Did you know it takes anywhere between 500 and 800 years for a single disposable sanitary pad to break down in the environment and that the average menstruating person will use between 5,000 and 15,000 pads or tampons in their lifetime?

If you care about the environment like I do, you’ll find these numbers shocking, hence my choice to use reusable products over disposables. Even one person switching to reusable period products can make a massive difference.

I have been using reusable period products for a while now, so when I was asked to put WUKA briefs to the test, I was interested to see how they were different from my current period product of choice and if wearing period pants would actually be the comfortable experience they are advertised to be.

But onto me and what I use for my periods.

I have been using a menstrual cup previously due to really heavy periods. However, since having a coil fitted, the cup has become uncomfortable despite my much lighter periods now. So this was perfect timing as I’ve been looking at different period underwear to try out to replace my current product. But I, as I presume most people will be, was a little sceptical about whether or not the technology used to create period underwear will work and be suitable for life. I had many questions and was on the fence about whether they would work for me.

If you’re a bit unsure as to how period underwear works and if it will cope with your flow, let’s look into the details and the brand a little bit more so you have some information on them before we dive into my review.

Who Are WUKA?

WUKA stands for Wake Up Kick Ass and is committed to ending period poverty and increasing sustainability by giving people an alternative to disposable period products.

WUKA works with many global charities worldwide, including Days for Girls, Surfers Against Sewage, The Hygiene Banks and City to Sea. They are passionate about making a change with their products reducing environmental issues caused by pads and tampons, and helping those struggling to access period products to get what they need when needed.

Plus, WUKA changed the law recently, and now all period pants are VAT free (all period products have been VAT free from 2021; however, pants were excluded from this due to them being classified as clothing). If that’s not reason enough to check them out, then read on for my thoughts on their products.

Benefits of WUKA period pants

There are multiple benefits of using reusable period products, but for period pants specifically, WUKA has knocked it out of the park. Not only are all of their products sustainably made, but the New WUKA Stretch technology is designed to accommodate a range of sizes for a more comfortable fit; you can choose size 1, which covers XS to L, or size 2, which covers XS to 4XL with the Stretch Microfiber Technology designed to hold its shape and contour to your body for a close fit.

Each pair lasts for around two years if cared for properly, so not only are you stopping disposable products from ending up in landfills, but you are saving money, too.

If you’re worried about leaking through your pad, you find that pads don’t fit well or irritate, or you worry about messy periods due to your period products leaking through, WUKA period pants remove all of that worry and the bulk form pads so you can get on with your day.

How do they Work?

You’re likely wondering how they work, and honestly, so was I. Basically, the absorbent feature is achieved via many layers in the gusset. The middle layers will absorb the blood and lock it in, so you don’t experience any feeling of dampness, nor is there a smell. The top layer keeps you fresh and dry. Essentially, the blood seeps through the top layers into the middle layers, where it is trapped and held, leaving the top layer dry and fresh for the duration you wear it.

WUKA period pants can hold from 5 ml to 60ml of blood depending on the style you choose, so you will still need to change them during the day if you have heavier periods or choose pants with all water absorbency, but you can wear them for up to 12 hours per day without feeling damp or worrying about any blood smell.

To clean your period products, they need to be washed on a cold wash only or you can hand wash them. After changing your pants, rinse them in cold water to wash away any blood. Then, you can hand wash in cold or cool water or the machine at 30 or 40 degrees with no fabric conditioner. Period pants should not be tumbled dried; instead, air dry them. For added protection, use a mesh bag in the washing machine to protect the material.

It’s recommended that you have 5-7 pairs of period pants for your cycle to ensure you have enough products to cover you.

WUKA product range

WUKA has a range of products for adults and teens so that you can find the right one for you. Period pants come with different absorbances from light flow to super heavy, and you can buy your period underwear in a range of different styles, including bikini, midi, hipster, high briefs, thongs, boxers and even swimwear. WUKA even has a range of postpartum products for new mums so they can benefit from a more comfortable experience and remove the need to use pads post-birth.

WUKA have 7 different collections, including Period Pants Basic Collection, Ultimate, Stretch, Perform and Flex collections, as well as pads and everyday underwear for those non-period days. For those experiencing incontinence, you can purchase incontinence underwear to help you stay dry and fresh even if you have a small accident.

My WUKA period pants review

I was really excited to try out the WUKA period pants I was sent to review, as I was curious about how well they would work and how I would feel with them. Would they feel bulky? Would I notice any difference between using other products, and would I be able to go about my day without worrying about bleeding through or having to find a toilet to empty my Mooncup?

I received a pair of WUKA Stretch Seamless Midi Brief Heavy and WUKA Ultimate™ Midi Brief – Medium.

My first impressions were that the pants seemed to fit really well and were super comfortable. The stretch feature ensured that the pants stayed in place while I was wearing them, and they did not irritate me or cause any issues, i.e. falling down, as can be the case with underwear sometimes!

I found them easy to wear and wore them for 8-hour periods at a time, and I felt clean and fresh for the entire duration and didn’t notice any smells coming from the underwear or did I feel it was leaking or that they couldn’t cope with my flow.

Genuinely, I was impressed by the quality of the pants. They washed well and retained their shape. I received them in size 1, and they were true to size for me. I much preferred wearing WUKA period pants over any other period products I have tried, and I can honestly say I am now converted.

If you want to find out more about WUKA and how period pants will work for you, head over to their website and check out their range of products and amazing bundle deals and offers to build your collection