There are period panties, the panties you gravitate to when it’s that “time of the month.” And then there are literal period panties. Something I didn’t even know existed until last month. You all know I am always late with discovering things. Pads and tampons were the only universal options in my book. There is also the menstrual cup, which, even that seems unfathomable to use in my mind. But some ladies do, so.
But now I am aware that there are machine washable, reusable panties that women can buy and wear during their menstrual cycles in place of pads, tampons, and the cup. Or you can wear them with tampons and the cup as a “back up.” They look and supposedly feel like regular panties except they are super absorbent with claims to be able to carry the burden of two to four regular tampons of flow, all while keeping you fresh, dry, and odor-free from sun up to sundown. Now that’s putting a lot on it. And there are quite a few brands to choose from, Thinx, Modibodi, Knix, Aisle, Dear Kate. They seem to all run about mid-thirty plus dollars.
I tend to be on the traditional side when it comes to things like this. Throw me a box of pads, call it a day. That’s how my mom taught me. I’ve only worn tampons a handful of times in the past when I’ve needed to for whatever reason. I have an amusing story about the first time I wore a tampon, but I will save that for later. I know some may feel some way about pads, but that’s what feels most natural to me. Plus, nix me on any chance of toxic shock syndrome. Anyway, just because I’m not unconventional with my periods doesn’t mean I don’t see the positive utility aspects of these panties.
My periods tend to be regular. But sometimes there are months where stress takes its toll and my period comes early. I’m sure we have all experienced the time when you are out and about, and your period is on some randomness and catches you off guard. Well, maybe if I were to wear Thinx leading up to my period, then those off guard days would not be as bad until I can find my way to the nearest pad. Or if you are anticipating your period, but stress is making it late, you can avoid wasting anticipatory pads and tampons. Throw on the period panties until it shows up. I could work with them.
Plus the ones from Thinx and Dear Kate are not bad looking panties. The Thinx boy short looks cute and comfortable, and the high waisted ones look somewhat promising as well! I also can appreciate their environmentally friendly essence. But do I think I would wear them all day, in the middle of my period, with nothing else, without changing them? No.
I don’t know, ladies, let me know your thoughts. It’s just us ladies here. Has anyone tried them? If not, would you?
photo from: Instagram/@reynanoriega
I am a tampon girl! I don’t want to feel like I have on a diaper (pads) or feel like I’m bleeding on myself (period underwear). I like to only know I’m on my cycle but I don’t want to feel it and tampons make me feel the most comfortable. I love the new innovative ways for the different types of women. We do need a variety of options when it relates to “that time of the month”.
Thanks for reading Britni, and thanks for sharing!! You are right; the diaper feeling is one of the downsides of pads. …The variety of options is a big plus! Xo
I too am very traditional and these new items seem to be a stretch for me to adopt. Great concept but I personally would feel “dirty” or uncomfortable. I use both pads and tampons. When I learned of these new products a few years ago i had a split moment of consideration but quickly decided against it.
Yes, can definitely appreciate the concept, but I think I’m stuck in my ways when it comes to my periods. Thanks for reading Temma, and thanks so much for sharing your view on it!