Period underwear from the supermarket or cheap online brands has become incredibly popular over the last few years. And on the surface, it sounds like the perfect and cheap solution: no pads, no tampons, just one piece of underwear that absorbs everything. But once you look a little closer at what many of these products are actually made of, things start to feel a lot less appealing.
Here are 3 reasons why I would never wear polyester period panties - and why material choice matters more than most people realize.
1. Polyester is plastic - and it sits directly against one of the most sensitive areas of your body:
Polyester is not a natural fiber. It’s a synthetic material made from plastic, and that alone should raise questions when it’s used in products worn close to the vulva for hours at a time. Many polyester period panties are designed to be worn all day, often up to 12 hours. That means plastic fabric, combined with heat, moisture, and blood, sits directly against a very sensitive area of the body. Polyester is not breathable in the way natural fibers are, which can create a warm, damp environment - exactly the kind of conditions bacteria love.
For me, that’s reason enough to say no.
2. Most polyester period panties rely on chemicals and biocides:
Because polyester doesn’t breathe well and period underwear is meant to hold blood for long periods of time, many brands rely on biocides or chemical treatments to prevent odor and bacterial growth.
The problem? Biocides don’t distinguish between “bad” bacteria and the beneficial bacteria that are essential for a healthy vaginal environment. Over time, this can disrupt the natural balance and potentially lead to irritation, infections, or discomfort.
This is one of the main reasons why, with nookees, we chose a completely different approach. Our click-in system uses organic cotton pads, is washable at 60°C, and works without chemicals, biocides, or PFAs. Hygiene should come from proper washing - not from chemical coatings.
3. Wearing one polyester panty all day isn’t practical or hygienic:
Another reason why I would never wear polyester period panties is the “one-and-done” concept. Many brands recommend wearing the same pair all day. But if you want to change it, you often have to fully undress - which is far from ideal when you’re at work, traveling, or on the go.
With nookees, the underwear stays on, and the pad clicks out. You can change when needed, carry spare pads, and stay fresh throughout the day. And because the pads are made from organic cotton and washable at high temperatures, hygiene isn’t compromised.
Why material choice matters:
Choosing period products isn’t just about absorbency. It’s about what touches your body, how long it stays there, and what it’s treated with. Polyester period panties might look convenient, but when you consider breathability, chemical use, and hygiene, they’re not a solution I’m comfortable with.
That’s why I believe in reusable systems made with natural materials, designed for real life, and built around the idea that your period products should work with your body - not against it.
And that’s exactly the philosophy behind nookees.
