Reusable Sanitary Wear Review – M&S Period Pants
Mel Newton
Throughout my work with the SuPer Project I’ve heard A LOT about the M&S period pants, through conversations with people while out an about. Most of these comments have been fairly promising especially when it comes down to comfort and affordability, so I felt it only right that I looked at these for this month’s blog post.
The first thing that really struck me about these pants was the affordability of them, coming from a working-class background I’d always perceived M&S to be a pricier yet good quality brand. I managed to pick up a multi-pack of 3 Heavy Flow, full brief period pants in their Nottingham City Centre store for £22. Considering some brands charge this price per individual pants you’re off to a pretty good start with this price. The pants come in 3 different flow sizes (Light, Medium and Heavy) as well as a choice between full brief or mini brief. It is important to note here that there is some price variation for larger sizes.
I’ve been using these pants for a few months now; I tend to switch it up on my period between pads and pants depending on my flow and what I’m up to. There are many things that make me see why these pants have had such glowing reviews. Firstly, they are incredibly comfortable and convenient, especially at night-time or if you’re just pottering around the house. However, they aren’t always so great when out and about, firstly, if you are out in public, it’s not easy to change your underwear without fully stripping off. Secondly, as great as the dark colour is for keeping the pad clean, it can be hard to tell if they need changing until your already leaking. Something I discovered the hard way when moving house. I’m not someone who considers myself to have a particularly heavy flow, particularly as reusable pads will often last me all day, however I found myself leaking by lunchtime in these pants, which is an absolute nightmare when you’re in the middle of moving house. Plus, the fact that I was wearing heavy flow pants at the time was a little concerning. Now it is important to note that this hasn’t happened again with these pants and therefore this could have been an anomalous event, however I also found myself changing how I used them going forward, focusing on wearing them mostly at home or when I had a lighter flow.
So, what are they made out of?
According to the label the M&S period pants are made from the following: 39% Cotton, 38% Modal, 13% Polyamide and 10% Elastane/Spandex, with the gusset being made out of (54% Polyester, 46% Elastomultiester) (83% Polyester, 17% Polyamide) and (100% Polyester), I can only assume these 3 figures refer to the 3 layers of material that comprise the gusset. Essentially with these pants you get what you pay for, aka the bit that touches your downstairs area is entirely comprised of plastic-based materials meaning they aren’t as environmentally friendly or vagina friendly as some of the other products on the market. It’s important to note however that no option is perfect and it’s about picking the right option for you and your circumstances.
Pro’s
These pants are a super affordable and comfortable option especially for people still getting used to periods, they are great round the house and a good option to get you started on your reusable journey.
Con’s
The M&S pants aren’t entirely leak proof and can be a bit of a pain to change on the go unless you’re willing to strip off and change your underwear while out and about. Additionally, the gusset is made primarily out of polyester meaning these aren’t the most environmentally friendly or vagina friendly design on the market
Star Rating
Affordability 4/5
Ease of Clean 4/5
Convenience 3/5
Eco Friendly Design 2/5
Comfort 4/5
Thanks for taking the time to read this month’s blog, don’t forget to share it with your friends and spread the word. Next month I will be starting my journey with menstrual cups by reviewing Mooncup.
Disclaimer - This blog is the opinion of Mel Newton based on her own personal experiences with products listed and does not necessarily reflect the views of The SuPer Project or Tiger Community Enterprise CIC. We hope through this series to encourage open and honest conversations around menstruation and sanitary wear. This is not an advertisement and we have no affiliation with Marks and Spencers or its associated brands. The Super Project does not own images used on this blog, images are owned by Marks and Spencers and taken from their website.