Period underwear · 6 min read
Period underwear for the first time – a beginner's guide
By SELENACARE Redaktion · 7 April 2022

What is period underwear and who is it suitable for?
If you're holding period underwear in your hands for the first time, you might be surprised – from the outside, the briefs look no different from normal underwear. Period briefs are knickers with an integrated absorbent insert – essentially a pad and knickers in one. But unlike pads or panty liners, nothing is inserted into a period brief: the protection is sewn in, fully integrated. After wearing, the briefs are simply washed and can be used again and again.
Alongside menstrual cups and washable pads and panty liners, period briefs are among the sustainable hygiene products for your period. What all these products have in common is that they can be used again and again, for years. That's one more reason why period underwear is well suited to beginners – young menstruating people who have no experience yet with menstrual cups, tampons or pads.
But we can recommend the briefs to all other menstruating people too, because they're super practical and comfortable to wear. And all that without any nappy feeling – just as comfortable as normal underwear.

How does period underwear work?
- Dry-Layer quickly wicks moisture away
- Lockup-Layer safely absorbs blood
- Protect-Layer for maximum leak protection
- Sensitive-Layer for a comfortable feel
Say goodbye to night-time leaks
The absorbent area in our period briefs is much larger than that of a pad. And at the back in particular, we've made sure the protection is as generous as possible. So you can sleep through the night with peace of mind. By the way, the technology is completely invisible from the outside – no one can tell that you're wearing period underwear.
How long can you wear period underwear?
When we tell our friends about period briefs, one of the first questions is always: "Can you wear period underwear all day long?" Yes! You can. But of course it also depends on how heavy your period is. Because even though our period briefs can absorb considerably more than any super tampon, at some point they will be full.
How much blood a period brief can absorb compared with other hygiene products
| Period underwear | Menstrual cup | Tampon | Pad | Panty liner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 ml | 21-33 ml | 5-21 ml | 10-25 ml | 5 ml |
Which period underwear is the best?
The best period briefs don't just feel good to wear – they also protect you reliably.
By the way, high quality and a fair price are not mutually exclusive with us. Our mission is not only to offer the best products for a sustainable period without disposables, but to do so at the most affordable price possible. Why? Because we want every menstruating person to genuinely be able to afford period briefs.
How safe is menstrual underwear?
Unlike pads or panty liners, nothing can slip out of place in a period brief. What's more, our patented SELENAtec® multi-layer technology gives you complete leak protection for up to 25 millilitres. With a period of normal heaviness you lose around 60 millilitres of blood; with a light period it's less than 25, and with a heavy one more than 80.
Strictly speaking, you can only find out exactly how much blood you lose with a menstrual cup, since all other hygiene products soak the blood up rather than collecting it. With a period cup, you always have a precise view of your flow. On top of that, you can also combine a menstrual cup perfectly with a period brief, for the absolute maximum level of security. Very practical, for example, if you don't have the chance to change for a longer stretch of time or if you have a very heavy flow.
How often should you change period underwear?
At least once a day – just like normal knickers. Depending on how heavy your period is, it may also need to be more often. Over time you'll develop a good sense of when it's time to change, because when a period brief is full, it feels damp. If you already know you won't get a chance to change for a longer stretch of the day, you can combine your period brief perfectly with a menstrual cup – then you're extra safe.
Is period underwear hygienic?
Admittedly, it might feel strange at first to simply bleed into your briefs, but because moisture is wicked away within seconds, you always feel dry. The antibacterial layer also makes sure no unpleasant odours can develop, so you always have that freshly washed feeling. Of course, you should wash your used period briefs regularly. That's easily done in the washing machine – and you can wash the briefs together with the rest of your laundry, too. You can read about what to look out for when washing menstrual briefs in our guide "Washing period underwear".
Can you swim in period underwear?
With period pants you can do everything you'd do in normal underwear. That's why swimming isn't advisable – at least not at the pool. But that doesn't mean you have to go without swimming during your period – a menstrual cup is perfect for this. You can read everything you need to know about menstrual cups in our guide "Menstrual cups for beginners: what matters the first time".
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.
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