If you hate the waste or the cost of buying disposable menstrual products, you’re definitely not alone. No one likes spending all those pink tax dollars every month just to literally roll them up and throw them in the trash.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a reusable alternative, it’s time to consider period underwear. Here are all the reasons they might be a more comfortable, reliable, less wasteful option for your period.
The Problem With Disposables
First things first, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using pads and tampons during your period if you choose to. For many people, for instance folks with disabilities, disposable period products might be the best or most accessible or available option.
That said, pads and tampons do have a number of downsides compared to reusables. Here are some of the big ones to consider if you’re thinking about making the switch.
Extra Waste
You probably already know that pads and tampons are pretty lousy for the environment. Every year in the U.S. alone, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons end up in landfills.
That’s not including all the boxes, wrappers, applicators, and instruction manuals that add to the load. And, let’s be real: those stats don’t begin to factor in the wads of toilet paper we hide our used pads and tampons in.
Risky Business
Besides environmental concerns, tampons are also famous for posing a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). You know, that rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection you’ve read about in all the instruction manuals.
Your chances of getting TSS are pretty low, but it’s still worth considering—especially for longer-wear use. Tampons can also make you more prone to yeast and fungal infections, and they can also just generally be a little uncomfortable.
Frequent Changes
Disposable pads are safer, but they can still increase the risk of yeast infections or cause irritation and itchy rashes (contact dermatitis). Even if they’re not causing a reaction, you still know that uncomfy feeling when they migrate to the wrong place in your underwear.
To prevent leakage and itching, some people report changing pads as often as every hour—far from the eight hours recommended on the package. The all-day guarantee of most disposable period products is pretty far from how they’re actually used.
Bad-for-You Chemicals
Finally, many pads also contain plastics and other harmful chemicals that could impact reproductive health, and tampons have been found to contain arsenic and lead. Scientists are still working to understand the long-term impacts of these findings, but you may feel more comfortable going with another period solution.
The Benefits of Period Underwear
Think of your favorite pair of everyday underwear – that's exactly how Leakproof underwear feels. They're so comfortable that you might forget you're even wearing them.
Whether you're heading to the office, hitting the gym, or lounging at home, they move with you – even through your most active days. Go ahead and tackle that yoga class, take that long hike, or bike to work – these undies have got you covered.
Simple, Stress-Free Care
No complicated washing routines here. Just toss them in with your regular laundry (cold wash and lay flat to dry), and they're ready to use again. Start with just a couple of pairs to try it out and go from there. Plus, think about how much simpler your bathroom cabinet will be without all those boxes of disposable products.
Always On Hand
Imagine never having to stuff your purse with emergency supplies or ask a friend for a spare tampon. No more midnight runs to the drugstore or moments of panic when you realize you're out of pads. Period underwear gives you one less thing to worry about – they're already in your drawer, ready whenever you need them.
With period underwear, you're always prepared and always comfortable.
Perfect for Every Day of Your Flow
Whether you're dealing with a light spotting day or your heaviest flow, there's a pair that works for you. Leakproof underwear have a range of absorbency levels made for your lightest and heaviest days, and everything in between.
Light styles are perfect for those "maybe it's starting?" days, while ultra-absorbent pairs can take you through your heaviest days with confidence. The best part? You can wear them for up to 12 hours – perfect for busy days or getting a full night's sleep without interruption.
Why Leakproof Underwear Is Worth a Try
Our Leakproof period underwear offers a winning combination of absorbency, comfort, and smooth, seamless fit.
Customer Vickie C. says the Leakproof Glacier Bikini and French cut styles are her favorite: “They are so soft. Reminds me of whipped cream.”
Meanwhile, Nikki T. loves Knix’s leakage protection, which works for periods and more: “No more worries about sneezing, coughing, or laughing too hard. These are a perfect fit and provide great all day comfort.”
Marcy P. loves to wear her Knix to workout. She says: “These really are ‘no show.’ Great for leggings at the gym—no more worrying if a pad is showing.”
Whether your period needs may be—the comfiest fit, the best protection, or the sleekest styles—there’s a style and absorbency to make it happen.
Ready to Ditch the Disposables?
If you’d rather stick with your pads or tampons, that’s OK! It’s all about what makes you feel most comfortable. If you’re ready to try out Leakproof underwear, you might need to try a few different styles and absorbencies before you land on the period panties that work best for you. You might be a panties person, a shorts type, or more of a lacy-thong wearer.
Shop the Leakproof collection to see what fits best—and what works best with your favorite fit. You can even sort by absorbency to see all the styles available at the right level of protection for your needs.
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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.