The verdict on period pants and reusable pads
Bodyform knows a thing or two about period products and its Intimawear Period Pants didn’t disappoint – our panel declared them discreet, comfy and secure. They hold as much blood as the brand’s Ultra Normal pads, so would be good for a normal flow.
For more protection, opt for our other joint winner, Nora Reusable Period Pants, which hold seven regular tampons’ worth, a claim that was backed up by our lab tests.
When it comes to the best reusable period pads, Hey Girls was our clear winner for comfort and reliability.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve been testing products for over 100 years – from massage guns and foundations to teeth whitening kits and wetsuits – so we know what we’re looking for.
Our beauty and grooming testing manager Maria Kumar is an expert in her field. With a master’s degree in chemical engineering, a diploma in cosmetic science and an MBA from the London College of Fashion, she knows what goes into creating market-leading products.
She created the protocols we review all period pants against, ensuring we rigorously test any comfort, absorbency and design claims to find the most reliable products on the market.
Why should we switch to reusable sanitary products?
Roughly 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million pads and 700,000 panty liners are flushed every single day in the UK, so making the change to a reusable option really can make a difference. The most popular reusable sanitary product is the menstrual cup, but if you find these too invasive, pants and pads are a great alternative.
Depending on how diligent you are with caring for them, and how often you wear them, the lifecycle for a reusable pair of pants or a sanitary pad is up to five years — saving countless disposables from ending up in landfills.
The upfront costs are higher (roughly up to £35 for a pair of period pants), but with the average woman spending around £120 per year on sanitary products and inflation only making things worse, you’ll make a significant saving in the long run.
How to wash period pants and reusable pads
Most reusable pads and pants are either washed on a cold cycle or can be added to your usual wash, so they aren’t particularly high maintenance. Brands generally recommend you mix them in with your weekly dark wash, on a 30℃-40℃ cycle, but always check the care instructions beforehand.
It’s important not to use any fabric softener, as this can affect the products absorbency levels, while putting them in a delicates bag can help them last longer.
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