Period Underwear and Female Empowerment
About a quarter of the world’s population menstruates: A menstruating person uses around 12.000 to 15.000 tampons or pads in their lifetime. Buying these products over years is expensive and they follow the “take, make, waste” approach of linear economy. Moreover, tampon manufactures are not required to list the ingredients on their packaging.
Reusable period underwear comes in multiply styles, which are designed to be worn during menstruation. It is an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative in the period product market.
How period panties work: Each panty features an integrated absorbent surface in the crotch area, effectively absorbing the equivalent of multiple tampons. Menstruations are different — therefore, period underwear has different absorbency levels. It is recommended to change one panty after 10–12 hours at the latest. After use the underwear should be washed out with cold water and then washed in the washing machine at 40 or 60 degrees, depending on the material.
The technology and main German players: The Female Company employs their Stay Dry Layer Technology in their underwear — incorporating four layers for optimal absorbency while maintaining breathability and avoiding any uncomfortable diaper-like sensation. The brand ooia is market leader for period underwear in the German market. ooia uses very thin and light fabrics, with a thickness of no more than 1–2 mm at the thickest point.
Inspiring approach: From my point of view period underwear is inspiring because it provides an eco-friendly solution, reduces waste and it offers an alternative to the reusable menstrual cup. The Female Company’s products are, for instance, vegan and made of organic cotton or tencel modal. Organic cotton must be grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers and tencel modal is a natural cellulose fiber from fast-growing beech wood.
Challenges and bias: Some people might think the panties are unhygienic, feel uncomfortable, are not safe, ugly, or too expensive. Period underwear is developed by experts and I would advise every woman, who reads my blog post, just to try it out! One period panty costs around 34,90€ to 44,90€. From a long-term view they are the cheaper alternative to disposable products.
Final thoughts: Period underwear is available in many sizes, cuts, colors and materials. The products are inclusive and can be used in different life stages (first period, postpartum, etc.). All in all, it is an inspiring social innovation.
