First Period Pants | Beginners Guide To Period Pants

Have you ever tried period pants? No? Well we are experts in period pants and for all you purchasing your first period pants, we have put together a guide!

Why swap to reusable period products?

Did you know that a year’s worth of disposable pads and tampons for one person produces 8.9kg of CO2 emissions? That’s the equivalent of charging a mobile phone more than 1000 times! Not only that, but most pads and tampons are 90% plastic, with tonnes of them being either sent to landfill every year, or being flushed down our loos and into our oceans.

According to a report by WEN, (an organisation fighting to take action on issues that compromise our planet) 200,000 tonnes of waste is produced every year by single-use period products. These include tampons, pads and their packaging- and considering that plastic takes roughly 500 years to decompose, that’s a lot of waste going nowhere fast. 

We get it. It's not something you’re going to be thinking about when you’re cramped up, on your period and just need something to help with the flow. When you’re on your period and you need to just get on with your day, the effects of plastic waste might be the last thought on your mind. Which is why opting for a reusable product is ideal! 

There are many options out there for reusable period products, and it really is just about finding what works for you. We’ve found that many love period pants - simply because they can put them on in the morning like regular underwear, and go about their day without having to worry about leaks, Toxic Shock Syndrome, smell, or discomfort.

Want to learn more about periods and carbon emissions? Read here.

What are Period Pants?

Period pants are pretty special. They’re pants. That absorb your period! And yes, they are completely leakproof. We’re talking no VPL, no leaks, no itching, no wedgies, no smell, no bulky diaper appearance - none of that. Just a pair of pants that hold your period and let you do your thing! 

How do period Pants Work?

Think of a pad. It sits in your underwear, and you bleed into it. Only, period pants absorb the blood and have a dry-wicking top layer which keeps you dry and odour-free. 

Our WUKA period pants have a special, super absorbent gusset made up from many layers, which are designed to hold and lock away your period blood. The outer layer is moisture wicking, so it stays dry - and that means you stay dry too. The layers are leak-proof and breathable so there’s no worry about smells or infection either. 

And while we’re talking about the gusset… we designed it to be high rise too, so that you can have added confidence in our leak-proof guarantee. Some designs (like our Basics Hipster) also have a gusset that goes all the way up to back waistband, making them perfect for a good, sound night’s sleep.

Do I have to change my period pants?

Yes, but it’s a simple case of you taking the pants off, popping them in a wash bag and putting on another pair. And voila! Continue bleeding. It really is as simple as that.

You know your flow best, but we recommend changing your period pants every 4-6 hours. 

How do I care for period pants?

First Period Pants | Beginners Guide To Period Pants | WUKA

 WUKA period pants have a lifespan of up to 2 years if they’re cared for properly. And while they do take a little more effort than simply flushing a tampon or dumping a pad, we’re talking a few extra minutes at the most- no big deal.

How to wash period pants

It might sound odd, but here at WUKA we recommend you just hop in the shower with your period pants. Yes, really! Lots of our WUKA wearers love stomping on them in the shower to get the blood out, then they can be simply popped into the washing machine at 30 degrees.

If you don’t have time for a shower, you can rinse in the sink with cold water. Or if you’re on the go, just pop your period pants into a wash bag and set them aside to deal with later. They will be fine! You don’t even have to rinse them before you wash, although lots of our customers prefer not to skip this step.

Your period pants can be washed with a normal load (popping them in a mesh wash bag will help to protect them during the cycle) and then dried naturally- inside out is best, and no tumble driers! We also don’t recommend using fabric softener, as this will affect the absorbency of the pants over time. 

We promise, it really is as simple as looking after regular underwear. This is just super-underwear because it keeps you period leak-free! 

Can I wear period pants overnight?

Absolutely! You need your REM sleep, and when you’re on your period, the last thing you want to wake up to is stained sheets. We’ve all been there, and we know that’s no way to start the day.

Period pants are the best when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep on your period. We don’t know about you, but we roll around in our sleep, so wearing a pair of period pants ensures that there’s no leakage whatsoever throughout the night. 

Again, you know your flow best, and many WUKA customers tend to opt for pants with a heavier absorbency for night times. If you know your flow is heavier at night, try our Heavy Flow pants. These can hold up to 4 tampons worth of period blood.

Then in the morning, just pop on a new pair and start your day. So simple!

Can I wear period pants while working a nightshift?

First Period Pants | Beginners Guide To Period Pants | WUKA

If you’re working long shifts then getting a pair of Heavy or Super Heavy flow is the way to go - simply because it allows for more absorbency. Our Super Heavy period pants can be worn for up to 24 hours, but for hygiene reasons we do recommend no more than 12. These are great for overnight travel too.

Can I wear period pants to the gym?

Yes, yes, and yes. Period pants are meant to adapt to your lifestyle - so if you’re hitting up a gym session, try a seamless pair - WUKA Perform Seamless are a great pair. Or the Thong if you’re on the lighter flow side. Or Period Leggings.

Yes. Period leggings. Genius, isn’t it? A pair of period pants integrated into leggings so that you’ve got the best of both worlds for a killer workout. We also have the WUKA Period Sports Shorts, for medium flow days where you want to keep your fitness routine going no matter what. These are fab little shorts with a super absorbent gusset that locks in blood, pee and sweat- and they have two handy pockets to keep your keys and phone safe too! 

Lastly we have our WUKA Period Swimsuit for lighter days. It’s a regular swimsuit, with a built in absorbent liner, able to hold up to 2 small tampons worth of period blood. 

We’re firm believers that there is absolutely no reason why your period should hold you back from your best performance - and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!

How many pairs of period pants do I need?

Again, you know your flow best- and you know your laundry routine best too! Some of our team members bring an extra pair to work - and then change them twice at home. Some of our customers tell us that they change theirs every 4-6 hours no matter what, using a fresh pair for bed. 

There is no set rule, but as a general guide we recommend for an average 4-5 day cycle, 7 pairs should be just right. That said, we know how unpredictable your period can be sometimes, so it’s always worth having more on hand in case you need to grab a new pair, or in case you get behind with the washing.

The bottom line on period pants

Our planet is in a crisis. We need to do all that we can to make some changes, and using reusable period pants is one significant change we can all make each and every month. 

Give them a go, and let us know how you get on. Find the perfect pair for you, from a variety of different flows and styles.