Sustainable Periods: Why Period Pants Are Changing the Game

Many are searching for greener solutions as concern for the environmental cost of disposable menstrual products grows. Emerging as a planet-friendly solution, period pants offer a reliable alternative to tampons and pads, combining comfort with eco-consciousness. 

What Are Period Pants? 

Period pants are underwear specifically designed for use during your period. They are made with absorbent materials so they can provide you with a comfortable alternative to tampons and pads. 

The magic behind period pants is their structure. Though having the appearance of a regular pair of underwear, they have a complex, 4-layer structure to support your blood flow: 

1. A moisture-absorbent inside layer 

2. Bacteria and odour-resistant middle layers 

3. A leak-resistant extra layer 

4. A lightweight external layer (Harcourt, 2023) 

This structure creates a built-in pad, offering protection without the need for disposable products. 

The Benefits of Period Pants 

1. Comfort and Convenience 

Wearing period pants feels just like wearing regular underwear. They eliminate the hassle of pads and tampons, allowing you to continue with your usual activities without frequent changes or discomfort. 

And that is not even the main benefit! 

Period pants can come in a range of styles, from thongs to bikinis to shorts, to suit your personal preferences and everyday activities. They can then handle a range of flows, allowing you to manage your period in a way that suits you. 

2. Eco-Friendly 

One of the strongest arguments in favour of period pants is their positive impact on the environment.

Disposable menstrual products, such as tampons and pads, generate “26,114 tonnes of waste…annually”. However, period pants are reusable, meaning that they could help reduce this “by 22,907 tonnes” (Bajón-Fernández, Y et al., 2022).

Through this, period pants represent an environmental breakthrough in the consumer market, providing us with ways to reduce our ecological footprint and help protect our planet. 

3. Cost-Effective 

Although initial investment may seem higher, period pants can save you a lot of money in the long run. A pack of tampons or pads can cost between £2 and £5. This means that, over the year, you could be spending over £120 on these products alone. On the other hand, investment in a few pairs of reusable period pants (which could cost between £12 and £20 each) could save you over £40 per year.  

4. Health Benefits 

It is common for pads and tampons to contain “disrupting chemicals” that may hurt your body (Kiomourtzoglou et. al., 2023). However, period pants tend to be much gentler and so, for those with concerns about traditional menstrual products, these could be a kinder alternative.  

How to Choose the Right Pair 

Choosing the right pair of period pants for you is crucial to ensuring personalised comfort and protection. Here is what to keep in mind: 

Consider your flow 

Different types of period pants have different levels of absorbency. Some are designed for lighter flows, while others are designed for heavier flows. It is a good idea to buy different options to suit the lighter and heavier days of your cycle. 

Fit and Comfort 

Period pants need to fit well, just like regular underwear. It is essential to choose pants that are neither too tight nor too loose to prevent discomfort. Make sure to check sizing guides and consumer reviews before you buy to ensure you are getting the right product for you. 

Brand and Quality 

Since period pants are a relatively new development in period product design, some brands will be more trustworthy than others. When searching, consider Eri if  factors such as material (e.g., organic vs. synthetic) and absorbency.

Some top brands include Modibodi, WUKA, and Fluxies (Donovan, 2025).  

Potential Drawbacks of Period Pants 

Although they have many advantages, period pants may not be suitable for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

1. Initial Cost 

Though period pants may be cost-effective in the long run, buying enough pairs to last your period may be up to £80 in one go.  

2. Maintenance 

As they are reusable, period pants need to be washed after every use. You may need to have “7 pairs” to be able to throw them in the weekly wash (First Period Pants…, 2022). If you have less, they will need to be washed more regularly. Consequently, if you are used to disposables, this may become inconvenient. 

3. Comfort 

It is not guaranteed that everyone will find period pants comfortable. Some people may prefer the feeling of pads or tampons. It is essential to determine what feels right for you. 

4. Limited Availability 

As period pants are a newer addition to menstrual care, local availability may be limited. This might mean ordering online, where sizing can be more challenging to gauge. 

The Future of Period Pants 

Looking ahead, it is likely that period pants will continue to improve. As more brands enter the market, there may be increased innovation in materials, leading to enhanced comfort and functionality.

Although period pants may not be your thing now, they may be worth considering in the future as we strive to make periods more environmentally friendly. 

References 

Bajón -Fernández, Y., Blair, L. A. G., & Villa, R. (2022). An exploratory study of the impact and potential of menstrual hygiene management waste in the UK. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 7(100435). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2022.100435 

Donovan, S. (2025, April 8). 15 best period pants 2025, tried and tested by GLAMOUR editors. Glamour UK. https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/best-period-pants 

Harcourt, L. (2023, March 30). The truth about period pants. Hollandandbarrett.com. https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/conditions/womens-health/menstruation/how-do-period-pants-work/?msockid=0e1134aeaad7652f22ac228cab376436#skip-3 

Kiomourtzoglou, M-A., Marroquin, J., Pollack, A, Z., Scranton, A. (2023). Chemicals in menstrual products : A systemic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 131(5). pp. 655-664. Chemicals in menstrual products: A systematic review - Marroquin - 2024 - BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology - Wiley Online Library. 

Unknown Author. (2022, November 25). First Period Pants: Beginner’s Guide To Period Pants. WUKA. https://wuka.co.uk/blogs/periods-a-z/first-period-pants-beginners-guide