As a local manufacturer of period underwear, we thought we’d answer some common questions about period panties. Even though we’ve been making and selling them since 2021, there are still many fellow South Africans that have never heard of them.
Q: What are period panties?
Period panties are just like normal panties except that they have 3 extra layers sewn into the gusset. Blushproofs have a wicking layer to draw your flow away from your body; an absorbing layer to trap your flow; and a waterproofing layer to prevent any leaks. This means you / your daughter can go about your day without worrying about embarrassing leaks.
Q: How many Blushproofs should I buy for each cycle?
We wish there was a stock-standard answer to this question, but truth be told, everyone is different. On average, most people’s flow is heaviest on days 2 & 3, so they tend to need either heavy absorption pairs or more pairs on these days. Some of our customers can manage with 3 pairs for their entire cycle by washing straight after wearing (especially the quicker drying nylon fabric ones) whilst other customers have to change every 3-4 hours because their flow is super heavy. We always suggest that you try your blushproofs at home, in a safe space first, to work out what is best for you and how often you should change. So, back to the question – you probably need at least 3 pairs… You can always invest in one each month until you have enough to see you through your full cycle.
Q: How often should I replace my Blushproofs?
We’ve been making and selling Blushproofs since 2021. In fact we’ve made and sold more than 23,000 (with over 1,000 5-star reviews online). The customers that bought our very first Blushproofs are still using them 3 years later. If you look after them well (wash in a mesh laundry bag, no fabric softener, no tumble-drier, no ironing) then there’s no reason they cannot last at least 2-3 years. Their efficacy doesn’t change over time.
Q: How do I wash my Blushproof® period panties?
After wearing, and once home, rinse under running water until the water runs clear. Then pop them into a mesh laundry bag and wash up to 40 degrees with a quick spin cycle. Then line-dry inside out. Of course, you can also hand wash but not everyone washes them as well as they should. They also take longer to dry after handwashing.
Q: Should I wash prior to my first use?
It’s best to wash your Blushproofs prior to their first use, not just for hygiene purposes but also because this “activates” their absorbency. Sounds unbelievable but it’s the truth.
Q: Can I wear Blushproofs without any other protection?
The great thing about Blushproof® period panties is that they completely replace single use feminine sanitary products. That means your daughter won’t have to worry about sticky pads or awkward tampons; you won’t have to struggle with menstrual discs and cups. Simply wear as you would a normal panty.
Q: Do Blushproof period panties smell?
The SILVADUR™ in the wicking fabric ensures that the panties don’t smell. If you’re worried, give them an extra quick rinse on cold. Weirdly, you shouldn’t use a vinegar rinse as this can affect the leakproof layer. The same goes for Soda Ash or Soda crystals. If you’re really wanting a natural solution, look at using something like SoPure’s Lingerie Laundry wash, which is locally made.
Q: Are Blushproofs good for Postpartum?
Post-pregnancy our bodies still leak a lot. That’s why many postpartum moms use Blushproofs to catch any leaks, including blood clots. These are simply wiped away every time you pop into the loo. No more surfboard size Dr Whites. The bamboo sensual briefs are especially comfortable for those that have had a c-section as the soft waist doesn’t dig into the healing cut.
Q: Where are Blushproof® period panties designed & made?
We’re super proud of the fact that our undies are locally designed AND made. When we started the business, we considered importing from China like many other brands and we did, in fact import some to test… but for us, they just weren’t what we were looking for. We wanted a longer gusset, thinner absorbing fabric whilst still offering maximum absorption, better styles and sizing… and so we just decided, what the hell, let’s see if we can design and make our own. And so we did – we think the reviews speak for themselves.
Q: Do you have a product that can be used whilst swimming?
YES! Our SWIM bikini range has been such a game changer for many. We LOVE the reviews we get as we fully understand how awful it is when mates are swimming and you’re sitting on the sideline, not able to join in the fun. How did we come up with a swimming range? Our customers took it upon themselves to use our Bikini style period panties under their swimming costumes and found that they worked. They put big pressure on us to offer a swim solution… So that’s how our SWIM range came about. We get asked all the time “But how EXACTLY do they work,” and the answer is, “We don’t EXACTLY know”. We’ve researched and read up and done tons of trials… There are articles that say “your flow slows in the water”. There’s research that says “it’s because you’re horizontal in the water” or “it’s the water pressure”. What we do know for sure, is that our fabrics are amazing, as is our technology and our customers love our SWIM options and haven’t had leaks. The blood stays in – no trail in the pool behind, like we used to dread when we were younger and no leaks when getting out of the water.
Q: What are Blushproofs’ best selling items?
Our customers’ absolute favourites are our Bikini style period panties for light to moderate flow, our Brief style period panties for heavy to extremely heavy flow, our super soft, seam free bamboo Shorties for those that are tactile and our Swim range. Oh, and the moms and daughters LOVE our first period kit. It’s full of amazing goodies to get tweens and teens started on their journey.
Q: Why choose Blushproof® over other locally available brands?
I think supporting local businesses is imperative as this builds our South African economy and creates jobs. Other brands are popping up everywhere and are offering products at a fraction of the cost but there’s no customer journey taken hand-in-hand with the business.
Local businesses can answer questions, guide you in the transition to using sustainable products, assist with exchanges and just generally be there for you. A product like period underwear is such a personal thing. You need to know that the product you buy has got you covered, that the quality is top-notch, that the fabric used is free of nasty chemicals and that it will do as promised. We’ve all experienced leaks (some people get more embarrassed than others) but when choosing a period panty, your hope is that those leaks will be, if not eliminated, then at least massively reduced.
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