Do Period Pants Work With Heavy Periods? [Plus Other Awkward Questions Answered]

I’m here to answer the most frequently asked questions on period pants, like “do period pants work with heavy periods? Do period pants smell? And how many period pants do I need?

I’ve been using period pants for over a year now, and I am an absolute convert.

I try my hardest to do my bit for the environment like using washable nappies and making eco-friendly swaps in my home.

Period pants has been one of the easiest and most rewarding transitions, so if you’re looking to have plastic free periods I’m here to answer the most asked questions.

Modi Bodi recently contacted me about plastic free July, and it was just the push I needed to write up my experience of using their period pants for over a year.

Do Period Pants Work With Heavy Periods, And Your Other Burning Questions Answered…

How many period pants do I need?

I usually go through about 4 or 5 pairs per day, then wash and dry them overnight for the next day.

8 to 10 pairs of period pants would be ideal, as long as you have washing facilities.

Do period pants work with heavy periods?

Oh hey, so do I! Very heavy.

Yes, they do work. But with a caveat.

On your super heavy days, try doubling up with a washable pad, and then any leaks out of the sides of the pad will be soaked up by the pants.

If you don’t want to double up on the protection on your heavy days, be prepared to change into a fresh pair every couple of hours.

Do period pants stop period pain?

Nope.

BUT, because you’re using chemical-free, plastic free period products there is a theory that this helps ease period pain.

How do you wash period pants and pads?

Once used, I store them for no more than a couple of days in a wet bag by my loo.

Then before washing them in the machine, I rinse most of the blood out of them with cold water.

TBH this adds a new meaning to the phrase “blood bath!”

I then wash them on a cool, gentle wash with just detergent, no conditioner.

Hang them or lay them out to dry; do not tumble dry.

How often do you have to change period pants?

This really depends on how heavy your flow is.

Change your period pants when they start to leak or feel uncomfortably wet.

I love the pants that have the leak-proof panels that go up to the waistband. They’re particularly good at night, and save your bedsheets!

What else can I use period pants for?

Pee

If you have a weak bladder, these are a brilliant alternative to disposable pads and pants.

Perspiration

When you’re working out, these help to make you feel a little more comfortable whilst perspiring!

Pregnancy

Also great for pregnancy sweats, and perfect when you’re about to give birth and your fluids are leaking!!

Post birth

If you’ve just had a baby and you’re bleeding, these can be a great alternative to the massive mattress-like maternity pads you have to shove between your thighs for days on end.

Pretty much anything…

As I get older, comfort is at the forefront of my mind on things I wear.

I can see me investing in more and more period pants and using them more often than just a week per month.

How much blood can period pants hold?

From my experience, periods pants hold more blood than a tampon, and depending on the absorbancy of the pants you’ve got, I would say a lot more than one tampon.

As I mentioned, I have heavy periods. I can comfortably wear period pants on their own on days 1, 2, 6 and 7. On days 3, 4 and 5, I double up with a period pad as well as pants.

Does it feel gross to bleed into your pants?

Honestly, kinda.

But it’s a sensation that you get used to, trust me.

It’s just like if you’re used to using sanitary towels, but it does take some getting used to if you’re going from tampons to period pants.

However, it does also feel somewhat liberating to be saving the planet one tampon at a time. To be using far less chemicals in and on your body, and to be so much more comfortable during a period.

This is a weird thing to say, but I almost look forward to my periods now as my period pants are so comfy, and it’s another month where I’ve saved the planet and lots of money!

Do period pants leak onto your clothes?

Yes they can do, but only if you leave them too long before changing them, meaning the layers can no longer hold the fluid.

But if you are worried, remember a couple of spares in a wet bag, and double up with a washable pad if you think you may need the extra peace of mind.

How do I change my period pants discretely when you’re out or at work?

It’s all about the wet bag.

If you take your bag into the toilets, you can change your period pants in the toilet cubicle and store your used ones in the wet section of the bag.

By the end of the working day you’ll likely have a few pairs of used pants to store in your wet bag so get a large wet bag that can comfortably hold as many pants as you need.

Just pop the pants and the bag in the wash when you get home, and they will be dry by the morning.

How do you store period pants when you’re out and about?

Again, it’s all about the wet bag.

You can buy or make one for a few £, and you can get all sorts of sizes.

I have a small one for short trips or on light period days.

This will hold a spare pair of pants and a pad in the dry section of the bag, and will hold your used pants in the wet bag without odour or leakages.

Do period pants smell?

I don’t know about you but when I’m on the blob my sense of smell is ridiculously tuned in.

Same as when I’m pregnant.

I’ve found that period pants smell less than sanitary towels, and because there is less sweaty material going on down there, they are much less yucky.

Where can you buy period pants from?

My absolute faves are Modi Bodi, but you have to be prepared for an initial investment to get your first few pairs.

The fabric is super soft, and the absorbability is spot on.

I love that you can choose different styles and levels of protection, plus you can colour code your pants depending on the day of period!

The Bottom Line On Plastic Free Periods

I have now been using period pants for well over a year (I’ve now stopped counting), and I can honestly say that period pants are life changers!

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Last Updated on August 19, 2020 by Lucy Clarke