For the sake of your body, your wallet, and the environment, it may be time to switch to washable period underwear. They are not only comfortable, safe, and absorbent, but also reusable. With a lifespan of up to 7 years, they save you the monthly purchase of hygiene products, and they are environmentally friendly and sustainable. The savings can add up to a nice sum, not to mention the many benefits for the environment.
How long does a period panty last?
This absorbent underwear is made from high-quality materials and can last 2 to 7 years. However, the exact lifespan of the period panties depends on their use and the frequency of washing. For example, underwear that is washed twice in the washing machine during each period lasts less long than a panty that is only worn and washed once per period.
Period underwear wears out like any classic underwear without losing their absorbency. So when we talk about worn period underwear, it doesn't mean that they are less absorbent or less effective. It simply means that they have aged, just like your other clothing. After 3 to 4 years of regular use, the underwear is still perfectly functional but may lose some attractiveness. You can, of course, replace it with a new one, recycle it (especially if you're a DIY fan), or continue to wear it. You will remain safely protected, even in a pair that you have used for several years. This is especially true if you have informed yourself properly about how to wash period underwear.
To optimize the lifespan of your period underwear, it is sufficient to follow the basic cleaning and care rules. This is easy because it is possible - and even recommended - to wash the period underwear together with your other clothes. You just need to rinse them first in cold water to remove the blood. Then you can let them air dry (the dryer should be avoided to extend their durability).
Why is the lifespan of period underwear important?
"It's quite simple: If you know the lifespan of period panties, you'll save a lot of money. Girls and students may not always be able to afford a washable menstrual hygiene protection that costs over 30 euros each (that's the current average price for period panties). However, after a quick calculation, you'll soon understand why the investment is worth it."
A woman spends an average of 7 € per month on disposable hygiene products. That amounts to 84 € per year and 168 € for 2 years. With an investment of 100 € in period underwear, you already earn 68 € in the first two years of their use. Knowing that the lifespan of period underwear is over 5 years, it really is worth investing a few more euros!
Furthermore, you no longer need to buy menstrual hygiene products. The slip can be worn comfortably day and night, unlike tampons, which should not be worn at night. The individual models can be adjusted to the respective menstrual flow, even for very heavy menstrual flow. And if you run out of panties in the middle of your period, you only need to wash once to have clean panties again. All you need is cold water and soap, and that's it! In short, by purchasing three to five slips at once, you can protect yourself for years. Additionally, the slip is also suitable for discharge after childbirth and light incontinence.
Further advantages of the durability of period underwear
"In addition to the direct cost savings, you also gain more security and comfort thanks to the materials used and the durability of the period panties. Unlike the so-called "internally" worn hygiene products (tampons and menstrual cups), the panty does not cause any uncomfortable feeling even after hours of wear. Furthermore, you are also protected from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is often associated with tampons or menstrual cups, as blood can stagnate in the vagina. Handling these invasive hygiene products requires great care; and your hands are never 100% clean during this process. Additionally, these menstrual protection products release dioxins and fibers into the vagina. Even in small amounts, these substances should not enter the body. Thanks to the quality and durability of the period panty, you no longer have to worry about these inconveniences. Such security is priceless, especially knowing that toxic shock can sometimes be fatal..."
Finally, the period slip is also practical, hygienic, and easy to wear. This discreet underwear without wings can be put on quickly like regular underwear. You don't need to spend 5 minutes applying it correctly, as is sometimes the case with conventional women's pads. You save time, and these absorbent slips are really comfortable. That means much less stress during menstruation, and that's priceless. The protection lasts for years with a single slip!
You don't need to be afraid that the period panty will betray you. There are models specifically designed for women with heavy menstrual flow. The panty is suitable for the first days, the end of the cycle, and even on days when your bleeding is heavier. To feel secure, you can choose one of the Boxershorts. They are both comfortable and invisible, as they do not show any lines even when wearing tight pants.
Sustainable period panties for environmental protection
Did you know that a menstrual pad, which is mainly made of plastic, takes between 500 and 800 years to decompose? A washable menstrual product, on the other hand, is biodegradable and decomposes in the right environment within just 2 months!
Let's quickly recalculate: With three disposable pads per day over a period of 5 days, we use 15 pads per cycle, which means 180 pads within a 12-cycle year. If you use this type of protection for your total menstruation time (about 38 years), you will throw away about 6840, which will take centuries to decompose. Imagine: If they had existed at the end of the Middle Ages, the pads of the women back then would still be here today! If we maintain the habit of using two or three disposable pads per day during our period, the effects will last for hundreds of future generations.
Furthermore, the production and potential recycling of disposable menstrual products is very harmful to the environment. They consume many energy resources and generate large amounts of waste. The production of Oeko-Tex fabrics and the long lifespan of period underwear is a significantly more environmentally friendly alternative. These are zero-waste slips made from organic and eco-friendly materials.
Read our 10 good reasons for the period panty.
