Period Pads vs Period Underwear: Which Is Better for Your Flow?
Periods may not be optional, but the way we handle them definitely is. If you’ve been loyal to your trusty period pads since your first cycle, you’re not alone — but is it time for an upgrade? (Spoiler alert: we certainly think so!)
Let’s break it down: period pads vs period underwear. Who wins in the ultimate comfort, sustainability, and leakproof showdown?
What Are Period Pads?
Period pads (a.k.a. menstrual pads, sanitary pads or disposable menstrual pads) have been the go-to solution for decades. They’re those adhesive-backed rectangles of absorbent material you stick to your undies and hope for the best. As a menstrual hygiene product, they’re familiar, but not always ideal.
Pros of period pads:
- Easy to find in any drugstore
- Great for light to heavy menstrual flow
- No insertion required.
Cons of period pads:
- They shift (we’ve all had that weird sideways moment)
- Often made with plastic and superabsorbent polymer
- You throw them away after one use.
The last one is a particularly big con for us - billions upon billions of single-use period products end up on landfill every single year and they take up to 850 years to decompose. They are majorly wasteful !
Some people also use overnight pads or maxi pads for added coverage while sleeping, especially during heavy-flow nights. But even those have their limitations, particularly when it comes to comfort.
What Is Period Underwear?
Period underwear (also called leak-proof underwear or period undies) is the new kid on the block — but it’s quickly becoming the cool kid everyone wants to hang with. Imagine your comfiest pair of knickers... but with built-in, multi-layered protection that absorbs your menstrual discharge and keeps you dry.
Fri Period's leakproof undies are made with organic cotton and bamboo fabrics, so they feel soft on your skin while working hard to protect against leaks. They’re dermatologically tested and completely GMO free. No crinkly plastic. No weird smells. No waste.
Pros of period underwear:
- Super comfy (feels like real underwear because it is)
- Reusable = better for your wallet + the planet
- Designed to stay put and catch leaks.
- Does the work of 3+ pads - much better performance, much less stress!
Cons:
- Upfront investment (although much cheaper in the long term as you don't need to buy new products every single month)
- Requires washing (but that’s part of the sustainability magic ✨)
Some people even use a wet bag (like our Waterproof Wet Bag) to store used pairs until laundry day.
Let’s Compare: Period Pads vs Period Underwear
🛏 Comfort:
Period underwear wins hands down. No plastic wings, no bulky pads. Just soft, breathable fabric that moves with your body.
💧 Absorbency & Leak Protection:
Both can handle heavy menstrual flow — but period underwear hugs your body and catches leaks before they happen. Plus, they are generally significantly more absorbent than pads.
💸 Cost Over Time:
Pads = ongoing cost, month after month. Period underwear = one-time investment that lasts for years.
🌍 Sustainability:
Pads = single-use plastic, disposable period products, and disposable menstrual pads. Period underwear = washable, reusable, and far better for the planet.
🤷 Ease of Use:
Pads are easy. Period underwear? Even easier. Wear, rinse, wash, repeat.
Real Talk: Why So Many Are Making the Switch
More people are swapping disposable pads for reusable menstrual pads every day — and it’s not just a trend. It's a movement.
Fri Period customers rave about how our Classic Brief keeps them dry and confident all day. Plus, our bamboo-core undies are breathable, sustainable, and part of a better future for period care.
How to Start with Period Underwear
New to this? Start slow. Maybe use period underwear on your lighter days or as backup on heavy ones. We recommend trying styles like:
Final Verdict
So, are period pads still relevant? Sure. But if you're after something that’s comfier, much more sustainable, and designed with you in mind — period underwear might just be your new best friend.
Switching doesn’t mean giving up what you know. It means giving yourself more options. More comfort. And a little less landfill guilt.
FAQs
Q1: Can period underwear handle heavy flows?
Absolutely. Many styles are made for moderate to heavy days. Some people even wear them overnight.
Q2: How do I wash period underwear?
Rinse in cold water, machine wash on a gentle cycle, and air dry. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
Q3: Can I wear period underwear all day?
Yes! Just choose the right absorbency for your flow. Many wear them 8+ hours comfortably.
Q4: Are they safe and hygienic?
Yes. Fri Period's undies are made with organic cotton, bamboo, and are dermatologically tested.
Q5: How long does period underwear last?
With good care, each pair can last 2–3 years. That’s a lot of periods without plastic.
