Let’s chat period underwear: It’s a game-changer for sure because they can offer all-day comfort, they are lower maintenance than tampons, and are reusable, which is a huge win for you and the environment! The lingering question many people have about leakproof underwear is just how long they can wear them? The short answer — it depends on your lifestyle, how you wear your period panties, the absorbency level you choose, and your flow. The long answer - let’s dive in!
What is Period Underwear Technology Made of?
First things first, getting to know the technology behind Saalt Wear. Saalt’s gusset (the part that absorbs) is made with several layers of polyester-based fabric. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic layers work together: A top layer wicks away moisture, moving it away from the body and leaving you feeling dry. The middle layers absorb and hold moisture, and the bottom leak-resistant layer keeps everything locked within the underwear. Essentially we are creating layers to absorb your period, while keeping you feeling fresh and clean throughout the day.
Because there is no one-flow fits all, we understand that everyone has a different menstrual flow and need for leakproof panties. Saalt offers four absorption levels; all of which can affect your wear time.
- Light: replaces 1 liner or 2 light tampons
- Regular: replaces 2 pads or 3 regular tampons
- Heavy: replaces 3 pads or 4 regular tampons
- Super: replaces 6+ pads or 8+ regular tampons
Learn: What is period underwear?
How Long Can You Wear Period Underwear?
The main takeaway of this blog is understanding that not everyone is going to use their period underwear with the same intention, so it’s important to factor that in when considering which absorbency to buy. There are a few ways, someone may use their period underwear:
Period Underwear Only
If you’ve been a Saalt user for some time then you’ve probably heard us mention that menstrual flow consists of a lot of different elements, from clots to a more watery consistency. These elements can impact how quickly the gusset fabric technology can absorb your flow. Much like a pad, when the gusset of your Saalt Wear is full it will start to leak. If you are going to wear just your period pants (which is great!) we recommend starting with a higher absorbency — psst, we love our Comfort Collection in heavy or super!
As a Backup to a Period Cup or Mesntrual Disc
If you’re using your period underwear as a backup to a menstrual cup or menstrual disc, you may find a lighter absorbency pair of Saalt Wear can go all day.
For Bladder Incontinence
Using period underwear for mild bladder incontinence? A higher absorbency may be a better option for all day wear, but it’s worth noting that blood and urine have a different consistency so will absorb differently. Blood is (literally) thicker than water and will run a littler slower into your gusset than bladder leakage. Because urine flows faster, a higher absorbency makes sense to be able to absorb more fully, and quickly.
As a Sweat Proof Underwear Option
Working out or just worried about unwanted sweat? Period underwear is a great option. Yes, people sweat on and around their vulva too, and absorbent, leakproof underwear makes sense for a lot of people while working out.
Shop: Sweatproof underwear
Caring for Your Period Underwear
Like tampons, pads and even regular underwear, period panties won’t last forever. Depending on how often you use them and how well you care for them, you’ll probably get a solid year or more of use out of them. Washing your Saalt Wear properly not only allows for your period underwear to last longer but it helps hold the integrity of your gusset. When they start losing their absorbency or feeling less secure, it’s time to invest in a new pair.
Learn: How to wash period underwear
The Benefits of Period Underwear
To sum it up, your period panties are designed to keep you comfy and leak-free for as long as your flow will allow you to. Knowing your flow and how your body feels is our top guideline. 38% of period underwear users can wear their Saalt Wear for 8-11 hours, but if you aren’t quite sure of your flow or where to start, we recommend trying Saalt’s Find Your Favorite 4-Pack and adding a Saalt Go-Bag in case you need a mid-day change.
The benefits of switching to period underwear are many— they’re sustainable, reusable, designed with gentle ingredients, sublte; we could go on. Period panties are a convenient way to meet your personal menstrual needs in a variety of ways. Whether you are wearing them alone, with a menstrual cup or menstrual disc, or for minor bladder leaks, or all of the above!
