How Many Pairs of Period Pants Do I Need?

Period pants are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and comfortable alternative to traditional menstrual products like pads and tampons. If you’re thinking about making the switch, one of the first questions you might have is, “How many pairs of period pants do I need?” The answer depends on several factors, including your menstrual flow, lifestyle, and how often you do your washing. We’ve broken down everything you need to consider so you can decide on the perfect number of pairs for your cycle.

Understanding the Benefits of Period Pants 

Period pants, also known as menstrual underwear, are specially designed to absorb menstrual blood without the need for additional products. They come in various absorbency levels, from light to super heavy, and can be worn throughout the day or night.

Some of the key benefits of period pants include:

• Eco-friendly: They reduce waste compared to disposable products like pads and tampons.

• Cost-effective: Though the initial investment is higher, period pants last for several years, making them a long-term cost-saving option.

• Comfortable: Designed to be worn just like regular underwear, period pants are discrete and offer leak protection without bulk.

With these benefits in mind, it’s easy to see why many people are transitioning to period pants. But to fully enjoy their advantages, you'll need to figure out how many pairs you require based on your personal situation.

Factors to Consider When Determining How Many Pairs You Need 

Several factors play into deciding the number of period pants you'll need, and these factors vary from person to person. Here’s what you should think about:

• Your flow: People with a heavier flow will need more pairs for frequent changes, while those with a lighter flow can get by with fewer pairs.

• Lifestyle and activity level: If you have an active lifestyle, such as working out or running errands all day, you may want to change your period pants more frequently.

• Laundry habits: The frequency with which you do your washing will affect how many pairs you need. If you wash clothes daily or every other day, fewer pairs will suffice. If you tend to do laundry only once a week, you’ll need more.

• Backup methods: Some people use period pants alongside other menstrual products like tampons or menstrual cups, which means they can use fewer pairs in a single cycle.

Considering these factors will help you determine how many pairs will keep you comfortable throughout your cycle without running out.

Suggested Number of Period Pants

The number of period pants you need will depend on your specific scenario. Here are some general guidelines:

• For a light period: If you experience a lighter flow, you may only need 3-5 pairs. Light-flow period pants tend to hold less blood, so you might wear the same pair for longer without changing.

• For a medium to heavy period: If your period is heavier, plan on having 5-7 pairs, especially if you’re wearing them for the full day or overnight. Heavier flow days may require changing multiple times, so having a few extra pairs will be useful.

• For overnight use: Depending on the heaviness of your period at night, you might want 1-2 pairs specifically designed for overnight use. These are usually thicker and have more absorbency for longer protection.

• For travellers or those with busy schedules: If you're travelling or have a hectic schedule, it's a good idea to have 7-10 pairs to ensure you have enough for the duration of your trip or busy week without worrying about laundry.

How travelling can affect your menstrual cycle

Ultimately, the number of pairs you need will come down to your comfort, convenience, and personal flow.

How to Build Your Period Pant Collection Over Time 

You don’t need to buy all your period pants at once. In fact, many people start with just a couple of pairs and gradually build their collection. Here are a few tips to help you grow your collection over time:

• Start small: Begin with 2-3 pairs to get a feel for how well they work for you. Use them during a lighter day first to understand their fit and absorbency level.

• Add as needed: If you find yourself needing to wash them too frequently or running out of pairs during your cycle, add more to your collection.

• Use deals: Period pants can be pricey upfront, but you can find deals during sales or promotional periods. Consider buying in bulk and using our buy 5 get your 6th pair free deal.

• Mix and match: You can also mix different absorbency levels and styles to suit your needs better.

Shop your period pant collection here

By building your collection over time, you can spread out the cost and find a balance that works best for your body and lifestyle.

Caring for Your Period Pants to Maximise Their Longevity 

One of the key factors that can affect how many pairs of period pants you need is how long they last. Proper care will ensure your period pants last for several years, reducing the need to constantly replace them.

Here’s how to care for your period pants:

• Rinse them after use: Right after wearing, rinse your period pants in cold water to remove as much blood as possible before throwing them in the washing machine.

• Use a gentle wash: Wash your period pants with gentle detergent on a cold cycle. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fabric and reduce absorbency.

• Air dry them: To prolong their life, air drying is preferred over machine drying, which can weaken the fabric and reduce the absorbency over time.

Find out more about how to care for your period pants here.

With proper care, your period pants should last anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on how often they are used and washed.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many pairs of period pants you need. It largely depends on your flow, lifestyle, and washing habits. For a light flow, 3-5 pairs might suffice, while those with heavier periods or busier lifestyles might need 7-10 pairs. The key is to start small, assess your needs, and build your collection over time. By doing so, you’ll have a comfortable and sustainable menstrual solution that works perfectly for you.