Are Reusable Pads Better Than Period Pants?

A Complete Guide to Help You Decide

Sustainable period care has come a long way. Two of the most popular eco-friendly options today are reusable pads and period underwear (aka period pants).

But which is better? šŸ¤”

In this blog, weā€™ll break down the pros and cons of reusable cloth pads vs period underwear, compare hygiene, comfort, cost, and convenienceā€”and help you choose the best fit for your body and lifestyle.

šŸ§· What Are Reusable Pads?

Reusable pads are fabric pads (usually made from cotton, bamboo, or hemp) that snap around your underwear and absorb menstrual flow. After use, you wash and reuse them for up to 3ā€“5 years.

Learn more on Wikipedia

šŸ©² What Are Period Pants?

Period underwear are washable, absorbent panties designed to look and feel like regular underwear but with built-in absorbent layers. Some brands can hold up to 4 tampons' worth of fluid.

Popular YouTube review: ā€œAre Period Pants Worth It?ā€ by Aja Dang

šŸ” Key Comparison: Reusable Pads vs Period Pants

Feature Reusable Pads Period Pants
Absorbency Comes in light to heavy options Also varies, good for most flows
Comfort May shift if not secured well Feels like regular underwear
Hygiene Easy to wash & dry May trap odor if not washed well
Ease of Use Requires positioning on underwear Wear like normal panties
Changing in Public Easy to carry a spare & change You need to carry entire underwear
Drying Time Dries faster than underwear Slower to dry, especially heavy
Cost per Unit $8ā€“15 each $15ā€“40 per pair
Initial Investment Lower Higher
Style Options Many shapes, sizes, fabrics Comes in various underwear styles
Eco-Friendliness Very eco-friendly Equally eco-friendly
Discreetness May show pad lines under clothes Looks like regular underwear
Leak Protection Reliable with wings/sizes Excellent when used correctly

šŸ§¼ Which Is More Hygienic?

Both are hygienic if washed properly:

  • Reusable pads dry faster and are easier to sun-dry (which kills bacteria)

  • Period underwear takes longer to dry and may require more thorough washing (especially in the absorbent layers)

šŸ’” Pro Tip: If you live in a humid climate or donā€™t have good drying conditions, reusable pads may be easier to maintain hygienically.

šŸ‘– Which Feels More Comfortable?

This depends on personal preference:

  • Reusable pads can shift around if not secured well or worn with loose underwear.

  • Period pants stay in place and feel more ā€œnaturalā€, especially for active users.

However, some users dislike:

  • The bulk of extra padding in underwear

  • The need to change the whole underwear if it gets full (vs just replacing a pad)

šŸ§³ Which Is Better for Travel?

āœ… Reusable pads:

  • Easier to swap out in public restrooms

  • You only need to carry spares (small and flat)

  • Just rinse and pack used ones in a wet bag

šŸš« Period underwear:

  • You have to carry a whole extra pair and store a soiled one

  • Needs more space in luggage and longer drying time

šŸ’ø Which Is More Budget-Friendly?

Reusable pads win for lower upfront cost.

Letā€™s say you need 6 units:

  • Reusable pads: ~$10 each = $60 total

  • Period pants: ~$25 each = $150 total

šŸ” Both last 2ā€“5 years, but pads let you build your stash slowly and mix with disposable liners if needed.

šŸ§  Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

āœ… Choose Reusable Pads if you:

  • Want flexibility in absorbency and size

  • Prefer quicker drying

  • Need something easier to change on the go

  • Want to keep costs low

āœ… Choose Period Pants if you:

  • Hate the feel of pads shifting around

  • Prefer an all-in-one, ultra-discreet solution

  • Want to feel like youā€™re wearing ā€œnothing specialā€

  • Have space and time for longer drying cycles

šŸ’” Still unsure? Try both! Many users combine both productsā€”pads at night or home, pants for light days or outings.

šŸ›’ Where Can You Buy Them?

Here are a few reputable brands to check out:

šŸ”¹ Reusable Pads:

šŸ”¹ Period Pants:

šŸ“ŗ Bonus: Watch Before You Buy

šŸŽ„ Reusable Pads vs Period Underwear Comparison ā€“ YouTube by The Green Vagina
This video dives deep into flow control, staining, and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Thereā€™s no ā€œbetterā€ product for everyoneā€”just the one that fits your body, budget, and comfort.

Reusable pads offer affordability and easy swaps.
Period underwear feels natural and ultra-discreet.
You donā€™t have to choose just oneā€”try both and mix them based on your flow and lifestyle. šŸ’–

Got questions about cleaning, choosing brands, or where to buy your first set? Drop a comment or check out our shop's eco-friendly period section.

šŸŒæ Periods are personal. Make yours powerful.

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