Key Takeaways:
- The right underwear for pads can significantly improve comfort and security during your period, preventing leaks and irritation.
- Choosing sustainable and well-fitting underwear aligns with personal well-being and environmental values, empowering you to navigate your cycle confidently.
- Proper care and maintenance of period underwear extend its lifespan, reduce waste, and support a mission of sustainability and menstrual health equity.
Discussing menstruation and the quest for the perfect pad-compatible underwear can be daunting. At Saalt, we aim to change the conversation around periods, focusing on comfort and confidence. Cherie Hoeger founded Saalt as a B Corporation in 2018, with a commitment to enhancing menstrual health and sustainability. With over 30,000 menstrual cups donated and 13 million waste products diverted from landfills, our dedication to "using business as a force for good" remains unwavering.
Choosing the right underwear for pads is crucial to feeling secure during your period. The wrong pair means discomfort and worry about leaks, while the right one provides game-changing relief and peace of mind. As we emphasize sustainability, it’s vital that our underwear choices embody our values, ensuring both personal and environmental wellness. Saalt is devoted to helping you find the perfect pair for a transformed period experience.
How To Prevent Leaks And Maximize Comfort
Navigating periods requires a combination of strategy and the right underwear to avoid leaks and discomfort. A key to success is ensuring a perfect fit—not too tight that it chafes, and not too loose to risk slippage. Additionally, selecting underwear with a snug waistband and a wide enough gusset helps keep your pad in place.
The choice of material is crucial too. Breathable cotton is ideal for sensitivity and moisture control, whereas blends with spandex or modal add comfort without trapping heat. Avoid full synthetics unless they're designed for moisture-wicking.
For added leak protection, garner underwear with a built-in liner or thickened gusset. This backup layer provides extra security during those extended hours away from a bathroom. Moreover, being prepared can boost confidence—keep a spare pair of underwear handy on fluctuating days.
Care for your underwear is simple: avoid harsh chemicals and wash them gently to prolong their lifespan and comfort. With these tips, you can confidently manage your period with ease.
Why Choosing The Right Underwear Matters
Let’s talk about the unsung hero of your period game: underwear. Yeah, it’s not the flashy star of the show like a high-tech pad or a sleek menstrual cup, but it’s the foundation that can make or break your day. Choosing the right pair isn’t just about avoiding an awkward leak—it’s about reclaiming a sense of control and comfort when your body is already throwing curveballs. The wrong fit or fabric can turn a manageable day into a frustrating slog, with chafing, slipping pads, and that constant nagging worry of a wardrobe malfunction.
Think of it like equipping the right gear for a grueling quest. You wouldn’t head into battle with a rusty sword, so why settle for underwear that doesn’t have your back? The best pairs are designed to keep everything in place, with snug waistbands and thoughtful cuts that hug your body without pinching. They’re often crafted from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that fight odor and irritation, because the last thing you need is to feel like you’re stewing in discomfort. And let’s not ignore the planet in this equation. Opting for sustainable fabrics or brands that prioritize eco-friendly production means you’re not just looking out for yourself, but for the world you’re leaving behind. It’s a small choice with a ripple effect.
This isn’t just about practicality, though. It’s about empowerment. When you’ve got underwear that fits right and works with your body, you’re not distracted by the little annoyances. You’re free to focus on what matters—whether that’s crushing a presentation, hiking a trail, or just getting through a day without second-guessing yourself. The right pair becomes invisible in the best way, letting you move through your life with confidence, even on the heaviest days.
Caring For Your Underwear: Maintenance Tips
Your underwear is the unsung hero of your wardrobe, particularly during your period. Proper care is crucial not only to prolong its life but to keep your environmental impact low. Always consult the care label; typically, period underwear requires mild detergents and gentle handling. Machine wash on delicate cycle with cold water if hand-washing isn’t an option, and absolutely avoid fabric softeners.
Post-use, rinse your underwear in cold water to prevent stains and stop odors from developing. Air-dry them rather than using a dryer to protect the fibers and elastic. Store them neatly folded or in a breathable mesh bag to maintain their shape. Have several pairs to keep your lineup fresh; this lessens wear and tear, which means buying replacements less often, leading to less waste, consistent with an eco-friendly lifestyle.
The Benefits Of Using Period Underwear
Let’s talk real for a second—periods can be a messy, uncomfortable slog. But here’s where period underwear comes in, flipping the script on what it means to manage your flow. These aren’t your average undies; they’re a game-changer, built with layers of absorbent, leak-proof tech that can handle anything your cycle throws at them. No more worrying about pads shifting out of place or that dreaded moment when you stand up and feel a leak. This is underwear that’s got your back (and front) with a confidence you can feel.
Beyond the practicality, there’s something empowering about ditching disposables for a reusable option that’s kinder to the planet. Every pair cuts down on the mountain of single-use pads piling up in landfills, and that’s a win for anyone who cares about the world we’re leaving behind. Plus, they’re designed for comfort—soft fabrics, no bulky seams, just a fit that feels like a second skin. It’s not just about getting through your period; it’s about doing it on your terms, with gear that aligns with a bigger mission of sustainability and self-assurance.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored the best underwear for pads, it’s clear that comfort and security are non-negotiable for navigating your period with confidence. But here at Saalt, we’re not just about finding the right fit for your body—we’re about fitting into a larger mission. Our journey as a certified B Corporation is rooted in the belief that business can be a force for good. Every pair of eco-friendly underwear or period product you choose from us supports menstrual health, education for women and girls, and environmental sustainability.
Since 2018, we’ve donated over 30,000 cups to underprivileged communities across 35 countries and diverted nearly 13 million waste items from landfills. When you choose Saalt, you’re not just choosing comfort; you’re joining a movement to combat period poverty and champion a greener planet. Our affordable, sustainable options ensure that no one is left behind in this fight for equity and change. So, slip into underwear that holds your pad—and your values—securely in place. Together, we can rewrite the story of period care, one comfortable, confident day at a time. Let’s make every cycle count.
Read More:
- Pelvic Floor Health: Understanding Bladder Leaks
- Why Period Underwear and a Menstrual Cup Are a Sustainable Match Made in Heaven
- Can Period Underwear Be Worn During Pregnancy?
FAQs About Underwear For Pads
Should underwear for pads be made from cotton or synthetic materials?
When choosing the best underwear for pads, material matters more than you might think. Cotton is often the go-to for its breathability and natural feel, which can help reduce irritation and keep you comfortable during your period. It’s a solid choice if you’re prone to sensitivity or just want something gentle against your skin. On the other hand, synthetic materials like nylon or polyester often come with moisture-wicking properties, which can be a game-changer if you’re dealing with heavier flows or sweat. Many eco-conscious brands, like Saalt, prioritize sustainable fabrics—whether cotton or innovative synthetics—that align with environmental values while still delivering on comfort. Ultimately, it’s about balancing your personal needs with a nod to sustainability. Test both and see what feels right for your body.
Can I wear period underwear with pads for extra protection?
Absolutely, you can double up with period underwear and pads for that extra layer of security. But honestly, you don’t need to. Period underwear is designed with built-in absorbent layers, often acting as a backup or even a standalone option on lighter days. Pairing it with a pad can be a strategic move for heavy flow days or when you’re just not ready to fully trust a new product. But Saalt offers period panties in absorberencies from light to super, holding up to 6+ regular pads worth of flow. So, can you wear your period underwear with a pad? Sure! Do you need to? Nope.
Are there eco-friendly underwear options for pad users?
Yes, and this is where brands like Saalt shine. Eco-friendly underwear for pad users often means materials sourced sustainably, like organic cotton or recycled fabrics, paired with ethical production practices. Our mission as a certified B Corporation drives us to create products that don’t just feel good but do good, diverting nearly 13 million waste products from landfills so far. Choosing underwear designed to work with pads, or even period underwear as a complement, can cut down on disposable waste while keeping you comfortable. Look for options that prioritize both your body and the planet; it’s a small choice with a big impact.
Does period-proof underwear work?
Period-proof underwear can be a revelation if you’re skeptical about ditching disposables. It’s built with multilayer technology—think absorbent cores and leak-resistant barriers—that can handle light to moderate flows on its own or act as a backup with pads. The effectiveness depends on the brand and your flow, but many users find it transformative, especially when paired with a mission-driven ethos like Saalt’s, where sustainability meets practicality. We’ve seen firsthand how these products empower people to rethink period care while supporting initiatives like menstrual health access for underprivileged communities. Give it a try on a lighter day to test the waters—confidence comes with experience.
Are incontinence underwear better than pads?
It’s not a straight “better” or “worse” situation—it’s about what fits your life. Incontinence underwear is designed for bladder leaks, often with higher absorbency in specific areas compared to period underwear or pads, which target menstrual flow. If you’re dealing with both periods and leaks, some hybrid options or layering with pads might be the sweet spot. At Saalt, we’re focused on breaking taboos around all kinds of body care, so we encourage experimenting to find your ideal setup. Pads offer flexibility for quick changes, while incontinence or period underwear can reduce waste—a win for the environment we’re passionate about protecting.
How do you use period-proof underwear?
Using period-proof underwear is simpler than it seems, even if you’re new to the game. Start by choosing a pair suited to your flow—most brands, including Saalt, offer different absorbency levels. Wear it like regular underwear; no extra steps needed. On light days, it might be all you need, soaking up flow with its built-in layers. For heavier days, pair it with a pad or a menstrual cup for extra peace of mind. After use, rinse it in cold water to prevent staining, then toss it in the wash (check care instructions—most are machine-washable). It’s a sustainable switch that aligns with our belief at Saalt that business can be a force for good, cutting down on landfill waste while keeping you secure.
