1. Period Underwear: The Textile Industry Enters the Sanitary Products Market
In March of this year, a sports goods company announced a partnership with an Australian leak-proof clothing brand to launch a range of leak-proof period underwear and sportswear. This collaboration aims to help women stay comfortable and active during their menstrual cycle. As early as June 2021, a sports brand introduced leak-proof period sports pants to Chinese consumers, offering an extra three-layer leak protection to effectively prevent side leakage during exercise. Going further back to August 2020, a lingerie brand launched China’s first tech-infused period underwear, which can partially replace sanitary pads and can also be used in conjunction with menstrual products.
Both domestic and international brands have designed period underwear using technology that allows these garments to absorb menstrual blood or other secretions, making them reusable. This innovation marks a significant departure from traditional single-use sanitary products.
2. Period Underwear: A Pursuit of Freedom and Eco-Friendliness
Period underwear is designed for women to wear during their menstrual cycle, replacing disposable protection products like tampons or pads. Some women prefer to use them on lighter flow days or as a backup on heavier days.
The structure, appearance, and feel of period underwear are similar to regular underwear—lightweight and non-bulky. However, the crotch area has additional layers and special fabrics to absorb menstrual blood. Most brands use some type of absorbent material, such as microfiber polyester, to handle the blood flow equivalent of one or two tampons. Period underwear typically includes a moisture-wicking layer to keep the skin dry and a layer to prevent leaks or stains. Some brands even incorporate odor control treatments.
Switching to period underwear is not just about comfort and leak prevention. It also aligns with current trends in ecological and economic sustainability. It is estimated that a woman will use about 15,000 sanitary pads in her lifetime. Most sanitary pads are disposed of by incineration, which releases environmental pollutants like dioxins. Additionally, sanitary pads contain non-renewable, non-biodegradable materials, which can damage the soil if harmful substances seep into it.
If period underwear becomes mainstream, the environmental pollution caused by disposable sanitary products could be significantly reduced. In recent years, media reports and campaigns highlighting the environmental impact of disposable tampons and pads have increased consumer interest in reusable sanitary protection products. Brands and retailers are responding to this growing demand.
3. Period Underwear: Proven Reliability
When period underwear first hit the market, many people thought it was just a gimmick and doubted its hygiene and functionality.
Period Underwear Testing
Hohenstein, in collaboration with textile manufacturer Femtech/MAS, developed the FEMTECHMAS-HOHENSTEIN-6513-2022:01 testing method. This method covers the basic requirements for period underwear, providing a benchmark for global brands and offering consumers a credible basis for purchasing decisions.
This testing method specifies the maximum absorbency, re-wetness, and wicking speed of reusable absorbent underwear before leakage. It is applicable to any type of bodily fluid, including but not limited to menstrual blood and urinary incontinence. The FEMTECHMAS-HOHENSTEIN-6513-2022:01 testing standard considers real-life 3D wearing scenarios. Simplified testing methods ensure accurate and repeatable test data based on the fit and wearer match of the underwear. The chosen test parameters (weight, liquid volume, waiting time) are based on average data for fluid activity during wear.
As an internationally recognized textile testing laboratory, Hohenstein can provide customized testing services according to the following standards and individual company needs:
Testing and Standards
- Liquid absorption, intake speed, and liquid release per FEMTECHMAS-6513-1:2022
- Breathability testing
- Harmful substance detection per STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® or regulatory requirements (e.g., REACH)
- Antimicrobial efficacy testing per DIN EN ISO 20743 for relevant bacteria and fungi
- Odor testing via gas chromatography and sensory methods
- pH value of the underwear crotch area
- Biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, and irritation)
- Washability, including color fastness (disinfection at temperatures of at least 60°C)
- Organic cotton GMO testing
In addition to the above tests, further testing items can be developed upon company request, such as stain removal, fit testing, textile labeling regulations, or microfiber release during washing.
By addressing these various concerns and ensuring rigorous testing standards, period underwear is proving to be a reliable, sustainable, and comfortable choice for women globally.
