The pros and cons of period pants

Learn more about this reusable period product

If your teen has started or is about to start their period, you might hear them mention period pants – a relatively new product that’s becoming increasingly popular.

Here’s what you need to know about this innovative period solution.

What are period pants?

Period pants are machine-washable underwear designed to absorb period blood without needing another period product like pads or tampons.

You can wash them by hand or in the machine with the rest of your laundry, making them a convenient, reusable option.

They’re available in some supermarkets, pharmacies, and online.

What makes period pants so popular?

There are several reasons why period pants are becoming a favourite for many:

• They are discreet, comfortable, and easy to use – just wear them like regular underwear!
• They’re reusable after washing, making them a more environmentally friendly option than disposables
• Period pants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some brands even offer period swimwear for use in the pool
• They can be worn alone or alongside other products to minimise leaks or handle spotting during the last few days of a period.
• They’re a great alternative to tampons at night, reducing the risk of leaks on bedsheets – tampons are safe for night use, but should only be worn for up to 8 hours so if your teen is prone to oversleeping, period pants can be great

Why might teens avoid period pants?

While period pants have many benefits, they may not be for everyone. Here’s why:

• Period pants can seem more expensive initially than other products – however, since they’re reusable, the investment can save money over time compared to disposable products
• They aren’t as widely available as disposable pads and tampons yet
• Teens with a heavy flow may need to change period pants a few times daily, which can be inconvenient

What parents should know

Period pants are a comfy, clean, and climate-friendly period product option that works well for many teens. They’re also versatile, making them a great option for both light days and heavy days when paired with other products.

If you’re preparing your teen for their period, you might want to consider adding a pair of period pants to their supplies and if they love using them, you can invest in more over time.

For more tips, check out luna's first-period kit guide or learn about signs your daughter might be about to start her period to stay ahead of their needs.

And if you’re exploring all the period products for your teen, luna's guide to choosing period products for tweens and teens might be helpful.

Finally, why not support your teen with luna premium?

Our app, luna, has dedicated advice on this topic as well as a period tracker which can help them feel more empowered through adolescence.

You can think of luna as a modern, digital version of the puberty books we had growing up – it’s cost-effective, verified by doctors and safeguarding experts, and has a direct line into the biggest concerns facing teens today – so it’s actually addressing what they need advice on, when they need it.

If you’ve been looking for an antidote to the misinformation and negativity shared on social media or forums, you can get luna for your teen via our luna premium page for the price of a coffee each month or manage their subscription by downloading luna yourself and signing up as a parent (it's "we are luna" in app stores).