Period underwear are now available in many clothing stores and many manufacturers of traditional menstrual products are also expanding their range to period panties.

We asked Sisko’s test group how many of them wear period panties and only a few had tried them. So it seems that this relatively new menstrual product has not yet found its place alongside pads, tampons and menstrual cups in the lives of Finnish people with vulvas.

For all those who have not yet adopted period panties, we have compiled a list of reasons why they could become your menstrual product of choice.

1. A greener choice

Some sources estimate that the average menstruating person wears between 11 000 and 17 000 pads in their lifetime. Of the most common types of menstrual product, pads and tampons are disposable, while period underwear can be worn for several cycles. For example, Thinx claims that their period panties last up to two years, or 24 menstrual cycles. Some manufacturers claim a lifespan of up to five years.

2. You save not only nature but also money

As the range of available period underwear has increased, their price has come down. The cheapest period panties cost around €10. Given their several years’ lifespan, you also save money compared to buying tampons and pads every month.

3. Period underwear make life easier during menstruation

Instead of having to visit a loo to change your pad or tampon several times a day, using period underwear can keep you going for longer. Thinx says that their most absorbent panties absorb up to five tampons worth of flow and Lindex says that its period panties can be worn for up to 10 hours. There’s no exact maximum time limit for health reasons, but it’s a good idea to change your period underwear at least twice a day.

Of course, you should take good care of your period panties and wash, dry and store them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Period panties are as comfortable as your regular underwear

You should feel very little difference compared to your normal underwear. There are also many different designs, sizes, colours and absorbencies to choose from. We’ve also come across period panties, menstrual leggings and shorts designed specifically for night time. Sisko test group respondents gave period underwear a special mention in the postpartum period. They perceived them as a very soft alternative.

5. Period panties are a good double protection for those with heavy periods

If leakage from tampons or pads is more the norm than the exception for you, period panties provide a good double protection. Especially at night, they are a great addition if you suffer from heavy periods, ensuring a better night’s sleep. This was also the opinion of those who responded to Sisko’s survey.

Please remember that heavy periods are not something to be simply endured! There are several alternative treatments available. It’s worth talking to your gynaecologist about this and you can read more about it here. 

We also received some negative comments regarding period underwear in our survey. Some said, for example, that period panties made you sweat or that the breathability of the materials could be improved. (Ed. note: hmmm, is it possible to be both breathable and absorbent at the same time? Could some wise engineer enlighten us on this please.) And then of course the required care and laundry of period panties was mentioned as a minor minus.

Read more here about which menstrual protection was most commonly used by survey respondents – Sisko’s team at least was surprised by the result.