How Long Do Period Panties Last?
Period panties are a reusable and eco-friendly menstrual product. They get these two qualities from their ability to last you a very long time. How long do period panties last? They can last up to 2 years and even more if you take care of them.
How to Care for Period Panties to Extend Their Lifespan?
You can hand wash them and then hang them to dry or you can run a cold water cycle and wash them in the washing machine. For detailed instructions on how to take care of your period panties, head over to our blog, “What is the Proper Way to Wash Period Panties?”
If you want to know the best way to extend their lifespan, here’s how you can go about it:
- Don’t wash your period panties with other clothes because the friction of heavier clothes can damage your period underwear.
- If you want to wash your period panties with other clothes, we suggest putting them in a pillowcase or laundry net to protect them.
- Don’t wash your period underwear with bleach or fabric softener because that can affect its absorbent quality. Instead, use a good quality detergent (deemed safe to use) to wash your period panties. The detergent you choose needs to be gentle on your skin and anti-allergic to prevent irritation. The reason we are saying no to fabric softeners is that they contain surfactants, which can irritate sensitive skin.
- Don’t use a tumble dryer, but hang them out to dry because tumble drying can change the shape of your period panties. Since we’re going down the eco-friendly route, using a tumble dryer would defeat that purpose. You can hang them or dry them flat to prevent marks and water from changing the shape of your period underwear.
Taking care of period panties isn’t that difficult. Even though most of them will last you up to 2 years, taking measures to extend their lifespan just benefits you in the long run.
Now that we’ve answered your question on how long period panties last, we thought we would take some time to address a few more common concerns you might have about them.
Will You Feel Dirty Wearing Period Panties?
If you never felt dirty while wearing a pad or tampon on your period, trust us, you’ll not feel dirty while wearing period panties. You may feel a little uneasy in the beginning if you’re used to wearing a tampon or menstrual cup because it collects your period blood. It won’t take you long to get used to free bleeding in your underwear. When you remove your period panties, the fabric would have absorbed most of your period blood. You may find a little blood on your vulva, so just step into the shower, and you’ll be fine.
Can You Smell Period Odor?
No, you’ll not smell any period odor nor will the people next to you. Most period panties are antimicrobial, which means that it kills or prevents bacteria from developing. No bacteria means no smell. You’ll not smell anything that will put you off and reach for a traditional menstrual product.
Do You Feel Wet While Wearing Period Panties?
No, you’ll not feel drenched down there because period panties will soak the blood, leaving you feeling dry. Most period panties have a thin upper layer that carries the period blood to an absorption layer under them. You’ll never find yourself moving uncomfortably in your chair because of wetness.
Can Other People See My Period Panties?
When you wear a pad, you may feel as if other people can see it through your clothes, but you realize that’s not the case. If the pad sticks to where it shouldn’t stick or gets folded from the end, bunching up, you become conscious. With period panties, there’s no issue of other people seeing it or the issue of you putting it wrong or it bunching up. Throughout the day, your period panties will fit snuggly and no one will even notice because it’s like wearing normal underwear. On this note, we should also tell you how important it is for you to select the right size and according to your period flow.
Can You Save Money Wearing Period Panties?
You’re not only saving money wearing period panties, but you’re also helping the environment. Therefore, it’s a win-win situation for both your bank account and the earth. Yes, reusable menstrual products cost more than traditional menstrual products, but they can also last you for up to 2 years. You’re actually saving more money by going the unconventional route because the next time you’ll buy period panties is after 2 years.
Are Period Panties for Everyone?
If your daughter or sister has just started her period, give them period panties to wear instead of teaching them to wear pads or tampons. You can teach them to wear pads or tampons too, but your focus should be on helping them get used to wearing period panties. Period panties can save them from leaks that can happen at unexpected times, such as in school or parties. It’ll make young women who have just started menstruating feel more confident and at ease.
How Many Pairs of Period Panties Should You Buy?
You should buy at least two pairs of period panties. When you’re changing out of your period panties, you can wear a fresh pair while the previous ones dry. However, the number of period panties you buy is a personal choice. Since you can make them last up to 2 years, buying two seems practical.
Will we see you come to the period panties' side? If you have any questions on how they work, you can read our blog or you can send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you think you’re ready for period panties, try them today.