WUKA Period Pants Review – Making Periods More Comfortable and Sustainable *

AD | Wake Up and Kick Ass. Not something most women and girls feel like doing when their period arrives, is it? Having started her periods nearly 3 years ago at the age of 11, our teenage daughter has many years of painful cramps and heavy flows ahead. Plus, the added stress of worrying about leaks while at school, on sleepovers, or on holiday. So, the opportunity to try some WUKA period pants recently couldn’t have come at a better time.

Who are WUKA?

If by some chance you’ve not heard of WUKA, the name stands for ‘Wake Up Kick Ass’ because they believe nothing should hold us back on our periods. Which I think is absolutely brilliant. Founded in 2017, the female-led start up, made the UK’s first ever reusable and leak-proof period wear.

WUKA believes periods shouldn’t cost the earth – neither financially nor literally. Equality, social, and environmental responsibility are at the heart of everything they do to ensure sustainable lifestyles are accessible to all.

How do they do this? By replacing plastic-riddled disposable pads and tampons with super comfortable and sustainable period underwear. They’re vegan and cruelty free, and only use recycled card and compostable corn starch for their packaging.

And I love their ethos, that periods are something to be proud of, and we should celebrate our bodies’ unique capabilities, breaking down body and period taboos. Something that feels especially appropriate for teenagers who are facing more pressures than ever these days.

What is Period Underwear?

Period underwear looks just like normal underwear – from hipster briefs to high-waisted bikini cuts and thongs. The material is formulated to be absorbent, neutralise odours, prevent leaks, and wick away moisture. Whether you experience a super heavy period, heavy flow, medium flow, or light flow, reusable period pants can hold anywhere from 1 to 12 tampons’ worth of blood.

WUKA Period Pants Review

Our daughter has been wearing WUKA period pants ever since July 2022, when we purchased a 5-pack of WUKA Basics™ Hipster – Heavy flow, size Medium before we went abroad. Having experienced frequent leaks at night during the first few days of her cycle even with night-time pads, and not wanting to try tampons, we didn’t want to be worrying about how to wash bed linen on our first post-lockdown holiday. Comfortable, stretchy, supportive, and leak-proof, her WUKA Hipsters were a game-changer, and we had a blissfully worry-free holiday.

18 months later, the Hipsters are still comfy but she’d begun experiencing leaks at night during the first few super heavy flow days of her cycle. So, we decided to upgrade. Happily, WUKA contacted me first, and sent over a 5-pack of their WUKA Ultimate™ Midi Brief – Super Heavy size Medium for her to try. Once again, they’ve been fantastic. Every bit as comfortable as her Hipsters (which she now wears on lighter days), her new period pants have completely stopped any leaks. So, no more worries at school, parties, or trips, much to her relief and mine.

WUKA Period Pants – FAQs

But WUKA period pants don’t just look and feel good, they’re practical, eco-friendly, and cost-effective too. Especially bearing in mind how much pads and tampons cost these days, despite the recent win of abolishing period tax. So, let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions and myths around WUKA period pants.

How Do WUKA Period Pants Work?

Super layers (!) and a high-rise gusset both front and back. The outer layers are moisture-wicking to keep you feeling dry, and the middle layers absorb and lock in the blood. Both layers are leak-proof, breathable, with antibacterial properties (silver and PFA free) to prevent odour and bacteria build up.

Because all fluid is kept away from your body, leaving little chance for bacteria to grow and reducing the chance of developing an infection, your vagina’s pH levels remain stable.

Reusable period pants are 100% safe for all ages and all stages of life to use too, unlike tampons which can still carry the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Lastly, WUKA period pants are super easy to use, which is an absolute bonus for my daughter. No more having to hide pads up her sleeve at school, or pleading to be allowed to go to the toilet during a lesson, and being too embarrassed to explain why.

What Are WUKA Period Pants Made Of?

WUKA uses organic cotton, Tencel Modal (made from sustainable beech trees) and Econyl (made from plastic waste from our oceans). Tercel Modal fibres are biodegradable and compostable so they can be returned to the earth when you’ve finished with them.

And their period pants are chemical, fragrance, and bleach free, unlike many disposable tampons and pads, which can be upsetting for vaginal health. It’s also why they only come in one colour: black, using the absolute minimum amount of dye possible.

How to Care For Your WUKA Period Pants

When you’re ready to change your pants, give them a quick rinse before washing. Tip: our daughter enjoys stomping on them during her morning shower! But if you’re not so keen on this idea, rinse them under a cold tap instead.

Then you can pop them in your washing machine with similar, dark coloured garments at 30 to 40 degrees, ideally in a mesh wash bag to help prolong their life and efficacy. Don’t use fabric conditioner though as it reduces their absorbency.

Can You Tumble Dry WUKA Period Pants?

No, you shouldn’t tumble dry your period underwear as it affects the absorbency and integrity of the materials. It’s best to air dry them, either on a washing line outside or indoors on an airer. Tip: if you’re going abroad on holiday, leave them to dry in the sunshine in the morning and they’ll be ready to wear by the evening.

How Long Do WUKA Period Pants Last?

If you look after them, as outlined above, they should last up to 2 years. Which is pretty good going, don’t you think?

How Long Can You Wear WUKA Period Pants? Is It OK to Wear WUKA Period Pants All Day?

WUKA recommends not wearing your pants for more than 12 hours for hygiene reasons, although you can wear them for up to 24 hours if necessary. Tip: they’re brilliant for travelling.

Should I Size Up or Down in WUKA?

My daughter found them true to size, but some of the online reviewers have found them a little snug. So, if you’re not sure, we’d suggest sizing up.

How Many Pairs of Period Pants Do I Need?

It depends how heavy your flow is and how long your periods tend to last. Those of you with light periods who bleed for 3-4 days won’t need as many as those who experience much heavier flows and bleed for 7-10 days. WUKA suggest that for one period you need around 5-7 pairs of pants – which you will wash, dry and re-use

Tip: based on my daughter’s experiences, we opted for a 5-pack of Ultimate™ Midi Brief – Super Heavy flow to complement her existing 5-pack of Basics™ Hipster – Heavy flow period pants.

Do You Still Wear Pads With Period Pants?

It’s up to you. WUKA Period Pants were created to replace pads and tampons, but if you feel more confident in wearing a pad as well, that’s your choice. Although, in the interests of sustainability, we’d suggest you’re better off investing in some pants designed for a heavier flow instead.

Can You Swim in WUKA Period Pants?

Period pants aren’t designed for swimming but guess what, WUKA have a whole range of period swimwear to choose from too!

Can You Use WUKA Period Underwear for Urinary Incontinence or Post-Partum Bleeding?

Yes, WUKA say their period underwear can be used for many purposes from periods to post-partum discharge, endometriosis flow, and bladder leaks.

Are Period Pants Sustainable?

Yes, indeed they are. Consider this: every year in the UK, 200,000 tonnes of disposable pads and tampons are sent to landfill, with nearly all of this being non-recyclable. Single-use tampons and pads contain up to 90% plastic – bad news also for our oceans, seeing as up to 2 billion menstrual products are flushed down the loo each year too.

According to WUKA, when you use one pair of their period pants, you’re saving 100 tampons from going to landfill. That’s a staggering statistic, isn’t it? So, by buying one pair of period pants, you can make a real difference to our planet.

And don’t forget, they can be used for around 2 years before they need replacing, at which point you can return them to your local clothing recycling centre where they’ll biodegrade.

Why is Period Underwear So Expensive?

I know there’s a preconception that period pants are expensive, but I don’t think that’s correct. Environmental costs aside, when you consider you’re buying something that’s going to last you up to 2 years, rather than forking out for packs of single use items every month, that myth doesn’t really stack up. And let’s not forget that you could well end up throwing out your usual underwear (and even bedlinen or clothes) due to staining too.

So, while period pants may seem more costly upfront, over the longer term they’re actually much more cost effective. Take a look at this detailed breakdown of costs, which is well worth a read.

And now there’s ZERO tax on all period pants, so they’re even better value! Plus, WUKA have a 40-day return policy – meaning that you can try a pair and if for any reason you decide they’re not for you, you can return them for a full refund. What’s not to like?

Are WUKA Period Pants Good?

I SO wish WUKA had been around when I was my daughter’s age, they would have made my periods immeasurably more comfortable, easier, and less embarrassing. I’m actually quite envious of her now! But in answer to the question as to whether WUKA Period Pants are worth it, I’ll let her answer that:

“They’re really comfortable and easy to wear. They’re not bulky, like sanitary pads, and they look good under all my clothes, including my leggings. They keep me dry too, even during PE lessons. And they’re so much better for our environment, as well as your wallet, Mum!”

In terms of comfort, security, sustainability, and peace of mind, I couldn’t ask for more. Our daughter says she’ll never go back to single use pads or tampons now. We’re huge WUKA fans and are convinced period pants are a worthwhile investment. If you’ve made it to the end of this review, thank you! And now, over to you – have we convinced you? What do you think?

Have you tried anything from the WUKA range before? Do you use any period underwear or period swimwear? Would you, or someone you know, like to try some WUKA period pants now?

* This is a sponsored post and features gifted items – please see my Disclaimer for more details.