The negative effects of menstrual pads on the environment have come to light in recent times. Hence, many have switched to eco-friendly, organic, long-lasting, and reusable cloth pads. If you plan to make this switch, this post on the best cloth menstrual pads is for you. Cloth menstrual pads offer the same comfort level as plastic pads. On average, a woman uses five to 15 thousand pads during their lifetime. And the surprising fact is that a regular menstrual pad or tampon contains the plastic equivalent to four plastic bags. Moreover, the locked moisture content in these pads may cause yeast or other infections on prolonged usage. If you’re new to cloth pads, then this list will help you learn about the best products in the market. We have also included a few buying tips to help you make an informed decision.
13 Best Cloth Menstrual Pads
1. Best Highly-Absorbent: Wegreeco Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads – Medium
Available in four sizes, these six medium size cloth menstrual pads have a lovely print, and you have the comfort of a soft bamboo layer against your skin. The grey charcoal bamboo inner layers are very soft and have a stay-dry surface. These pads are extremely absorbent, the dark color doesn’t show stains, and smells are neutralized. The middle layers are made of absorbent microfiber and its two flexible snaps help you fasten the pads more securely around your underwear. The outermost layer is made of 100% leak-free soft material. It’s easy to change when you are on the go with the mini carry bag to hold your used and fresh pads. You can fold the used pad easily and snap it shut to form a neat little package that you can slip into your bag. Learn more about the product in this video. Pros
Machine washable Breathable No chemicals Come with wings Sustainable No chafing or irritation Work great as post- partum maxi pads
Cons
The thread used to stitch the seams is not waterproof.
2. Best Versatile: Teamoy Reusable Washable Cloth Menstrual Pads
Catering to the different flows on different days, this pack of ten cloth menstrual pads comes in three different sizes—three small leaf patterns, four medium jungle patterns, and three large flower pattern pads. The top layer is made of charcoal bamboo fiber, followed by two layers of super absorbent microfiber, and the outermost layer is water-resistant to prevent leaks and spills. It features button snaps on the wings which is easy to open and close and prevents the pad from shifting or bunching. It comes with a waterproof PUL wet bag with two zipper compartments to separate your clean and used pads. The pads can be wrapped into the shape of a little envelope, buttoned up, and packed into the wet bag. These versatile pads can be used as period panties, postpartum maxi pads, urinary pads, or incontinence pads. This video gives you more information about the product. Pros
Four-layer pads Unscented Dark color doesn’t show stains Perfect for travel and exercise Cuts down on landfill waste
Cons
Some may feel the material retains heat.
3. Best Convenient: Langsprit Reusable Sanitary Pads – Feather
You never have to worry about those embarrassing stains again with these six medium-sized cloth menstrual pads in three different colors. They feature a non-leak waterproof outer layer and a soft bamboo layer next to your skin. It has two snaps to clip the pad on your panties and keep it in place. These charcoal-infused reusable menstrual pads absorb a heavy flow for up to ten hours, making them one of the best options. They also feature a wet bag with a zipper design to store both your clean and used pads, and also has a snap on the handle to make it easy to carry or hang. They are extremely convenient to use, wash and store, and if maintained properly, can last you for a very long time. Pros
Feature wings Machine washable Highly absorbent Come in cute prints Available in different sizes
Cons
The snaps may cause the pad to bunch up.
4. Best Leak-Free Outer Layer: Leekalos Reusable Menstrual Pads – Medium Black
Adopt a new lifestyle and work towards zero waste with these six bamboo charcoal menstrual pads that are soft and comfortable against your skin. With four layers to this pad and a microfiber core, it is extremely absorbent so you never have to worry about leaks and spills. For added protection, it has a leak-free TPU outer layer. It features a sturdy two-snap design to fasten around your underwear and make it more secure so that it doesn’t shift or bunch up. It also comes with a waterproof mini wet bag to store both clean and used pads. This versatile menstrual pad is also ideal as a period panty, postpartum maxi pad, or a light incontinence pad. So, you are now free to go through your day and night without discomfort or embarrassment. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product. Pros
Unscented Machine washable Come with wings Easy to carry Breathable material Occupies less space Available in 3 sizes
Cons
Some may feel it could be more absorbent.
5. Best Odor-Neutralizing: Asenappy 4 PCs Cloth Sanitary Pad
If you are on the hunt for a sanitary pad that is sustainable and eco-friendly, then this pad from Asenappy is for you. It is leakproof, antibacterial, and odor-proof, thanks to the bamboo fiber layer and the two layers of absorbent microfibers. The pad comes with a storage bag that can hold the pads, making it extremely handy when you are on the go. Moreover, the pads feature adjustable snap buttons for convenience. Pros
Reusable Washable Easily portable Includes an outer waterproof layer
Cons
Some may not like the long length
6. Best Easy-To-Carry: MissC2C Cloth Menstrual Pads
Make your menstrual days as comfortable as possible with this set of 6 printed cloth menstrual pads that come with a mini wet bag to store them securely. The pads are approximately 17.5x20cm and come in random mixed prints. The inner layer is made of soft bamboo charcoal fiber, followed by an absorbent middle layer, and an outer layer of waterproof printed PUL. They can be folded and stored in the wet bag, and can be conveniently washed by hand or in the machine. Pros
Odorless Extremely absorbent Easy to carry Environmentally-friendly
Cons
Some may find them bulky.
7. Best Machine-Washable: ReUseLife Cloth Menstrual Pads – Colorful Flower
Nothing stops you from being as comfortable as possible while doing your bit for the environment. This pack of three menstrual pads makes this possible as they are the perfect replacement for disposable pads. Each pad measures 40x18cm, and can be stored in a bag which is included and measures 18x14cm. It comprises four layers—the upper layer is made of soft charcoal bamboo that neutralizes unpleasant odor, the core has two layers of absorbent microfiber, and the outer layer is waterproof so that there are no embarrassing leaks. The wet bag also can be used to store dirty bibs, handkerchiefs, and cloth wipes. Pros
Odorless Highly absorbent Machine washable Available in six sizes
Cons
Some may find it a bit clammy.
8. Best Organic: Pixie Cup Cloth Menstrual Pads – Small
Most of us are committed to using natural, non-toxic ingredients as much as possible, and the good news is that the top layer of this set of five pads is made of 100% safe and certified organic cotton. What’s more? It is crafted without the use of toxins, pesticides, dyes, bleach, fragrance, and chlorine. Its double snap closure ensures that it fits securely and doesn’t slip while its unique shape makes it convenient to wear. Just rinse it after use and store in the wet bag that’s included so that it doesn’t stain. It’s designed with four layers of cotton that wick the moisture thus preventing chafing and also neutralize unpleasant odors. You can be assured of a very comfortable three to five days! Pros
Unscented Breathable Eco-friendly Hypoallergenic Machine washable
Cons
Might bunch up after washing in some cases
9. Best Easy-To-Fold: Simfamily Heavy Flow Cloth Sanitary Menstrual Pads
This might be just the product for eco-friendly, savvy women, as they cause minimum damage to the environment. Each package contains five pads for heavy flow and overnight use as well as a mini wet bag. They offer you security and comfort and are friendly on the pocket too. The organic bamboo used in these pads is super soft with maximum absorbency and also features a waterproof outer layer. They are easy to fold, snap into place, and don’t shift while using so you never have to worry about pesky leaks. The pads measure 18x33cm, while the bag is 14x18cm. Pros
Neutralizes odors Machine washable No chemicals Sustainably sourced
Cons
Some may find the clasps too small.
10. Best For Daily Use: Think Eco Organic Reusable Cotton Pads – Green
Go organic with these simple-to-use, thin, cotton panty liner pads that are suitable for daily use and at the end of the menstrual period. They are extremely absorbent and both easy and convenient to wear. All you need to do is wrap it around the panty gusset and snap it securely in place with the two buttons. They will get softer as you use and wash them, and become even more absorbent. They are thin enough for comfort and have a waterproof PU film to stop leaks. They can last for over five years with proper care, making them budget-friendly and environment-friendly. These menstrual pads are organic certified and contain no harmful substances. They are cleaner and safer to use, and feature six layers for better absorbency and a waterproof cover for leak prevention Pros
Breathable Hypoallergenic Don’t scrunch up Unscented No dyes No bleach No chemicals Machine washable
Cons
They may shrink after washing.
11. Best Convenient: Thank U Mom Cloth Menstrual Pads – Polyester Outer 1
Welcome to one of the best choices for eco-conscious women! These pads have a total of four layers—one layer of charcoal bamboo fleece next to the body, two layers of microfiber at the core, and one layer of waterproof polyester or minky. They are quite absorbent, are 11.8in long and three inches wide with wings, and prevent leaks to help keep your skin soft and dry. They come in a pack of four reusable, washable cloth pads and include a waterproof mini wet bag as well, which makes it convenient to store your pads. Pros
Ultra durable Odorless Can be dried in a dryer Machine washable
Cons
Some may find the front of the pad a bit narrow.
12. Best Easy-To-Store: Jmoo Menstrual Cloth Pads
Do your bit for the environment with this pack of five menstrual cloth pads that also feature a mini wet bag to store your pads safely and conveniently. They come in mixed random prints and are approximately 17x32cm in size. Each pad comprises one layer of red microfleece fiber which is soft against your skin, followed by two layers of absorbent microfiber, and has an outer layer of waterproof printed PUL to prevent leaks. They are long lasting if cared for properly, and can be used through the day and night. Pros
Machine washable Odorless No chemicals Breathable
Cons
Some may not find them as absorbent.
13. Best Easy-To-Clean: Asenappy Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pad – Multicolor A
A pack of nine reusable cloth menstrual pads in three different sizes along with a wet bag to store them, this pack takes complete care of your menstrual needs. Leak-proof and highly absorbent, these sanitary pads consist of four layers of materials, one layer of soft bamboo charcoal fiber, two layers of absorbent microfiber, and one layer of outer waterproof material. They are very easy to clean and dry quickly, so you never have that peculiar smell or bacterial growth. The easy-to-open-and-lock snap buttons can adjust the width and fix the sanitary pad securely so that it doesn’t shift. These versatile pads can be used for menstruation, postpartum bleeding, or incontinence. Pros
Machine washable Breathable Easy to carry Convenient to store
Cons
Some may find the outer layer fabric slippery.
How To Choose The Right Cloth Menstrual Pads?
Consider the following factors when choosing a cloth menstrual pad. Shawnda Dorantes APRN, MSN, FNP-C, a California-based beauty nurse practitioner says, “Reusable sanitary pads are as hygienic as disposable ones and can even lessen thrush associated with disposable pads. They’re typically made of naturally antibacterial and antifungal fabrics such as bamboo fleece and organic cotton to absorb blood. Although reusable sanitary pads can last for up to 19 hours, make sure to change them every eight hours to prevent any build up of bacteria.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
After comparing, analyzing, and reviewing multiple products across the market, Vibha Navarathana, our in-house writer and reviewer of personal care products, has created this list of the best cloth menstrual pads. These menstrual pads are made of high-quality materials and ensure long-lasting performance for optimal protection and comfort. Vibha has mentioned each product’s pros and cons to provide you with an unbiased opinion. She has also considered user reviews to bring you the best products and help you make an informed decision.
