The Evolution of Menstrual Products

The period panty, a staple in many women's undergarment drawers, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. What began as a simple cloth pad, over time developed into the high-tech, absorbent, and comfortable underwear we know today. Its evolution was gradual, but period panties have become a staple product in menstrual care, and they’re here to stay.

In the 19th century, women used cloth pads or rags to absorb their menstrual flow. These early menstrual products were often homemade, made from cotton or linen cloth, and tied with strings or tape to prevent leaks. The cloth pads were not only uncomfortable but also often caused irritation and infections. As urbanization and industrialization took hold, companies began to produce commercially available menstrual products, including cloth pads and disposable sanitary napkins.

In the 1920s, Kotex, a brand owned by Johnson & Johnson, introduced the first commercial sanitary napkin. Made from cotton and cellulose wadding, these early napkins were bulky and uncomfortable but marked a significant improvement over homemade cloths. The introduction of Kotex napkins also led to a shift away from reusable cloth pads and towards disposable products.

In the 1960s, tampons became widely available. Developed by Tampax, tampons revolutionized menstrual hygiene by providing a more convenient and discreet way to manage menstrual flow. Tampons allowed women to be more active and confident during their periods, free from bulky pads and worries about leakage. But they came with a caveat, great environmental cost and some major associated health risks (TSS).

In the 1990s, absorbent pads and panties became widely available. These new products offered improved absorbency, comfort, and discretion. Major multinational consumer goods corporations dominated the market with their absorbent pads and panty liners. The rise of online shopping and social media has since made it easier for people in developed nations to access a wide range of period products from various brands, but affordability and access remains a major issue for many.

In recent years, period panties have become increasingly popular. Brands like Heralogie offer high-tech, leak-proof underwear designed to collect menstrual flow. Shying away from the world of disposables, as we now know it to be detrimental to the environment, period underwear offer menstruating people a solution more attuned to our bodies and the planet. These innovative products have changed the way people can manage their periods, providing greater comfort, convenience, and confidence.

From humble beginnings as cloth pads to the high-tech period panties of today, the menstrual hygiene industry has undergone a remarkable evolution. With each innovation, women's lives have been improved in terms of comfort, convenience, and confidence. As we move forward into the future, it's exciting to think about what new technologies will emerge to further revolutionize menstrual hygiene.