Reusable period pants, pads & menstrual cups
21 products2 brandsfrom £3.99
Reusable period pants in organic cotton for light, medium and overnight days, plus reusable pads, menstrual cups and organic cotton tampons.Reusable period pants in organic cotton for light, medium and overnight days, plus reusable pads, menstrual cups and organic cotton tampons. For a first pair of period pants for teenagers, start with a medium-flow style and a spare for school days.
21 products2 brandsfrom £3.99
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Choosing reusable period pants
Reusable period pants look like everyday underwear, with an absorbent layer built in. Choose the absorbency for your flow and the style you like to wear, and buy enough pairs to rotate through a period while others are washed. DAME makes the reusable period pants here, in organic cotton, in shortie, bikini, high waist and thong styles. Its bikini pants absorb the equivalent of three to four tampons or pads, and its high waist night and ultra pants absorb the equivalent of five. We checked each brand for clear information on materials and absorbency.
Period pants for nights and teens
DAME's high waist night and ultra period pants have extra coverage at the back for sleeping. DAME also makes teen period pants, sized for younger wearers. Wear a new pair at home first, so you know how it feels and how long it lasts for you. Black and dark colours hide marks best, and having two or three pairs of each style makes washing easier to manage. Most brands suggest changing period pants at least every 12 hours, or sooner on heavier days.
Reusable pads and organic pads
Reusable pads clip around your usual underwear and wash with your laundry. They suit anyone who prefers their own underwear, and a few pads take up little space in a bag. DAME makes reusable period pads, and Heiko Clothing makes a reusable menstrual pad. For a disposable option, DAME's organic cotton tampons come in a value pack. If you prefer organic pads, check each listing for the cotton used.
Menstrual cup care
A menstrual cup is a soft silicone cup that collects rather than absorbs. DAME makes a period cup and a Cup Freedom Kit, and The Natural Love Company makes a reusable silicone menstrual cup. Follow the maker's instructions for wear time, and wash your hands before and after. To wash reusable period pants, rinse in cold water, then machine wash at 30 or 40°C and line dry, without fabric conditioner. Laundry Care has eco laundry detergent, Underwear has organic cotton underwear, and Supplements has vegan vitamins.
Common questions
How do you wash period pants?
Rinse them in cold water after wearing, then machine wash at 30 or 40°C and line dry. Skip fabric conditioner, which reduces absorbency.
How much do period pants absorb?
It depends on the style. DAME's bikini pants absorb the equivalent of three to four tampons or pads, and its night pants absorb five.
How often should you change period pants?
Most brands suggest at least every 12 hours, or sooner on heavier days. Wear a new pair at home first to learn how it works for you.
How long can you wear a menstrual cup?
Follow the maker's instructions, which usually give a maximum wear time. Wash your hands before and after.