Period underwear · 10 min read
8 Benefits of Period Underwear
We menstruate 450 to 500 times over the course of our lives. For some it lasts a little less, for others a little longer – but on average that adds up to more than 2,000 days of our lives. If you work out how many pads and tampons that gets through, it can make your head spin: a menstruating person uses roughly 10,000 to 17,000 disposable products in a lifetime. So in this article, we would like to give you a clear summary of the benefits of period underwear.
Why use period underwear?
We already know that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the sea – and yet disposables are still the most widely used period products. With everything we know and the options available today, throwaway products no longer feel right. We wanted to make your time of the month not just as comfortable as possible, but sustainable too. That is why, alongside menstrual cups, we have also developed period underwear, panty liners and pads that are all washable and reusable.
The benefits of period underwear
We can still remember how nervous we felt the very first time we had to insert a tampon or a menstrual cup. Especially for young people who may be getting their first period, the situation can feel quite overwhelming. That is why period underwear is such a good solution.
Perfect for beginners – and everyone else
But period pants are not just wonderfully comfortable for beginners. We quickly came to appreciate and love them: no more fear of leaking, no changing in the middle of the night, no nappy feeling, no visible tampon string, no pain from inserting anything and, above all, no odour! Here is an overview of all the benefits of period underwear – perhaps you can think of even more? Let us know.
1. Leak-proof
While pads or panty liners can sometimes slip out of place, you can always feel secure in a period brief. Our patented SELENAtec® multi-layer technology absorbs fluid within seconds and channels it directly and securely into the core. Our current period briefs are perfect for light to medium days. They can hold up to 25 ml of fluid – which, compared with the total amount of blood we lose during our period, is actually quite a lot.
As absorbent as 5 tampons / 3 pads
On average, we lose around 60 millilitres over the course of a full cycle – most of it in the first two days. Losing more than 80 millilitres counts as a heavy period, less than 25 millilitres as a light one. If you have only ever used disposables like tampons and pads, you will just have a rough sense of how much you actually menstruate, because the products soak up the blood. 25 ml is roughly equivalent to 4 regular tampons or 2 pads.
2. Dry
Our own patented SELENAtec® multi-layer technology consists of several breathable layers that absorb moisture instantly and lock it away inside. That means you always feel dry and, above all, fresh while wearing them.
3. Pain-free
Cramps and aches during your period are nothing unusual. Especially in the first few days, many people find tampons uncomfortable to use. Period underwear is wonderfully comfortable: nothing presses or pinches, which makes it ideal if you are sensitive to pain during your period.
4. Odour-free & antibacterial
Our period pants have an antibacterial inner layer (SILVERPLUS®) that stops bacteria from forming and prevents unpleasant odours. So you feel fresh all day long. SILVERPLUS® is certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that every component has been tested for harmful substances and that the product is completely safe for your health. We source SILVERPLUS®, the leading silver-ion technology, from the Rudolf Group. Based in Germany, the Rudolf Group has been manufacturing textile-finishing products for more than 90 years.
5. Comfortable to wear & no nappy feeling
Our period underwear is made up of 4 ultra-thin yet highly absorbent layers. The breathable fabric technology is less than 4 millimetres thick, so wearing it feels no different from your normal underwear.
6. Discreet & invisible
Our period underwear does not just feel like normal underwear – it looks like it too. No rustling, no wings, no tampon string. We firmly believe there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to periods, but everyone should get to decide for themselves who they share that information with.
7. Zero Waste: washable at 30–60 degrees
Quality is a top priority when we develop our products, because we want to avoid waste. That is why it matters to us that you enjoy your period briefs for as long as possible. With the right care – washing at 30 to 60 degrees without fabric softener or bleach, and no tumble dryer – we guarantee the briefs will last around 60 to 100 washes. And even then they are not ready for the bin: you can simply keep wearing them as normal underwear!
8. Cheaper than disposables in the long run
Period briefs pay for themselves by the second year at the latest. The initial cost is higher than for tampons and pads, but once bought, a brief lasts a good 2–5 years or 60–100 washes. Sample calculation: sustainable period products vs. disposables
| Tampon | Pad | Menstrual cup | Period underwear | Cloth pad | Cloth panty liners | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pack contents | 56 pcs | 26 pcs | 1 pc | 3 pcs | 1 pc | 5 pcs |
| Purchase price | €3.95 | €3.45 | €17.99 | €44.90 | €8.99 | €19.99 |
| Needed per cycle | 20 pcs | 8 pcs | 1 pc | 6 pcs | 5 pcs | 5 pcs |
| Cost per cycle | €1.41 | €1.06 | €17.99 | €89.90 | €44.95 | €19.99 |
| Total cost | €16.92 per year |
€12.72 per year |
€17.99 one-off |
€89.90 one-off |
€44.95 one-off |
€19.99 one-off |
The downsides of period underwear
Okay, okay – no product is perfect. And even though we are firmly convinced by our period briefs, there are still a few points where we have to concede defeat:
Not ideal for very heavy periods
Our briefs are designed for 25 ml, roughly the absorbency of four regular tampons. So if your period is very heavy, you will need to change your briefs several times a day or combine them with a menstrual cup. We are of course working on offering you period underwear for heavy days soon, too.
Changing on the go can be a little awkward
We get it – you are on the train or simply not at home and need to change your period briefs. That can be awkward if you have nothing with you to store the used pair in. The golden rule: preparation is everything. Take a zip bag with you Simply carry a zip bag with you and pop the used briefs inside. Thanks to the antibacterial layer, it is no problem at all if they stay in there for a few hours. Rinse them out with cold water at the next opportunity and let them air dry. After that, you can just put them in the washing machine with the rest of your dark laundry.
The antibacterial effect wears off eventually
Even though we aim to make products that last forever, a period brief does reach the end of its life at some point. The antibacterial effect starts to fade after around 100 washes.
Try period underwear now
We think everyone who menstruates should try period briefs at least once. If the benefits of period underwear have won you over as much as they have us, there is nothing standing in the way of your first try. If you would like to read a hands-on review first, you will find one here: Our experience with SELENACARE period underwear So that you do not have to wash your briefs every day, we recommend keeping at least 3 pairs in rotation. You will find the multipack of 3 period briefs at a reduced price in our shop. Depending on what you prefer, we offer different styles with or without lace. All styles come in black and nude.
Empfohlene Produkte
Our latest innovation is a true game-changer in period underwear! Our brand-new, self-adhesive material allows for the combination of period panties with interchangeable inserts – a real change in the world of sustainable period hygiene has come! A revolutionary material In close collaboration with our product designers and textile experts, SELENACARE has developed a new technology that redefines flexibility during menstruation – a self-adhesive material! This material is sewn into the crotch of the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties, as well as onto the accompanying absorbent inserts. This material makes changing the inserts easier and without slipping! So, the inserts can be changed easily without having to undress. The self-adhesive material allows the inserts to be inserted into the matching SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties and can be easily replaced when needed, like traditional pads. Unlike traditional pads, our inserts can be reused as they are washable! Say "Goodbye" to the uncomfortable moments of changing and "Hello" to a feeling of absolute flexibility during your period! The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set consists of two parts. The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties are the core of our system and are equipped with the self-adhesive material in the crotch – a brilliant base for the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Inserts, the second part of the period set. Absorbent Easy Comfort Inserts with Wetbag The Easy Comfort Inserts are equipped with the specially developed self-adhesive material on one side and are ideally matched to the Basic Panties. This makes inserting them into the crotch area of the panties incredibly easy. Thanks to this self-adhesive property, the insert stays securely in place and does not slip, without relying on uncomfortable or annoying attachment methods. With various levels of absorbency, they are ready to accompany you in every phase of your period – from light to heavy, we've got you covered. Once the Easy Comfort Inserts are fully saturated, they can be easily removed from the Basic Panties and replaced with a new insert. No need to take off the panties, as with traditional period underwear. Simply transport them in the Wetbag, wash, and reuse.
Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
Others also read
The Hymen – What Is It Actually? And What's Really True?
Sex Without a Condom – Conscious, Close and Honest
