Thinx Period Panties vs. Cloth Pads, Which should you choose?

The scoop on Thinx Period Panties vs. Cloth Pads

I recently purchased a pair of Thinx Period Panties to try out for myself in order to see what the buzz was all about.  I generally use 50/50 cloth pads and reusable menstrual cups during each monthly cycle.

With my review ready to post, several recent events had me wondering if I should instead report on how Thinx panties compare to cloth pads like those offered at Pink Lemonade Shop?

There are certainly pros and cons to using Thinx, so I will cover those in this post and that will hopefully help you with your decision.  Should you try Thinx or should you just invest in some luxurious cloth pads?

First lets talk about Thinx Period Panties advantages

• Comfortable.  They seem quality made and I do like the textiles.  They're silky soft yet snug.
• Great fit.  So long as you get the right size I think you will be impressed with the fit.
• Can eliminate the need for pads, tampons or menstrual cups depending on your flow.  While I doubt many can use Thinx to completely eliminate their need for pads, tampons or cups, I do think you can eliminate those products by wearing Thinx on days 3, 4 or 5 of your cycle.
• Great for use when working out, jogging, biking, practicing yoga, etc.  Comfortable and effective enough to wear while exercising.  This was the main reason I wanted a pair.
• Trim fitting.  You don't feel like you're just wearing underwear with a pad sewn into the crotch.
• Good coverage.  Unlike your average panties, the absorbent crotch area extends well up the front and back to prevent leaks.

Disadvantages to using Thinx Period Panties

• Thinx for backup.  Although some people have reported being able to use Thinx as their sole method of period protection, Thinx does state their underwear are designed for use as backup.  If they work without a cup, pad or tampon then great.  If they don't, well then you fall into the group of women who just invested in a $28 pair of period backup panties that will only eliminate your need for pantyliners.   Thinx says that whether or not you can use them as backup or not will depend on your flow.
• The washing.  Thinx recommends hand rinsing, then washing on cold with your delicates (no fabric softeners) and hanging to dry.  As a mom of three I have no delicates.  Washing with my delicates is um…not going to happen.  I washed my Thinx with my laundry and laid flat to dry.  On another occasion I washed them with my laundry and forgot they were in there and dried on high heat with my laundry.  That doesn't appear to have ruined them yet, but when you have a severe case of “mommy brain” like I do, chances are they'll end up in the dryer again soon.  I hope they don't end up prematurely ruined due to my carelessness, but keeping tabs on expensive panties is just not something I want to have to worry about.  So this is a CON for me.
• Changing them.  At home, when out on a run or headed to the gym, during a yoga class or on a trip to run errands I would trust Thinx to get the job done.  However if they weren't getting the job done you'd need to change them while you're out, you'd either need a backup pair of Thinx to change into or a clean pair of panties to put on with another method of period protection.  This would be a nuisance to me.  I don't want to have to take my shoes, jeans and underwear off in the public bathroom at the grocery store or anywhere else, who does?  I also don't really want to have to carry spare underwear in my purse.
• Thinx made me sweat (really bad) overnight.  One of the main reasons I thought I would love Thinx is for wearing overnight.  The issue for me personally was that they are not breathable and I sweat so bad that I actually had to get up and make sure there wasn't a massacre straight out of a Godfather movie in between my sheets.  I was sure I'd leaked and sure there'd be a huge mess to clean up but it turned out I was simply drenched in crotch sweat.  Easier to clean up but still gross.

My thoughts on Thinx and Cloth Pad use overall

For the above reasons cloth pads would surely get my vote.  Cloth pads provide the absorbency of your choice in the fabrics of your choice.  Light day, heavy day, overnight, postpartum and even thong shaped pantyliners for those who prefer thong underwear and don't want to worry about pad visibility.

Cloth pads are durable, easy to launder and forgiving.  Wash with your regular laundry and dry in the dryer if you like.  Most cloth pads cost less than $10 each and it won't break your heart if you ruin one or lose one.

If something fancy is what you're after then I can assure you there are luxurious cloth pads.  At stores like Pink Lemonade Shop you can choose from minky and organic bamboo velour topped pads, to raw silk and organic cotton jersey.  Cloth pads also come in cheeky prints and gorgeous hand-dyed varieties.

I don't hate Thinx

I still feel there's a place for a pair or two of Thinx in my stash.  I like to run and Thinx provide enough protection on the tail end of my cycle that I can run without needing a menstrual cup or tampon.  If you've been on the fence over whether or not to try Thinx then I say sure, go for it, but know what you're getting into and keep your expectations realistic.

If you're simply interested in resuable menstrual options then I suggest you try cloth pads and a menstrual cup.  Pink Lemonade Shop has a great selection of both and you can use code CLOTHDIAPERGEEK at checkout to save 10% off your order.

Final comments on Thinx

I WAS initially excited to share my review on Thinx because they had a pretty swell referral program that earned you a $10 Gift Card with every referral.  I knew that even if I was only able to refer a handful of customers, though I would likely refer more, at a minimum I would earn enough stackable Gift Cards that I would be able to invest in a few more pair of Thinx Period Panties for personal use.

Sadly, before I had a chance to share my Thinx Period Panty Review, Thinx changed their referral program without warning or explanation and now with each referral you'll only earn a $10 off coupon with a limit of one use per order.  At $28 plus shipping per pair I'd likely still be looking at spending at least $20 each.  They still do not disclose that your $10 “Thinx cred” is only a $10 off coupon which is pretty misleading and since new customers already receive a $10 off coupon there's not a whole lot I can do with tons of $10 off per order coupons if I earn them.  Maybe one day they'll get a clue and join Share-A-Sale to create a REAL affiliate program for bloggers and influencers like me.

I'm not going to cover all the Thinx Period Panty drama in this post.  If you'd like to learn more I suggest you visit this new post from PACII titled “Why We No Longer Support Thinx” and then make up your mind for yourselves.

What are your thoughts?  Do you already use resuable menstrual products?  Have you tried or do you plan to try Thinx?  Comment letting me know what you're thinking!

P.S. This post does contain affiliate links.  Thanks for supporting my work-at-home-mom owned business.