My period started when I was between the age of 10 and 11, and when the time came I was instinctively given sanitary pads to wear. I was never given any other option. I am now 34, and between this time I’ve moved between tampons and towels/pads based on comfort, however it is only recently that I have found out that there are more environmentally friendly options available.
In 2010, a UK beach clean found on average 23 sanitary pads and nine tampon applicators per kilometre of British coastline. This is because it can take centuries for sanitary pads and tampons to degrade (and even more so when covered in plastic).
This is longer than the lifespan of the person who used it!
With this in mind, it makes me shudder just thinking about how much I may have contributed to this statistic – not to mention the cost. I’ve always been very conscious of trying to live more environmentally friendly. From our cleaning products to our kitchen utensils, we try our best to make sure we recycle and avoid single-use plastics. But this clearly hasn’t always been the case when it comes to period products.
Until now…
Reliable, reusable, and (really) stylish!
As someone who has quite heavy, uncomfortable periods the thought of having to regularly wash bloodied pants and cups sounded exhausting, messy and not to mention expensive, but not only was I being selfish I was wrong. After recently trying out some sanitary pads from Wear ’Em Out my initial thoughts couldn’t be further from the truth.
The average person who periods uses 22 disposable sanitary products per period. That’s 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste on average. Equating to approximately £5,000 in a lifetime on sanitary products.
That’s about the weight of 1,739 blue whales or (if we were being crude), a metric f*ck tonne!
Wear ’Em Out are the home of reliable, reusable and (really) stylish sanitary pads that come in a variety of designs and sizes. Created by Lauren, and produced in the UK, Wear ’Em Out are made of breathable fabrics with double-binding edges. These edges block leaks, while the breathable fabrics allow moisture to evaporate. The less moisture, the less bacteria! Bacteria = Odour. This means no need for perfumes or harmful chemicals!
For our review, we were kindly sent their Lighter Starter Pack (RRP £49.99), which features two mini flow pads, two medium flow pads and two mega flow pads. Out of the selection, two of the pads included as part of the review pack were taken from the limited edition collaboration with Liz Harry, which was kind of them. In addition to this, we were also sent two storage bags. One for at home and one for when you’re out and about.
Collectively, this is what their Pick & Mix pack would look like, just without the different design and larger storage bag. These can be purchased separately.
The pads
Every pad is made using breathable fabrics with double-binding edges. These edges block leaks, whilst the breathable material allows moisture to evaporate. The pads also feature two poppers per pad for extra stability when in use.
How long each pad lasts per day during your period depends on the user and their flow (it will take some getting used to, so you may experience some leakage at the start). Looking at user reviews though, it appears customers change their pad less than when using disposable period products. These pads are also here to use long-term, however their life will depend on how many you have. For example, 12 pads will last longer than if you only have 6.
When you’re finished with each pad, simply rinse them to remove excess blood and either save them up to throw them in the washing machine or hand wash them. The latter obviously saves on water and electricity!
If you do decide to throw your pads in with the rest of your dark coloured laundry (up to 40°C), your usual detergent will be fine. DO NOT use fabric softener, as this will affect the pads absorbency, and make sure they air-dry (or an airing cupboard). You may need to re-stretch when wet, but this is completely normal.
Not just for periods!
Although the main purpose for the pads are for when you’re on your period, you’re also welcome to use them after child-birth as well as for bladder sensitivity and weakness. One of the features I love the most is the option to purchase a ‘first period’ pack for those just starting out.
The accessories
As well as pads, Wear ’em Out also provide bags for different occasions, whether you’re at home or out and about.
During our review we tested out their ‘out and about’ bag as well as their general storage bag. Both bags are made from water proof material, which means for the ‘out and about’ bag especially you won’t experience any leak-through whilst transporting used pads. This bag also features an interior seam so you don’t mix your clean and used pads.
Both bags are generous in size and fits even the heftier pads. What I love about the ‘Out and About’ bag especially is the added poppers on the edge, which means you can make the bag smaller and more compact for travelling.
What I love the most about Wear ’Em Out – apart from their products – is that they’re a wonderfully inclusive brand. On their website they use language that includes all people and, more recently, have featured a diverse range of models to promote their pads. If that’s not enough, you can also gift a pad to refugees in Afghanistan.
Wear ’Em Out ship worldwide, however if you have any further queries check out their handy FAQ section. They also have a blog as well as their own Instagram @WeAreMoutPads, which features tons of useful information and advice for those of you wanting to take the leap into reusable period wear.
As a first introduction to reusable period wear, I’m really impressed. The pads are soft and comfortable to wear – even the thick ones – and they’re easy to wash and re-use over and over. It’s certainly making the transition to environmentally friendly period wear a lot easier!
Disclosure: We were sent the above mentioned items in exchanged for an honest review and promotion on social media. All thoughts, opinions and imagery are our own.
Please note: All prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing.
