How long do period pants last?

Increasingly popular, period panties are appealing for their reusability. How long can they be used? How longdoes it last? We explain the signs to look out for, indicating when it's time to change them.

How long do period pants last?

On average, menstrual pants can last from 2 to 7 years. This depends on the model, its quality and your menstrual cycle. The more a menstrual panty is made from well-chosen materials, the longer it can be used. At Elia, for example, our models have an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years. If you want to enjoy them for as many years as possible, it's important to take care of them by maintaining them on a daily basis.

How to choose long-lasting period pants?

To be able to use your period panties for as long as possible, you need to choose them carefully. It must be of high quality, but also adapted to your needs.

Natural, non-toxic materials

To begin with, find out about the materials used in the manufacture of your period panties. At Elia, we choose high-quality, Oeko-tex-certified materials. There are several certifications to confirm societal and environmental commitments:

• Organic cotton: both the part in contact with the skin and the outer layer of our period pants are made from toxin-free organic cotton. This provides unrivalled softness, from young girls to post-partum.
• Eucalyptus fibers (Tencel): this is the absorbent part, retaining moisture and odors for a fresh feeling all day long;
• PUL: this is the waterproof layer in our period pants. It retains liquids while offering optimal ventilation.

Absorption capacity adapted to your menstrual flow

Another essential point is that your period pants must be adapted to your needs, i.e. your flow. Models are available for light, intermediate or heavy flows. We also offer models designed to accompany women through the post-partum period, in the event of heavy discharge, bladder weakness or bleeding.

You may also find it useful to have several pairs of underpants to alternate between at different times of the menstrual cycle. This way, your absorbent underwear will last longer, since you'll be using several of them, and they won't wear out as quickly.

Are period panties cost-effective?

Thanks to their long service life, period pants are highly cost-effective. A savings calculator enables you to assess when the purchase of your panties will pay for themselves, compared with the use of disposable pads or sanitary towels.

As well as being highly economical, period panties are also environmentally friendly. On average, if you use menstrual lingerie for 5 to 7 years, you won't need to use around 2,500 disposable sanitary pads. And these take between 500 and 800 years to decompose: a fine gesture for the planet, but also for your intimate hygiene wallet.

If you take good care of them, you can extend the life of your period pants. They can be worn for 5 to 7 years during your period. They offer comfort and efficiency thanks to their careful design and the use of quality products.

How can I extend the life of my period pants?

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to optimize the life of your period pants. They're easy to apply on a daily basis.

Wash your period pants properly

The first essential step is to wash your period pants. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when buying your underwear:

• Rinsing: rinse your panties in cold water after each use to remove any blood. Don't use hot water, as it may fix the blood to the fabric;
• Washing: machine wash at 30° maximum to avoid damaging the fibers. You can also wash your period panties by hand if you wish;
• Protection: use a washing net to protect the fabric, especially if there's lace. This will prevent rubbing with other garments;
• Detergent: choose a suitable detergent that contains no softeners or bleaches, and no chemicals. We don't recommend glycerine-based detergents, which can clog the pores of underwear fibers. Instead, use a specially formulated detergent;
• Drying: air-dry your underwear flat, but never in a tumble-dryer or near a heat source.

If any odors persist after washing, you can add drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil with antibacterial and antiseptic properties to eliminate them.

Don't wear period panties for more than 12 hours at a time

Period panties can be worn for 12 hours at a time, including at night, but this should not be exceeded. The panties need to be rinsed after a certain time to prevent the pores of the fibers from clogging. It will also be more comfortable for you to change your protection after this time.

Don't bathe in period pants

Even if they are absorbent and have waterproof parts, period pants are not suitable for bathing. Especially in warm water. For swimming, you can opt for a 1-piece or 2-piece menstrual swimsuit. Wearing a tampon for too long is not recommended, as it can lead to toxic shock syndrome.

Reasons to recycle your period panties

Like any item of clothing, your menstrual underwear can become damaged over the years. So it's important to recognize certain signs that it's time to change them.

Menstrual lingerie is no longer absorbent

If you find that your period panties are less absorbent of blood, white discharge or bladder weakness, this is a sign. Period panties can be worn for up to 12 hours. If you need to change them more often, it may be time to throw them away. Before you do, you can use sodium percarbonate to restore its absorbent properties:

• Rinse your period panties thoroughly: there should be no blood left;
• Fill a container with hot water and immerse it in it;
• Add a spoonful of sodium percarbonate and stir;
• Leave overnight, then machine-wash the panties the following day.

Sodium percarbonate helps to unclog the pores in the panty fibers. As the pores are unclogged, they regain their absorption capacity.

Unlike sanitary towels, menstrual panties are hygienically designed to avoid odors, ensuring intimate protection without the risk of toxic shock. These menstrual pants combine optimal absorption with effective hygienic protection, guaranteeing an intimate experience without compromising on hygiene.

Loose seams

To be effective, your period pants need to stay in place and not move. Quality seams that won't come undone are therefore essential. If you feel the seams loosening on your models, this may mean that they've reached the end of their life. You can try mending them, but you'll need to be careful to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Panties no longer comfortable to wear

In this case, you need to replace your menstrual garment. It must be comfortable to wear to offer you maximum well-being, especially at a time like menstruation. Remember, the benefits of menstrual panties lie first and foremost in their comfort! Made from organic cotton, these panties offer superior hygienic protection, eliminating the need for disposable pads often associated with toxic shock. Ideal for young girls, they ensure optimal absorption, redefining sanitary protection while respecting the menstrual cycle. The benefits are their hygienic, long-lasting and comfortable nature, establishing menstrual pants as a healthy and environmentally-friendly option.