Primark is the latest store to sell period pants so you can ditch the tampons and pads – but not everyone’s impressed

PRIMARK has become the latest high-street store to sell period pants. 

Joining the likes of Marks & Spencer, the fast fashion retailer says it is “supporting and empowering women” by providing alternatives to single-use period products. 

Primark’s period pants have been hailed “the best things ever” by a Love Island starINSTAGRAM

The retailer says it is committed to “supporting and empowering women”INSTAGRAM

And not only are period pants better for the environment, they’ll save you money by cutting the cost of buying tampons or pads every cycle. 

Experts estimate that the average women will go through up to 10,000 pads or tampons in her lifetime.

That means single-use period products are a significant source of waste, especially considering they’re made with plastics.

Here, Fabulous reveals everything you need to know about switching to period pants and Primark’s bumper collection.

What are period pants? 

Period pants are reusable underwear designed to mimic the function of a sanitary pad by absorbing blood.

They typically have a wider crotch to preventing leakage and ensure maximum absorption.

Period pants are designed built-in absorbent layer that can hold a significant amount of fluid, as well as a moisture-wicking top layer to keep you dry. 

Like tampons and pads, you can pick up period pants in different levels of absorbency. 

Primark’s collection 

Primark has released a 24-product strong collection of period pants – two more than M&S. 

Prices start at £6 for overnight briefs, while the most expensive is a £16 three-pack of Midi Period Briefs. 

There’s also mini briefs, high-waisted boxer-style shorts and even period-friendly sport shorts. 

“Our clever period-proof underwear contains three layers of protection in the gusset, which is wider and longer than it would be in your regular underwear,” Primark bosses said. 

“The top layer wicks moisture and fluid down to the second layer, where it is absorbed. 

“The final fabric layer has a thin, breathable, and waterproof gel to help control any pesky leaks. 

“Our period underwear also uses an anti-microbial treatment to help prevent bacteria, neutralise odours and maintain hygienic freshness.” 

Primark’s period pants have received mixed reviews on social media.

One critic warned that “it feels like you’ve got a nappy on” after they’ve been washed a few times, while others said they were “disappointed” with the quality.

However, some women have praised the design and quality – including Love Island winner Cara Delahoyde-Massey.

She dubbed them “the best things ever” and said she “absolutely swears by them”.

Another fan dubbed the period pants a “game changer” and promised they were “worth the few extra pounds”.

How to use period pants 

As with pads and tampons, how long you wear your period pants depends on personal comfort and how heavy your flow is. 

Primark designed its period pants to last for eight to 12 hours of medium flow – but you may need to change more often if you have a heavy flow. 

To wash them, you should first rinse under cold water before popping in the washing machine. 

As with all clothes, following the care instructions on the label is your best bet. 

However, Primark advises avoiding fabric softener when washing period pants as it can slightly reduce the performance of the absorbent layer. 

Hang them up outside or on a clothes horse indoors once washed and let them air dry completely before wearing again.

What about M&S period pants? 

M&S’ period pants have a third leak-proof layer that designers say “prevents leaks and stains all day”.

The department retailer sells the solution lingerie mostly in packs of three.

The designs include briefs, high-leg knickers, shorts, bikini knickers and even thongs.

The average price of its period pants is £16 for a three-pack, and you can pick the different styles up in a hues of black, pink, nude and grey.