Over the decades, feminine products have constantly changed for the better. From sheep’s wool to rags to pads to pads with belts (oh how fashionable… NOT) to pads with wings to tampons to tampons with applicators to moon cups – and now period pants! With the pros outweighing the cons, we knew we had to give them a try in order to give you lowdown on the good, the bad, and the ugly of periodunderwear. Read on for a firsthand account by our resident period preacher Clare Geeves. We can’t promise that she won’t get a little TMI, but hey – we’re all ladies here!
The Good
Every woman’s cycle is different, but usually, the first couple of days are the heaviest. As for me? I’m cramping and bloated, and my flow is so heavy that I usually have to change my moon cup every two hours during those first two days. With the period pants (I used the heavy flow ones during these days), I weirdly felt super protected and only changed them twice a day – once when I got up and once before bed. I didn’t have to worry about waking up early (I usually wear a moon cup to bed) and running at warped speed to the bathroom, knowing I was about to leak.
The period pants are waterproof around the outer layer and leakproof, so my sheets were saved this period! Also, during the first couple of days when you are cramping (which feels like hot knives stabbing you in the ovaries and lower back), using a tampon or moon cup can make the cramping worse. My cramps were a whole lot milder while using the period pants. It also means no accidental blood stains on any of your underwear (I have a whole section of my underwear drawer dedicated to 10-year-old undies just for when I have my period).
The Bad
Admittedly, the initial investment for enough period pants for a whole cycle (mine only lasts three days, so it was cheaper than a cycle that lasts for five days) can be pricey. You will need at least two or three for each day during your heavy cycle, but if you calculate how much tampons or pads will cost you monthly, this adds up (so the initial upfront investment is definitely worth it). Before this trial run, I boughtthree pairs every month forthree months to ensure I had enough. I only wear my period pants at home and to bed. Thankfully, I am currently WFH so the period pants were dreamy. I would NEVER wear them out (way too much VPL).
The Ugly
Okay ladies, there is a smellunfortunately. I only noticed the smell after wearing them for over 10 hours (usually overnight) and it was only when I took them off (to pee after sleeping a full night) that I could then smell the period pants. Of course, I put them straight into the washing machine and never thought about the smell again (until the next morning).
The Verdict
I am officially converted to period pants, but in no hurry to throw away my moon cup. When I’m out for dinner or heading to the gym, it’s all about the moon cup. And when I am lounging around at home or my home office? Period underwear FTW!
