Ready to Make the Switch? My Honest Period Aisle Review
Hey friend, can we talk periods for a minute? If you menstruate, you know the drill – every month, dealing with cramps, mood swings, and the expense and hassle of pads and tampons. It‘s just an unavoidable part of life, right?
But what if I told you there‘s a better way? A way to manage your period that‘s healthier for your body, better for the planet, and actually way more comfortable and convenient? Let me introduce you to my favorite period care brand: Period Aisle.
I‘ve been using Period Aisle‘s reusable period underwear and menstrual cup for over a year now, and girl, they have been a game-changer. I‘m a total convert to the reusable period product life, and I‘m on a mission to spread the gospel far and wide. So today, I‘m sharing my totally honest, not-sponsored Period Aisle review in hopes of convincing you to give them a try too.
We‘ll dive into all the details on Period Aisle‘s products, how they work, the benefits of switching to reusables, and I‘ll address any questions or hesitations you might have about making the switch. I‘m an open book, so feel free to ask me anything in the comments! Let‘s get into it.
What is Period Aisle?
First, let me introduce you to the brand. Period Aisle is a women-owned period care company based out of Vancouver, Canada. They‘ve been making reusable pads and period underwear since way back in 1993, long before it was trendy. So they really know their stuff.
The brand was founded by Madeleine Shaw and Suzanne Siemens, who wanted to create more sustainable, comfortable, and high-performing alternatives to disposable period products. Fun fact: they were originally called Lunapads before rebranding to Period Aisle.
As a certified B-Corp and member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Period Aisle is committed to ethical and eco-friendly production at every stage. All of their products are made in a family-run factory in Sri Lanka that pays a living wage and meets strict health and safety standards. They use organic cotton and other sustainable materials, and even their packaging is 100% recycled.
But Period Aisle doesn‘t just talk the talk on sustainability – they also give back. Through their Circle of Compassion program, they donate period products to menstruators in need in North America and abroad. Love a brand that leads with their values!
Why I Ditched Disposables: The Period Aisle Difference
Speaking of values, that‘s a big part of why I personally made the switch to Period Aisle. Ethical production and give-back programs aside, reusable period products are so much better for the environment than disposables. Did you know the average menstruator uses between 5,000 and 15,000 disposable pads and tampons in their lifetime? And they all end up in the landfill, since most contain plastic and aren‘t biodegradable. Yikes.
Here are some quick stats on the environmental impact of disposable period products:
| Fact | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pads/tampons used per menstruator in a lifetime | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Years for a tampon to decompose | 500+ years |
| Pounds of period waste generated per person per year | 5.3 lbs |
| Percentage of a pad that is plastic | 90% |
(Sources: Lunette, Harvard Business School, National Geographic)
Plus, most conventional pads and tampons contain traces of toxic chemicals like dioxins, pesticides, and bleach which have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and reproductive harm. No thanks!
Reusables, on the other hand, create little to no waste and put only body-safe materials in contact with your most sensitive areas. Period Aisle‘s products are made with soft, absorbent organic cotton and their signature Bambody® absorbent lining which is free of toxins and harsh chemicals.
Aside from the eco and health benefits, I find Period Aisle SO much more comfortable and convenient to use. Their leakproof period underwear look and feel just like normal undies, but they can hold up to 8 tampons‘ worth of flow. I can wear them all day without changing them and never have to worry about leaks or visible panty lines.
My Period Aisle Picks
Let me walk you through my personal Period Aisle lineup and how I use each product in my cycle:
For Heavy Days: Boxer Brief + Booster
On my heaviest flow days (usually the first 2-3 days of my period), I reach for the Period Aisle Boxer Briefs. They provide full booty coverage and a snug fit, so I feel totally secure against leaks. With the Absorbency Booster liner (sold separately), they can hold a whopping 10 tsp / 50 ml of flow – that‘s equivalent to about 8 regular tampons!
I love how comfy and breathable they are compared to disposable pads or even other brands of period undies I‘ve tried. The organic cotton is SO soft and I barely feel like I‘m wearing anything. Bye bye diaper feeling and sticky wing chafing.
For Medium Days: Hipster
On medium flow days, the Period Aisle Hipster is my go-to. It has a mid-rise waist and moderate booty coverage, and can hold up to 4 tsp / 20 ml (about 3 regular tampons) of flow alone. But you can also add a booster for extra absorbency.
I usually just wear these on their own during the day, then add the booster if I‘m wearing them overnight. I love the classic hipster silhouette – it‘s no frills but so reliable and comfy.
For Light Days: Bikini
At the beginning and end of my period when I just need a bit of backup, I opt for the Period Aisle Bikini. The cheeky cut and low rise are super cute and discreet under leggings and jeans. They‘re rated for 1-2 tsp / 5-10 ml of absorbency (1-2 tampons) but I find them perfectly sufficient for spotting.
I tend to just free bleed into these on light days or wear them as backup with a tampon or my Period Aisle cup (more on that in a minute). The organic cotton keeps me feeling fresh.
Here‘s a quick comparison chart of Period Aisle‘s absorbencies vs. tampons and pads:
| Period Aisle Style | Absorbency | Tampon Equivalent | Pad Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bikini | Light: 1-2 tsp | 1-2 regular tampons | 1 regular pad |
| Hipster | Moderate: 3-4 tsp | 3-4 regular tampons | 1 super pad |
| Brief | Moderate: 3-4 tsp | ||
| Heavy: 5-6 tsp (w/ booster) | 3-4 regular tampons | ||
| 7-8 regular tampons | 1 super pad | ||
| 1 overnight pad | |||
| Boxer Brief | Heavy: 7-8 tsp (w/ booster) | 7-8 regular tampons | 1-2 overnight pads |
All of Period Aisle‘s underwear is machine-washable and reusable for up to 5 years with proper care. For best results, rinse in cold water after use, then machine wash on delicate and hang dry. Easy peasy.
For 12-Hour Leak Protection: Menstrual Cup
Last but not least, let‘s talk about the Period Aisle Menstrual Cup. I was initimidated to try a cup at first, but now I‘m fully obsessed with the convenience and comfort.
Unlike tampons which absorb menstrual fluid, the cup collects it, so it doesn‘t cause dryness or irritation. I can wear it for up to 12 hours without leaks (yes, even overnight!) and it only needs to be emptied 2-3 times per day.
Period Aisle‘s cup is made of soft, medical-grade silicone with a leak resistant rim. It comes in two sizes – Size 1 for light-medium flow and a low cervix and Size 2 for heavier flow and a high cervix. I use the Size 2.
There‘s definitely a learning curve with using the cup – it took me a few cycles to get the hang of insertion and removal. But once I did, it became second nature. I actually find it way easier and faster than changing a tampon now. And no waste!
What Other Period Aisle Users Are Saying
But hey, don‘t just take my word for it. Period Aisle has amassed a cult following of period-having people around the world who swear by their products. Here are a few glowing reviews from their website:
"I made the switch to Period Aisle undies a year ago and it has been the best decision! I used to dread my period every month, but now I barely think about it. The undies are so absorbent and comfortable, I forget I‘m even wearing them. No more leaks or bulky pads for me!" – Emily L.
"I was already using reusable pads, but Period Aisle‘s underwear are next level. I love how thin and breathable they are. The absorbency is no joke – I can easily get through my heavy days with just a pair of the briefs. For me, it‘s totally worth the price tag for the comfort and convenience." – Maya D.
"After 15+ years of using tampons, I finally tried the Period Aisle cup and it has been a revelation! I was always too scared to try it before but Period Aisle‘s design and instructions made it totally unintimidating. It‘s a game changer to be able to leave it in for 12 hours. Total freedom and comfort. I‘m a cup convert for life!" – Jenna M.
Period Aisle products have an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews on their website. And they‘re frequently featured in media outlets like Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Well + Good, and Bustle as a top pick for sustainable period care.
My Honest Take: Is Period Aisle Worth It?
Now, for the part you‘ve been waiting for – my honest, unfiltered opinion on Period Aisle after testing their products for over a year. Are they worth the hype and the somewhat steep price tag?
Drumroll please…in my opinion, heck freaking YES, Period Aisle is absolutely worth it, for a few key reasons:
1. The absorbency and leak protection are unrivaled. I have put these undies through the wringer on my heaviest flow days, worn them for 12+ hour stretches, slept in them, worked out in them…and they‘ve never let me down. Not a single leak or accident in a year of use. That‘s a huge win compared to disposable pads and tampons.
2. They‘re so much more comfortable than disposables. The organic cotton is super soft and breathable, and they don‘t feel bulky at all. Wearing Period Aisle undies feels like wearing my regular underwear. With their thoughtful, leak-resistant construction, I don‘t have to worry about chafing or bunching. Major upgrade from plasticky pads or drying tampons!
3. They‘ve held up wash after wash. I was definitely skeptical about the idea of bleeding into a pair of underwear and then washing and rewearing them. But Period Aisle‘s organic cotton fabric is super sturdy and stain-resistant. After a year of regular washing, my Period Aisle undies still look and function like new. No funky smells or stains.
4. They actually save me money in the long run. A period underwear or cup from Period Aisle costs more up front than a box of tampons. But they‘re designed to last for years of use. Period Aisle estimates their undies replace up to 300 disposable pads or tampons over their lifetime. That‘s hundreds of dollars saved on period products over time!
5. I love supporting such a sustainable, ethical brand. Voting with my dollar for period products that reduce waste, cut out toxic chemicals, and empower menstruators is a no brainer. Period Aisle is the real deal and I‘m happy to shout my love for this brand from the rooftops.
All that said, Period Aisle isn‘t perfect or for everyone. It‘s an investment, and I get that their products are out of some folks‘ price range. Some people might not love the idea of washing and reusing period undies. And if you have an extremely heavy flow, their highest absorbency might not cut it for you.
But for me, the pros FAR outweigh the cons. I‘m a total Period Aisle fangirl and I recommend them to everyone I know who menstruates. And no, this isn‘t sponsored – just my genuine experience!
If you‘ve been contemplating the switch to reusables, I really encourage you to give Period Aisle a try. They offer a 60 day "better periods guarantee" where you can get a full refund if you‘re not satisfied. So there‘s no risk in testing them out!
Period Aisle Review FAQs
To wrap up this monster Period Aisle review, let‘s cover some frequently asked questions about their products and reusable period care in general:
How do Period Aisle‘s undies and cup compare to other reusable period brands?
I‘ve tried a few other reusable period underwear brands like Thinx and Knix, and Period Aisle is my favorite in terms of both absorbency, fit, and comfort. I find their undies hold more fluid and are made of softer, more natural-feeling fabric. Period Aisle‘s cup is comparable to the DivaCup, but I prefer their design and materials.
Isn‘t it gross to wash period blood out of underwear?
I get this question a lot, and honestly, it squicked me out at first too. But it quickly became NBD. Period Aisle recommends rinsing your undies in cold water after wearing, then machine washing on delicate. The water runs clear and it all comes out in the wash. It‘s really no different than washing out a blood stain.
How often do you have to change Period Aisle underwear?
It depends on your flow, but in general Period Aisle undies can be worn for a full day (or night) before changing them. On my heavy days I change them every 12 hours or so. On light days I can wear the same pair for 24 hours.
Are Period Aisle products only for women?
Nope, Period Aisle‘s products are for anyone who menstruates, regardless of gender identity. They actually offer boxer brief styles and more gender neutral branding to be inclusive of trans and nonbinary folks. Love that!
What if Period Aisle‘s absorbencies aren‘t enough for my heavy flow?
If you have a super heavy period, Period Aisle‘s undies might not provide enough backup for you. In that case, I‘d recommend using their cup or reusable pads in addition to period underwear. You can also layer a couple pairs of undies for extra absorbency.
I know making the switch to reusable period products can seem a bit daunting at first. It‘s a whole new way of managing your cycle! But I hope this ultra-thorough Period Aisle review has shown you the benefits and given you the info you need to take the plunge.
I‘m so glad I discovered Period Aisle and I genuinely think they make the best reusable period underwear and cups out there. If you have any other questions, drop ‘em in the comments below! I‘m always down to gab about periods. Here‘s to greener, comfier, more empowered menstruation for all.
