Reusable Menstrual Pads, Mama Cloths, Cloth Period Pads, Moon Pads, Moon Cloth, Cloth Sanitary Pad, or as one UK news article humorously called it, a “Fluffy Vagina Blanket’; whatever you call it, they are becoming more and more popular. It’s time for you to find out the best reusable pads.
| Product | Type | MY Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
Willow Pads Cloth Menstrual Pad  | Organic |  | My Review |
Menstrual Pads by Heart Felt  | Heavy Flow |  | My Review |
Hesta Organic Cotton Pantyliners  | Last Day Spotting |  | My Review |
Pink Daisy Stay Dry Feminine Pads  | For Teens |  | My Review |
Period Starter Kit Set by Luna Cup  | Light to Medium Flow | | My Review |
Contents
In this guide, you’ll see an overview of some of the best menstrual pads, what they are made of and how to choose the best period pads. And, yes, we know there are tons of them out there, but it will be easy to pick once you get to know what to look for.
Why use reusable cloth pads, to begin with?
Comfort
Reusable pads, also sometimes called ‘Mama Cloths’ are made from cloth with no abrasive paper, synthetic matter or added chemicals that can trap moisture and cause rashes or chafing. They feel like your clothes feel. It is a more natural feel.
They Cost Less
Compared to disposable pads, they are cheaper in the long haul. They can be reused for 5 to 10 years. Reusable pads cost more to buy in the beginning, but since you are not buying a box every month they eventually end up saving money.
They Reduce the Effect on the Environment Greatly
Not only do they allow you to avoid throwing away so much waste, they take fewer resources to manufacture than the synthetic plastics and paper that disposable diapers are made from.
Attractive and Fun Designs
Frankly, once you see the variety of colors, shapes and fun patterns, disposable pads just don’t compare. They come in a huge, mind-boggling variety so you can buy them in a shape and style that you love.
If you have not seen the variety, you are in for a shock. Patterns range from tame flowers, hearts, sugar and spice variety to skulls, cartoon characters and psychedelic designs. Literally, there is something for every woman from the patterns available.
Fabrics used to make Reusable Pads
Before we even think about moving to the reviews of some of the best menstrual pads out there, you have to know the material they’re made out of.
Fleece
Soft and comfortable, but not the most absorbent. Fleece may leave a sensation of wetness. You will be able to feel the fluid. Fleece does not hold on the fluid, so it will eventually seep through the fabric if the flow is heavy.
Fleece is somewhat bulky and can result in thicker pads. Fleece is synthetic, so for ladies wanting to stay natural, avoid fleece. Some pads also use a waterproof fleece as the protective barrier layer to prevent leaks.
Flannel/Woven Cotton
You can feel the fluid, but once it absorbs, it holds on to it and does not seep through as much as flannel. Woven cotton and flannel make for a low profile pad, so if you are looking for a thin pad, they are often made with this type of material.
Cotton Velour
Cotton can be made into a super soft velour and is quite soft and comfortable. Cotton can be prone to staining so give it a cold rinse before washing so you don’t set the stain. A natural fiber that is very absorbent.
Mink/Minky Velour
A super soft synthetic material that is a favorite of many because it is so soft. It is not the most absorbent, but it is very comfortable. It can get hot, but it is very durable.
Bamboo/Bamboo Velour
Happens to be very absorbent. Bamboo can be made into velour and be made comfortable enough to feel like wearing panties. The velour does not wear as well as other materials. Bamboo is also a natural fiber for ladies who want to avoid synthetic material like Polyester.
Bamboo is somewhat prone to staining so give it a rinse in cold water before washing. Bamboo is also naturally antibacterial. Bamboo is easy to find, natural, inexpensive, sustainable, and almost as absorbent as hemp.
Hemp
The most absorbent and long lasting. Hemp WILL shrink in the wash, so be aware of that when selecting a size. Hemp can be made into a luxurious velour and is a favorite because it is a natural fiber, very sustainable, inexpensive, durable, absorbent and soft.
PUL
This is a synthetic fabric material used in many pads. It has a plastic-y side and a soft cotton side. The soft side usually sits on the outside where the pad meets your panties. The plastic side is on the inside of the pad so you don’t see it.
This material protects against leaks the best. A must have on heavy flow days. Great for women on the go or on the job.
Period Pad shapes, features, and other important considerations
- Absorbency
You will likely need a variety of sizes and absorbency of reusable pads, just like you do with disposable pads. Each cloth pad maker uses their own rating system, so a little trial and error might be necessary, but the absorbency is usually similar to the ratings of disposables.
- Wings
Wings come in a variety of shapes. Long rectangle wings protect your panties but can add bulk. Some wings are simply small triangles, meant to secure the pad, but offer no additional protection. There are also long wings that offer extra panty protection.
- Flares
Some pads are flared at the front, back or both, to provide extra coverage. Other pads are narrower. You need to find what works for you, based on your personal flow pattern and preference.
- Inserts
Some pads are all in one design, while others use inserts that you can use to customize your absorbency. These are usually thin narrow strips of fabric made from an absorbent material that fit in a pocket of pouch sewn into the pad.
- Length
Every manufacturer makes a different length pad, and the styles and absorbency they offer will have different lengths. You need to experiment to see what works for you. If you currently use a disposable that you like, take its measurements to use as a guide when you are selecting cloth pads.
- Thickness
Different materials have different thicknesses, and some pads have more layers than others. In general, the fleece and velour have more bulk, whereas woven cotton is thinner. Naturally, inserts and pads designed for the heavy flow will be thicker.
Cloth pads are thicker than disposables, regardless of absorbency.
- One snap or two?
Some pads have one snap, while other pads have two. Extra snaps may make a wing larger or the pad bulkier, but two snaps hold the pad more securely to the panties.
How to Use a Cloth Pad
- Start with snug undies. Reusable cloth pads use snaps instead of adhesive, so good fitting snug panties are part of the program and help keep the pad in place.
- Use a pad that is rated for your flow. Panty liners for very light flow or everyday protection. There are medium flow pads, heavy flow pads, and night time pads. Each maker has their own rating, and the ratings are similar to those of disposable pad makers.
- Put the pad in your panties. This is actually the confusing part. Why? Because some pads are meant for the pattern to face up, while others fleece, plain side or velour face down. It depends on how the pad is designed. One thing is for sure they only snap properly one way, and the snaps should be on the bottom or underside of your panties.
- Fasten the snaps and put your panties on. You are good to go.
Hint – if the pad has a label, the label will face down. If the pad has stitching, like an embroidered pattern, or lines sewn down the middle, the stitching will face up. And you thought you knew how to use a pad. Ha!
Tips and tricks for the use and care of Reusable Period pads
- Rinse the pad with cold water. Hot water will set a blood stain.
- Use peroxide or oxy type cleaner to lift a blood stain. Oxy cleaners and hydrogen peroxide are very effective on blood. Conventional chlorine bleach will wear the fabric faster and cause fading or worse.
- If you can’t clean the pad right away, like you are at work, moisten the pad slightly to keep the stain from setting until you can get home. Don’t overdo it, you don’t want it leaking. Also be sure you have a waterproof wet bag to store used pads.
- To dry the pad, hang in the sun if possible. The sun is a natural antibacterial force, plus it saves energy.
Top 10 Reusable Menstrual Pads Reviews 2018
Best period pads overall
This would have to be one of Miss Coty’s personal favorites – very comfy for regular flow, everyday use.
PlushPad Minky Cloth Pad, Medium Flow, Set of 4 by Talulah Bean
The PlushPad features the super comfy minky top, organic cotton absorbent layers, and a waterproof fleece backing. The pad is 9.5 inches long. The pad has an adjustable snap, so it accommodates wider and thinner panties.
Pros
- Adjustable snaps.
- Super comfy minky top.
- Stays in place.
Cons
- Can leak with a heavy flow.
Conclusion
Super comfortable and soft, but perhaps not the choice for super heavy flows.
Best reusable Organic menstrual pads
The title says it all – it’s as organic as it gets. For ladies with highly sensitive skin.
WillowPads Cloth Menstrual Pads Organic Cotton
The Willow pad features a hemp core which is super absorbent while being very thin. This pad comes with an organic cotton shell, and a hemp insert. These pads are 9” long and come with one snap.
Pros
- Super absorbent hemp core.
- Black color hides stains.
- Completely 100% certified organic.
Cons
- Not too many colors to choose from.
Conclusion
One of the best period pads for heavy flows, all while being totally organic. The only thing to keep in mind – while black color really does hide stains, it also might seem like there’s not that much blood on the pad when in reality it’s on the verge of overflowing.
Best pads for heavy periods
Heavy flow time can be a challenging time for women. Finding the best pads for heavy flow usually involves finding a pad with a waterproof backing, such as PUL, to give you the security you deserve.
Sanitary Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads by Heart Felt
These pads come in a friendly number of 5 – great for the whole week! They have a charcoal layer, which is said to be very absorbent and hypoallergenic (sensitive skins out there – these pads are for you)
The length is 7″ by 12.2″ inches.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin.
- A charcoal layer is said to help with odor.
- Nice design.
- Super soft.
- Great absorbency.
- Best pads for heavy flow.
Cons
- The pad backing can be slippery.
Conclusion
This pad is one of the best pads for heavy periods we found thanks to its length and absorbency from the materials that it is made out of. So it’s also definitely one of the best reusable pads for night.
Best Pad for Light Flow Overnight
Nights are a tricky time, especially during that time of the month, because leakage can occur even during your last days of menstruation. Here is a good option to prevent that.
Love My Antibacterial Bamboo fiber Mama Cloth/ Menstrual Pads
This is a pad for women who need extra length. The pad is 12 inches long, with a bamboo outer and micro fleece core. This pad has one snap, and is great for overnight wear on a normal flow day because it is extra long and the wings are also long, protecting the panties.
One of the best period pads we reviewed.
Pros
- Extra long, with long wings.
- Bold fun patterns.
- Bamboo shell.
Cons
- No plastic liner.
Conclusion
Overall, would recommend this as one of the top choices to consider when searching for your very own best reusable pad for night, obviously because of the length.
Best Reusable Panty liner
So it’s the very last day when you only get a few drips of blood (literally, few), but you don’t want to wear a thick pad or wash the long, thick pad because of a few little drips? Well, there are reusable panty liners as well. Take a look!
Hesta Organic Cotton Reusable/Washable Cloth Pantyliners
These 100% organic cotton panty liners are 7” long and have an adjustable snap so they work with smaller panties.
Pros
- They are small and thin and work great as panty liners.
- They are 100% organic cotton with just the right amount of absorbency.
Cons
- The pads are on the stiff side.
Conclusion
Overall, we love these as the best reusable panty liners. Why? Not only you can use them for the last day of your period, but you can also use these BEFORE your period when you don’t want to be spontaneously surprised with Ms. Flow staining your pants. In public, with no bathroom in sight.
We thought the stiffness should be mentioned, but, personally, we don’t like the non-reusable panty liners – their softness makes the panty liner move and ruffle up.
Bamboo & Cotton/PUL Reusable Cloth Pads Panty Liners Light Days
These Earth Girl panty liner pads are 8 inches long with a bamboo outer shell, cotton core and a PUL wetness barrier. They are small enough to use as a panty liner or back up for a menstrual cup, but can also be worn as a light day pad.
They stay in place and are comfortable enough to use while working out. The Earth Girl pads are some of the best menstrual pads out there.
Pros
- Small, 8” size.
- ZORB cotton core is very absorbent.
Cons
- The wings do not offer much protection, but they are meant to be panty liners, not heavy flow pads.
Conclusion
One of the best reusable panty liner for exercise. When you know you’ll have a yoga class tomorrow, but you also know that all of the stretching and muscle tension gets the last of Ms. Flow out of your body – then these are perfect. Securely stay in their place while you can work out as a mad woman since estrogen levels start to rise after menstruation.
Best pads for tweens
Tweens are the part of our sisterhood that is just starting out with the monthly red, messy monster. Down below is a simple answer for a tween on her first period.
Dahlia Cloth Reusable Feminine Menstrual Pads Small
These Dahlia Cloth pads come in size Small, Medium and Large. The small is good for tweens because it is 8.5 inches long so it will fit smaller teens.
The PUL waterproof layer will give a teen more confidence against embarrassing leaks. It has a soft fleece top for comfort.
Pros
- Two lines of stitching on the top act as canals, to feel the flow toward the center of the pad.
Cons
- For some teens who just got their period, who aren’t still confident, 8.5” might seem a size too short.
Conclusion
Perfect for a first time period experience! Simple, easy to use – is there anything else needed to put these under the category of one of the best reusable pads for tweens?
Best pads for teens
Pink Daisy Stay Dry Washable Feminine Menstrual Pads
These Pink Daisy Stay Dry pads are one of the best menstrual pads for teens because they are 8” long and have a laminate bottom layer to guard against leaks, and the embarrassment they may potentially have.
They are also thin, not bulky, an important consideration for a fashion conscious teen. Outer made from 100% polyester Powder dry material.
Pros
- Laminate outer layer.
- Short length.
Cons
- Only one snap, not adjustable.
- Be careful to check the size. The smalls are 8’ inches long, but the large is a whopping 13”, which may not be ideal for a teen.
Conclusion
Not bulky, which ensures the teen not to feel like she is wearing a diaper.
Although – caution when buying these ones – if it runs in the DNA to have heavy flows early on, the 13”will be also perfect!
Best Period pads for light to medium flow
Due to the length of the pads, these will be the ideal choice for women with a light to medium flow, also good for tweens.
Charlie Banana Washable Reusable Super Feminine Menstrual Pads
Charlie Banana is such a cute name and these reusable menstrual pads in butterfly print are adorable. They feature two snaps, so they stay in place.
These pads have two stitched rows, to direct flow toward the center. They are made with synthetic material so they wash and wear well. The super absorbency are 10 “ long, an average, but not short length, good for everyday light to medium flow.
The regulars are only 8” and the liners are 6.5, if you are looking for shorter pads, this company has them.
Pros
- Polyurethane waterproof layer to keep you secure and leak proof.
- Two snap design to keep panties in place.
Cons
- May be too small for some women.
Conclusion
Overall, this brand runs short, which cuts down on coverage, but may be just what some women are looking for.
Period Starter Kit Set Reusable Washable Menstrual Cloth Pads
This period kit from the makers of the LUNA cup includes 4 pads and a wet bag. The pads are a reasonable 9.5”, not too long nor too short. They are bamboo, microfiber and PUL outer.
These pads also have two sewn rows to direct flow towards the center. They are good everyday pads for light to medium flow. One of the best reusable menstrual pads.
Pros
- Bamboo superabsorbent outer.
- PUL waterproof backing.
- Sewn rows to direct flow.
- Includes wet bag.
Cons
- May be too short for heavy flow days.
- Only one snap.
Conclusion
If they produce menstrual cups, as well as reusable pads – we think it qualifies these as one of the best reusable menstrual pads – soft, secure, comfortable, high quality.
Well, there you have it. This info should give you an idea of what to look out for when searching for the best reusable period pads. We hope you find the reusable pad that works best for you.
