Transitioning to Period Underwear: A First Timer's Guide

Transitioning to Period Underwear: A First Timer's Guide

Aisle Team

My transition to period underwear was not one that happened overnight. In theory, they seemed a great choice: more sustainable, and less long term costs. In practice, the idea of period underwear still felt like it might not be for me. As someone who mostly used tampons, I had some hesitations. Will I feel like I’m sitting in a puddle all day? Will there be a lingering smell? How do I go about washing them? Can I use my period underwear in combination with other menstrual products? Of course, a quick google would answer all these questions easily but the real test was purchasing and putting on the damn underwear and seeing if they worked for me. And they did! However, we realize that buying a pair of period underwear can seem like a pricey investment, so here is a comprehensive guide to make the process and your purchase seem as foolproof as possible. 

What Period Underwear to Buy? Quality, Absorbency and Style 

Nowadays there are an overwhelming number of period underwear brands that offer an array of sizes and styles to fit the various needs of everyone’s unique cycle. With options, there can be a sense of decision fatigue and overwhelm. Here are some criteria to look for to make your choices more simple and streamlined: 

PFAS-Free 

One of the most important criteria to have of your period underwear is that they have been tested by reputable companies for certain forever chemicals. PFAS, or per-and polyfluoralkyl substances, are a complex group of chemically manufactured compounds consisting of a chain of carbon and fluorine atoms. The strong carbon-fluorine bond causes PFAS to have a non-stick quality that makes them (and the products they are in) water and stain resistant. Look for companies that are transparent about their products being PFAS free and have proof of being independently tested by accredited professionals. For example Period Aisle not only states that their products have no detectable levels of PFAS to 1ppm but have posted their test results from an independent laboratory testing company, SGS, on their website.

Absorbency 

Different period underwear have different absorbances to provide options based on your unique period and period underwear needs. If you are looking for a product to completely replace your reusable products, you are going to want a higher absorbency, such as 8-11 tampons worth. If you have a heavier flow, you are also going to want a higher absorbency. If you are looking to use period underwear to wear on lighter days, near the end of your period or to catch unexpected spotting throughout the month, a 1-4 tampon absorbency should do the trick. 

Style 

Underwear style is always going to be a personal preference and period underwear should be no exception! Most period underwear companies have a variety of colours and styles to suit your own preferences. Whether you prefer a thong, a bikini cut, a brief or a boxer, the options are there for you. Something to keep in mind though is that less fabric usually means less absorbency. It is recommended that when considering size and fit, that leaning towards something more snug can help with coverage and prevent unlikely yet possible leaks. 

If you are still unsure about what cut, absorbency and size is right for you, Period Aisle has a great matchmaker quiz to make the selection process that much more streamlined. 

What to Expect When First Using Period Underwear

So say you have made the leap and purchased your period underwear - now it’s time to put them to the test to see if they are for you. Here are the main novel things I noticed when first using period underwear:

They aren’t as bulky as you think! Period underwear can feel more structured that regular underwear, with necessarily sturdier seams and a thicker fabric. This hasn’t ever compromised my comfort when wearing them, but since there are more elements to period underwear than regular underwear this can feel strange at first. However, from the outside, no one would be able to tell that you are wearing period underwear and I have never had to sacrifice any outfit choice. 

The initial bleed into your period underwear can feel a bit scary. Regardless of how leak proof the underwear claim to be, I remember having an unshaking anxiety that I was going to bleed right through them mid work day. If this is something you are worried about, start slow! Perhaps don’t wear your period underwear to work on Day 2 or 3 of your period but rather practice wearing them at home first, to build up that confidence that yes, they really do hold a few tampons worth of blood! 

You stay surprisingly dry. After a couple of hours of wearing period underwear, there can be a sensation of dampness, especially on heavy flow days and that is normal! Most period products use moisture wicking fabrics to prevent you feeling damp and wet over several hours of wear. Aisle products have three layers in the gusset: the first moisture wicks, the second absorbs, and the third stops leaks. When I start to feel as though my period underwear are slightly ‘damp’ I take that as a sign that I need to change them out for another pair or switch to another menstrual product while I wash them. 

How Do I Wash My Period Underwear? 

Many people think this is the downfall to period underwear. However, washing your period underwear can easily fit into your regular laundry routine with only a few adaptations. When I’m done with my period underwear, I rinse the gusset in cold running water until it runs clear to get rid of any excess blood and fluid. Then, I just toss them in with the rest of my laundry and machine wash with my regular detergent. 

If you are able to hang your period underwear to dry, do. This will prolong the life of your underwear. But most period underwear can be machine dried on a low setting. 

I do find myself hand washing my period underwear quite often, as my period doesn’t always line up with laundry day. You only need a small amount of detergent and be sure to rinse your underwear well to avoid leaving behind any residue (this can reduce the effectiveness of your underwear). 

How Often Should I Replace My Period Underwear 

Depending on how well you take care of them, period underwear can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years! 

Can I Combine my Period Underwear with Other Menstrual Products? 

Of course! We recognize that everyone's cycle, body and lifestyle is dynamic and constantly changing, so restricting yourself to one menstrual product doesn’t seem realistic. I find that I never rely purely on my period underwear for every cycle. Sometimes I only use them at night, during the day with a tampon, or only on day 5 or 6 of my period to catch light spotting. 

Whatever you choose to use period underwear for, they are a great option to help reduce menstrual product waste and provide you comfort and flexibility during your cycle. 

Much love.

Ella Adkins is a writer, teacher and occupier on the ancestral homelands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh  and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Nations. Her work has been featured in Femme Art Review, Peripheral Review, SAD Mag, ReIssue and Public Parking.

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