placed into the vagina, they’re still menstruation products.
Here’s the confusion. It’s tempting to group period panties into the menstrual product category, but these newfangled things are distinct.
First, they’re meant to feel natural rather than like underwear. Additionally, they resemble underpants. Because of its construction, you may also go about your day without worrying about your period.
Most contain many layers of cloth for varied purposes. One brand, Thinx, employs four layers:
You May Also Like
- a moisture-wicking layer
- an odor-controlling layer
- an absorbent layer
- a leak-resistant layer
Period-proof items are menstruation products. Their personal independence has cemented their free-bleeding status.
What Period Bottoms Are Out There?
Due to the popularity of free bleeding, various companies have created high-quality underwear and sportswear that make daily living stress-free. Some are water-friendly.
Here are some top choices.
For Every Day
- Thinx is one of the biggest period-proof brands. Its Hiphugger panties can hold up to two tampons’ worth of blood, so they’re ideal for the heavier days of your cycle.
- Knix’s Leakproof Boyshort is another comfy style. It has a thin built-in liner and technology that can absorb up to 3 teaspoons of blood or two tampons.
- Lunapads’ Maia Bikini panties can be customized to suit your flow. Wear alone on lighter days, and add an insert when you need a little more protection.
For Yoga & Other Low- To Moderate-Impact Activity
- Modibodi, the “original” period underwear company, now makes sportswear. 3/4 leggings may absorb one to 1.5 tampons of blood. Wear them with or without underwear!
- Dear Kate’s Leolux Leotard has three layers. It keeps you dry, resists leaks, and can replace 1 1/2 tampons.
- Thinx Training Shorts may be the only period-proof running shorts. They have built-in underpants and absorb as much blood as two tampons.
For Running & Other High-Impact Activity
- Ruby Love’s Period Leggings provide leakproof protection for all exercises. Their lightweight lining lets you wear them alone or with underwear if your flow is heavy.
For Swimming
- Modibodi’s One Piece is a period-proof swimwear. Heavy days may need extra protection.
- Ruby Love Period Swimwear has bikinis. Built-in liner and leakproof technology provide all-day protection. Combine this bikini bottom with any top.
How Can Someone Move Into Free Bleeding?
Here are some pointers if you’d like to try free bleeding:
- Decide wisely. Bleed on what? When do you want it? Where? When you know everything, you can attempt it.
- Start safe. That’s usually home, but it may be somewhere you’re comfortable. This will teach you about your period and flow.
- Sit on towels. Put a towel on your bed at night. Some people exclusively free bleed at home on towels to avoid staining furnishings. Start with this method.
- If you’re comfy, go outdoors. Only do this towards the conclusion of your period when blood flow is lowest. You may also bleed in public the whole time. You decide.
- Bring extra underwear. If you leave home and your period soaks through your clothes, take extra underwear and a change.
Some ancient cultures thought period blood was magical, but over time, the belief that periods are disgusting and should be concealed spread. Some societies still reject menstruating women. In Nepal, menstruation women were exiled to huts.
The “tampon tax” has been a major obstacle to normalizing this physiological function in Western nations. The stigma lingers even after the practice was criminalized in 2017. Some have circumvented the legislation.
Many factors lure people to free bleeding. Some of these include the fact that individuals prefer their natural condition or are straightforward. Anything challenging decades of social norms, whether free bleeding or anything else, will raise controversy.
However, many are more sophisticated. Free bleeders try to normalize menstruation by not hiding their periods. The “tampon tax” may be another issue. Traditional menstruation products are sometimes priced as luxury commodities.
Others may free-bleed to raise awareness of period poverty, lack of goods, and menstruation education. Also, the environment. Waste from disposable menstruation products is substantial.
20 billion pads and tampons end up in North American landfills annually. Period underwear, menstrual cups, and free bleeding lower this figure.
