When Can I Wear Period Pants?

12 February 2024 | Admin

Here at Cheeky we've been all about 'Simple Reusables' since we launched our bestselling reusable wipes kit back in 2008. Since then we've made it our mission to demystify reusables.

Reusable period products including pants, pads and panty liners joined our ranks around 8 years ago now and have massively soared in popularity due to their convenience and eco-friendliness. Our customers call them 'game-changing'.

However, there's sometimes confusion about when it's appropriate to wear period underwear. Here's when you can wear period pants:

Everyday Wear
Exercise
Swimming
Overnight
Sex
Little Leaks

Everyday Wear (for irregular periods or discharge)

Period pants aren't just for your period days; they're perfect for everyday wear too, especially if your menstrual cycle is irregular or you have heavy discharge.

We'd recommend lighter flow period undies rather than heavy flow pants.

Exercise

Staying active during your period can be tricky, tampons and pads aren't ideal. With period pants, it's easier.

Even if you aren't 'on', period pants also protect from sweat and pee, so they're invaluable when working out.

Their moisture-wicking properties keep you dry and comfortable during workouts, yoga sessions, or running. Choose a pair of period underwear designed for exercise to ensure maximum flexibility and support.

"Great when period just starting and near the end. I might be best with a heavier flow hold for the middle days. Really comfy, and great for exercise. Tried when sailing & running. No worry about a pad moving about and not sitting well. " Sarah Trustpilot

Swimming

We don't recommend that you swim wearing period pants, however there are period bikini bottoms and period swimwear allow you to enjoy the pool or beach without worrying about leaks.

They're designed to prevent water from seeping in while providing reliable protection against menstrual flow.

Overnight

If you're sick and tired of washing bloodstained sheets, or waking up and having to crawl to the toilet, period pants designed for heavy periods offer a solution as they offer protection for up to 12 hours.

Cheeky Pants and period shorts (unlike other brands) have absorbency to front and rear waistband to keep you protected throughout the night. Pair them with a bamboo reusable pad if you suffer with severely heavy flow, wake up feeling refreshed and leak-free.

"I have placed 2 orders with Cheeky now for swimwear and period pants for my daughter, who started her periods when she was 10. I filled in a form to try to figure out what size to order and got a really quick, personalised reply with plenty of tips.

Now her period doesn't stop her swimming, and she has a range of period pants that give her confidence used with a towel on heavy days or on their own on lighter days. The sleep shorts are brilliant for peace of mind at night time when she is heavy, or if we are away, and everything is really comfy (I'm told!)." Trustpilot Review

Sex

Period pants can also be a game-changer in the bedroom for a couple of reasons. Firstly, wearing a pair of period pants can be a convenient alternative to traditional pads or tampons, providing peace of mind without sacrificing spontaneity.

Secondly as they're designed to handle fluids, they offer protection after intimate moments, whether you're menstruating or not. No one needs to sleep in the wet patch with period pants!

Little Leaks

Period pants are also perfect if you suffer with little leaks or mild urinary incontinence. Just choose the absorbency level right for you and you'll feel safe, secure and leak-free all day.

"Unfailingly brilliant products. The undies and pads have taken me through menstruation pregnancy and postpartum and MS incontinence. The pads I first bought are still going strong and the knickers are used everyday due to continence." Trustpilot Review

Aren't period pants difficult to use?

Period Pants are simple to use. Just put on a fresh pair in the morning and change when necessary as they can hold up to 4 tampons worth of blood. Depending on whether it's a heavy flow day, pick the absorbency level suitable for your flow.

How to wash period pants

To wash period underwear, simply rinse in cold water until clear then wash in your washing machine, max 30c. Avoid fabric softeners and dry inside out for fastest drying.

From everyday wear to intimate moments, swimming, and exercise, they offer discreet protection and peace of mind. If you're considering trying period pants, explore our range to find the perfect fit for your needs.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us, the team all use the products themselves and LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods.

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About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable sanitary pads. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings!

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.