How Long Does Period Underwear Last? Your Guide to Extending the Life of Your Favorite Period Undies

One of the reasons people love period underwear so much is that they’re built to last. Unlike conventional period products, which only last up to eight hours, period underwear can be reused for months or years. 

But exactly how long can your period underwear last? The answer is complicated, as it depends on how you take care of your period undies.

In this article, we’ll spill all the secrets to make your period undies last, and offer some tips and tricks to make it easier.

Understanding the Lifespan of Period Underwear

Like other undergarments, period underwear are built to last at least a number of years, especially when cared for properly. Unlike other underwear, they can eventually begin to lose their absorbency, or even develop an odor.

All period panties — that’s styles, fabrics, and brands — are built differently, so some will degrade more quickly than others. To get the longest life out of your Leakproof underwear, choose a brand with quality fabrics made to last. Understand that thicker, sportier types of period panties will tend to hold up better than lacy or stringy styles.

Even so, a pair from the same brand, in the same style, can have a much longer or shorter lifespan depending on the circumstances. It basically comes down to how often and how long you wear them, how you wash them, and how they’re stored. 

As with any item of clothing, moisture, heat, light, pests, and more can lead to stretching, fading, holes, and even mold growth. However, the risk of these issues is a bit higher with period panties because of their more prolonged exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.

Maximizing the Life of Your Leakproof Undies 

To keep your leakproof underwear in the best possible condition, one of the most important factors is how you wash them. Chucking them in a hot washing machine with harsh detergent, then drying them on high heat is the surest way to destroy them quickly.

The best way to wash period panties is to:

• Machine wash them cold, with mild detergent

• NEVER use bleach or fabric softener, as it can degrade the absorbency

• Gently wring them out and lay flat to dry or hang them to dry on a washing line

It’s also a good idea to wash them on a gentle cycle, or use a mesh bag, to protect them from damage.

If you’re traveling or don’t have regular access to laundry, you can also wash period panties by hand. To hand wash:

• Rinse your period panties under cold water until the water runs clear

• Leave them to soak for about 30 minutes in a mix of cold water and gentle detergent

• Gently agitate (move) your period underwear in the water to remove dirt, blood, sweat, urine, lotion, or whatever else might be on them

• As with machine washing, gently wring them out and use a clothesline or lay them flat to dry

However you wash your period panties, it’s a good idea to rinse before you wash. Always rinse before you wash them if you know you won’t be able to wash them immediately. 

Don’t leave used period panties buried at the bottom of your hamper without rinsing them, or they can develop an odor, or — in rare cases — grow infection-causing bacteria.

Some period panty users say, anecdotally, that rinsing their period panties before washing also helps to maintain their absorbency. Either way, you may be able to salvage them by removing buildup and stains with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or other household products.

Remember, though it might feel counterintuitive, you don’t need high heat to keep your period panties hygienic. The technical fabrics in our Leakproof Underwear are designed to wash clean on a normal, gentle, cold cycle. 

When to Say Goodbye 

No matter how much tender loving care you give your period panties, they will eventually wear out. You’ll know when it’s about time to replace them based on the following red flags:

They’re stretching out, pilling, or developing holes. When you start to notice signs of visible wear and tear, it’s time to look for a new pair before absorbency degrades. As the elastic breaks down and they get looser, your period panties are also more likely to slip out of place and cause leaks.

They’re not absorbing as much as they used to. If you’re noticing your period panties used to get you through the day (or night) and aren’t anymore, it’s time to let them go. It’s not worth risking a leak just because you’re sentimentally attached to your favorite pair.

They’re starting to smell, even after you wash them. Though period panties might have a mild odor after use, they should smell clean when fresh out of the wash. If they’re starting to get a little musty when you sniff them, it’s time to toss them sooner than later.

To sustainably dispose of old period panties, look for a textile recycling program in your area or online. A handful of companies will shred and process old underwear, and reuse them in materials like industrial insulation.

If this isn’t an option, you can cut up your old period underwear and use them as cleaning rags or craft materials. They can also make handy plant ties to give your tomatoes or eggplants a little extra support.

However you choose to use your old period underwear, make sure you thoroughly clean them before reuse. Do what you can to make sure they stay out of landfills, but we totally get that this may not always be possible. 

Care and Quality

Remember that one of the best ways to ensure a longer period panty lifespan is to invest in a high-quality product. Get your period panties from a reputable brand (like, cough, cough, Knix) with strong customer support. 

Remember to treat your period panties how you’d want to be treated: with gentle, consistent, loving care. It’s the best way to ensure a long-lasting, supportive relationship with your favorite pair.

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We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we're not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We're here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you've been given. Phew, now that that's out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.