OHNE FAQs
We have just launched our first period pant collaboration with fellow British independent brand, ohne. If you’ve never heard of period pants before, know of a few friends who are using them, or have been umming and ahhing over whether to try out a pair…we get it - they’re a fairly new addition to the period product world. But there’s lots to love about ohne period pants: not only are they a sustainable option for when you’re bleeding, but they’ll also be the comfiest pair of pants you own. If you’ve still got questions or concerns that are holding you back from buying a pair, let us put your mind at ease. Below we’re answering the big questions that ohne gets asked about period pants, how they work, and why they’re so great.
What are period pants?
Well, they’re not that ratty pair of pants you’ve had at the bottom of the drawer for five years, only to be pulled out when you’re bleeding. Period pants combine cutting-edge technology, textile engineering and sophisticated design to create a pair of underwear that safely, effectively and comfortably absorbs menstrual blood.
How often will I have to change them?
This will vary depending on how heavy your flow is, but if the absorbency of your pants matches your flow, you can absolutely wear them for the entire day. The moderate absorbency can hold up to 15ml of menstrual blood, which is around the same as two regular tampons, and the super absorbency ones can hold the equivalent of four. You know your body and your period better than everyone, and you’ll be able to gauge what feels the most comfortable for you when you test them out.
How do I wash them?
Washing your pants properly ensures they’ll stay in great condition for as long as possible. It’s not too strenuous either, just give them a rinse under cold water when you take them off, then just pop them in the wash on a cool, delicate cycle with similar colours. Even better if you stick them in a delicates bag first - the one that the pants come in works great! Then, once they’re out the washing machine just hang them up to dry, avoiding the tumble dryer as the heat and spins can break down the absorbent layer in the gusset.
A couple of things to avoid: steer clear of softener or bleach, and avoid things like soaking them for a long time or ironing them.
Do I have to buy new ones after a certain amount of wears?
As long as you look after them, your period pants can last at least two years. They’re made out of modal, which is an incredibly durable fabric that keeps it shape and integrity. Just remember to avoid exposing them to heat.
Will they smell when I’m wearing them?
This is one of ohne’s most asked questions. They went through a long testing and development process to make sure that their period pants were totally odour-eliminating. They contain an antimicrobial layer which kills bacteria and gets rid of any potential smells, and the gusset is also finished with a specialised treatment that is specifically designed to absorb odours - it’s the same compound that’s used in activewear or medical devices.
How do I know they won’t leak?
You’re safe in the hands of some serious textile engineering and ohne’s design mastery. The absorbent part - known as the gusset - is made up of three layers, expertly designed to absorb liquid and lock it inside the underwear. The top layer is made of a specialised moisture-wicking and antimicrobial fabric which draws the moisture in, followed by an ultra-absorbent layer which traps and seals liquids completely. The final layer is a leak-proof lining, which acts as an extra barrier of precaution to prevent any drops from seeping out. The result is a technical feat, but what’s even more impressive is how comfortable they are. In fact they’re so comfy you’ll actually look forward to wearing them.
If you’re really worried about leaks, here are a few tips to minimise any risks:
– Make sure you’re wearing the right size - if the gusset doesn’t sit properly then it might move around, which could increase the risk of leaking.
– Stick to the right absorbency - if you’re a slightly heavier bleeder, we’d suggest the super absorbency.
– Always wash on a cool temperature and hang dry only - washing or drying with heat will cause the outer waterproof layer to break down, which could allow leaks to happen.
Will it feel like I’m wearing a nappy?
No! ohne were sick of seeing period pants in drab, ill-fitting styles with bulky gussets, which is why one of their main motivations in starting their brand; they wanted to create a collection that looks as good as they feel. They make period pants you’ll actually want to wear, with a cutting-edge triple layer absorbency layer that doesn’t compromise style or sleekness.
How do I know what size to buy?
The Lazy Oaf X Ohne period pants are available in seven sizes, as follows:
XS - 4-6
S - 8-10
M - 12-14
L - 16-18
XL - 20-22
2XL - 24-26
3XL - 28-30
Are they really sustainable?
Sustainability was one of the main motivators that led ohne to create their period pants. They’re made from modal, a plant-based and eco-friendly textile that’s completely biodegradable and compostable in home, industrial or martine conditions. Not only is it 50% more absorbent than cotton, it also uses twenty times less water to manufacture, and it produces ten times bigger yields.
And of course the switch to period pants is a sustainable option in itself. The average menstruator produces around 400 pounds of waste from traditional period products in their lifetime. By swapping these for period pants, you will significantly reduce your carbon foot without compromising on your comfort.
What is the one-for-one model?
For every pair of Lazy Oaf X ohne period pants sold, another pair will be gifted to refugees and displaced people in the UK and Europe via the charity, Choose Love. Globally, an estimated 500 million people experience period poverty every month (source). People who seek asylum in the UK have just £37 a week to live on, and when you take into account the cost of period products, it is no surprise that many go without. To continue the fight against period poverty, ohne and Lazy Oaf has implemented a one-for-one model for their period pants with Choose Love - where for every pair sold, another pair will be donated via Choose Love partners. Through this collaboration, 2,500 pairs of pants will be distributed to partner organisations providing vital support for displaced communities.
How many pairs do I need for a full period?
This will really depend on your flow, but ohne customers tend to buy between two and six pairs.
Are they comfortable?
Yes, super comfortable. They’re made from a luxuriously soft modal (a super sustainable material) which is really smooth and has breathable elasticity. ohne customers say that their period pants are the comfiest out there; soft and stretchy, so they never dig in.
Do I need to wear a tampon/sanitary towel with period pants?
Not always, but this does depend on your flow and your personal preference. The moderate absorbency pants can hold up to 15ml - or two tampon’s worth - of menstrual blood. You know your flow best, so when you try them out you’ll know whether you can wear them alone or if you need a bit of extra protection. For people with heavier flows who want to wear the same pair of period pants all day, it might be worth considering combining them with a tampon.
What are they made of?
ohne period pants are made with 92% modal from natural sources and 8% elastane. Modal is a luxurious, silky smooth material made from the pulp of beech trees - it’s eco-friendly and completely biodegradable, and compostable. It’s also 50% more absorbent than cotton, and uses twenty times less water to manufacture while producing ten times bigger yields.
Do they feel wet when you’re wearing them?
ohne period pants are specifically designed to keep you dry whilst bleeding. The dry wicking material used on the top layer of the gusset quickly draws the blood away from your body and moves the moisture down into the second layer, so you never feel uncomfortable moisture.
