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It's estimated that the average woman uses around 200 kg of disposable sanitary towels, tampons and applicators during the course of her life. According to demographic data from 2019, there are more than 200 billion females of menstruating age worldwide. This is a huge figure considering each individual is creating so much waste, the bulk of which ends up either in landfill or our oceans.
So it may come as no surprise to find out that cloth pads are becoming more and more popular! Not only are they the eco-friendly choice, but the natural fabrics are better for your skin, too. Reusable pads are also kinder to your wallet, with each pad lasting at least two years. That's why we have created the ultimate buying guide, alongside our ranking of the top 10 best cloth pads in the UK available from Amazon and eBay, to help you get started.
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Table of Contents
If you're totally new to cloth pads, we understand that it can feel a bit difficult - especially when you don't know exactly what you're looking for. There are many, many options out there to choose from, but don't fear. This guide is here to help you step by step, so by the end of it, you'll be a total whizz!
The material that your cloth pad is made from is probably the most important thing to consider. This is because it has to keep you comfortable, whilst being safe for your skin. Read on to find out more about the most common materials used in cloth pads, to decide which is best for you.
As we all know, cotton is a great all-rounder when it comes to clothing. So unsurprisingly, it's the perfect material for cloth pads too! Breathable and hypoallergenic, cotton keeps you comfortable and also prevents odours.
Organic cotton is even better for your body as it's manufactured without chemicals, with cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) being the cream of the crop. A product has to be made from at least 95% organic fibre and to not have been treated with bleach or any other toxic substances to be certified by GOTS.
Bamboo fleece and other bamboo fabrics are popular in cloth pads due to their high levels of absorbency. Soft and breathable, with the ability to wick moisture away quickly, bamboo fleece can be an excellent option during a heavy flow. It isn't too spendy either!
However, the different options available, such as bamboo charcoal fleece and charcoal-infused bamboo, are actually synthetic materials rather than natural fibres. The process to turn bamboo plants into fleece is a chemical one, which dissolves wood pulp into rayon. Because of this, bamboo fleece unfortunately isn't as eco-friendly as consumers may assume.
Microfibre makes an appearance in our clothing, furniture, sheets and cleaning cloths, thanks to its superior absorbency. Usually made from polyester and nylon, its ultra-fine fibres come together to create a much higher absorbent surface area than other materials.
When it comes to cloth pads, microfibre is often used for the core layer in between the pads surface and its outer layer, or backing. Although it can be a wonderful thing for those with heavier periods, microfibre is a synthetic material and thus can end up contributing to plastic pollution in our waterways.
Scientists are beginning to find tiny fibres in oceans and lakes, which can be traced back to washing machines. Although not as obvious a polluter as some plastics, the microplastics found in microfibre can build up in our ecosystems. That's why it's a good idea to decide whether microfibre is right for you, as there are plenty of cloth pads both with and without it.
Many cloth pads use waterproof polyurethane laminate (PUL) for their outer layer, as it is a fully breathable laminated fabric that's great for preventing leakage. PUL is probably the most waterproof backing you can get on cloth pads, while still allowing for a trim pad.
However, some may find it slightly sweaty, or more likely to slip than other materials. As a laminated fabric formed of two layers( polyester and polyurethane film), PUL is not biodegradable and will not break down in landfill. Although it is likely to lose fewer fibres than fleece when washing, resulting in less plastic pollution.
The design of your cloth pad will come down to personal preference. Some of us like our pads long to feel secure and protected, whereas others love a neat, compact pad for that carefree feeling.
If you're looking for the highest level of cover, without the bulk, choose a cloth pad with wings that double up as fasteners. Pads with binding around the edges are also particularly effective at preventing leakage. For extra comfort, choose wads with rounded edges as they will fit well to the contours of your body.
Cloth pads come in a wide range of sizes, which can feel a bit confusing at first. But don't worry, we are here to help! Along with the usual small, medium and large, you might also come across pads labelled as "panty", "regular", "midi' and "maxi".
Panty size is best worn as a pantyliner, or for light flow days, whereas regular is equal to a medium level of absorbency. Midi is the perfect option for those days where your flow is somewhere between medium and heavy, while maxi provides a very high level of protection for heavier periods.
If you lead a busy life and are often out of the house for work, hobbies or socialising, cloth pads can still be a convenient choice. Many cloth pads can be folded down, making them easy to store in a bag or pouch when out of the house.
You'll likely need to change your pad while you're out, so you will need something to put the used one in until you are able to pop it in the wash. For clean and hygienic storage after use, look for cloth pads that come with a waterproof bag. Alternatively, if your preferred pads don't come with one, you can use a zip lock bag to the same effect.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ImseVimse Washable Sanitary Pads|Pack of 3 | £15.55 Low Mid | From a Sustainably Minded Swedish Company | ||
2 | Natissy Organic Cotton Reusable Sanitary Pads|Pack of 6 | £32.97 High Mid | Made in Europe From All Natural Materials | ||
3 | ImseVimse Organic Cotton Regular Pads|Pack of 3 | £16.01 Low Mid | A Dependable Regular Pad in Sustainable Materials | ||
4 | Hesta Organic Cotton Regular Cloth Pads|Pack of 3 | £29.99 High Mid | 100% Certificated Organic Cotton Without Chemicals | ||
5 | Bloom & Nora Midi Reusable Cloth Sanitary Pads|Pack of 3 | £16.49 Low Mid | Premium Period Pads Made in the UK | ||
6 | Hesta Rael Organic Reusable Cloth Pads|Pack of 3 | £29.99 High Mid | Made With Responsibly Sourced Organic Cotton | ||
7 | Viedouce Reusable Sanitary Napkins With a Waterproof Bag|Pack of 4 | £19.99 Mid | Pretty Floral Pads for Reliable Protection | ||
8 | Eco Lily Bamboo Charcoal Cloth Towels|Pack of 6 | £20.99 Mid | Includes a Handy Wet Bag | ||
9 | Naturally Lady Anti-Slip Reusable Cloth Pads|Pack of 9 | £28.90 High Mid | Comfortable Bamboo Charcoal Fleece Pads With Antibacterial Properties | ||
10 | MQUPIN Reusable Sanitary Pads|Pack of 5 | £14.99 Low Mid | A Reusable Alternative to Pantyliners |
Particularly suitable for lighter periods, if you want to feel carefree in any outfit, these Washable Sanitary Pads are just the ticket. Made from cotton flannel with a polyurethane core, they are available in three different sizes.
From the pretty colours, to the shape and material, we found these pads absolutely adorable - and think you will too! The second collection of ImseVimse pads in the ranking, we especially love that this brand has a great attention to detail that really shines through in the final product. A total must-have, to keep you feeling lovely throughout your flow.
For all of those who love simplicity and minimalism, we decided to take it back to basics with this one. Although, available in a range of fun, bright colours and patterns, we like their neutral option best. These organic cotton pads are made in the EU from all natural materials, and your purchase will even arrive in biodegradable packaging!
With organic cotton wings, these pads are flexible and stay in place no matter what you're doing. Perfect for a lighter flow, or at either end of your period, they're so lightweight, you may even forget you are wearing one!
This pack of pads is our first offering from ImseVimse, a well-loved feminine hygiene brand based in Sweden. We adore their tagline "Sustainable consumption should be the norm". And considering the popularity of their pads, it looks like many others agree.
Over years of use, reusable pads can get a little bit marked, which is why we've chosen their basic black pads. Not only do they look cool, but they'll hold up a lot better too. Made from 100% organic cotton with one layer of PUL, they really are quality you can rely on.
If you want to do your best for the planet and your body, we recommend starting with these cloth pads from Hesta. Made without bleach or other harsh chemicals, they only use GOTS certified natural dyes, making them a great choice for the most sensitive of skin.
Coming in a wide range of size and flow options, Hesta pads are designed perfectly for comfort. With 6 layers of absorbent organic cotton, a coated outer layer, and a sturdy snap button on the back, these pads have got you covered!
One of the most well-known cloth pad brands in the UK, Bloom & Nora has created a range of beautifully designed reusable hygiene products. Both attractive and practical, they feature a unique binding edge that provides a sturdy barrier against leaks. Best of all, they can be washed and reused for up to 10 years!
The waterproof outer layer is made from recycled polyester yarn derived from plastic bottle waste, and all of the materials used are 100% Oeko-Tex certified. A perfect choice to protect the environment and your sensitive skin, whilst feeling gorgeous at the same time.
Cut in a unique hourglass shape with built-in wings, these organic cloth pads from Hesta stay firmly and comfortably in place. Using leak locker technology and a design that's optimised for maximum airflow, these hypoallergenic pads are reliable and breathable.
5 layers of cotton will keep you dry, secure and free to just get on with your day, no matter how heavy your flow is. Using responsibly sourced, organic cotton from India, and hand-crafted in California, you can guarantee they're made with care.
With a PUL waterproof outer and 7 layers of certified organic cotton, Viedouce Reusable Sanitary Napkins are super absorbent. Soft to the touch with antibacterial properties, these pads are a healthy choice for your delicate skin.
Pure cotton is excellent for eliminating odours and keeping you dry. Even better, it means that these reusable napkins will stay in great shape for up to 3 years. They also come with a mini waterproof storage bag, allowing you to change your pad easily wherever you are.
Highly rated on Amazon and across multiple review sites, Eco Lily pads are great value for money and incredibly convenient. With the top layer made from charcoal-infused bamboo fabric, they're cool and breathable, while being very absorbent.
With two internal microfibre layers, and a waterproof outer layer made from PUL, it's all the protection you need - even on heavier periods. However, if you're of smaller stature or your periods are light, you may find their size and shape to be rather bulky.
These anti-slip, reusable cloth pads may not be the most elegant choice on the list, but they'll certainly get the job done! Coming in small, medium or large, you can choose from several sizes depending on what you need for your flow. They also come with a double pocket bag to store your used pads away discreetly wherever you are.
The top layer of bamboo charcoal fleece has odour-neutralising properties to help keep you feeling fresh all day. Plus, the bottom layer and wings are made of leak-proof PUL with silicone dots to stop slippage.
Available in a neutral off-white tone, these pads are compact and cute. Made from three layers of organic cotton, they're breathable, antibacterial and good for your skin.
As you can probably tell, they're not cut out for extremely heavy periods, but will work fantastically as pantyliners or during a lighter flow. They're simple and budget-friendly, although unfortunately, they arrive in lots of plastic packaging, which may not be the most environmental choice.
Cloth pads may seem a little daunting to the uninitiated, but they are actually very easy to use. The layer that comes into contact with your body is usually made from cotton or bamboo fleece, backed with layers of cotton or microfibre cloth for absorbency. Some will even have a water-resistant PUL (polyurethane laminate) backing to further prevent leakage.
Wearing cotton or bamboo fleece against your delicate skin is far better for your health than disposable pads, which can contain dioxins, synthetic fibres and petrochemical additives. Cotton, in particular, is hypoallergenic, absorbent and breathable, making it the perfect material for cloth pads.
After wearing a cloth pad simply rinse it in the sink to avoid staining, then throw it into the washing machine! How many times they can be washed and reused varies, but each pad can last between 2 to 10 years depending on the material and design.
After you've worn your pad it's a good idea to pre-rinse them with natural soap and cold water to prevent staining. Soak the pads and then wring them until the water runs clear, then you can throw them into the washing machine with the rest of the load.
Machine wash on a low temperature around 30 or 40 degrees, without using too much fabric conditioner as this can affect the absorbency of the pad. Then simply air dry and voila! They're ready to be used again.
Life can become so busy, we hardly have time for ourselves. That's why it's important to treat yourself with some love, day to day. Whether you're looking for more feminine hygiene products, or some feel-good fragrances to lift your mood, be sure to check out our related articles!
By now, you should hopefully be feeling a lot more confident when it comes to choosing cloth pads. With benefits to the environment, your budget and your health, once you buy a pack, you'll never look back!
Author: Melanie McPhail
No. 1: ImseVimse|Washable Sanitary Pads|Pack of 3
No. 2: Natissy|Organic Cotton Reusable Sanitary Pads|Pack of 6
No. 3: ImseVimse|Organic Cotton Regular Pads|Pack of 3
No. 4: Hesta|Organic Cotton Regular Cloth Pads|Pack of 3
No. 5: Bloom & Nora|Midi Reusable Cloth Sanitary Pads|Pack of 3
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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