First Period Pants: Beginner's Guide To Period Pants

Thinking about making the swap but not sure where to start? We hear you. Ditching the disposables might seem daunting at first, but we promise you that once you try reusable period pants, you'll never look back. Read our beginner's guide to period pants to find out why...

Why swap to reusable period products?

Did you know that a year’s worth of disposable pads and tampons for one person produces 8.9kg of CO2 emissions? That’s the equivalent of charging a mobile phone more than 1000 times! Not only that, but most pads and tampons are 90% plastic, with tonnes of them being either sent to landfill every year, or being flushed down our loos and into our oceans.

According to a report by WEN, (an organisation fighting to take action on issues that compromise our planet) 200,000 tonnes of waste is produced every year by single-use period products. This includes tampons, pads and their packaging- and considering that plastic takes roughly 500 years to decompose, that’s a lot of waste going nowhere fast. 

We get it. It's not something you’re going to be thinking about when you’re cramped up, on your period and just need something to help with the flow. When you’re on your period and you need to just get on with your day, the effects of plastic waste might be the last thought on your mind. Which is why opting for a reusable product is ideal! 

There are many options out there for reusable period products, and it really is just about finding what works for you. We’ve found that many love period pants - simply because they can put them on in the morning like regular underwear, and go about their day without having to worry about leaks, Toxic Shock Syndrome, smell, or discomfort.

Want to learn more about periods and carbon emissions? Read here.

What are Period Pants?

Period pants are pretty special. They’re pants. That absorb your period! And yes, they are completely leakproof. We’re talking no VPL, no leaks, no itching, no wedgies, no smell, no bulky diaper appearance - none of that. Just a pair of pants that hold your period and let you do your thing! 

How do period Pants Work?

WUKA period pants have a special, super absorbent gusset made up from many layers, which are designed to hold and lock away your period blood. The outer layer is moisture wicking, so it stays dry - and that means you stay dry too. The layers are leak-proof and breathable so there’s no worry about smells or infection either. 

And while we’re talking about the gusset… we designed it to be high rise too, so that you can have added confidence in our leak-proof guarantee. Some designs (like our Basics Hipster) also have a gusset that goes all the way up to back waistband, making them perfect for a good, sound night’s sleep.

And if you're worried about finding the right size, then fear not. Our multi-size Stretch™️ period pants use Stretch™️ technology to gently adjust up to 4 size in one pair - meaning you're always guaranteed a perfect fit, no matter whether you're bloated or in-between sizes! 

Do I have to change my period pants?

Yes, but it’s a simple case of you taking the pants off, popping them in a wash bag and putting on another pair. And voila! Continue bleeding. It really is as simple as that.

You know your flow best, but we recommend changing your period pants every 4-6 hours. 

How do I care for period pants?

 WUKA period pants have a lifespan of up to 2 years if they’re cared for properly. And while they do take a little more effort than simply flushing a tampon or dumping a pad, we’re talking a few extra minutes at the most- no big deal.

How to wash period pants

Washing you period pants really doesn't need to be a big deal, we promise!  Follow these easy steps:

1. Rinse in COLD water.

2. Wash - either by hand, or in the machine at 30-40 degrees. No fabric conditioner.

3. Air dry, either inside on an airer or outside if you can.

That's it!

If you're not able to rinse straight away, or if you're out and about and on the go, just pop your period pants into a wash bag and set them aside to deal with later. They will be fine! You don’t even have to rinse them before you wash, although lots of our customers prefer not to skip this step.

Your period pants can be washed with a normal load (popping them in a mesh wash bag will help to protect them during the cycle) and then dried naturally- inside out is best, and no tumble driers! We also don’t recommend using fabric softener, as this will affect the absorbency of the pants over time. 

We promise, it really is as simple as looking after regular underwear. 

Can I wear period pants overnight?

Absolutely! You need your REM sleep, and when you’re on your period, the last thing you want to wake up to is stained sheets. We’ve all been there, and we know that’s no way to start the day.

Period pants are the best when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep on your period. We don’t know about you, but we roll around in our sleep, so wearing a pair of period pants ensures that there’s no leakage whatsoever throughout the night. 

Again, you know your flow best, and many WUKA customers tend to opt for pants with a heavier absorbency for night times. If you know your flow is heavier at night, try our Heavy Flow pants - these can hold up to 4 tampons worth of period blood. If your flow is very heavy, we do also have Super Heavy Flow pants, which can be worn for up to 24 hours without leaks or odour, holding 12 tampons worth of blood!

Can I wear period pants to the gym?

Yes, yes, and yes. Period pants are meant to adapt to your lifestyle - and that indues when you hit the gym. Again, we have to shout out our Stretch™️ seamless collection as absolutely perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle - and here's why:

• They're multi-size. Thanks to Stretch™️ technology one pair stretches up to 4 sizes, accommodating for weight gain or bloating, leaving you feeling comfy and supported.  
• They're stretchy. in fact, they feel like a second skin, moving with your body and not against it. 
• They're seamless - perfect under leggings or shorts, and with no VPL!
• They come in a range of styles - we've got the Stretch™️ Thong for lighter days, tight leggings and short shorts; Stretch Boxer Short for heavier days when you need more support; Stretch Midi Brief for everyday kick-ass gym sessions; Stretch Seamless High Waist for high impact circuits. 
  
• They come in a range of flows - light flow for discharge, pee or spotting; medium flow for in-between days; heavy flow for those days you need a little more protection; and Super Heavy for anyone with a really heavy flow. Your period does NOT have to mean you miss out! 

We also have our WUKA Period Swimsuit and swim bottoms for light to medium days. It’s a regular swimsuit, with a built in absorbent liner, able to hold up to 2 small tampons worth of period blood. 

We’re firm believers that there is absolutely no reason why your period should hold you back from your best performance - and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!

How many pairs of period pants do I need?

There is no set rule, and you know your flow best - but as a general guide we recommend for an average 4-5 day cycle, 7 pairs should be just right. That said, we know how unpredictable your period can be sometimes, so it’s always worth having more on hand in case you need to grab a new pair, or in case you get behind with the washing.

Did you know you can save when you buy cycle sets? All our pants are available in three or five packs, and some are now available in seven packs too. The more you buy, the more you save!

The bottom line on period pants

Our planet is in a crisis. We need to do all that we can to make some changes, and using reusable period pants is one significant change we can all make each and every month. 

Give them a go, and let us know how you get on. Find the perfect pair for you, from a variety of different flows and styles.