Be it reusable period panties or disposable ones, period panties are having a real moment. And this isn’t just hype. As per research, around 20% of menstruators already use period underwear. It might not sound like a big number, until you remember that period panties have only been commercially available for about 15 years.
What’s interesting is that the idea itself isn’t new at all. As early as the 19th century, people experimented with rubberised underwear to manage menstrual flow. They were stiff, sweaty and deeply uncomfortable, but they sowed the seed for this modern innovation. And once genuine solution-oriented research and development caught up, period panties finally became wearable, reliable and mainstream.
In fact, for many women, it is love at first sight. Data shows that among people who change their menstrual product, period panties are often one of the most commonly adopted options. Many say it’s because period panties feel more dependable and reduce the need for constant changing, especially on heavier or longer bleed days.
But, as period panties have evolved, so have the options. Some are designed to be worn once and disposed of, while others are made to be washed and reused. Each approach solves a slightly different problem. So the question isn’t which one is better, it’s what actually works for your flow, your routine and your life.
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And that’s where the disposable vs. reusable conversation really begins. Let’s draw out some scenarios to explore this debate.
Scenario #1: You’re out and about, at work or on vacation, and your period panties are full.
If you are wearing a reusable pair, things get complicated fast. You can’t just take them off and magically teleport them home. You have to fully remove your shoes and trousers just to get them off. Then, technically, you need to rinse the blood out (in a shared sink in the office or hotel? No thanks!). And even if you skip the rinse, you have to wrap that damp, used underwear and carry it around for the rest of the day. That can be a smelly ordeal.
With disposable period panties, the script is much simpler. You head to the stall, tear the sides, roll it up, toss it in the bin and slip on a fresh one. Three minutes later, you’re back at your desk or back on your adventures.
Plus, Nua’s Disposable Period Panties work seamlessly with all your fits. They’re non-bulky and seamless, so there’s no bunching or visible lines under pants, skirts or dresses. For a full guide on styling outfits while wearing period panties, head here.
Scenario #2: You’ve come home from a long day, and now you have to do laundry, especially while battling cramps.
With reusable period panties, laundry needs a bit more planning. Most pairs need to be rinsed first to get the blood out before they can go into the machine. Some people prefer washing them separately or with darker clothes, which means extra steps, extra cycles or waiting for the right load. If you live alone, dealing with period pain or have just come home after a long day, the last thing you want is extra chores piling up.
With disposable period panties, laundry isn’t part of the equation at all. You wear them, dispose of them and carry on. So if keeping laundry simple matters to you, disposable ones may fit more easily into your everyday routine.
Scenario #3: You’re trying to save up some money or cut costs.
Reusable period panties are an investment. They usually cost ₹400 to ₹1500 per piece. But a good one can last 3-5 years, which means you’re using the same panty across hundreds of periods.
When you do the math, reusables end up being the more cost-saving option over time. The only real catch with reusables is the upfront cost. You usually need multiple pairs. One to wear, one in the wash and one drying. That means spending a few thousand rupees, all at once.
For someone trying period panties for the first time, that’s a big commitment, especially when you’re not even sure you’ll like them. And for many people, dropping that much money at once just isn’t easy. In those cases, disposables make sense as a pay-per-use option.
Scenario #4: You’re travelling or running errands without access to a bathroom.
You’re commuting, travelling or running errands back-to-back, and there’s simply nowhere to change. Whatever you’re wearing, you’re in it for the long haul.
With reusable period panties, this can start feeling uncomfortable as most of them rely on layers of fabric (like cotton or bamboo) to absorb flow. While they are really absorbent, they don’t always lock liquid away instantly, meaning you are essentially sitting in damp fabric. This can make them feel like wet swimwear, heavy, cold and unhygienic.
Most disposable ones will avoid this completely. For example, Nua’s period panties come with an ultra-absorbent core, known for its 4x higher absorbency. This not just absorbs but literally locks in the flow, keeping the surface touching your skin bone-dry.
For heavy flow days or for long wear, disposable panties can really be your go-to. More on that here.
Scenario #5: You’re looking for a more sustainable choice.
One well-made pair of reusable panties can last 3-5 years, replacing hundreds of single-use products in the process. That’s fewer products manufactured, fewer resources used and far less waste generated over time. From a sustainability lens, reusables are a lower-impact choice.
So if sustainability is high on your priority list, and you’re okay with the washing, drying and long-term care that comes with it, reusable period panties are the more planet-friendly option.
Scenario #6: You care about how your underwear looks and feels.
You know when you put on a really good pair of underwear and suddenly you feel confident, comfy, a little sassy, like you could low-key take over the world? Yeah. That feeling.
With reusable period panties, that vibe can change over time. After repeated wear and washes, staining or discolouration can start showing up, especially around the crotch area. It’s just biology doing its thing. Fabric can also stretch, fade or feel paper-stiff with use.
They’re still safe to wear, of course. But if stains, fabric ageing, or a slightly off fit make you feel less excited about wearing them, that’s valid. Feeling good in your underwear matters.
Luckily, with disposables, this isn’t a problem. You wear it once, bin it, done. Staining? Fabric ageing? Not your problem. Every cycle comes with fresh, clean, pristine panties.
Scenario #7: You want sound, leak-proof sleep after a long and tiring day.
You finally get into bed after a long, long day on your period. Your body is tired, your cramps are cramping and all you want is to find that perfect no-leak position so you can maybe, just maybe, rest.
The last thing you want is to wake up to stains or leaks.
Both reusable and disposable period panties have your back here. With absorbent cores and 360-degree leakage proofing, they keep you leak-free even if you toss and turn. Plus, they handle heavier flow better than regular pads and give you peace of mind to actually try to sleep.
However, the beauty of disposables does shine on you in the morning. You don’t have to rinse anything while half awake or running late. You just take it off, toss it and go. Reusables will need a rinse in the morning. Not exactly a fun way to start your day.
But if your only concern is leaks, then yes, overnight either option works. You twist, turn, sleep, wake up and move on without leaks or stress.
Scenario #8: You’ve sensitive skin and are prone to itching or rashes down there.
For sensitive skin, period products can sometimes feel like a gamble. Reusable panties might start off soft and comfy, but over time, repeated washing can make the fabric stiff. Not very sensitive skin-friendly.
Plus, if you don’t rinse out every bit of detergent or softener during the wash, the chemical residue left in the fabric can trigger irritation the next time you wear them.
On the flip side, disposable period panties like Nua’s are designed with sensitive skin in mind. They’re 100% chemical-free, with no fragrance or irritants, and feature a super soft topsheet that feels gentle on your skin from start to finish.
You don’t really have to pick a side
One of the smartest ways to manage your period might just be to become a hybrid user. Reusable period panties are often treated like a savior product, much like menstrual cups. After all, they’re not single-use. But the truth is, they do come with some downsides. Think about the extra washing, planning around laundry and sometimes dealing with permanent stains.
That’s where disposables can step in. You can wear your trusty reusables on lighter days when you’re chilling at home (saving money and the planet!), and then switch to Nua’s disposables for heavy-flow days, office, travel or sleepovers where convenience is non-negotiable.
It’s not about being team disposable or team reusable. It’s about building a period toolkit that actually works for your schedule that day. If you want to mix in pads, cups, or tampons too, go for it. Honestly? The best product is whatever makes your period suck a little less.
And if you’re tempted to try a period panty but have a specific worry, ask away below! No TMI here, we’re here to decode it all with you.
