Are you curious about menstrual panties?
So read on below and get answers to how menstrual panties work, how to wash them after use - and what type is right for you.
Are you ready to buy your first menstrual panties, see the selection here →
How do I get started with menstrual panties?
Every menstruating person is different. Even periods can vary throughout life, and from cycle to cycle. Some experience a light flow, others heavier. Knowing your period flow makes it easier to choose the right products, so you can get through your entire period with confidence.
Feel reassured knowing that we ourselves menstruate - we’re so obsessed with the details, you wouldn’t believe it. And we have insights from over 10,000 of you - our customers and testers. We know periods.
About
FAQ about menstrual panties
What are menstrual panties?
Menstrual panties are a reusable alternative to pads and tampons. They are panties with absorbent technology, where the special weave of the fabric directs the blood away from the body and into the absorbent layer.
How do menstrual panties work?
- The top layer of the menstrual panty liner is soft against the skin and will guide blood and other fluids down into the next layer.
- The absorbent core will act a bit like a towel and hold the liquid.
- At the bottom you will find a protective membrane that will ensure that you do not bleed directly through the fabric.
How much can menstrual panties absorb?
It depends on the absorbent layer. We have the following absorption capacities:
🩸 - 🩸🩸 Light flow - spotting and discharge
🩸🩸🩸-🩸🩸🩸 Moderate flow - equals 1-2 normal tampons or approximately 5-10 ml of blood.
🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸 Heavy flow - equivalent to 2-3 tampons, good for overnight.
- if you bleed very heavily, we recommend using your panties in combination with a pad or cup.
Are menstrual panties better for the environment?
Did you know that menstrual cups produce 90% less waste over a lifetime of periods compared to pads? That's something.
Facts behind the calculation:
The average person will menstruate for 40 years, with an average of 13 periods per year.
Waste created per product:
You will use about: 25 pads per cycle (7g per pad)
You will use about: 25 tampons per cycle (5g per tampon)
You will use about: 6 pairs of menstrual panties with an average product life of 3 years (50g per panty)
You will use approximately: 1 menstrual cup with an average product life of 5 years (30g per cup)
A little is also right - especially when it comes to your comfort.
source: Danish Consumer Council Think
How to Wash and Reuse Your Menstrual Underwear
Step 1: Wash your menstrual underwear at 30–40°C before first use
Step 2: Allow your period to flow directly into your menstrual underwear
Hand-rinse your menstrual underwear after use until the water runs clear
Step 4: Machine wash with similar colors at 40°C and let them air dry
Do your menstrual panties smell?
We have developed a fantastic detergent that effectively removes any odors - it is even Allergy Certified.
This is our innovative alternative to using biocides and PFAS in your menstrual panties.
Are menstrual panties safe?
〰️ We don't use any chemical treatment on our absorbent underwear to reduce odor, for example. This means you'll never find biocides like nanosilver or PFAS in your Flows - and we even test our panties at a 3rd party.
〰️ We produce 'close to home' in Portugal, Turkey, Lithuania and at home in Denmark
〰️ Our factories are top of the line, certified with high demands and standards
〰️ We always use the best materials, that means ECONYL® for our menstrual swimwear and organic cotton in our menstrual panties.
〰️ We are a Danish female founded company - we are all menstruating and therefore only make products that we would use ourselves.
〰️ We use your product reviews and our Inner Circle Test lab to develop and improve existing and new products.
Who can use menstrual panties?
Most people enjoy menstrual panties - if you bleed heavily, it can be nice to have a disk or cup.
Menstrual panties are especially great for:
- Children and teens - it looks like regular underwear and you don't have to wear huge pads on a smaller body.
- People with special sensitivity needs, e.g. people with neurodivergence, who have requirements for how products are experienced against the skin.
- People who play sports and need a menstrual product that doesn't move too much during movement.
64%
Say they experience better menstruation by using Flow menstrual panties
90%
Says they will buy from Flow again
What Our Customers Say About Menstrual Underwear
“The feeling of freedom – not having to constantly think about a period pad sitting crooked or uncomfortable. The flexibility feels so much greater, and the high-waisted underwear feels like a hug around your stomach.”
- Anonymous, Flow’s survey on menstruation and habits (2,525 respondents, 2023)
“I don’t really notice that I’m on my period anymore, as it feels like I’m "just wearing" regular underwear.”
- Anonymous, Flow’s survey on menstruation and habits (2,525 respondents, 2023)
“I feel less worried about overnight leaks, especially when I’m traveling or staying at a hotel.”
- Anonymous, Flow’s survey on menstruation and habits (2,525 respondents, 2023)
“Having a hormonal IUD and irregular cycles, I love being able to quickly put on a pair of Menstrual underwear when a sudden flow begins.”
- Anonymous, Flow’s survey on menstruation and habits (2,525 respondents, 2023)
“I feel more confident. Wearing them feels discreet, and I sleep 1000% much better without leaks or nighttime changes. Using them is wonderfully simple.”
- Anonymous, Flow’s survey on menstruation and habits (2,525 respondents, 2023)
Journals
Understand Your Menstrual Cycle
We had our whole product range tested for PFAS - and we passed! "Sum of PFOS and related substances - not detected" and "sum of PFOA related substances - not detected". You might have heard ab...
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