I Tried Period Undies For The First Time And These Were My (Potentially TMI) Thoughts

Unlike a lot of people, I actually like wearing pads. What I mean by this is that I like wearing them more than tampons.

When I explain this to my friends, I’m usually met with outrage. Most of them feel as though (excuse the graphics) they’re sitting in a “wet pool of their period”. However, I disagree.

I find the feeling of a fresh pad actually quite comforting and often more secure than a tampon. I do, however, happily use tampons when the occasion calls for it, such as swimming.

Perhaps this resonates with you, or maybe, like my friends, you think I’m mad, but it was for this reason I’ve always been intrigued by period undies.

So when the opportunity to test out Scarlet’s range of period underwear presented itself and coincided with the arrival of my new washing machine, and more importantly, the return of my period after a two-year hiatus, I figured the stars were aligned. 

What are period undies?

It’s not the most cryptic name, so you’ve likely pieced together a general gist of what they do. They’re just like regular underwear, however, each pair comes with built-in period anti-leakage technology. 

Though this article will review my experience wearing period undies, for a general overview, we’ve covered all the basics, here.

Scarlet period underwear review

My first impression…

Totally uneventful, as you’d hope any menstruation cycle would be. Based on nothing except my imagination running wild, I had expected to unwrap some sort of hybrid between granny panties and nappies. So when I unboxed these totally normal-looking briefs (one was actually a g-string), I wondered how they would hold up over the course of the day.

On closer inspection, it’s clear that the gusset of the underwear (the middle part that looks like a pocket) was thicker than usual. However, by no means did it look like a maxi-pad had just been sewn into the lining of otherwise regular undies.

The cost…

The cost-effective nature of this tampon alternative was one of the most appealing features. After paying around $80 for a three-month script of Yaz, plus tampons, pads, chocolate and Nurofen, the whole “time of the month” thing can become annoyingly expensive. According to research completed by Scarlet, the average period will cost a woman $240 a year (in tampons and pads alone). In comparison, five pairs of undies can last as long as 10 years and will set you back $120. How does that level up over the years? Over a five-year period, you’re spending $1200 on pads and tampons and $120 on period undies. Kind of wild, right?

How many pairs did I need?

I received four pairs from Scarlet, and since my cycle only lasted a few days, I did not have to wash and reuse any undies during that period. A total win.

Obviously, the number of pairs you require will depend on the length and flow intensity of your period. If you’re organised enough to make sure they’re washed and dried within a day, buy a couple. If you’ll find this a pain to stay on top of, make sure you’ve got extra.

Which style and shape did I wear?

On my first day, I tried the G-String Light, which is said to absorb two to three teaspoons or the equivalent of three tampons or pads. As the material is black, I couldn’t actually see anything, which naturally I didn’t mind. The only problem I found was that I couldn’t determine the intensity of my flow, the colour of the blood (if you don’t know, different colours mean different things) or even when I’d started or stopped bleeding. I suppose it’s non-essential, however, after becoming accustomed to changing pads and tampons, it’s something you get used to casting your eye over. 

Via @scarlet_period

As I ventured deeper into my period and the bloating and yuckiness kicked in, I naturally gravitated toward more comfortable, looser-fitting clothing. So I opted for the Full Brief Moderate which absorbs three to five teaspoons of liquid, AKA the equivalent of three to five tampons or pads. As it happened, I had forgotten I was receiving a full body treatment at a very schmancy beautician that day, and lying on the bed half naked, I was slightly worried that during the leg massage my big period undies would be on display. However, although bigger, they were surprisingly just as discreet as the G-string and remained totally incognito, looking like any regular pair of Cotton briefs. 

Via @scarlet_period

For the nights, I opted for the Boyshort Overnight. Because I trialled these over winter I wore them underneath pyjama pants, although on warmer nights I can definitely see them acting as standalone pyjama shorts. Absorbing over six tampons or pads (that’s almost an entire box of tampons), there was zero anxiety jumping into bed with these on. You can purchase these three styles in the Period Underwear Sampler 3-Pack ($80 at Scarlet).

Via @scarlet_period

How did I know when they needed to be changed?

I kept it to one pair per day and one pair per night. As I mentioned, my period has only recently returned. So I’m not totally across what “regular” looks like for me these days. Though if I had to make an assumption, I’d say my flow sits on the light to moderate side. Because of this, I didn’t need to change my undies during the day, even when I wore the g-string.

The washing routine…

I’m not entirely sure how but the undies never felt wet. In fact, if I didn’t already know I had my period, I’m unsure how you can even tell. Certainly not by sight, smell (gross, but true) or touch. Taking off your undies to chuck in the wash, there’s no need to engage in a stealth mission to keep them hidden, they just look like regular black pants. Promise. However, as advised by Scarlet, before throwing them into the machine as part of your regular cycle, give your undies a rinse out under the tap. This part might require a bit of stealth.

My final thoughts? 

Comfortable, cost-effective and dare I say, kind of cute. I’m by no means a period-enthusiast, however, that time of the month feels like far less admin without the incessant changing, checking and worrying about leakage as I’ve always experienced when wearing pads and tampons. These weren’t days that I spent only standing stationary. I was walking, catching up with friends and going to Pilates. All without a leakage scare in sight. Unheard of from someone who has had more leakage accidents than hot dinners. Oh, the joys of being a woman.

Main image credit: @scarlet_period

Have you ever worn period underwear? What did you think?