Cloth Period Pads
Here's where I share with y'all how I got started with cloth period pads, aka cloth menstrual pads, and what I thought of them!
Here's where I share with y'all how I got started with cloth period pads, aka cloth menstrual pads, and what I thought of them!
Hi! My name is Kay and I’m the maker behind Moody V. In 2017, I started sewing my own cloth period pads. I was getting more interested in reducing how much waste I produce. I was also getting so fed up with menstrual products that hurt me, irritated me, and cost me so much money. Tampons were abrasive and uncomfortable. Cups were intimidating and messy. Disposable pads were itchy, smelly, and hot.
I made my first pad, which by the way, was not as pretty as Moody V pads are now (haha!), and I tried it on. It fit snugly around the middle of my underwear, and didn’t slide around even though there were no adhesives! I was like, “Uh, ok! Woah”! The cloth pad itself was soft and cozy, and contoured my body perfectly. The pad core (the thicker, absorbent part that’s not the wings) is sewn ON TOP of the wing base. It’s not all one flush piece. So, that means that the pad doesn’t wanna barrel roll around the middle of your underwear!
When my period came around, it was time for the first true test. I have a light-to-medium flow on my period, so I chose a regular absorbency pad. Moody V’s regular absorbency menstrual pads are 100% cotton, but don’t let that freak you out. It’s 4 layers of cotton flannel (or sometimes a cotton linen-y feeling fabric), PLUS a layer of cotton terry cloth. Terry cloth is towel material, by the way. Cotton is a breathable, absorbent, moisture-wicking fabric that can really hold quite a bit of fluid. And remember, it’s also rapidly drying while you’re wearing it!
So anyway, I was ready to take my first reusable pad on a test drive. I wore it to a day of college classes and literally forgot I was wearing it until I had that oh-so relatable moment of “Oh crap, I think some menstrual fluid just came out of me”. So I went to the bathroom and checked it out, wiped the glob of fluid off my pad, and went back to class. It never bled through, and it was comfortable the whole day. It was like wearing a cloud, and a cute one, at that! How great is it to use a pad that isn’t so frumpy and sad looking? From that first day I have literally just been that fish from Spongebob who just tried a Krabby Patty filled with jellyfish jelly, except I’m a human and the Krabby Patty filled with jellyfish jelly is cloth menstrual pads.
For those of y’all who have not seen that episode, the fish is excited enough to sing songs and share their new passion for a burger with jelly on it. Pls expect more stellar content such as this from this blog! Lmao
These pads feel *heavenly* to wear. Soft, barely noticeable but not too lightweight, and they stay in place all day!!! I love them, I can’t wait to get my next paycheck so I can order more. :) these were my first experience with the switch to reusables and I’m very impressed. If anyone else is on the edge of starting this route, GO FOR IT. Especially if you’ve ever suffered from itchiness from those plastic pad materials..this is so much better.
It's my first time buying reusable pads and I'm really happy with this pair. The print and design sold me, but the comfort and reliability have exceeded my expectations. They work for daytime and overnight use with no problems compared to disposable pads. Wish I bought these sooner. They're a total game changer for periods.
Beautiful pattern, expertly stitched, and lovely seller. Beyond happy. Very fast shipping too! Thank you so much!!! ❤️
High-quality, low maintenance reusable pads! Really nice, and they do stain but that can’t really be helped aside from doing a quick handwash before tossing it in the machine. Will definitely be purchasing more in the future!
These are the best!! They are not bulky and the fabric is so comfortable. I have tried shapes and patterns from several of the best selling shops and these are my favorite.
I like that they have metal snaps! The ones I have with plastic snaps do not last as long. I think these will hold up for a few years. Thank you!
I know right!? Ok, so cloth menstrual pads are a washable, reusable alternative to disposable pads. Pretty sweet, right?
Cloth liners are lovely for really light days, and as a backup for a tampon or menstrual cup. They are made of five layers of cotton. They are soft, barely noticeable, and peace of mind for that bit of protection.
Moody V regular absorbency pads and cloth liners are made with 100% cotton, which makes your down-there oh-so happy. Cotton is a breathable, moisture wicking fabric that creates a difficult environment for yucky bacteria like yeast to grow.
Disposable pads are mostly synthetic, which is fully not nice to your body. They’re made out of bleached wood pulp (what the?) and non-biodegradable materials.
Moody V’s heavy cloth pads and overnight cloth pads are also primarily cotton. They have a polyurethane lining inside, which keeps moisture from leaking through. This lining is non-biodegradable (I know, it sucks). But remember, you’re not just gonna throw it away, you’ll probably use it like, 100 times.
The regular absorbency pads are made with cotton flannel and cotton terry cloth (like a towel material). Liners are just cotton flannel. Ugh! So simple! Love that!
The heavy cloth menstrual pads and overnight cloth pads are made with cotton flannel, cotton terry cloth, and polyurethane laminate. Ugh! Slightly less simple but still wow amazing and great! Love that!
Look at the “Wh-. . . What? Who? Where? What?” question at the top of this FAQ page to learn out each variety of pads work!
Method 1: Rinse with cold water ASAP to reduce staining. Machine wash cold, then air dry thoroughly to maintain a nice shape.
Method 2: Machine wash cold, tumble dry.*
*Method 2 gets your pad clean and ready to use again real quick, but may result in light staining and scrunching-up in the dryer. (Stains fade over time and you can stretch the pad gently with your hands to un-scrunch it.)
Some folks like to keep a container of cool water in their bathroom so they can soak their pads until they’re ready to wash them. This helps remove stains without using chemicals or potentially fabric-damaging products.
It’s recommended to avoid using fabric softener, as it makes fabric less absorbent.
Another good rule of thumb is not to use anything on your pads you wouldn’t wash your underwear with. Your pads are gonna be up close and personal with a sensitive area, so avoid harsh or irritating chemicals when washing them.
Cloth pads contain several layers of fabric, which means it might need extra time drying. Make sure they’re super dry out of the dryer or dry them in the sun to prevent mildew. Do be aware that sun-drying can result in fabric discoloration.