THE PERIOD UNDERWEAR GUIDE
Switching to period underwear can feel intimidating at first. Many people have lots of questions and worries about this kind of protection. Find everything you need to know about our period panties in this guide made just for you!
What is period underwear?
The composition of our period panties
At Louloucup, we offer beautiful period underwear that’s impeccably made and incredibly comfortable.
Our manufacturing workshops are audited on protecting workers’ rights by trusted third-party organizations such as BSCI or AMFORI.
All fabrics used are non-toxic for your health and the environment. The fabrics are certified and approved by various government authorities.
Our underwear is made with multiple layers of fabric to provide you with optimal protection.
The first fabric in contact with your mucous membrane is always organic cotton. The type of cotton used keeps you dry by wicking and guiding blood toward the absorbent layer, making your period underwear very comfortable to wear.
The second fabric layer may have a different composition depending on the panty's absorbency. This layer absorbs blood and odors thanks to its absorbent and antibacterial properties. For medium-flow panties, the panty is made with an absorbent fabric layer.
In our heavy flow collection, The gusset is wider, the absorbent part covers the entire underwear, and we've doubled the protection of the absorbent fabric. This way, Louloucup panties offer you perfect protection.
The final layer is a waterproof, breathable membrane that prevents leaks.
The protection on our panties is quite wide and goes up high in the front and back to minimize the risk of leaks. You can find details on the absorbent area of each panty in its description.
🩸 How do you care for your period underwear?
Taking care of your period underwear is crucial for its longevity. The better you care for them, the longer they’ll last.
How to care for menstrual underwear: the steps
Step 1 - Rinse with clear water:
After using your period panty, if you have a heavy flow, rinse it in cold water to remove the blood from all the fabric layers. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 2 - Washing your period underwear:
When it comes to washing your period underwear, you have two options:
|
Machine washing You can machine wash period underwear at 104°F (40°C). They can be washed with the rest of your laundry. We recommend using a laundry bag to prevent damage and help them last as long as possible! |
Hand washing You can also hand wash your period underwear by scrubbing it with (non-greasy) detergent, then letting it soak in cold water for about thirty minutes. |
To take care of your period underwear, please avoid:
- fabric softener
- fabric softener
- the stain remover
Step 3 – Air dry:
Heat sources reduce the effectiveness of your period underwear, so tumble dryers are a no-go! Instead, let them air dry.
How to care for your period underwear when you're not at home
Having your period while traveling for work, at the office, or on a trip can often be complicated. You might worry about having to change your protection away from home.
Our underwear is designed to provide you with optimal protection all day long. If you have a very heavy or even hemorrhagic flow, we recommend our Clara underwear—it should absorb your flow all day without needing to change. Otherwise, you can wear your period underwear along with our menstrual cup or another traditional protection.
🩸 How to choose your period underwear
Choosing your period underwear based on your flow
When choosing your period underwear, the first question you usually ask yourself is about your menstrual flow.
Every woman is different and flow can change over the years or depending on your contraceptive method. That’s why it’s ideal to have different styles so you’re always well protected throughout your cycle.
Our period underwear comes in different absorbency levels:
- Light flow: absorbs 1 to 1.5 tampons’ worth, generally for the start and end of your period, spotting, and discharge.
- Moderate flow: absorbs the equivalent of 2 to 3 tampons.
- Heavy flow: absorbs the equivalent of 4 to 5 tampons for very heavy or even hemorrhagic periods, and postpartum.
Each of our Louloucup models has its own specific level of absorbency. It’s best to try your period underwear at home the first time you use it. That way, you can make sure you’re using it in the best conditions! We’ve also included a diagram on all our panties showing the details of the absorbent protection.
If in doubt, you can use another period product, such as the menstrual cup.
QWhich Louloucup model should you choose? Brief, thong, period shorty...
At Oh my Loulou, we offer a wide range of styles that look just like traditional lingerie. We we do everything to offer beautiful underwear with impeccable quality. We have a variety of cuts, fabrics, and sizes so there’s something for everyone. Our underwear delivers on its promises and adapts to your cycle and flow.
The models Clara and Fanny are perfect for women with very heavy periods, or in postpartum.
You can then choose from our entire medium flow collection. With protection that comes up high in the front and back, our medium flow panties are also perfectly suited if you sleep on your stomach or if your flow tends to move toward the back.
Those with a light menstrual flow can choose our light flow styles, like our period thong (thongs Chloé). Our light flow models are also perfect for vaginal discharge and spotting.
🩸 How many panties do you need for one menstrual cycle?
Since you need to rinse and wash each used panty, you’ll need several pairs of menstrual underwear. That’s why we offer bundle packs at discounted prices depending on the quantity.
To get started, we recommend having at least 3 pairs of period underwear if you want to use this method exclusively.
Period underwear can protect for up to 12 hours. You should change your period underwear at least twice a day. However, depending on your flow, you might need to change it more often (up to three times a day, especially for heavy or very heavy flows).
To approach your period with peace of mind and easily switch models from day to day, the ideal is is to have a first pack of 5 pairs of period underwear
Why choose period underwear?
Protecting your health
Many people choose to switch to period underwear after learning about the vague composition of tampons and disposable pads.
In fact, various studies have found the presence of chemical compounds in disposable hygiene products: carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, hydrocarbons, etc.
Since period products are in direct contact with mucous membranes, it’s important to use healthy products that are safe for your body. Toxic shock syndrome, for example, occurs when blood stagnates in the vagina. Tampons have been implicated for several years.
To protect your health, period underwear is a powerful ally. While the strain responsible for toxic shock syndrome is present in only 1% of women, prolonged use of internal period products increases the risk of bacterial growth.
Prioritize your comfort
At Louloucup, your comfort is our priority. The cuts of our period underwear are especially well-designed. Before a model is approved and produced, all our panties are tested on different body types and in several sizes. The cut of the panty isn’t the same in XS or XL. Above XL, the models are adjusted and the waist is raised to ensure optimal comfort.
Additionally, the interior of all our panties is made entirely from certified organic cotton. Some period panty styles are made entirely of cotton. Cotton is a natural, soft material that’s comfortable to wear. It doesn’t give you that “plastic diaper” feeling you often get with disposable products.
Save money
Another reason many people choose menstrual underwear is that it’s a much more economical option.
A woman spends about 35 years of her life having menstrual cycles. A menstrual cycle usually happens every 28 days, or about 13 times a year. The yearly cost of disposable period products is therefore significant! It’s estimated that a woman uses about 10,000 disposable period products in her lifetime.
While menstrual underwear represents a significant upfront investment, it lasts for 3 to 5 years. Typically, you'll break even after just 5 to 10 cycles—making it much cheaper than buying disposable products throughout the year!
Are you ready to switch to period underwear? Either way, if you have any questions, our customer service team is always here to help :)
