Why I prefer reusable pads to period underwear
When I was making the switch to reusable sanitary products, the choice of options out there seemed totally bewildering. That’s why I set up this blog, to share my experiences as it can help to hear from someone who has been there already.
So you're ready to make the healthier choice and switch to a more eco-friendly option, but how do you choose between reusable pads or period underwear?
Which is better reusable pads or period pants?
Your choice needs to be based on more than the fact that pads come in pretty patterns whilst period underwear is predominantly monotonous black…
Sweaty restrictive cycling shorts for heavy flow anyone?
With some initial financial investment involved, it's an important decision to consider. And just because period underwear seems to be hot right now, automatically dismissing cloth pads as an option might not necessarily be the right decision...
10 reasons why reusable pads are better than period pants
I'm just going to pin a few (ok maybe 10) reasons here why I'm so passionate about pads in particular…
1. Cloth pads are more absorbent than period pants
Reusable pads concentrate absorbency between your thighs, which is where you actually need it, instead of allowing liquid to run right up your back.
They also usually contain more layers of absorbent fabric and more natural materials.
Heavy absorbency pads can easily last overnight or 12 hours, without having to be in the form of cycle shorts that stretch down your thigh.
Baba + Boo cloth sanitary pads (often called CSP) are made of with a top layer of comfortable, super-soft fleece which sits closest to your body. There's an absorbent inner layer and a hidden waterproof layer that's made from the same breathable PUL which makes their nappies so popular.
All Baba + Boo pads come up about 1cm longer than most other brands so are ideal if you have a heavier flow or need just a bit more coverage.
The poppers mean your pads stay firmly in place so that slips and leaks are a thing of the past.
This extra large pad is 30x23cm (with wings). The main pad is 9cm wide. It's ideal for overnight if you have a heavy period, and can be used post-partum.
Why not order a small storage bag by Baba + Boo to store yours in discreetly until wash day?
Sold either as a pack of 2 or as a single pad, these qualify for a reduced postage rate to purchase a single or 2 pack on it’s own.
The new style pads are labelled “L” but they are the same size and absorbency as the previous XL design/range (sold as a 2-pack).
Baba & Boo are embracing pad equality and moving forward their pads are priced the same regardless of absorbency, so pad lovers are not penalised for having a heavy flow.
For more on how washable pads work & how to care for them, please have a read of my blog.
2. Pads are leak proof
The design of a pad is inherently better. Most of the pads I sell are created and manufactured by excellent reusable nappy brands meaning they are purpose built to be more absorbent and leak-proof.
Each pad consists of a leakproof PUL backing layer in one of our prints, a Bamboo Cotton Core, and a top layer of grey Bamboo Charcoal next to the skin.
These pads are suitable for average flow or bladder weakness. This size is approximately 23cm long, and width when closed is 6.5 or 7.5cm, depending on the popper setting chosen. Sold as an individual pad.
Key Features:
two popper settings on the wing to give a good fit on your underwear
air dries quickly
Soft against the skin and keeps you feeling dry
Made with natural and absorbent materials.
No leaks with a waterproof PUL backing.
Folds neatly to put away in your bag
Available with a top layer of Grey Bamboo Charcoal.
Why not order a small wet bag by Hippynut to store yours in discreetly until wash day?
These qualify for a reduced postage rate to try one on it’s own.
For more on how washable pads work & how to care for them, please have a read of my blog entry.
3. Reusable pads wash better and dry faster
Have you ever washed clean and dried a pair of knickers that are lined with an extra padded gusset which is designed to keep liquid in?
Tumble drying reusable period pants can easily damage them so it’s a bit of a no-no.
It takes about 2 days for period pants to be dry to their core by air drying…not so helpful in UK living conditions…
In contrast cloth pads take up much less space to hang and can be dry within hours.
4. Pads are worn in your existing underwear
There's no having to find the perfect sized fitting and absorbency period pants!
Period underwear has to fit you properly or it will leak, there’s no bones about it. And they generally have to be bought online so posting pants back and forth can be a real faff and cost you more money.
Plus most of them are designed with that tightness in mind (some are tighter than a pair of Spanx), and it’s hard to find a heavy absorbent style without a muffin-top inducing elastic waistband…
Who wouldn’t prefer to use their tried and trusted comfy daily pants they already have?
5. Pads hug to your curves in a comforting way
There's no feeling like you're free bleeding which is kind of how period pants feel. Bit of an odd sensation.
I like to feel a pad there. It’s actually reassuring to know it’s there doing it’s job. And from the women I have been helping to switch to reusable pads, they appreciate this too.
Gorgeous bamboo velour topped pad that is both super soft to the touch and incredibly thin. Ergonomically shaped, this is an ideal pad for heavy flow or overnight use. This night pad is particularly suitable for front bleeders (or sleepers) due to the shape of the pad.
Against the skin is the softest bamboo velour, inside 3 layers of absorbent bamboo terry, so 4 layers in total, and on the back waterproof TPU with the most beautiful natural print.
Heavy Flow measures 31 cm in length and 7/6.5 cm in width when snapped.
Outer material 100% polyester with TPU (thermoplastic laminate)
Inner material 85% bamboo 15% polyester
Why not also pick up a coordinating small double wetbag to store your pads in?
6. Pads come with varied top layers
From stay dry fleece, to velour, to cotton; each with it's own benefits.
The majority of period underwear is mostly made of polyester based materials, which is the type of fabric I try to avoid anyway.
Honour Your Flow pads are made in the UK mostly by mothers working from home. Even the fabric is hand dyed making the pattern on each pad totally unique.
Maxi pads are reusable period pads made with a top layer of organic cotton velour, four layers of organic cotton fleece inside, and have a layer of PUL hidden inside, which is a totally waterproof barrier. They are backed with a lightweight organic cotton jersey.
Maxi pads are suitable for the heavy side of a normal menstrual flow. The hourglass shape hugs the contours of your body as well as catching any front or back flowing splurges. The double poppers prevent any sideways slipping and have two size settings.
The core of these pads is where the layers are sewn in, making them extra comfortable but with the added absorbency down the middle where it’s needed.
A truly beautiful sanitary pad to bring pezazz to your period as you honour your flow, and also suitable for bladder weakness.
The nearest you can get to a Vegan zero waste sanitary pad; everything biodegrades except the PUL and the popper.
Size - 28cm
7. You don't feel any wetness or dampness at all with a resuable pad
I’m afraid with period underwear that damp feeling happens quickly & leads me to change pairs repeatedly sooner than the supposed 8 hours or 4 tampons worth…and my usual flow isn’t even a “heavy” one…meaning I need way more than the standard advised 8 pairs of period pants to get through one cycle.
Super soft and fluffy top!
The Maxi Paua Pad is a beautifully soft lightweight pad suitable for medium to heavy use.
It is incredibly absorbent while remaining super slim and comfortable.
Paua Pads are hourglass shaped for comfort and ultimate protection.
They have adjustable snaps to ensure a perfect fit and a soft velour surface to keep you dry and comfortable. Velour is particularly helpful for those who experience “gushes”.
Length 28cm
Open Width 23cm
Sold as an individual pad.
Little Fern Maxi pads are also available as part of my exclusive First Pads starter bundle with a 6% saving included.
8. Pads definitely have a longer life span
In a reusable pad there's no elastic to stretch or degrade in the wash, or lace to snap or just wear out as it inevitably does with period pants.
Pads are just built in a more simple and durable way, designed to last!
Wear ‘em out regular flow Medium Flo pad is your go-to for those in-between, business-as-usual period days, and can also be used for leaky bladder days.
98.7% of 905 people asked said they would recommend these reusable period pads to family and friends
These pads attach to your underwear the same way a disposable would, they have wings with double nickel-free poppers for a nice secure fit and the 2 stylish minimal prints come in a choice of top fabric in either Navy or Light Grey.
Sold as a single pad. These include instructions on the label and are designed and made in Britain.
Why not also order either a Wear ‘em out storage bag for home or a wet/dry section handbag bag for you are out of the house?
For further information on how reusable pads work take a look at my period pads introduction and blog pages.
9. Pads can be even slimmer than some period pants
Contrary to popular belief, this is actually true.
Some period pants can actually feel more like wearing a nappy than a reusable pad…which kind of defies the point.
The way the absorbent section in period underwear sometimes stretches all the way up the back can leave you feeling even more sweaty…not what I want during the summer…
Each pad consists of a leakproof PUL backing layer in one of our prints, a Bamboo Cotton Core, and you can choose between a top layer of white Bamboo Cotton or grey Bamboo Charcoal next to the skin.
Personally I prefer the white bamboo for a daily panty liner.
These pads are suitable for average flow or bladder weakness.
This size is approximately 20cm long, and width when closed is 6.5 or 7.5cm, depending on the popper setting chosen. Sold as an individual pad.
Key features:
Two popper settings on the wing to give a good fit on your underwear
Air dries quickly
Soft against the skin and keeps you feeling dry
Made with natural and absorbent materials.
No leaks with a waterproof PUL backing.
Folds neatly to put away in your bag
Available with a top layer of Bamboo Cotton or Grey Bamboo Charcoal.
Why not order a small wet bag by Hippynut to store yours in discreetly until wash day?
These qualify for a reduced postage rate to try one on it’s own.
For more on how washable pads work & how to care for them, please have a read of my blog entry.
Hippynut pantyliner is also available as part of my exclusive First Pads starter bundle with a 6% saving included.
10. Reusable pads are more affordable than period underwear
At around a quarter of the price, we are talking from £4 per pad as opposed to £20 for a similar absorbency branded/quality pair of pants.
These are comfortable and easy to integrate into your routine. Just wear them as you would a disposable sanitary pad. Fast drying, and more affordable than period pants, these are the easiest swap I ever made.
Designed to be used during the night (or for those with heavy flow), La Petite Ourse pads are soft and cheerful. They can also be suitable for those experiencing mild incontinence. Their grey charcoal bamboo interior is designed to avoid stubborn stains.
Backed with PUL to retain moisture in the pad, the four layers of bamboo are absorbent whilst the microfibre layer keeps you feeling dry.
Length: 28cm
Why not order a small wet bag to store yours in?
These qualify for a reduced postage rate to try a 2 pack on it’s own.
For more on how washable pads work & how to care for them, please have a read of my introduction to period pads page.
If this has you thinking, take a look at my recommendations page or send me a DM for a personal chat & recommendation.
You will find there is a pad for everyone, no matter how much of a sceptic 💝
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