Got questions about period panties? We've got all answers covered here. Still unsure about something? Please contact us here.
Period panties can be used as an alternative to traditional menstrual products. Not feeling great about the environmental impact of disposable pads, liners, or tampons? Worried about leaks and stains? Or do you just prefer to flow freely? Then period panties might be just right for you!
Our period panties are specially developed to give you comfort and protection during your period, all while looking and feeling just as great as our regular panties. They are lab tested to keep you safe from menstrual leakage - whether you are running, sleeping, or just going about your day. The best part? You can wash and reuse them over and over again, which means they have a longer lifecycle and over time, a strong environmental and financial advantage compared to disposable tampons or pads.
Our period panties is specially developed to capture menstrual fluid and prevent leaking. It has a special absorbent layer, as well as a waterproof layer.
Yes, they are free from harmful chemicals. Our manufacturing partner is ISO certified and does not use any harmful chemicals in any of their products. Please see the next question How can period underwear prevent leakage? What is it made of? to learn about the detailed composition of our period panties.
Our period panties is designed to keep you comfy and dry thanks to a period-proof, multi-layer absorption gusset. The size and composition of the absorption gusset vary depending on the absorbency level you choose (a bigger gusset equals higher absorption and protection). Below you can find the detailed composition and number of layers per period panty model. We have designed the fit of each panty to perfectly embrace your curves and provide secured comfort and maximized protection.
Light absorbency: Cheeky
Multi-layer gusset:
Medium absorbency: Lace Highwaist Briefs
Multi-layer gusset:
High absorbency: Micro Highwaist Briefs
Multi-layer gusset:
We have worked intensively with our manufacturing partner in China to develop and produce the best possible period panties. The manufacturer is socially and environmentally certified, works with certified recycled materials, and is very experienced in working with the technology behind period panties.
All our period panties are lab tested on absorbency by the Research Institute of Sweden (Rise).
Our Period-Proof Lace Cheeky can hold up to 15ml (≈ 3 tampons), the Lace Highwaist Briefs can hold 25ml (≈ 5 tampons) and the Micro Highwaist Briefs can hold 35ml of menstrual liquid (≈7 tampons).
Everybody’s flow is unique and the wear time depends on how much you bleed daily. If you have a light flow, you can easily wear your panties all day without worrying about leakage. The heavier your flow, the more likely it is for you to need a higher absorbency or even change panties during the day. Please see the next question How do I know what absorbency to buy? to understand how each panty absorbency translates into ml/ tampons/ pads/ cups. Using the figures, you can determine which panties suit your needs and how much menstrual liquid they can hold, hence how long they will last you. However, we do not recommend wearing your period panties for longer than a day.
The best way to determine your optimal absorbency level is to look at your personal use of other period products, i.e. how many pads/ tampons/ cups you use per day and in what phase of your period.
Below is an overview to make finding the right panty quick & easy. From here, you can mix and match absorbencies and styles to suit your flow.
Low absorbency = 15 ml = 3 tampons = 3 pads = 0.5 cups
Medium absorbency = 25 ml = 5 tampons = 5 pads = 0.8 cups
High absorbency = 35 ml = 7 tampons = 7 pads = 1.2 cups
We recommend going for the size you usually choose for Understatement panties. For finding the best fit of panties, we recommend taking measurements of your waist and hip for panties then clicking the size chart to find out the best size for you
Our period panties is designed to be highly absorbent and feel dry, so you may be unable to tell if it is getting full. To determine when it's time to change, we recommend you pay attention to how long you have been wearing the panties and the heaviness of your flow.
The number of period panties you need depends on your personal flow and also how often you plan to do laundry. But we recommend having at least 3-5 panties with different absorbencies based on your unique flow.
No, you do not need to combine our period panties with other menstrual products, such as pads or tampons. Our period panties are designed to give you full protection. However, if you experience leaking with your regular tampons or pads and want to have some extra protection, they can be a great add-on to prevent leaks.
Yes, you can sleep in our period panties. Our period-proof panties are designed to perfectly hug your curves and give you optimal protection, also during the night. If you are unsure about your flow during the night, we recommend you opt for a higher absorbency, as the absorption gusset on our high-waisted styles reaches higher up your back and thereby reliably captures menstrual liquid while you sleep.
Our period panties should not feel wet as they are designed to be highly absorbent. Each design is equipped with 1-2 absorbent layer(s) (depending on absorbency & style) which absorb moisture and keep you feeling dry and comfy.
Our period panties should not smell if they are properly washed. Please see our wear & care instructions to know how to wash and care for your period panties.
Our period panties are all equipped with highly absorbent, yet ultra-breathable materials to maintain the balance of your vaginal flora. If properly washed and cared for, period panties are safe and hygienic to use. See the question How can period panties prevent leakage? What are they made of? for detailed information on the composition and layers of our period panties.
Period panties, tampons, or pads are all equally effective to use during your menstruation. Your monthly cycle can leave you feeling vulnerable, in pain, or insecure - so we believe it’s important to use what personally provides you with the most comfort and confidence. However, period panties are a great eco-friendly choice compared to one-time-use products, such as tampons or pads. They last you just as long as any regular panties would which gives them an important environmental advantage. While tampons in rare cases can be associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), there have not been any reported cases of TSS in association with the use of period panties.
Our period panties were developed and tested to absorb menstrual liquid, so we can not guarantee protection from urine leakages.
Yes, you can use our period panties for any type of workout, excluding swimming. The panties are designed to keep you comfortable and dry during any physical activity.
Our period panties can be washed in the washing machine at 30° degrees. You do not need to pre-rinse the panties, but we do recommend using a wash bag and washing your panties with similar colors. Do not tumble dry, dry clean, or use bleach.
You can use our period panties just as long as any other regular panties. Their absorbency qualities will remain given you wear and care for your period panties as instructed.
All our period panties are lab tested on absorbency by the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE).
Yes, all our period panties are free from PFAS and any other harmful chemicals. Our manufacturing partner is ISO certified and does not use any harmful chemicals in any of their products. Please see the question How can period panties prevent leakage? What are they made of? to learn more about the detailed composition of our period panties.
Our period panties are designed to give you full protection all by themself. However, if you experience leaking with your regular tampons or pads and want to have some extra protection, they can be a great add-on to prevent leaks.
Yes! Our period panties are designed to be highly absorbent, yet ultra-breathable to both maintain the balance of your vaginal flora and keep you fresh and dry. If properly washed and cared for, period panties are safe and hygienic to use.
Everybody’s flow is unique and if you have days when you have to change your period panties on the run we recommend bringing a small bag to put them in and make a quick change to new ones.
The heavier your flow, the more likely it is for you to need a higher absorbency or even change panties during the day. Please see the question How do I know what absorbency to buy? to understand how each absorbency translates into ml/ tampons/ pads/ cups.
Our period panties were developed and tested to absorb menstrual liquid, so we can not guarantee absorption of other liquids.
We don’t recommend wearing our period panties for swimming as they are designed to absorb menstrual liquid on dry land. However, our period panties will keep you dry and comfortable during any other type of physical activity.
Replacing disposables with reusables can help save waste, making period panties a more sustainable option. For example, our period panty with the highest absorption level replaces up to 7 tampons in only one use.
“Are these really period panties?” - is the usual response from people trying and seeing Understatement’s period panties for the first time.
Understatement’s period panties offer you the important basics of a period panty: They are of course free from harmful chemicals and keep you fresh and dry while bleeding. Besides this, who said period panties should be bulky and ugly? Our period panties are also designed to make you feel free, comfortable and cute all throughout your period!
Even if your period panty hasn't reached its full capacity after one day, we still recommend changing and washing them after one day of use, just as you would with regular panties.
