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15 of the best period pants for your next flow
And there's a pair for every occasion – from ones to wear to the gym, to a legit thong...
The buzz has been growing for a while now, but if you're still unsure as to what period panties are (or indeed how they work) then wonder no more – we're here to explain, and have even rounded up the best eco-friendly, period-proof underwear to shop, suitable for every type of flow. Bonus: by wearing a pair, you'll also be boosting your bank balance, as they'll cut the cost of buying tampons or pads each cycle.
Do period pants actually work?
Yes! These clever pieces of underwear do exactly what they say on the tin; you can wear them while on your period, minus a pad or tampon, and there are period pants for swimming and activewear options available, too. They work by containing a blend of absorbent layers to soak up blood and moisture-wicking layers to keep you dry – avoiding any nappy-like scenarios (because, ew). They also come in various leak-proof thicknesses, meaning you can comfortably bleed freely no matter how heavy your flow is.
If you're still not convinced, you can wear period pants with a tampon, pad or menstrual cup too, using them as an extra layer of support instead.
How do you wash period pants?
The general rule is to give them a quick rinse with cold water in the sink once you take them off, then pop them in the wash. Most brands recommend adding them to a dark wash at 30 degrees (to help you cut down on those CO2 emissions) but always check the care instructions first. Some brands also recommend placing them in a delicates bag for extra protection, too.
A big no-no is adding fabric softener though, as this can interfere with the pants' absorbency levels.
How long can you wear period pants for?
This all comes down to the absorbency of the pair that you're wearing, so when you're looking to buy a pair – or a pack – think carefully about your flow and the different absorbencies each brand and collection offers.
Guidance says that it's totally hygienic to wear a pair of period pants for 10-12 hours, as long as you are wearing the correct pair for you.
What are the sustainability benefits of using period pants?
Due to the prevalence of plastic in many period products – such as applicators and pads, not to mention other reusable products as well – using period pants is a good move for the environment, especially if you can get a significant wear out of each pair!
So, consider this your official list of the best period pants to try...
Paisley is the former Sex and Relationships editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She covers everything from sex toys, how to masturbate and sex positions, to all things LGBTQ. She definitely reveals too much about her personal life on the Internet.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Amber O’Connor is Cosmopolitan UK’s junior features writer, who covers everything from breaking news, women’s safety and real life features to fitness, travel, and cultural trends. She works on first-person features, reports, and long reads, plus the hottest stories of the day (if you want to know about the latest wellness craze or TikTok trends, she’s your girl).
Amber has previously worked as a reporter and a lifestyle writer, with her work appearing in numerous publications, including The Mirror, Red Magazine, Evening Standard, Indy100, and Yahoo News. When she’s not working her way through her TBR list, Amber loves dancing, running, and going on adventures with her dog.
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