What are period panties?

When most of us get our periods we normally use tampons, pads, or diva cups. Recently, a new menstrual product known as “period panties” has been covered by different media outlets and organizations alike. When you hear the phrase “period panties” you may envision that big comfy pair of underwear that you reserve for when you’re on your period. However, period panties are actually a type of underwear that companies like Ruby have produced specifically for menstruators. They are a tool to help menstruators feel more comfortable through their menstrual cycle. Period panties include a high absorbent layer of fabric and have a special spot to hold pads in place. If you’re a pad user (like me), you know that sometimes the pad won’t stick on right and that the wings can be pretty loose. However, period panties have a fabric that securely grips the pad, so loose pads are no longer a problem! And for tampon users, their extra layer absorbs leaks and stains more than regular underwear. Period panties represent a whole new way to think about menstruation, regardless of your flow. This new type of undergarment provides extra security for menstruators and relieves some of the discomforts that so many of us feel when our periods arrive.

I purchased a pair of period panties about a year ago; I think that the product is very solid. I have never had a stain, which is a huge relief for me because I have a heavy flow. Moreover, they are very comfortable and I feel very confident wearing shorts and tight jeans during my cycle due to this product. However, depending on the brand, the prices for period panties range from $20-$109 (shipping excluded). Everyone’s socioeconomic status is different and not everybody can afford period panties, this is something that those who seek menstrual equity must be aware of; it is a great product which could potentially revolutionize the way menstruators think about and treat their periods. However, we must not forget that while this may be a great product, the relative price of a pad or a tampon ($7-$14) is vastly cheaper than that of a period panty. Overall I think this is a great product and I would recommend it to any menstruator, and I believe that we must continue to open a dialogue with period panty companies and menstrual organizations in order to ensure that every menstruator can have access to this product.

References

“Period Underwear: Built-In, All-Day Protection.” Ruby Love, 16 Dec. 2019, www.rubylove.com/period-underwear.