Are you already embracing the period pants lifestyle? Or thinking of making the switch from other menstrual products? Either way, you might be wondering how many pairs you need. Whether you're planning to rely on period pants for your entire cycle or just some specific days of flow, let's talk about how many pairs of period pants you might need.
- So, how many pairs of period pants should I own?
- Which period pants should I buy?
- How often do I need to change my period pants?
- How often do I need to wash my period pants?
- How long do period pants last?
So, how many pairs of period pants should I own?
Well, the short answer is — whatever works for you! Everyone has their own style when it comes to period pants, so there's no right answer to how many pairs you need. It depends on how often you want to wear them, whether you combine them with other menstrual products, and your cycle. The average cycle lasts 28 days, and the average period is 2-7 days, [1] but it can often be shorter, longer, or come along when you least expect it. Our bodies are all different, and so are our cycles, so you know best what type of period protection suits each day of your cycle.
One of the many benefits of period underwear is that you don't need many pairs. Reusable period pants can be used again and again (up to 12 hours). You just need to think about how often you'll be washing them — if you prefer washing them all in one go after your period, you'll need more pairs, but you can always wash them mid-cycle.
While there's no exact rule for how many pairs of period panties you need, we've got some suggestions to help you out:
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Just for a few days or lighter flow: If you just want to wear them for a couple of days of your cycle, two or three pairs should do the trick. It might be worth getting a few more if you want to spare yourself too many laundry loads though! |
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Every day of your period: If you want to be protected for your period, you should have at least one pair for each day that you bleed. That means about 3-5 pairs if you have a regular cycle. To be on the safe side, it's always worth getting additional pairs, especially if your periods tend to be longer or your cycle is irregular. If you want to wear them at night time, it's worth getting a few pairs of sleepwear period pants as well. |
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For your entire cycle: If you want to wear a pair of period pants daily to capture all the flows of your cycle, aim for six or more, and make sure to get a mixture of absorbency levels. |
Having lots of pairs of period panties might not fit everyone's lifestyle. Another benefit of period underwear is that you can always combine them with other period products, like menstrual cups or disposable pads, depending on what you want to wear each day of your cycle — whatever works better for you.
Which period pants should I buy?
Whether you're just starting out with period pants or you're looking to build your collection, we have a range of period pants to suit you and your flow.
Trying period pants for the first time?
You might want to buy just one pair of period panties to start off with. Our returns policy means you can swap them or get a refund if they don’t match your lifestyle, so there's no harm in giving them a try! You can add more pairs once you've figured out the right absorbency level for you and your favourite style.
Our discovery pack is a great option when you're starting out. It includes three pairs in a mixture of light, moderate and heavy flow period pants, so you're ready for whatever your period throws at you.
Do you want to make period pants part of your routine?
Check out our period pant multipacks. They all come with three pairs of pants in a range of styles, colours, and absorbency levels. Choose from a range which can handle light flow days, heavy flow days, and anything in between. Most of our period pants can handle menstrual blood, after-sex fluids, and discharge so you can use them for any part of your cycle.
One multipack contains enough pairs of panties to keep you protected during your period (if you have a regular cycle and wash them frequently), but we recommend buying two multipacks if you want to avoid doing too much laundry.
Already a dedicated period pant fan?
Why not expand your collection with a mixture of fun styles and patterns? Try out our cheeky Brazilian style period pants, embrace the lace with our sensual lacy period pants, go for the timeless high waist look, and many more! Check out our full range of period pants to find your new favourite style.
If you love period pants, you could also wear them all the time instead of regular underwear! Our light absorbency pants can absorb the stoppy-starty flow you might experience around the beginning or end of your period, spotting and discharge, so you're protected for all the flows of your cycle.
If you're not using them already, check out our dedicated sleepwear range to feel protected even if you toss and turn all night. We also have dedicated collections like our teen range.
There are also bundle and save deals, so you can save on the cost of period pants when buying two or more pairs. These come in mixed colours and absorbencies, so you can explore what suits you and your flow. Some bundles come with other menstrual products, so you can mix and match if that's your style.
How often do I need to change my period pants?
Bodyform® period pants can be worn for up to 12 hours so you only need one pair for the day and one pair for the night, even during heavier periods, if you choose the right level of absorbency. If you fancy a fresh pair earlier (maybe on heavy flow days), feel free to change them earlier — but you don't have to. Bodyform® period pants are specially designed using TriTech Performance to protect you all day:
The three layers of TriTech Performance include…
- A moisture-wicking, cotton-soft top fabric layer that quickly moves blood and moisture deep into...
- A super-absorbent middle layer that holds the fluid in securely for up to 12 hours.
- And then thirdly, its external secure and breathable material layer enables airflow and quick drying.
If you choose the right absorbency level for your menstrual flow, you shouldn't need to change your period pants more often than every 12 hours, even for heavier flow. Don't worry if you're unsure which level of absorbency to get — you can use our guide on which period pants are right for you. If in doubt, going up an absorbency level is a safe bet, especially if you tend to have heavy periods.
How often do I need to wash my period pants?
You need to wash your pair of period pants after every use (and before first usage) — just like regular underwear. You wash them like regular underwear as well, but you just need to remember to rinse them in cold water first. For the full low-down, you can read our guide on how to care for your period underwear.
If you're only rotating between a few pairs, that's a lot of laundry! To be covered for your whole period (and to save doing special wash loads with just your period pants) you might consider getting a few more pairs, or mixing your period underwear up with other disposable or reusable period products.
How long do period pants last?
With the proper care, each pair of Bodyform® period pants is guaranteed to last for 50+ washes (25+ washes for our Sleepwear and Premium Comfort ranges, 200+ washes for teens) without losing any absorbency power. That means you can wear them for at least 2 years if you have a regular menstrual cycle. There's nothing wrong with continuing to wear them after this, but they'll give the best protection in the first 50 washes.
To make sure your pair of period panties last for longer, just remember not to use fabric softener before you put them in the washing machine, and avoid tumble drying.
If you think period pants might be right for you and you want to learn more, check out our articles on everything you need to know about period pants and how much money you can save buying period pants.
Medical Disclaimer
The medical information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your doctor for guidance about a specific medical condition.
