Which period underwear should you choose?
In a short space of time, period underwear has become one of the leading menstrual protection products. And for good reason: it offers many advantages over disposable products, including comfort, enhanced protection, cost savings and greater respect for the environment.
As its popularity continues to grow, many brands now offer period underwear for women. There is therefore a wide range of products available, differing in style, shape, price and materials. In this context, it is important to know which criteria to consider before taking the plunge and choosing your first pair of period underwear.
Key takeaways: The essential criteria for choosing the right period underwear
- Choose an absorbency level suited to your flow (light, medium or heavy).
- Choose a soft and breathable material for optimal comfort.
- Check for certification such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100.
- Choose a cut that suits your body shape (briefs, boyshorts, high-waisted, etc.).
- Choose a comfortable size to avoid leaks caused by underwear that is too loose or too tight.
- Consider how you will use it: during the day, at night, for sport or postpartum.
- Choose a washable and durable model to reduce your environmental impact.
Criterion 1: Flow
Choose period underwear according to your flow
The first criterion to consider when choosing the ideal pair of period underwear is your flow. It should be adapted to the intensity of your period, whether your flow is light, medium or heavy.
The main purpose of period underwear is to provide you with optimal protection throughout your period. It is therefore essential to choose sufficient absorbency to ensure protection for several hours, especially at night, when leaks are more likely to occur.
At DIM, we offer period underwear providing up to 12 hours of protection, even for medium or heavy flow. Our medium-flow models absorb the equivalent of 2 sanitary pads, while our heavy-flow models absorb the equivalent of 3 sanitary pads.
Choose the period underwear that best suits your needs and provides optimal protection throughout your cycle.
| DIM Protect model | Medium Flow | Heavy Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Equivalent to | 2 sanitary pads | 3 sanitary pads |
Criterion 2: Certification
Look for certified period underwear!
First of all, check that the period underwear you choose is certified under the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label. This certification is valid worldwide and means that the product in question does not contain substances that are harmful to health or the skin.
Once you have checked this, find out more about how the period underwear is made. It should have at least 3 absorbent layers to ensure both protection and comfort. After all, one of the main benefits of period underwear is its ability to retain liquid and prevent leaks and a damp feeling on the skin, ensuring optimal comfort.
At DIM, our period briefs and period boyshorts are made from organic cotton and feature 4 absorbent layers for anti-odour and leak-proof protection.
Criterion 3: Your needs
How do you choose period underwear to suit your lifestyle?
- For sport: choose a close-fitting style that stays securely in place.
- For nighttime: choose heavy-flow period underwear offering enhanced protection.
- For work or long days: opt for a model offering up to 12 hours of absorbency.
- For teenagers: a simple and comfortable design makes it easier to get used to.
- For changing flow levels: build a selection of medium- and heavy-flow models so you can adapt your protection throughout your cycle.
- For swimming: period swimwear is the ideal solution to prevent leaks and visible marks at the beach or swimming pool.
Criterion 4: Environmental impact
What is the environmental impact of period underwear?
Another criterion to consider when buying period underwear is the environment. Disposable menstrual hygiene products have an environmental impact that period underwear can help reduce thanks to its reusable nature.
In addition to reducing the environmental impact of disposable menstrual hygiene products, period underwear can be made from organic cotton. Producing underwear through an environmentally responsible approach is possible, and organic cotton is one way of achieving this. DIM has been committed to this approach for some time by offering its customers organic cotton lingerie. It is therefore only natural that, with the DIM PROTECT range of period underwear, the brand offers period briefs and boyshorts made from organic cotton and certified by the Ecocert Greenlife label.
Criterion 5: Price
Period underwear, yes... but not too expensive!
One of the major advantages of period underwear is its cost-saving potential. Since period underwear is washable and reusable, it will ultimately cost you less than disposable products such as tampons or sanitary pads.
The price of women's period underwear can range from €12 for the least expensive models to €50 for the most expensive ones.
DIM PROTECT period briefs and boyshorts are available from just €19.90.
💡 Tips for getting started with period underwear
Try it at home first
Wear your first pair of period underwear at home for a day to familiarise yourself with its absorbency level.
Have several models available
If your flow changes throughout your cycle, alternate between a medium-flow model and a heavy-flow model.
Always rinse with cold water
Rinsing immediately makes it easier to remove blood before washing in the machine.
Avoid fabric softener
Fabric softeners can reduce the absorbency performance of technical fibres over time and after repeated washing.
Build a small rotation
For daily use, having 3 to 5 pairs of period underwear allows you to alternate easily throughout your cycle.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about period underwear
Which period underwear should you choose?
When choosing your period underwear, you should consider your menstrual flow (light, medium or heavy). You should also check that your period underwear is certified under the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label. Finally, you can choose the period underwear that best suits you based on the lingerie style, material and price.
What size should you choose for DIM PROTECT period underwear?
If you are buying DIM PROTECT period briefs or period boyshorts, we recommend ordering one size up. DIM period underwear tends to run small, so we recommend choosing one size larger.
How should you care for period underwear?
To care for your period underwear properly, we recommend washing it once before first use. After wearing it, rinse it with cold water and then wash it by hand or in the washing machine at 30°C. Air drying is preferable. We recommend avoiding ironing and using large amounts of fabric softener when washing.
How many pairs of period underwear should you buy?
If you want to use only period underwear throughout your cycle, we recommend having at least 4 pairs, giving you enough time to wash and dry them. However, if you want to alternate period underwear with other menstrual protection products, two pairs of period underwear may be sufficient.
Can you swim while wearing period underwear?
No, period underwear is underwear, just like your bra, so it is not recommended for swimming. It is preferable to use period swimwear instead.
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