There’s nothing like the moist, soggy, diaper-esque feeling of disposable menstrual pads—a little graphic, I know. Still, unfortunately, it’s something all women have dealt with at one point or another.
Luckily for us, there’s a great alternative that will also save you money in the long run: reusable period pads and leak-proof period underwear!
Here’s what we’re covering in this post:
- 3 Types of Disposable Pad Alternatives
- How to Clean Reusable Menstrual Pads and Period Panties
- The Best Cloth Pads and Period Underwear
Like most women, when I first got my period I only used pads for the first year or so. At that point, I wanted something that offered more protection and ultimately decided to wear a pad and a tampon simultaneously.
Call me paranoid, but I wanted to avoid the dreaded period leak-through and jacket-tied-around-waist fiasco.
A few years later I stumbled across menstrual cups on the internet and, after reading about their 12-hour wear time and 10-year lifespan, I decided to try one out.
Menstrual cups are great, but on my heavier days, I still wanted to have a second layer of protection. After making the discovery of reusable period products, I figured there must be a reusable alternative to pads—and there is!
Switching to all reusable period products was one of the best things I could do for not only my overall comfort during my period but also my wallet as reusable products last for a long time without needing to be replaced.
So let’s get started! Here is the complete guide to the best cloth pads and period underwear.
3 Types of Disposable Pad Alternatives
Most disposable period products have a reusable alternative. Instead of disposable pads and single-use pantyliners, similar cloth pads and reusable pantyliners are available.
Period underwear are another great reusable alternative to pads and while there isn’t a commonly-used disposable counterpart to them, that’s because they’re a one-of-a-kind product in the period products industry.
Cloth Pads
Cloth pads have a similar shape and look to disposable pads. Similarly, they have wings, and multiple absorbent layers, and are attached just above the gusset of your underwear.
They feature snap closure or velcro closure that folds and secures around the gusset of your underwear, just like a disposable pad with wings would.
Most reusable period pads are made with a charcoal bamboo fiber top layer to help eliminate odor, an absorbent layer or two in the middle, and a waterproof layer on the bottom to keep everything contained. Just like disposable pads, reusable ones are available in multiple lengths and thicknesses to fit your needs and match your flow.
Unlike many pads, however, any menstrual blood is quickly absorbed into the fabric so you’re not stuck feeling that gross wet feeling all day, and that comes without any sacrifice to coverage.
Reusable period pads are worn and used just like disposable ones with the exception of washing since they’re not single-use. I know the concept of washing your pads can sound off-putting at first, but it’s really not bad once you get past the initial ‘ick’ factor. The comfort and cost savings are definitely worth it!
Period Underwear
Reusable period underwear is one of the latest additions to the reusable menstrual product market, but they’ve quickly grown in popularity and for a good reason.
Not only are they both absorbent and comfortable, but they’re also thin and form-fitting—nowhere near the bulkiness of a disposable pad.
Period underwear are essentially indistinguishable from traditional panties; when they’re worn there is no apparent way to tell that they’re super absorbent and leak-proof!
No more worrying about pad lines or asking a friend to check your butt to make sure there’s no obvious pad bulkiness or period stains going on back there!
You can wear period panties by themselves or, on heavier days, wear them as a backup to your tampon, menstrual cup, or menstrual disc.
Period panties are extremely freeing and since you’re not wearing a traditional pad or pantyliner, you might even forget that you’re on your period. They’re that good!
Reusable Pantyliners
Like period underwear, reusable pantyliners are great to have on hand to wear as a backup to another menstrual product, or even to wear by themselves on lighter days (or even non-period days when you have more discharge than usual).
Cloth liners are just a smaller version of cloth pads and as such, also have either snaps or velcro on the wings that keep them snugly fit over the gusset of your underwear.
The same 3-4 fabric layers on cloth pads are typically used in liners as well. Those include a charcoal bamboo fiber layer on top, absorbent center layers, and a waterproof bottom layer.
If you’re looking for a backup period option with less bulk than a cloth pad, reusable pantyliners are what you need.
How to Clean Reusable Menstrual Pads & Period Panties
If you’re using your cloth pad, liner, or period underwear as a backup to an insertable period product, the care will be super easy. If there isn’t anything on them you can simply throw them in the washer, no fuss needed.
If the liners or underwear absorbed some menstrual blood simply rinse them with cold water—this is important as hot water will set any stains in the fabric—until the water runs clear. You can also soak them in cold water with a little bit of detergent to get them extra clean and help remove any stains.
After they’re rinsed you can store them in the wet bag they came in until laundry day when they can be washed as normal. Easy peasy!
Staining can happen over time, but it isn’t as likely or noticeable with the gray material that’s typically used in reusable menstrual pads. For period underwear, stick with the darker colors to keep them looking their best.
Every few cycles you can do a deep clean and soak them in some oxi-clean to get rid of (or significantly reduce) any staining that may be on the fabric.
The Best Cloth Pads & Period Underwear
If you’re ready to make the switch to reusable period products, here are a few of the best ones!
The Best Reusable Period Pads
10 Piece Cloth Pad Set
If you’ve never used reusable pads before, this set of 10 cloth pads is a great starter set! It comes with 3 different pad sizes so you can pick the right length to match your flow.
Each pad has 4 layers: a charcoal bamboo fiber top layer, 2 super-absorbent microfiber layers, and a water-resistant outer layer to keep you leak-free!
The cloth pads feature button-snap closure and come with a matching wet bag to keep used, rinsed pads in until laundry day. Plus there are multiple prints and colors to choose from, so you can pick your favorite set!
Reusable Menstrual Pads – 6 Pack
The cloth pad set comes with 6 reusable pads in the length of your choice. You can choose from small (7.4 inches), medium (9.2 inches), or large (10.6 inches) to match your flow and desired coverage.
The absorbency also varies with each cloth pad size with the small pad having 3 fabric layers, the medium pad with 4, and the large pad with 5. The bottom layer in each size is made of leak-proof fabric to keep you protected at all times.
Each pad has two top snaps on one wing so the width can be adjusted to snugly fit around the gusset of your underwear.
A mini wet bag is included with this set as well.
Eco Lily Reusable Period Pads
if your periods are on the heavier side and you need a cloth pad that can absorb everything you can possibly flow at it, the Eco Lily Reusable Pads are just what you’re looking for!
These cloth pads have an odor-absorbing bamboo charcoal fleece top layer, three layers of ultra-absorbent microfiber, and a bottom layer of waterproof PUL fabric to ensure you stay leak-free.
Each pad is built to handle the most, including heavy flow days or overnight wear. They’re 11.8” long and have snap closure buttons to hold them in place.
The set of 6 reusable menstrual pads comes with a wet bag that has two separate compartments—one to hold rinsed pads until they can be washed and another to hold fresh pads. The Eco Lily reusable pad set will keep you covered—literally.
The Best Period Underwear
Just because period underwear are the newest product in the disposable pad alternative category doesn’t mean that they can’t change your period for the better. They absolutely can.
Pads have their purpose and will likely be around for decades to come, but the promise of bulk-free, ultra-absorbent period protection that doesn’t look like a typical period product? That’s what we call a gamechanger.
Thinx Period Underwear
One of the first companies to launch period underwear is Thinx. They offer multiple styles, colors, and cuts so you’ll find something you can feel cute in that also keeps you protected.
Who says period underwear can’t be pretty? This mauve-colored hi-waist pair can hold 5 tampons worth of liquid, and you’d never be able to tell by looking at them.
This hiphugger pair? It can hold 4 tampons worth of menstrual blood. Plus, all Thinx underwear are built to be moisture-wicking to keep you sweat-free with no unwanted moisture down there.
Whether you wear your Thinx period underwear alone or as a backup to a tampon, menstrual cup, or menstrual disc, they’re made to make your periods easier.
Thinx underwear are available in a wide variety of sizes, so you’re sure to find a style that fits you. From high-waisted cuts to bikinis, hiphuggers, boyshorts, and everything in-between, you will find your go-to style in Thinx period underwear.
Period Underwear 3-Pack
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to Thinx, try this period underwear 3-pack from INNERSY.
Each pair has four layers of fabric: a cotton gusset, an absorbent layer, a waterproof layer, and the main fabric of the underwear. Those three extra layers? Not even slightly noticeable under clothing.
There are multiple sets to choose from so you can choose whatever colors you like the best. With size options ranging from XS-5X, there’s a pair that will fit everyone.
The Best Reusable Pantyliners
Reusable cloth pantyliners are essentially the same product as cloth pads, with the main difference being they’re shorter in length (obviously) and are typically a little thinner as they’re made for lighter flow.
Wegreeco Reusable Pantyliners
This set of 6 reusable pantyliners comes in a variety of pretty color sets with a matching wet bag to store them in. If you’re wanting to order the 8 inch pantyliner size, make sure you select size small.
As with the cloth pads, these liners are made with the same charcoal bamboo top layer, with just 1 layer of absorbent microfiber, and a leak-free bottom layer.
This set also has two snaps so you can adjust the width of the pantyliner as needed.
Reusable Pantyliner – Set of 7
This set of 7 reusable pantyliners is another great choice if you want some extra absorbency from your liner.
Double snap closure, 2 absorbent microfiber layers (unlike the typical single layer in a small length), with the same waterproof bottom and bamboo charcoal fiber top layer, and a matching wet bag.
Plus, you’re in for a surprise when this set arrives because the prints are chosen and sent to you at random. A much better surprise than an unexpected visit from Aunt Flo!
If you want a more affordable, comfortable, and eco-friendly period, you should definitely try reusable cloth pads, period underwear, or cloth pantyliners!
They absorb any menstrual blood or moisture to keep you feeling clean and dry—no more chafing or irritation from the additional moisture that disposable pads bring.
While there may be a bit of an ‘ick’ factor in the beginning, rinsing and washing cloth pads or period underwear is pretty simple, quick, and straightforward. Just give them a shot, this could be a gamechanger for your cycle!
Not sure if reusable pads or period underwear are right for you? Check out the 5 best reusable period products to explore other alternatives.
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