Demand for these seemingly traditional panties, which, thanks to an absorbent membrane, serve not only as underwear but also as menstrual protection, has exploded in recent years. Vanessa Causse, sociologist and trend expert at the Salon International de la Lingerie, helps us make sense of this cultural phenomenon.
After two years in digital mode , the Salon International de la Lingerie (SIL) brought together 200 brands in Paris from June 18 to 20. In 2022, we can expect to see three major fashion movements: the return of sensual lingerie and thongs, the legwear revolution with yoga-inspired leggings, and above all, the meteoric rise of menstrual panties and briefs .
These seemingly conventional culottes serve as both underwear and underarm protection thanks to an absorbent membrane. Liberation for women at a reasonable price, without sacrificing comfort or environmental friendliness. SIL reports that sales of menstrual pants in France totaled €10.8 million in 2016, thanks to the country's 8% female population. Half of all users want to rely solely on this safety measure, and about a third of current users intend to buy more .
These menstrual products that break the rules
It's like a tampon, a sanitary pad, and a washable, reusable bra all in one, and it keeps your underwear dry and clean throughout your period. It's also used during and after pregnancy, for postpartum bleeding, and for urination problems .
In 2022, these pants lose their bright colors, hide their prints , are adorned with gold (Sisters Republic), lengthen their legs with tight-fitting thigh-length hangers (Célisette), and take the lace route ( Réjeanne, Perdième). Let's mention the adios line at Pantys and the Energy shorts from Réjeanne, certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Another revolutionary advancement in clothing, the swimsuit incorporates a protective set without flotation and can be worn with briefs. Designed as a true fashion piece, it can be customized in color, print, and pattern and is available in sets of one or two.
Also read: Why choose swimsuits with fast delivery?
Sisters Republic Menstrual Shirts
Sisters Republic, a brand we've already talked about for their period-following leggings and especially their teen range, has now released a matching period-following tank top. So, Ariel's set came to us in its black version. You can also choose to separate the pieces and buy the top or bottoms separately. It's a bit pricey for a swimsuit , but you can wear it all year round and not just for period-following purposes! Right now, you can get it in black (like mine) or royal blue. The fabric used in the shirt is resistant to both chlorine and sunscreen. Sisters Republic products are made in a factory in Morocco.
Product brands that are responsible
Several brands offer such items , such as the adorable Swiss label Oûna. Designer Stélina Lorieux has created two styles for summer 2022 in an invigorating turquoise shade: a high-waisted culotte skirt with adjustable side ties and a pair of tanga pants. An environmentally conscious brand , Oûna sources its materials from Europe and manufactures its pants in France.
Despite their pale complexion, the company guarantees that no dirty work will ruin our tanning day, as their website states: "Its effectiveness lies in a technical assembly that does not swell in water, very thin and discreet. There is no risk of your swimsuit flying away or getting dirty ; the flow is contained and will not be released until you rinse it off."
The key point? Due to the invisibility of the absorbent part, it can also be used outside of menstruation. The Geneva-based brand Lovimi, present in twenty-one Swiss boutiques, also offers a line of period-appropriate swimwear with pleated high-waisted pants, a tucked-in top, and a matching skirt or pants. Lovimi suggests washing these items at 30 degrees Celsius , then rinsing them in cold water for maintenance. The little lioness positions itself as eco-responsible and health-conscious by manufacturing menstrual underwear in the French Rhône .