The WUKA Lowdown: How to choose the right period pants for you

Did you know that some disposable pads and tampons contain up to 90% plastic? Over the course of a year in the UK, a staggering 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste is produced – and then dumped or flushed.

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Just one pair of WUKA reusable period pants can save 200 disposables from clogging up land fill or polluting our oceans.

Time to make the switch? WUKA have put together a guide to everything you need to know about period pants, and how to choose the right pair for you.

What are period pants?

Period pants look and feel just like normal underwear – you wear them like you would wear a normal pair of pants, and they’ll absorb your period as a complete pad or tampon replacement. There’s no need to double up either – no need to wear a pad or tampon (even during your heaviest days) as they’re designed to keep you leak-free, odour-free and comfy.

How do period pants work?

The magic’s all in the gusset. It’s made up of highly absorbent layers that absorb period blood, discharge and any light leaks that might occur as a natural part of the menstrual cycle.

The top layer sits next to your skin and is made from a soft cotton that’s breathable and kind to your skin. The middle layers lock fluids inside, keeping them away from your skin so you don’t feel a thing. The outer layer works to keep you leak-free.

Who can wear period pants?

Period pants are fully inclusive, and anyone can wear them. WUKA period pants are available for both t(w)eens and adults, starting at age 8 up to 16, then from size XS to 6XL. They’re easy to use, and a safe and hygienic way to manage your period.

Choose your flow

Your period is unique to you, and nobody else will experience their cycle in the same way as you. So when it comes to choosing the right period pants for you, it’s a good idea to consider your flow throughout your cycle.

WUKA’s period pants are available for a light flow, all the way up to a super-heavy flow. Here’s a quick guide to the different absorbencies available.

• Light-flow period pants are great for spotting, discharge (hello, ovulation!), or for when your flow has slowed right down towards the end of your period. They hold up to 7ml blood, which is the equivalent of two tampons or one pad. They’re great as a sustainable alternative to disposable panty liners.
• Medium-flow period pants are more absorbent and will hold up to 15ml blood, or three tampons/ two pads worth of menstrual flow. These are great for the middle part of your cycle, or if you know your period isn’t usually very heavy.
• Heavy-flow period pants are perfect for the heavier days of your cycle (usually the first 1-2 days of your period), or if you know you might not be able to change them as frequently- for example when travelling or working long shifts. These pants will hold up to 20ml period blood, which is the equivalent of four tampons or three pads worth.
• Super-heavy period pants are designed to hold up to 60ml period blood- equivalent to 12 tampons or 8 pads. They can be worn for up to 24 hours, making them ideal for anyone who works very long shifts or is travelling long distances. They’re also great for anyone with a super heavy flow, whether due to certain conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS. If your period is always heavy and you regularly wake up to change pads or find stains on your sheets, these are for you. The gusset is made up of four layers instead of three, guaranteeing leak-proof protection.

Choose your style

Once you know your flow, you can choose your style. WUKA offers period pants in a variety of styles:

• Midi brief: With sizing up to 6XL, this style is a great all-rounder and perfect under any outfit.
• Hipster: Great for low-slung jeans or skirts.
• Bikini brief: A super popular style, compatible with most outfits and flattering for all shapes and sizes.
• High-waist: A best-selling style, especially for those days when cramps are intense and you need a little support. Great for postpartum periods too.
• Thong: Yes, you CAN wear a thong on your period – the new WUKA Stretch Thong is designed to absorb light to medium flow and has a wider front than other thongs to keep your bits covered. Perfect for wearing under leggings or tight dresses.
• Boxer short: A really great style for overnight and for anyone who prefers more coverage overall.

Our favourite WUKA collections

Priding themselves on being a fully inclusive brand, WUKA’s collections are still expanding, making period pants more accessible to all. Here’s our top picks:

• The Stretch collection: a world-first, multi-size period pants collection that guarantees a perfect fit every time. Each pair of pants in the Stretch collection stretches up to four sizes in one pair, fitting sizes XS all the way to 3XL- with a third size coming soon, stretching up to 6XL! We love the super soft and kind-to-skin Cotton Stretch and of course the Teen Stretch range too.
• The Flex collection: another multi-size collection, thanks to adjustable sliders that allow one pair to fit up to four sizes. The Flex Detachable Bikini pants also feature detachable clips that allow the pants to be changed on the go without undressing- making them great for anyone with limited mobility.
• The Lace collection: because who says you can’t feel sexy on your period? The lace detailing on these pants is just gorgeous, and they’re made from super soft organic cotton too.
• The Period-proof Swim collection: time to say goodbye to tampons this summer! WUKA’s period-proof swimwear is available for teens and adults, in both bikini briefs and swimsuits, and in a range of colours. Perfect for holidays, swim lessons and even paddling pool dips this summer!

How to care for your period pants

If cared for properly, WUKA period pants will last for up to two years. After use, simply rinse in cold water and squeeze out the excess blood. Then pop in a laundry bag and wash with your normal load. Skip the fabric conditioner and allow to line dry (outside if possible).

How often should you change your period pants?

Period pants won’t feel wet, because the absorbent layers are designed to keep the blood locked away from your skin. However, if you do feel a wet sensation then it’s time to change! You’ll be the best judge of this. On the days when your flow is heavy, you may need to change them more often than when it’s lighter.

Choosing the right absorbencies for each stage of your period helps manage this.

If you’re looking for a more comfortable, economical and eco-friendly way to handle your period, then make the switch to WUKA period pants. There’s a perfect pair for every age and every flow.