Party in my pants

No... this post has no sexual connotations or innuendos. I'm talking about menstrual pads. Not the throw away kind. Yeah, you got it, I'm talking re-usable style! Now before you cringe in horror, imagine these funky, chic looking things in your underwear....

I don't know about you, but every month, I throw away a fortune in pads, tampons and the like. I dread each period for the leaks, stains and cash I flush down the toilet (you're allowed to flush the stick ones right?)

I haven't tried them yet, but I will very soon. Concerned for my wallet, our earth, and the embarrassing trip you make each month to the grocery store ( 'cause you know the teenage packing boy is diggin' on your maxi over sized, triple extra large wings while he's putting it in your re-usable tote). 

Of course, you could always make your own re-usable cloth pads, but for those out there like me that are as crafty as american cheese, there are major brands out there offering quite a variety of sizes, colors and designs( some patterns so beautiful, I feel ashamed to use it for my period!)

One such brand is Part in your pants or PIMP. Yes. After you take a look at all the stunning cloth pads they have, you will rightly conclude and agree that, when in use, you got a party in your pants...

They also sell cloth nursing pads! 

They have a vast selection of kits of different sizes. They have organic, flannelette, and cotton ones. They even  have postpartum pads! 

Here are some common concerns about cloth pads, and what PIMP pads have to offer

Do they leak?

Party In My Pants have a waterproof bottom shield that protects against leaks. We use a specially designed high-tech nylon – not PUL (Polyurethane Laminate). This nylon is a breathable fabric with a special hydrophilic layer that allows your body to breath while stopping your period from leaking through.

What's more, PIMP cloth pads are more absorbent than the disposable menstrual products you´re used to. It's virtually impossible to leak through a pad. However if you wear a pad too long, you may leak off the sides. When you first start using PIMPs it´s best to be a little more vigilant about checking your pad. After a few times you´ll be an absorbency pro and will know when to change a pad based on its size.

 I have a super heavy flow. Will PIMPs work for me?

Absolutely! You´ll probably need our Overnight or Queen pads on your heaviest days. PIMP cloth pads are so much more absorbent than disposables; they may even make things easier. More awesome: You'll spend less time changing your pads or tampons and worrying that they'll leak. All women using cloth pads for the first time should be a wee bit more vigilant about checking their PIMP. After a cycle or 2, you´ll be familiar with the absorbency of a particular size and will know when to change it.

In some extreme cases, PIMPs might not be enough. If you have tidal flooding because of menopause or fibroids then you might need to pair your pad with a menstrual cup or sea sponge. No menstrual product – cloth, cup, sponge or disposable – is designed to hold such an amount of fluid by itself.

Can I wear PIMPs with a thong?

You bet. Many women wear PIMP pads with thong underwear. Our narrow pads work best, such as the Mini Liner & Small. If you´re a thong lover with a very heavy flow, you may need to change your pad more frequently since these PIMPs are less absorbent than our larger sizes.

Can people see my pad?

Unless you are wearing skin tight or semi-translucent clothing, it's unlikely that anyone will be able to see your pad. PIMP cloth pads aren't bulky like lots of conventional pads or even other reusables, so you don't have to worry about extra bulge in your pants, skirts, or shorts.

Can I use PIMPs postpartum?

Yes. We recommend our Queen and Overnight pad for postpartum bleeding. New moms report that they change their pads more frequently than during a menstrual period. It's possible that you´ll have to change your pad every few hours during your most heavy postpartum bleeding. Check out the Mama-rama Kit and snag a deal designed just for new moms.

How do I wash & dry my pads?

Washing your pads is as easy as washing any other piece of clothing. Just pop ‘em in the washing machine and toss ‘em the dryer. You can also wash your pads by hand. Some women soak or rinse their cloth pads beforehand, but with Party In My Pants it's really not necessary.

To wash your pads you can use most any detergent, as long as it doesn't contain bleach. We recommend a product called Oxo Brite, an environmentally friendly detergent and stain remover. It works by dissolving proteins so it won't fade your pad’s styling pattern. You'll find Oxo Brite at most health food stores, co-ops, and Trader Joe's. Some women make their own detergent that contains Borax as a cleaning booster. While these homemade types of detergents may be perfectly safe, we don't know the long term effects of Borax on the pad's nylon shield. For that reason, we recommend sticking with a commercial detergent.

There are only two big rules for washing your pads: don’t use super hot water or bleach. Both will damage the waterproof shield and bring about your PIMP’s untimely demise. Stick with warm water and if you want an extra fresh pad, try adding a little plain white vinegar to your wash water.

Drying your pads in the dryer is ideal – just make sure it isn't set on high. High heat can sometimes melt the nylon shield and ruin your pad. Use low or medium heat instead. If you choose to air-dry your pads, know that they won't come out nearly as soft. When fiber is moistened, it relaxes. If it's air-dried in one position, it holds the shape and becomes fixed in that position to some degree. That's why you get that stiff feeling with air-dried clothing: all the fibers are locked in position, whatever position they were dried in. If cloth is agitated as it dries (such as being flopped around in a dryer), it doesn't dry in any one position and is more flexible.

How long is the life span of a PIMP pad?

A PIMP typically lives for 5-7 years under normal use – using a particular pad once per cycle. If you don't typically wash and reuse any pads mid-cycle, your collection will last for years and years. You'll probably be lusting after some new, fabulous pattern long before any of your PIMPs bite the dust. However, a pad's longevity can be shortened if you usually wear and wash a pad more than once during a cycle. Like anything, the more you use it the faster it wears out. But having fewer pads and washing and reusing them more frequently doesn't mean you don't get your $'s worth since your initial investment was smaller. Think about it this way: A pad will last for about 75 washings or 5-7 years – whichever comes first.

 

How much $ will I save by switching to cloth pads?

Click here and get an estimate of how much you will save with cloth pads. From menarche to menopause, women typically bleed for 35 years and disposable menstrual products can cost a woman nearly $3,000 dollars over her menstruating years. If you buy organic disposables, you're probably spending twice as much. That's a trip to Greece! That's a fancy-schmancy bike! Maybe that's money you didn't have in the first place. By switching to Party In My Pants pads, you'll spend a fraction of that amount. Every woman and cycle is different, so click here and get an estimate of how much you will save with cloth pads. Maybe you'll be able to afford a few more student loan payments or keep yourself in a lifetime supply of chocolate.

 I don't think I can handle washing my pads. Isn't that a lot of extra work?

Washing your PIMPs might seem like a drag if you've never tried it, but it's really simple. PIMP pads don't need any special treatment. The best way to wash your pads is to pop 'em in the washer and toss 'em in the dryer.

Don't get around to doing laundry as often as you’d like? No problem. You don't have to wash your pad the moment you’ve finished using it. Just snap 'em up and throw 'em in the hamper. Wash your PIMPs whenever you happen to do laundry next. Now with all the anxiety that’s floating around about menstrual blood, it might seem a little odd at first. But this routine is tried, true, and the ladies of Party In My Pants swear by it.

Do you use cloth pads? Are they home made or bought online? Which brands do you recommend?