Reusable period products come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. With period cups, discs, and leakproof panties, you have a lot of options. Even when you narrow it down to just period underwear, personal comfort can have a lot of say in the products you choose. When selecting period underwear, you choose the brand, the silhouette, and the material. If you want to find a pair that caters to your unique needs, the fabric that makes up the body of the garment makes a big impact on your experience, so get familiar with some of the best materials first.
Breathable Cotton
A soft, breathable, natural cotton can be an excellent choice for anyone switching to reusable, period underwear. Lightweight, soft cotton is almost like your favorite T-shirt, but it goes on the bottom half. Look for a style with a hint of stretch (so, not 100% cotton, but like 95%) to ensure you get a little flexibility and stay comfortable, even when your flow is in full swing. Leakproof cotton briefs and bikinis work well for moderate or regular flows. They can absorb what two pads would be able to and up to three tampons worth of your flow. Worth trying out for more than just size? Definitely.
Soft-Stretch TENCEL™ Modal
TENCEL™ Modal is a flexible, soft material. Many brands use TENCEL™ Modal for their collections, but not all of them are for period products. Soft-stretch TENCEL™ material is featured in period care brand Saalt’s “Comfort” line. This period underwear provides the flexibility you need in four different styles. That includes boyshorts, bikinis, briefs, and thongs. You’ll find that period underwear made with TENCEL™ Modal is even great for postpartum care. The dreamy, sustainable regenerated cellulose fibers are soft against the sensitive pelvic area. But you might want to stick with the briefs or the boyshorts for those times. These styles often have higher absorbency in the gussets.
Silky Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is another option for people wanting to switch to period underwear. A wonderful thing about recycled polyester is that it works well with other materials. That might mean mesh bikini underwear or lace hipsters. Plus, reusable period care is all about sustainability. So, the fact that this fabric has recycled material is a big win. But, it is typically best for light to moderate flows unless you’re using leakproof panties as a backup to a menstrual cup or disc.
Period Underwear Gusset Materials
The gusset is just as crucial as the underwear material, if not more so. That’s because the gusset is the part of the period panty that’s actually doing the work—absorbing your flow. You want to make sure the people designing the gusset understand what you need. Saalt, for example, uses a four-layer system to fashion a thin, absorbent polyester gusset in their period underwear. The four layers, from the top (touching your vagina) to the bottom (the outer material), should work together. They should be moisture-wicking, absorbent, moisture-locking, and soft. The best gussets are thin, comfortable, and designed to keep you dry without ever feeling bulky or wet.
Finding reusable period care products that suit your lifestyle and help you feel comfortable when you’re on your period is crucial. If you know what materials to look for, it makes the process a whole lot easier. Period care brands should make high-quality period cups and discs with medical-grade silicone. But they can also give you plenty more options in the form of period underwear. With modal, cotton, and polyester designs, the absorbent gusset isn’t the only thing you’ll enjoy on your period.
About Saalt
Periods are different for everyone, but Saalt is a modern period care brand helping everyone with a period get what they need. Their reusable and sustainable period cups, discs, and leakproof underwear can help you care for both your menstrual health and the planet. The wealth of information on Saalt’s blog covers all things periods, period care, and other subjects you want to hear more about. Saalt’s modern period magic also extends to other areas where you might need support, as their leakproof underwear can handle excess discharge, bladder incontinence, and postpartum care needs. As a person with a period, you have a lot of stuff to manage. So, let Saalt help you get in the flow of things with their period care and expertise.
Learn more about Saalt Wear and other innovative period care products at https://saalt.com/
