Written By Cheryl Hadtstein
When I was making the switch to reusable sanitary products, the choice of options out there seemed totally bewildering. That’s why I set up this blog, to share my experiences as it can help to hear from someone who has been there already.
So you're ready to make the healthier choice and switch to a more eco-friendly option, but how do you choose between reusable pads or period underwear?
Which is better reusable pads or period pants?
Your choice needs to be based on more than the fact that pads come in pretty patterns whilst period underwear is predominantly monotonous black…
With some initial financial investment involved, it's an important decision to consider. And just because period underwear seems to be hot right now, automatically dismissing cloth pads as an option might not necessarily be the right decision...
10 reasons why reusable pads are better than period pants
I'm just going to pin a few (ok maybe 10) reasons here why I'm so passionate about pads in particular…
1. Cloth pads are more absorbent than period pants
Reusable pads concentrate absorbency between your thighs, which is where you actually need it, instead of allowing liquid to run right up your back.
They also usually contain more layers of absorbent fabric and more natural materials.
Heavy absorbency pads can easily last overnight or 12 hours, without having to be in the form of cycle shorts that stretch down your thigh.
Baba + Boo Reusable Extra Large Sanitary Pads (Night)
from £7.00
2. Pads are leak proof
The design of a pad is inherently better. Most of the pads I sell are created and manufactured by excellent reusable nappy brands meaning they are purpose built to be more absorbent and leak-proof.
Hippynut Day Cloth Pad
£5.79
3. Reusable pads wash better and dry faster
Have you ever washed clean and dried a pair of knickers that are lined with an extra padded gusset which is designed to keep liquid in?
Tumble drying reusable period pants can easily damage them so it’s a bit of a no-no.
It takes about 2 days for period pants to be dry to their core by air drying…not so helpful in UK living conditions…
In contrast cloth pads take up much less space to hang and can be dry within hours.
4. Pads are worn in your existing underwear
There's no having to find the perfect sized fitting and absorbency period pants!
Period underwear has to fit you properly or it will leak, there’s no bones about it. And they generally have to be bought online so posting pants back and forth can be a real faff and cost you more money.
Plus most of them are designed with that tightness in mind (some are tighter than a pair of Spanx), and it’s hard to find a heavy absorbent style without a muffin-top inducing elastic waistband…
Who wouldn’t prefer to use their tried and trusted comfy daily pants they already have?
5. Pads hug to your curves in a comforting way
There's no feeling like you're free bleeding which is kind of how period pants feel. Bit of an odd sensation.
I like to feel a pad there. It’s actually reassuring to know it’s there doing it’s job. And from the women I have been helping to switch to reusable pads, they appreciate this too.
Elskbar Cloth Pad - Heavy Flow
£8.50
6. Pads come with varied top layers
From stay dry fleece, to velour, to cotton; each with it's own benefits.
The majority of period underwear is mostly made of polyester based materials, which is the type of fabric I try to avoid anyway.
Honour Your Flow maxi pads
£9.95
7. You don't feel any wetness or dampness at all with a resuable pad
I’m afraid with period underwear that damp feeling happens quickly & leads me to change pairs repeatedly sooner than the supposed 8 hours or 4 tampons worth…and my usual flow isn’t even a “heavy” one…meaning I need way more than the standard advised 8 pairs of period pants to get through one cycle.
8. Pads definitely have a longer life span
In a reusable pad there's no elastic to stretch or degrade in the wash, or lace to snap or just wear out as it inevitably does with period pants.
Pads are just built in a more simple and durable way, designed to last!
Wear 'em out Medium Flo Pad
£8.99
9. Pads can be even slimmer than some period pants
Contrary to popular belief, this is actually true.
Some period pants can actually feel more like wearing a nappy than a reusable pad…which kind of defies the point.
The way the absorbent section in period underwear sometimes stretches all the way up the back can leave you feeling even more sweaty…not what I want during the summer…
Hippynut Panty Liner Cloth Pad
£4.79
10. Reusable pads are more affordable than period underwear
At around a quarter of the price, we are talking from £4 per pad as opposed to £20 for a similar absorbency branded/quality pair of pants.
La Petite Ourse - 2-pack Night pads
from £8.75
If this has you thinking, take a look at my recommendations page or send me a DM for a personal chat & recommendation.
You will find there is a pad for everyone, no matter how much of a sceptic 💝
My subscription box is designed so you can try all types of pads, allowing you to build a stash at your own pace.
Help guides
For more straight forward practical tips, have a read of my further blogs:
How to wash reusable period pads or period underwear
How to dry reusable period pads and pants
How many reusable period pads do I need?
How to store reusable period pads
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Cheryl Hadtstein
