour, keeping you fresh and dry all day.
They’re low maintenance
Each pair of pants will keep you comfortable and protected for up to 12 hours, eliminating the need for multiple changes throughout the day. As long as you choose the right absorbency for you, our period pants have got your back. If you're not quite sure which absorbency level you need, here's a quick guide:
Light flow period pants - equivalent to up to 1 tampon/pad change per day
Moderate flow period pants - equivalent to up to 3 tampon/pad changes per day
Heavy / Overnight flow period pants - equivalent to up to 6 tampon/pad changes per day
If you feel like you don't quite fit into one of these categories, choose the one that seems most like your flow. Then, test them out on a day when you're snuggled up on the sofa and see how you feel. If you think you need a bit more or less protection, try a pair of pants with a higher or lower absorbency level to find the perfect one for you. You can even go for a mixed absorbency multipack, so you have everything you need to find the perfect absorbency for you all in one handy bundle!
They save you money on replacing stained underwear
Ever worried about a drop or even a gush of blood ruining your favourite pair of underwear? With reusable period pants, there's no need to stress! Those delicate lacy pants can stay stain-free while your period pants take care of your flow.
Our period pants even have you covered for other fluids too, whether you're dealing with discharge or after-sex fluids.
They’re sustainable
If you want to care for the planet as well as your flows, our washable pants offer a sustainable choice of period care that has 68% less impact on the environment.**
They’re stylish
Our period pants come in a range of styles and colours, some even feature the lacy accents that add a touch of flair to your period care products.
We've made sure that our period underwear offers best-in-class protection without compromising on style.
All that being said, reusable period underwear and other reusable or disposable products can be a powerful combination when it comes to your period. If you feel more comfortable doubling up with a pad or menstrual cup while you make the switch, or for every cycle if you have a heavier flow, go for it!
Where can I buy period pants by Bodyform®?
To get the best money-saving deals on our period pants and our 60-day money-back guarantee, you can shop directly using our website.
However, if you're out and about and feel like picking up a pair, Bodyform® period pants are available in most Tesco stores and online.
Price can be a considerable factor when deciding which type of menstrual products to use. The numbers show that there are significant savings to be had by making the switch to period pants. But, the ideal period product will always be what makes you feel the most comfortable, offers the best protection and is within your price range. With Bodyform® period pants, you can feel comfortable and protected while also enjoying long-term savings.
Switching from one period product to another can be a bit daunting, especially if you've used the same type of product for so long. Luckily, we have plenty of resources to reassure you and help you get the most out of your period pants, from washing instructions to finding your perfect fit.
*based on the pricing of High Waist Dots Heavy period pants, prices will vary depending on absorbency level
**Period pants by Bodyform® reduces the carbon footprint to approximately one third that of a disposable towel and 82% less waste is produced, versus using a pair of underwear and two Ultra Towels (compared to 1 Bodyform® Ultra Normal, 1 Bodyform™ Ultra Night and a panty made out of 50% cotton / 50% nylon).
References:
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/