Menstrual underwear FAQ

The essentials of period underwear

Everything you need to know about menstrual underwear or period panties—the underwear that holds your menstrual flow without risk of leaks during your period. Check out our Complete Guide to Menstrual Underwear for even more info and tips.

What are the best period panties?

The best period underwear On the market, they must be economical, eco-friendly, reliable, locally made, and safe. In short, all the qualities of period pantiesand menstrual thongs and Louloucup menstrual shorts !
The ideal period underwear is a pair you feel good, beautiful, and protected in. The material should be clean (label Oeko tex, organic cottonThe price must be accessible. The underwear you choose should also, and above all, be suited to your menstrual flow (light, moderate, heavy, very heavy). Louloucup rose to the challenge of offering panties with feminine cuts, affordable, while still being very reliable thanks to a super absorbent fabric.

Why switch to period underwear?

Several obvious reasons will convince you to switch to Louloucup period underwear and to give up tampons and pads :
  • For convenience. You put your period panty on in the morning and don’t take it off until evening. You no longer have to change your tampon or pad at regular intervals.
  • For your comfort. The Louloucup period panty is super soft and comfortable—a real pleasure to wear. Much more comfortable than a tampon or pad. Plus, thanks to its highly absorbent fabric, you’ll stay dry for hours.
  • For reliability. With Louloucup period underwear, there’s no risk of leaks or stains. Thanks to its ultra-absorbent fabric, you don’t have to worry!
  • For the planet. With period underwear, you avoid disposable products that add up to a significant amount of polluting waste. Using menstrual underwear is a more responsible, zero-waste choice that’s better for the environment.
  • For your wallet. Period panties last up to 7 years. They pay for themselves quickly. This way, you avoid buying new disposable period products every month and save a lot of money.
  • For your health. The composition of Louloucup period underwear is safe and harmless for your health. Thanks to its clean fabric composition, you have nothing to worry about. Staying dry helps you avoid odors, bacteria growth, and even the risk of toxic shock.

Are period panties thick?

Period underwear is a bit thicker than regular underwear from the lingerie classic. However, the feeling is nothing like a sanitary padThere’s absolutely no “diaper” effect with menstrual panties. Our Louloucup underwear are above all very comfortableYou'll love slipping them on and wearing them. They remain very discreet and thin under clothing.

Why choose period underwear over a tampon or pad?

Period underwear is revolutionizing periods. Here are several reasons to choose Louloucup underwear to a tampon or pad:

  • The clean ingredientsThe Louloucup period underwear is made from safe, certified fabrics. Oeko Tex as well as OCS organic cotton. You avoid exposing your intimate area to tampons and pads with questionable and criticized ingredients that have been under fire for years.
  • It is hygienic. Thanks to its fabric composition, menstrual underwear can absorb and keep your vulva dry. That means no odor or potential bacterial growth. No risk of toxic shock, either.
  • It is eco-friendly. Wearing period underwear is part of a conscious lifestyle choice zero waste. More eco-friendly and sustainable for the planet, this avoids the need for numerous disposable and polluting period products. Loulou panties are washable and reusable several years.
  • It is cost-effective. After just a few uses, period underwear pays for itself. You won’t have to buy tampons or pads every cycle. Good to know: with proper care, period underwear can last for many years (5 to 7 years)! 
  • It is super reliable. With period underwear, no stains, no leaks. Thanks to its ultra-absorbent fabric, nothing to worry about!
  • It’s pretty, female, comfortable and sexy! :)

What size should you choose for period underwear?

Louloucup offers period underwear from the size 34 at the size 46, or from XS or XXXL to reach a larger number of women.
Not sure or feeling hesitant? Check out our Size guide to find the size equivalents between Loulou sizes and hip measurements. If you're between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size.

What makes Louloucup period panties so effective?

The ultra-absorbent area of our panties is made of a fabric that locks in blood without swelling. You’ll stay comfortable and dry for hours! The absorbent area is large, offering full coverage from the front to the back of the panty. We’ve combined layers of fabric that are both absorbent, breathable and waterproofingThis way, the blood is contained—no odor, no dampness, and no leaks!

How do you choose between all the Louloucup underwear?

Our underwear is offered and categorized by menstrual flow: light flow, medium flow and heavy flows.

We recommend choosing several different panties so you can cover your whole period without any issues. If you have a medium flow, your last days are lighter than the first. You’ll need a light-flow panty in addition to medium-flow ones. Also consider a heavy flow underwear for night.

Choose based on your personal taste, but also your lifestyle. Do you like lace? Are you sporty? Do you prefer seamless, discreet underwear? Do you like the tanga style? Shop with us online store !

Take the time to compare models, or check out our dedicated blog posts: Our comparison of the best Louloucup period underwear and How to choose your period underwear?

How many pairs of period underwear should I buy?

Ideally, we recommend a set of five panties so you can stay as comfortable as possible during your period. This way, you can switch styles if you change during the day. You won’t be "stuck" if your previous pair isn’t completely dry after washing. Ultimately, the ideal number of panties depends on your flow and the average length of your period. At Loulou, we offer custom bundles at great prices.

Are period panties suitable for heavy flows?

Yes. Our heavy flow underwear have the absorbency of four to five tampons. For example, the Clara model with its double absorption in the crotch area is ideal for managing very heavy flow or hemorrhagicThe absorbent protection extends from front to back and goes up really high thanks to its high-waisted.

Some women are used to wearing, on their heaviest flow days, a menstrual cup on top of the underwear. It’s also an excellent way to prevent leaks. In addition to period underwear, check out our Loulou menstrual cup offer.

Which period underwear is the most absorbent?

The Clara model is without a doubt one of the best absorbent underwear on the market. It handles heavy flows the very heavy flow or the heavy flows without any problem. Women who experience period especially intense and heavy, particularly due to copper IUD or even just after giving birth during the postpartum will love slipping on these gorgeous high-waisted panties. This style is also perfect for a good night’s sleep without worrying about staining your sheets. Clara period underwear is the top pick. With its absorbency equivalent to 5 tampons, it’s especially effective for central flow with its extended protection from front to back.
Check out our other heavy flow styles for optimal protection: the Fanny modelthe Lou model and the Simone model.

How long can I wear my Loulou period underwear?

It depends on your flow, but also on the absorbency of the underwear. A light flow panty has the capacity of one to one and a half tampons, while a medium-flow underwear absorbs the equivalent of three tampons. The heavy flow period underwearcan absorb up to five tampons’ worth. Depending on your flow, you can wear your underwear all day—up to 12 hours—while staying dry.

The best thing is still to know recognize your menstrual flow to more accurately assess your needs. Check out our blog post to help you, How can you determine your menstrual flow?

Use & Care

When should you throw away your period underwear?

If you follow the care instructions properly, period underwear can last 5 to 7 years (similar to regular underwear). Period underwear shows signs of wear when it no longer absorbs menstrual flow as well as it used to. That means the fabric has lost its absorbency.

Who can wear period underwear?

Absolutely all women, no exceptions! teenagers who are experiencing their first periods, active women, pregnant women, new moms in the postpartum period or Women in perimenopauseAt every stage of life, period underwear—absorbent and comfortable—is a true support, a real ally. Period panties are just as practical and welcome during Spotting or other discharge and secretions. This way you avoid disposable panty linersPeriod underwear can also be used in case of urinary leaks.

Check out our article on the topic: Is a menstrual panty for light flow and spotting a good idea?

Can you wear period underwear overnight?

Yes, of course. We recommend a panty for heavy flow in this specific case. This way, you're fully protected. You can sleep soundly without worrying about staining your sheets or pajamas. Period underwear for heavy flow offers extra-high protection at the front and back. So you can sleep on your stomach without any worries.

How do you wash period panties?

Menstrual underwear is easy to care for. Here are some tips for washing andcare to follow and adopt to extend the life and effectiveness of your period underwear:

  • After wearing it, it’s recommended to rinse the underwear thoroughly withcold water and clear.
  • You can then toss the underwear in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes, using the short cycle at 30°C or 40°C max. Fabric softeners aren’t recommended. To preserve the absorbency of your underwear, avoid harsh chemicals. Long or overly hot wash cycles should also be avoided. To prevent damage to your period underwear in the wash, laundry bag is a good option.
  • Panties should be air-dried.air dry no dryer, no radiator.

As you’ve probably guessed, period underwear doesn’t like heat or harsh, chemical-laden cleaning products. Check out our dedicated blog post for more info: How to wash your period underwear: tips and advice.

What soap should you use to wash period underwear?

We recommend using a non-greasy soap to wash your menstrual panties. Marseille soap or Aleppo soap aren’t the best options. They can leave a greasy film on the fabric and interfere with absorbency. Fabric softeners and chemical stain removers are also not recommended. Period panties are made from technical fabrics that require special care.

Environment / Ecology / Traceability / Transparency

How are Louloucup period panties eco-friendly?

At Loulou, our goal is to offer a quality product without compromising on the environment. That’s why we’re proud to use a organic cotton for the inside of our panties. We prioritize road transport by using air transport for logistics to reduce our carbon emissions. Finally, we ship our panties in recyclable packaging.

What makes Louloucup period underwear a more sustainable and responsible product?

Louloucup period underwear is a menstrual protection product reusable since it is washableThey help us avoid using and accumulating disposable, polluting hygiene products. Period underwear is a perfect fit for a zero-waste approachmore responsible and more eco-friendly. In fact, period underwear can last up to 7 years.

Are Louloucup period panties vegan?

We are committed to offering you fully vegan underwear, with no animal-derived materials. All our products are made without any cruelty to animals, of course.

What are Louloucup period underwear made of?

The inside of all our panties that touches your skin is made of organic cottonWe also find some bambooof theelastane or polyamide mostly on the outside of the panty. Depending on the style, you’ll find plumetis, cotton, or even nylon. Check each product page for detailed fabric compositions.

All our fabrics are regularly tested by independent laboratories to ensure they are non-toxic. This way, we guarantee period lingerie made of fabrics without toxic residues.

Where are Louloucup menstrual underwear made?

80% of our underwear is made in Europe. The main manufacturing center is located in Portugal. In rare cases, we entrust the manufacturing of certain specific models (like the Clara high-waisted double-absorption underwear) to ChinaThe manufacturing workshop is audited and holds ISO 9001 or BSCI certifications.

 

Need more info? No taboos, check out our Complete guide to period underwear!