What Is Period Panty? All You Need to Know

Menstrual care has come a long way from sanitary pads to tampons, menstrual cups, and now period panties. Wait! What is a period panty?

A period panty is an intuitive underwear option for preteens who are still getting used to the changes in their bodies. It's similar to normal underwear, besides the fact that it's designed to absorb all the menstrual flow. They are created for comfort, convenience, and long use without having to worry about changing them, leaks, or discomfort. As a result, period panties can either completely replace your pads and tampons or support them better. Thus, making them a popular choice today for young girls as well as women.

This Plan B article guides parents and girls towards comfort-first essentials during menstruation. It explains how a period panty works, its types, benefits, usage, and safety. Towards the end, the guide also answers some of the commonly asked questions related to period panties.

How Does a Period Panty Work?

It’s natural to ask, "What are period panties?", "How to use a period panty?", or “What is period underwear?” If you’re wondering, "How do period panties work?" you aren’t alone; the concept of period underwear is fairly new. Below is a detailed understanding of what is a period panty and how it works:

• What is it: For starters, period panties or period underwear mean the same thing. It is an undergarment that absorbs your blood flow, just like pads. Unlike a menstrual cup that requires insertion, which may not be very comfortable at first, period panties fit and function just like any regular girls' underwear. Put on a pair when you are menstruating and let it absorb all the flow.

• Uses a Layered System: Period underwear has a 3-layer mechanism. Sanitary pads start to feel damp, itchy, and uncomfortable after some hours. They are not great at keeping you dry and often result in rashes. Period panties have a special moisture-wicking top layer. It keeps the wetness out, and there is no contact between your skin and the moisture. So, no rashes! Just under this moisture barrier is a built-in absorbent core that traps menstrual blood. At the bottom, there is a leak-proof outer layer made from breathable and protective fabric sheets. It does not allow blood to leak and keeps your pants stain-free.

• Absorbency Range & Wear Time: You can wear a period panty for light spotting as well as heavy blood flow. It will keep you safe for 8-12 hours, even while you are fast asleep. 

• How to Use a Period Panty: There are two ways to use it. One, you can use it as it is. Two, you can use it with a cup/tampon to manage heavy flow.

• Beginner-Friendly: Period panties are a great way to build healthy menstruation practices in beginners. So if your tween is adjusting to their menstrual cycle, try pairing a Plan B period panty with a cup/tampon for added reassurance.

Wondering “what is the price of period panty?” They can run you between Rs 200 to 1000 depending on the quality. The disposable ones are typically cheaper than the reusable options.

Types of Period Panties

Period panties come in a variety of styles. Why? To honour the varying flow levels, lifestyles, and comfort needs of girls. Below is a detailed understanding of the different types of period panty for girls and period panty for women that you can explore. This includes information about a reusable period panty as well as a disposable period panty.

Reusable Period Panty

A reusable period panty is a washable, breathable, and eco-friendly way to manage your blood flow. You can wear, wash, and rewear them multiple times throughout the cycle. 

These panties are made from high-quality, breathable materials. As a result, you can wear them for long hours. Moreover, the panties do not lose their shape or form with gentle use. You may worry about the odour. But aside from a mild metallic scent, which is common to menstrual blood, there's no lingering smell after cleaning.

Each reusable period panty can last anywhere between 2 years and 3 years with adequate care and proper washing, giving you both comfort and long-term value for cost and eco-friendliness. 

For young girls just starting their menstrual journey, having 3–5 pairs of period panties is a great starting point. It will keep you comfortable and covered throughout your cycle.

Disposable Period Panty

A disposable period panty is created for single use. You can immediately dispose of it after use. This makes them a great choice during travel, camps, and emergencies when a backup is important. 

There’s a catch! They are convenient but lack eco-friendliness because of disposal practices. They’re also costlier because of the single-wear design.

By Flow Type

The capacity of a period panty to absorb your flow without leaking depends on its absorbency levels. A Plan B period panty has suitable selection for light, moderate to heavy flow days. From a spotting panty for light flow to reusable panty for heavy flow, there’s a right fit for every need. Plan B’s collection pack that includes panties suited for both light and heavy flow will keep your little girl ready for everyday.

By Fit & Style

When it comes to periods and managing your blood flow, fit and style play a very important role. You will commonly find these 3 styles in girls underwear: 

• Briefs: These period underwear give you a smooth, seamless fit, staying invisible under clothing. So no awkward lines or seams are visible to others. As a result, they are great for wearing yoga pants and office wear.

• Hipsters: They sit low on the waist and moderately cover your front and back. They’re perfect if you want a balance of comfort and style.

• Boyshorts: Boyshorts give you extra coverage and freedom to move without worry. Their extended cut ensures better protection and a relaxed fit, making them ideal for active days or overnight wear.

Benefits of Using a Period Panty

Pads and tampons have existed for years now. Although they are moderately reliable for periods, these traditional menstrual products have their own unique challenges that period panties manage to solve. For example, dampness, bulky form, heaviness once they’re full, odour, staining, and more.

Yes, the idea of a period panty for girls may seem weird, especially if your girl has used a tampon or a cup before. And she may have to spend some time with it before she gets used to the feeling of the free flow. But once she does, there may be no going back. 

Here's why choosing period underwear is a great choice for your flow days:

• Leak Protection For School, Travel, Sports: A pad starts to feel wet after some hours and is not always leak-proof. But period panties are created to trap menstrual blood securely and leave behind no stains. Thus, making them ideal for use during school hours, travel, and sports activities.

• 100% Comfort: Soft and breathable materials make a period panty feel like regular underwear. What does this mean for you? No bulky feeling or the need to readjust every now and then. Plan B period panties are easy to wear and super effective. They have a leak-proof fit and a stain-free inner lining so that you can go about your day worry-free!

• Move Around Confidently: The extra layers of microfiber polyester in period panties absorb blood and prevent moisture from making contact with your skin or leaking out. This reduces anxiety about stains.

• Sustainability: Pads and tampons are not reusable. They must be restocked for every cycle. Moreover, disposing of them safely is a concern. Reusable period panties cut down on disposable waste, making them eco-friendly.

• Cost-Effective: A reusable period panty for girls and women can last you anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on your care and wash cycles. You don’t have to buy a fresh pair for every use. These small savings in period panty price compound in the long run.

For teens starting their cycles, Plan B's period panty for girls is a confidence-boosting essential, made with care and comfort in mind.

How to Use and Care for Period Panty

Learning how to use a period panty correctly ensures comfort and hygiene. The process is very simple, so don’t worry.

• How to Use a Period Panty:

• Choose your period panty based on your absorbency level. 

• Wear it like your normal underwear.

• You can wear it as it is or with a cup/tampon if you are experiencing heavy flow. 

• How to Wash a Period Panty:

• Run your period panties under cold water to remove excess blood.

• Gently rub the fabric to loosen the blood.

• After removing excess blood, soak the panty in a mild, dye-free detergent for 15 minutes. Avoid using fabric softener to wash the panties. These softeners hamper the period underwear's absorbency.

• Next, wash it with your hands. If you choose to machine wash, wash it in a delicate cycle.

• Air-dry them in a well-ventilated area. Ensure the panties are out of direct sunlight. Do not use dryers because high heat will damage the elasticity and overall quality of the fabric.

• As a parent, you can pair Plan B's period panties with girls innerwear (training or starter innerwear) to build familiarity and independence in your tween.

Who Should Use Period Panties?

There is no restriction on who can use a period panty. Period panties are highly versatile and can be used by different age groups depending on their specific needs. Its benefits remain consistent whether you are using period panties for girls or a period panty for women.

• Pre-Teens/New menstruators: First-time experiences can be slightly discomforting. Your teen may find using pads or tampons challenging. These products can also leave them with rashes if not used properly. Period panties are perfect for first-time experiences. It is easy to wear and less intimidating than pads, cups, and tampons.

• Teenagers: Long hours at school mean spending a lot of time sitting, energetic movements during sports, and travel to and from. A period panty is designed for all of this. Its high absorbency and a moisture-wicking barrier make periods a comfortable experience.

• Women: Finding proper disposal solutions for pads and tampons may not be possible every time. Moreover, tampons and cups may be slightly challenging to retrieve. A reusable period panty offers daily convenience and a sustainable choice in a fast-paced life.

• Mothers: New mothers may experience heavier-than-usual flow. Period panties can be used as a backup option during such times since they are designed for long hours and overnight use without irritating your skin.

The period panty must fit properly for a comfortable experience. Start by measuring your child's waist and then compare it with our period panty size chart. If your child’s measurements fall between two sizes, it’s best to choose the larger one to ensure a comfortable fit and better coverage.

Is a Period Panty Safe and Hygienic?

Safety and hygiene cannot be compromised or overlooked. There's no doubt about it. As such, if you are wondering, "Is period panty safe and what is a period panty made of?", here’s the answer. 

• Breathable Fabrics: Period panties are made of cotton, spandex, and absorbent polymers. They are extremely breathable and skin-friendly materials that prevent odour and irritation while ensuring comfort.

• No Risk of Infection If Cleaned Properly: If you wash your period underwear correctly and maintain them well, they are generally safe and hygienic to use. That means washing them well with a mild, dye-free detergent in a delicate cycle. 

• Avoid Harsh Detergents: Avoid using harsh detergents that contain fragrances or dyes. Also, keep your panties away from scented fabric softeners. Always put it through an extra rinse to remove all the detergent. 

• Natural Odour Control: If you are worried about foul odour, don't be. Quality designs with moisture barriers control odour naturally.

Period Panties for Comfort & Confidence

So, what is period panty?

It is more than just an item of underwear. It is a modern, comfortable, and sustainable alternative to menstrual care. Available in reusable and disposable options, period panties make flow days easier to manage. It empowers girls and women to move freely, lead an active lifestyle, and rest better without having to worry about leaks, stains, or rashes.

For comfort-first essentials that make your menstrual journey smoother, explore Plan B's girl period underwear and starter kits. 

These period underwear and kits are thoughtfully crafted for growing girls and thoughtful mothers. The fabric and design are tailored for added comfort and safety. Just remember to wash them well without harsh detergents and chemicals to keep your panties fresh, just like day 1. The better you care for them, the longer they will last. 

FAQs on Period Panty

Is a period panty the same as period underwear?

• Period panties and period underwear mean the same thing. They are underwear that absorb menstrual flow without leaks and discomfort.

Is period panty safe for girls in school?

• Absolutely yes! Period panties are safe for girls in school. They can easily wear them for 8-12 hours without worrying about leaks, stains, odour, or dampness.