Flow Intimates 101: Alt du skal vide om menstruationsundertøj
We hear you! The most challenging thing in the whole world is to start a new habit, to do something different from what you usually do. As if there isn't enough to think about when you hit the first day of your cycle.
Honestly, menstruation brings both emotions, sensations like discomfort and sometimes stigma with it (anyone have menstrual products hidden in their sleeve on the way to the bathroom? 🙋🏼♀️).
That's the whole reason we decided to create period underwear in the first place. We dreamed of a no-nonsense, nice alternative to the menstrual products that have to be inserted into the body. And can we eliminate all single use menstrual products in one go - hooray!
This article is for those of you who are still a little hesitant and doubtful. And we recognize that the first step towards a new habit is the hardest. But we're just saying: It's worth it!
So let's take it from one end and answer the questions you must be sitting with.
And if it all still seems confusing - you know our e-mail.
Happy reading!
What are period underwear?
It looks and feels like your regular underwear, but in the panties is a form of built-in pad made of three different layers of fabric.
This means that you will bleed directly into your panties, as the top layer will direct the blood away from the body and into the absorbent layer. At the bottom is a membrane made of polyamide, which ensures that you do not bleed again. After use, rinse them and wash them with the rest of your clothes.
There is no need to use conventional pads in the panties, but you can easily combine the menstrual panties with a menstrual cup if you have heavy bleeding (and be glad that we are in full swing of developing menstrual panties for heavy bleeding).
Why are period underwear great?
There are two things in particular that we want to highlight (but there are certainly more):
1) First of all: The comfort. That you don't need to insert anything into your body. That you don't have to worry about where your pad went or if it's time to change your tampon to avoid health risks. That you can bleed freely AND feel safe.
2) To save the environment from a lot of waste by ditching all disposable items. When we ask our community, they say it's a game changer and they would have loved to have had them sooner.
How do period panties really work?
It's actually a bit of an old technique. Using drugs for your period. But today the fabrics are soft, safe, often organic, and there's a polyamide layer to make sure you don't bleed through.
Technically, menstrual panties are made up of three layers: The top layer is woven so that it will direct blood and moisture away from your body and down into the next layer, which is woven a bit like a towel layer. It can absorb and hold the blood.
The third and final layer is a polyamide membrane that keeps your pants clean. Blood cannot penetrate.
That's the technical part. The rest is pretty much just plain underwear.
And it's made so you can feel like yourself while you're on your period.
How do I get started?
You must first choose your fit.
Do you like a high waist best or do you prefer a regular one?
Next, find your size - if you are between sizes, go for the larger one.
Click them in the basket. Order - and have them delivered (or pick them up at our office if you're nearby).
The first thing you should do when you receive the panties is try them on over your own underwear. Do they feel good?
If so, it's a keeper! Throw them in your washing machine and then hang them to dry.
When your period comes, you're all set with a drawer full of pure Flows.
Use them
Soak in them
Rinse them
Wash them
Hang them to dry, and start again.
When should I start using my Flows?
When you know your period is just around the corner, you can just put on your period panties.
They will feel just like your regular panties, if not better, so maybe you've already been wearing them for several weeks (and, not to sound like your parents, but yes yes, change your panties daily - and during periods maybe several times a day depending on your flow).
As soon as you get your period, you can bleed directly into your Flows.
What should I do on the first day of my period?
Take good care of yourself.
Maybe cancel your plans. Maybe cuddle on the couch. Watch a romantic comedy or dive into the box of chocolate leftovers from the weekend.
And find your Flows in the drawer.
They'll feel like a little hug around your bottom, and who doesn't like that?
How do I wash them?
When you are done with your Flows, rinse them in cold running water until the water runs clear.
The cold water will break down the structure of the blood, and it will make them easier to wash clean afterwards.
If you're not ready to put a machine over, hang your panties to air dry.
If you have a round ready for the washing machine, place your Flows in a small delicate wash bag to protect them and then wash with similar colors at 30 or 40 degrees.
This will both extend the life of your Flows, and you save the environment a lot of energy by skipping the high temperatures.
Today's detergents are full of super effective enzymes that will get your clothes clean without the high temperatures. On scout honor.
Then: Hang them to dry, and start again. Rinse, wash, use - repeat.
When should I change my period underwear?
It depends a lot on how much you bleed.
Both Flow 1 and Flow 2 are for moderate flow. There are four of us menstruating in the office, and we all have roughly the same rhythm:
On the days when we bleed the most, we change both morning, afternoon and night.
The other days we usually change in the morning and evening.
How do I know when to change my period underwear?
You will experience getting a good feeling when it is time to change your period panties, just like you have with your disposable pads.
When blood remains on the surface of your panties, it may be a sign that the panties are 'full' and cannot absorb any more blood.
You might also notice that they've gotten a little heavier - after a few uses you'll get a real feel for it and know exactly when it's time to change.
How many pairs of period panties should I buy?
It depends on your flow and/or whether you have easy access to a washing machine.
With a stronger flow, you may feel the need to change more often than with a moderate flow, and you can put through a wash of period panties faster if you have your own machine.
In general we would say that 5 to 7 pairs will give you a really good start!
Can you help me find my size?
On each product page, you will find a size guide. You can also check out the reviews from other customers to see if the underwear is considered large or small in size. Generally, our panties are true to size. And if we notice that a size deviates too much, we always make adjustments for the next order.
Is it actually better for the environment?
When you choose menstrual underwear, you save the environment from a lot of waste.
That equates to around 90% less waste over a lifetime of cycles compared to a disposable alternative like pads or tampons.
You can read our article here for more information.
Who especially benefits from period underwear?
Everyone can benefit from menstrual underwear.
But there are some menstruators who will find menstrual panties even more amazing: teenagers and people with physical or mental disabilities.
For some, it is not an option to use or change, for example, a tampon or cup - this may be due to physiological reasons or psychological reasons.
For others, the introduction of something into the body can be associated with great pain. We all have different experiences and needs, but period underwear can really be great for most people who bleed.