WUKA, the UK’s leading reusable period underwear brand, provides a comprehensive guide to reusable period pants.
With recent price hikes in disposable period products, rising interest rates and soaring cost of living, all combined with the overwhelming global issue of plastic waste build up, there has never been a better time to explore switching to a more sustainable and affordable period product.
Despite being one of the easiest and most comfortable switches, there are some common misconceptions and confusion around the use and efficacy of period underwear.
“The very concept of reusable period pants seems to throw us,” says Ruby Raut, CEO and co-founder of WUKA. “We are all so conditioned to using plastic-riddled disposables, that the idea of reusable, washable pants with no detachable extras, that not only absorb period blood and prevent leaks, but that also remove the discomfort, inconvenience or intrusiveness associated with what we think of as ‘traditional’ period products AND that are kind to the environment, can be just too much for people to wrap their heads around. But here’s a thing: it is not too good to be true…
“In essence, period pants are simply pants that wick away your period whilst you are free to get on with your day just as if you weren’t on your period – whether that’s heading to the office, enjoying a walk in the park with friends, hitting the gym, on a date night, or even going for a swim!
“Reusable period pants are SO much better for the environment. Just one pair of fully leak-proof period pants can save 200 single-use plastic-riddled disposables from going to landfill or polluting our oceans.
“And in the long term, they also work out cheaper than their disposable counterparts. They really are a win-win alternative.”
Read on for Ruby’s guide to how reusable period pants work, how to use them, how to clean them, and more…
What are the benefits of using reusable period pants?
We’re in the midst of an environmental emergency when it comes to the impact of single-use plastic. In fact, around 91% of the 380 million metric tons of plastic that is produced globally every year isn’t recycled. The environmental saving of switching to a more sustainable period product like reusable pants or pads is vast, with each individual diverting 9,600 plastic-filled pads from landfill or oceans.
Not many people are aware that a switch to reusable period pants also works out cheaper in the long run. Whilst they do require a bigger initial investment, the average woman will spend around £120 on disposable period pads in just two years, but with reusable period pants, the cost is no more than £75.
And let’s face it, when you’re on your period, you want to be as comfortable as possible, and what could be more comfortable than a soft, absorbent, leak-proof pair of knickers?
How do they work?
Much like pads, period pants work by absorbing and holding blood away from the body. The gusset is made up of absorbent leak proof layers, combined with a dry-wicking top layer which ensures the pants stay dry and odour-free.
Just like most single-use products, reusable period pants are available in different absorbencies so you can use different pairs according to the fluctuations in your flow, ensuring uninterrupted, leak-free night-time comfort.
How do I look after my period pants?
Caring for your period pants isn’t much different to looking after any other underwear – simply rinse in the sink or shower, pop in the washing machine at 30 degrees with your usual laundry detergent and air dry.
Try to avoid using fabric softener and tumble drying as, over time, this can impact the product’s absorbency.
How do I choose the right pair for me?
Different products cater to different flows so, it’s worth considering both your flow and your lifestyle.
Perhaps you have a medium flow, but you work long shifts? In that case, opt for a heavy flow pair of period pants as these allow for more absorbency – 20ml, which is around 4 tampons’ worth.
- https://plasticoceans.org/the-facts/
- 20 pads per month at approximately 25p per pad or 240 pads per year at £60
- Based on a total of 7 pairs for £75
Alternatively, if you’re planning on hitting the gym, going for a run or heading to the pool whilst on your period, you may be even more comfortable wearing period clothing specifically designed for exercising. Period leggings, running shorts and swimming costumes are all great options that allow you to enjoy being active, safe in the knowledge that you won’t struggle with leaks or discomfort.
If you’re new to period pants and can’t quite wrap your head around the idea of leak-free bleeding, it’s worth investing in a couple of pairs to try at home or overnight whilst you sleep. You will quickly realise how much more comfortable they are than traditional period products, and how well they work.
What if I have a really heavy flow? Can I still use reusable period pants?
Most people think their flow is much heavier than it actually is, which is a common barrier to making this sustainable switch. However, just like traditional period products, period pants are made to cater to all flows – even super heavy flows.
Simply invest in a pair with a super heavy absorbency – for example, a WUKA Ultimate Midi Brief holds 60ml of blood, which is equivalent to 12 regular tampons or 8 pads worth. A super heavy pair is also great for wearing whilst sleeping or travelling, as it truly means one less thing to worry about.
Will I feel like I’m wearing ‘granny pants’?
Absolutely not. There are so many different styles of period pants: briefs, high waisted, boxers and even thongs for the ultimate summer period underwear without the VPL. None feel frumpy and regardless of absorbency, they do not feel bulky. Go with the styles you are used to wearing and you’ll barely notice the difference.
How many pairs do I need and how often do I need to replace them?
We always recommend five to seven pairs as the optimum amount, though this is dependent on your flow and the length of your period. If you have a particularly heavy period or one that lasts over a week, you may prefer to invest in more pairs – to avoid having to wash throughout your period.
We would advise investing in two to three night-time pairs that are a slightly heavier absorbency to remove the risk of leaks, and four pairs for daytime wear, that can be changed half way through the day if necessary.
Reusable period pants are a highly sustainable period product; however, they do need to be replaced every couple of years – though can last longer if well cared for. Don’t throw your old pairs away though – you can either use them for light flow days (or as super comfortable everyday underwear) or take them to your local clothing recycling centre.
I’m still nervous about trying them
One of the biggest barriers to switching to reusable period products is undoubtedly the fear and lack of understanding as to how exactly they work. Knowledge is power, so armed with this guide, try them out – even if it’s just one pair to begin with, work out what’s best or most comfortable for you, and trust that reusable period products really do work.
How do I know I’m choosing the most sustainable option?
A number of factors contribute to a product’s environmental footprint – manufacturing processes, materials, shipping, recycling commitments and carbon offset initiatives. Whilst reusable products are always a better option than their single-use, plastic filled counterparts, not all reusable products are created equal, so as well as looking for underwear made from sustainable or recycled materials, make sure to check out all of the brand’s sustainability credentials before purchasing too.
For more information or to purchase your own pair of reusable period pants or reusable pads, visit wuka.co.uk
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Note to editors:
- WUKA Co-Founder, Ruby Raut, is available for interview
- Please contact us should you be interested in receiving product samples for review or for competition prizes
- For more information on WUKA, visit www.wuka.co.uk
- For affiliate links please visit www.impact.com
For further press information, please contact:
Dzifa Ahorlu | Anna Nyman | Elsa Findlay | Julie Aguilera-Kemp
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About WUKA
Founded in 2017 by husband and wife team, Ruby Raut and Dave Slocombe, WUKA is the UK’s leading period wear brand and was the first in the UK to produce fully leak-proof reusable period underwear that completely replaces the need for pads and tampons. Just one pair of WUKA period pants can save 200 single-use plastic-riddled disposables from going to landfill or polluting our oceans.
WUKA stands for Wake Up Kick Ass; because nothing should hold women back when on their period. The brand strives to empower the menstruating population, improve access to quality, sustainable period products, eliminate period poverty, and remove period shame and stigma.
Offering a range of award-winning undies to suit different menstrual flows, WUKA period pants hold from two to six tampons worth of period blood; the highest absorbency of any other period products. They are also available in the most extensive range of sizes on the market – from XXS, right up to 6XL.
WUKA also offers period leggings, period sports shorts, period swim bikini briefs, and a number of period accessories and gifts, including a wearable hot water bottle, wash bags, period wellness sets, and starter kits for tweens and teens.
All WUKA products are mindfully created, using the highest quality planet-friendly fabrics, to be both great for the body and good for the environment. From the Better Cotton Initiative, Organic Certified, to Vegan, PETA approved and certified Carbon Neutral+, WUKA underwear is all accredited and designed with the future in mind. Equality, inclusivity, and social & environmental responsibility are at the heart of everything WUKA does.
WUKA is available in Morrisons, Superdrug, Planet Organic, Urban Outfitters, and a range of independent zero waste and fashion retailers. You can also purchase WUKA products direct from the WUKA website. Follow WUKA on Instagram: @wukawear
