Menstrual pads are a reusable menstrual product that wears and feels like regular panties. They have many benefits such as comfort, safety and less waste – but they are not a perfect fit for all needs.
In this guide, we review the advantages and disadvantages of menstrual panties so you can find out if they are the right choice for you.

Bias first:
Yes, we design menstrual panties. And yes – we love them. But for us it's not so much about the environmental angle and less waste over an entire menstrual life. It's about the quality of life for menstruating women, it's about the feeling: To bleed freely, without inserting anything into the body. Without chemistry. Without foreign objects.

Wild, if you ask us.

👉 Start your new habit and find your menstrual panties here

Benefits of menstrual panties

1. You can use menstrual panties before your period comes

You probably know it: You know your period is coming, but not whether it's coming today or tomorrow. Just the thought of inserting a tampon or cup into a dry vagina... nails on a chalkboard, right?
One of the biggest advantages of menstrual pads is that you can use them before you start bleeding. Yes, they are one of the few menstrual products that you can use before your period starts.

Menstrual panties feel like regular panties. You just put them on in the days leading up to your period and feel safe and dry (if that happens).

Unsure which fit is right for you? Then find our guide to flow and fit here →

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2. Menstrual panties stay where they're supposed to

Pads that curl. Glue that bites into your hair (aw) - that invention couldn't have been created by a woman, could it? A menstrual cup that won't exactly create a vacuum. Or sits and gnaws inside - so uncomfortable. 

Menstrual panties? You put them on – and then they stay seated. This is especially an advantage at night and during sports.

No menstrual product is 100% leak-proof, and yes, you can bleed through menstrual pads. But they stay where they're supposed to, without creasing, pinching, or shifting. Huge advantage.

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3. No health risks from menstrual panties

If, of course, you choose some good quality menstrual panties and from a brand with an attitude towards content.

At Flow, we don't use PFAS or nanosilver (which are often hidden behind phrases like "antibacterial treatment"). We also test our menstrual panties with a third party - because health is not a compromise in our house.

Extra bonus: Because menstrual panties are worn outside the body, there is also no risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which can be associated with tampons.

→ You can read more about the safety of menstrual products and problematic substances here

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4. Menstrual panties are gentle on the lower abdomen

Many people find that menstrual products that sit inside the body can worsen cramps. Tampons and cups can feel like foreign objects, and the body can react by tensing up more – which can cause more pain.

Menstrual pads are a non-invasive menstrual product that sits on the outside of the body and are seen by many as a gentler alternative. A positive side effect of your menstrual pads may be that you actually experience fewer cramps.

→ Read our guide to relieving menstrual cramps naturally here

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5. Menstrual pads are reusable and more environmentally friendly

Did you know that menstrual cups produce 90% less waste over a lifetime of menstruation, compared to pads? You can find the entire Consumer Council's calculation here.. 

With menstrual panties, you can skip disposable products - if you need a supplement for heavy bleeding, you can consider a menstrual disc or menstrual cup. 

We rarely talk about the reusable aspect of menstrual pads. For us, the best reason to wear menstrual pads is the comfort and feel, but it's definitely a big plus that you're reducing your waste. 

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6. Menstrual panties feel like regular panties

You probably don't exactly forget that you're on your period - we can't take your menstrual cramps away yet, even if we wanted to (and we have created, for example, Calming Cream to make you a little more comfortable during your period).

But because menstrual panties feel like regular panties, you won't be constantly reminded of your period – like you might be when the pad slowly climbs up between your buttocks when your cup doesn't fit quite right.

It's also a really nice bonus when you're young and getting your period - that your menstrual product doesn't feel like a big foreign object against your body. We have created menstrual panties for children and teens in the softest lyocell, you can find them here →

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7. Menstrual panties are a multifunctional product - you can use them for much more than blood

Menstrual panties are a bit of a multi-product - that's why you get more for your money than you might think. We now have four different suction powers - from light flow to moderate flow to heavy flowThis means you can skip both pads and panty liners. 

They are also good if you:

• has a lot of discharge
• leaking a little urine on runs
• bleeding after birth
• experiencing surprise blob after sex (you know)

Jogging, trampoline, after sex, everyday life – they have your back. And your seagull.

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8. Menstrual panties are good for everyone - but especially good for those who...

For some, menstrual panties are not just one option out of many, just another choice – for some, menstrual panties are the only solution. We have customers who:

• have vulvodynia and cannot insert menstrual products without pain

• are neurodivergent and very sensitive to sensations against the skin

• can't stand the glue in bandages and gets a rash

We believe that there should be menstrual products for every body. And we are truly proud when our panties make a difference for you.

 

 

Should we also briefly discuss the disadvantages of menstrual panties?

Menstrual panties are great – but not without compromises. Here are the honest downsides:

In case of heavy bleeding, menstrual panties may not be enough.

If you're bleeding heavily or rapidly (yes, that's a thing), the fabric may have a hard time absorbing the blood quickly enough.
This is where menstrual panties can work best. together with, for example, a menstrual cup or disk.

It takes several pairs of menstrual panties to have a good experience

To be able to change, wash, dry and put on again without stress, you need several pairs.
It's a bigger investment than a pack of pads – but:

1. you can use them over and over again

2. that's why we offer discounts when purchasing multiple pairs (you just add your quantity to the cart and your discount is automatically applied)

It is easiest with access to a washing machine

Washing regularly during bleeding days is just easier if you can easily get to a washing machine – unless you have a lot of panties in rotation.

You need to learn a new routine during your period.

Rinse. Wash. Dry.
It's different than throwing a tampon in the trash.
But we promise: The feeling of freedom makes up for it. Pinky promise.

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The question is: Are menstrual panties for you?

If you dream of:

• minor body interventions

• more comfort

• an alternative to pads and tampons

...then menstrual panties are definitely worth considering – with both advantages and disadvantages in mind.

We look forward to helping you get started.
You are always welcome to write to us by email or chat - no question is too big or small.

Happy Bleeding ♥️

FAQ: Benefits of menstrual panties

Are menstrual panties better than pads?

Many experience menstrual panties as more comfortable and discreet than pads because they fit like regular underwear and do not shift during the day.

Are menstrual panties cheaper in the long run?

Yes, menstrual panties can be an economic advantage because they can be used over and over again for several years, replacing disposable products such as pads and tampons. Your Flow panties will last a minimum of 3 years when you follow the washing instructions.

Are menstrual panties more sustainable?

Sustainability in products is a very complex field, which requires documentation for the entire life cycle (cradle-to-grave), efficient resource utilization and a significantly lower environmental footprint than similar products. But menstrual panties are a more environmentally friendly choice as they reduce waste compared to disposable products over time.

Do menstrual panties feel like regular underwear?

Yes, most menstrual panties are designed to look and feel like regular panties – with extra protection built in. This is especially beneficial for children and teens and people with high sensitivity.

Can you move freely in menstrual panties?

Yes, many people choose menstrual panties for sports, work and everyday use because they allow freedom of movement without having to think about changing during the day. Depending on your flow and the absorbency of your panties, you can often only change a few times a day.

Can menstrual panties be worn all day?

It depends on your flow and model type. There are different absorption levels so you can choose the solution that suits your everyday life. See our entire selection of menstrual panties here.