I Tried Saalt Period Underwear - My Review of Comfort, Absorbency and More

Introduction to Period Underwear

Period underwear has become increasingly popular in recent years as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable menstrual products like pads and tampons. Also known as leakproof underwear or reusable period underwear, this innovative type of underwear is designed with special moisture-wicking fabrics that can absorb and contain menstrual blood.

Major brands manufacturing period underwear include Thinx, Knix, Modibodi, Ruby Love, and Saalt. The concept is the same across all brands - the underwear replaces pads and tampons by absorbing your flow and preventing leaks. But the specific materials and designs can vary.

What is Saalt Period Underwear?

Saalt is a relatively new brand of reusable, leakproof underwear that hit the market in 2021. They offer both briefs and bikini styles in a range of neutral and bold colors.

Saalt underwear is unique in that it is made from soft, sustainable bamboo viscose along with moisture-wicking spandex. The absorbent gusset is extra thick and contains three layers of protection.

The inner layer immediately locks in fluid. The middle layer absorbs moisture into the core of the fabric. And the outer layer provides leak protection. Together, this innovative 3-layer system effectively absorbs up to 3 tampons worth of flow.

Saalt Underwear Benefits

Here are some of the touted benefits of Saalt period underwear:

• Made from 95% bamboo viscose that is sustainable, breathable, and antimicrobial
• Absorbs up to 3 tampons worth of fluid
• Soft, tag-free design and range of colors/styles
• No pads or tampons required = less waste
• Can be worn overnight with peace of mind
• Moisture-wicking performance for staying comfortable and dry
• Long-lasting and money-saving over time
• Saalt donates underwear for every pair purchased

How Saalt Underwear Works

The multi-layer absorbent gusset is the key to how Saalt underwear contains menstrual flow. It works a bit like a pad, but is integrated into the underwear.

The inner layer next to your skin immediately locks in any fluid. This prevents it from leaking through the underwear. The middle layer with moisture-wicking fibers pulls the fluid from the top layer into the core of the fabric. Lastly, the outer layer provides an extra protective barrier against leaks.

Saalt claims this underwear can hold up to 3 tampons worth of fluid. For lighter days, you may only need to change them 1-2 times. For heavier days, you may need to change more frequently, using Saalt in place of pads/tampons.

My Experience with Saalt Period Underwear

After hearing good things about leakproof underwear, I decided to give Saalt a try. I purchased a 3-pack of bikini style underwear in a variety of neutral shades.

Comfort and Fit

I was pleased to find the Saalt underwear incredibly soft and comfortable. The bamboo viscose fabric felt smooth and lightweight against my skin. While the absorbent gusset is quite thick, it didn't feel bulky or uncomfortable at all.

The bikini style fit me nicely. The waistband was stretchy without digging in. And the leg openings provided full coverage without bunching up. I didn't feel like I had on a diaper or anything - just comfortable, breathable undies.

Absorption and Leak Protection

On lighter flow days, I was amazed at how well the Saalt underwear contained my period. I never felt any wetness, even after wearing them for hours. Taking them off, you could see where the blood had absorbed into the inner gusset layers.

On heavier days, I did need to change the underwear more often to avoid leaking. For my heaviest two days, I doubled up with a pad or liner for extra protection. But the underwear themselves absorbed about 2-3 tampons worth before needing changing.

Overall, the triple-layer system provided excellent absorption and leak protection. I felt secure wearing them overnight without fear of ruining my sheets.

Care and Reusability

Caring for the Saalt underwear is easy - just rinse in cold water and wash in the machine with your other laundry. I let them air dry. With proper washing, the underwear can be reused for up to 2 years.

It's recommended to have at least 5 pairs so you can rotate usage and washes. I added a few more pairs in different styles to my initial set.

Cost Savings

While the upfront cost of buying multiple pairs of Saalt underwear isn't cheap, they can save you a lot of money in the long run by replacing disposable period products.

I calculated that with my set of 5 Saalt bikinis costing ~$120, they would pay for themselves in under a year compared to buying pads and tampons every month. The savings then continue to increase over the 2 years I can reuse them.

Environmental Benefits

On top of the cost savings, I love that reusable underwear cuts down on waste from single-use period products. Each year, billions of pads and tampons end up in landfills.

Saalt underwear is manufactured from sustainable bamboo fabric. And by switching to reusables, you can greatly reduce the number of disposables used and thrown away.

Who is Saalt Underwear Best For?

Saalt leakproof underwear is suitable for most women, including:

• Women with light to medium-heavy flows - they may not be as effective for extremely heavy flows
• Those with sensitive skin who want breathable, comfortable fabrics next to skin
• People looking to cut down on period product waste and save money
• Those with active lifestyles who worry about leaks during workouts
• Women who prefer the security of leakproof undies for overnight protection
• Consumers who want stylish underwear that doesn't look clinical or diaper-like

The absorbent Saalt underwear can work well as a replacement for pads or tampons during lighter flows. On heavier days, they may work best doubled up with a liner or pad for extra protection.

Pros and Cons of Saalt Underwear

Here are some pros and cons I experienced with my Saalt underwear:

Pros

• Super soft and comfortable viscose/spandex fabric
• Doesn't feel bulky or look diaper-like
• Great absorption capacity and leak protection
• Made from sustainable bamboo material
• Saves money in the long run compared to disposables
• Reduces period product waste
• Range of colors and styles to choose from

Potential Cons

• Upfront investment to buy multiple pairs
• May need to double up with pad/liner on heaviest days
• Have to wash frequently when in use
• Possibility of staining over time

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can Saalt underwear be worn?

Saalt recommends changing your underwear every 6-12 hours during your period, depending on flow. For lighter days, you may be able to wear for up to 12 hours. On heavier days, changing every 6 hours or so prevents leaking and saturation.

How do you wash and care for Saalt underwear?

Caring for Saalt underwear is easy: rinse with cold water first to remove any staining. Then machine wash with your other laundry and air or line dry. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets. With proper care, they can be reused for up to 2 years.

Can teenagers use Saalt period underwear?

Yes, Saalt can be a great option for teens! The absorbent, leakproof underwear provides security and comfort during periods. Saalt offers several bikini styles suitable for young women.

How many pairs of Saalt underwear should you have?

It's recommended to have a minimum of 5 pairs of Saalt underwear so you can rotate usage and laundry days. 5 pairs should be sufficient for most women. Those with very heavy flows may want 6 or more pairs for added security.

Is Saalt underwear good for overnight use?

Yes, many women use Saalt underwear for overnight protection on lighter flow days without fear of leaks. On heavy days, you may want to add a liner or pad for extra absorbency at night.

The Bottom Line

After using Saalt period underwear for several cycles, I'm a big fan. The bamboo viscose fabric is so soft and the absorbent technology really works to contain leaks and moisture.

While the upfront cost can seem high, the underwear pays for itself over time by replacing disposables. And it has given me peace of mind on my period knowing I can count on the leak protection.

For women looking for an eco-friendly underwear option that is comfortable, stylish, and absorbent, I would definitely recommend giving Saalt a try!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.