First things first: fit check

Before you wear them out and about, try your new pair on over a clean pair of undies. This lets you check the fit without any risk if you need to exchange.

• Fits great? You're good to go. Wear them as your everyday period care from here.
• Not quite right? No dramas, we'll sort it. Head to our returns portal or email us at info@ecoperiod.com.au and we'll organise an exchange for you. You cover the postage to send the original pair back, and we cover the postage to send your new size out.

How long can I wear a pair?

This depends on your flow, not the clock. As a general guide:

• Heavy flow: change every few hours up to a maximum of 8 hours generally
• Moderate flow: most people find a single change halfway through the day is plenty, but you could be wearing them for up to 12 hours
• Light flow or light bladder leaks: a light or moderate absorbency style can usually see you through a full day, or for a shorter length of time on moderate days

Across a full 24 hour period on your heaviest days, most people go through 3 to 4 pairs, depending on how heavy your flow is. Everyone's different, so use this as a starting point and adjust to what feels right for you.

What to wear, and when

Overnight (heavy or super absorbency): Wear your heaviest absorbency style to bed. These are built with extra coverage front and back so you're protected from leaks while lying down, whichever way you sleep.

Active days (gym, pilates, yoga, under tights): Reach for your moderate absorbency Invisi styles or g-strings. They're seamless and low profile, so they sit comfortably under activewear without any visible lines.

Moderate flow days, or light bladder leaks: Your moderate absorbency styles, like the Hemp High Waist Bikini or the Invisi Bikini, are built for exactly this. Comfortable, everyday coverage without the bulk of a heavy absorbency pair.

Using cloth pads with your underwear

If you're pairing a cloth pad with regular underwear rather than period underwear:

1. Lay the pad absorbent side up in the gusset of your underwear
2. Wrap the wings underneath and press the studs together to snap them in place
3. Check the pad sits flat and centred before you get dressed
4. Swap it out the same way you would a disposable pad, based on your flow

Washing your period underwear

Getting the wash right keeps your pairs performing for years, not just months.

1. Rinse first. A quick cold rinse straight after wearing stops staining from setting in.
2. Machine wash cold, on a gentle cycle, with your regular laundry.
3. Skip the fabric softener. It coats the absorbent layers and reduces how well they work over time.
4. Skip the bleach. It breaks down the fabric and shortens the life of your pair.
5. Air dry where you can. If you do use a dryer, low heat only, since high heat is hard on the elastic and can damage leakproof layers.

Looked after properly, a well-made pair should last you years, not months.