Party In My Pants Cloth Pads Review
8:27 AM Posted by Mommy Is Green
I don't always warm up right away to every new eco-friendly idea I hear. Especially when the idea is much different than what I'm used to already. Sometimes I need a little time to process a new concept. When I first heard about reusable cloth menstrual pads I wasn't enthusiastic about the idea. I had used tampons as far back as I could remember and the thought of using any pads at all didn't sound appealing. Plus, like a lot of others, I thought reusing cloth pads would be messy and gross.
I didn't become interested in reusable cloth pads until after I started using a menstrual cup. I've always needed a pad for backup while using the cup because of residual leaking and other "just in case" scenarios. Using disposable back up pads made me extremely unhappy for several reasons beyond the fact that they are not very eco-friendly. I also find them unbreathable, chaffing, and most of all smelly. I heard that cloth pads were more comfortable and didn't have the odor problem (true by the way) so I started my search.
There were three specific things I wished for when looking for cloth pads: organic cotton, a leak-proof layer, and a plain cotton vs. a fuzzy fleece cotton fabric option. I didn't exactly have an easy time finding those three things together in a pad I thought I would like. Then I came across Party In My Pants pads (PIMP for short). Their All-In-One pads are made with a leak-proof breathable nylon shield, nickel-free snaps, and your choice of regular or organic cotton. They come in amazingly fun patterns too! PIMP is a small business owned by two sisters, Luci & Lydia. And all of the pads are handmade in Ashland, Wisconsin. Very cool!
PIMP pads come in a variety of sizes which each include their own level of absorbency. I took the Pad Prescription quiz to help me choose the right pads based on underwear type and amount of flow. Of course, it's recommended that you try 2-3 pads in a couple of different sizes before building your stash. If you have a broad range of underwear you can always purchase a Wing Extender for the smaller sizes and an extra snap for larger sizes. That definitely allows customization for different panty styles.
Since I planned on using my pads with a menstrual cup as well as alone on light/moderate days, I tried the Mini Liner, the Small Pad, and the Medium Pad. For the Small Pad I chose the organic cotton flannel (Black), and for the other two I chose the original organic cotton — one in Harmony (green pattern) and one in Odessa (gray pattern). When the pads arrived they were nicely packaged and even included a piece of Equal Exchange fair trade organic chocolate. I thought that was such a lovely touch!
The first two days of my cycle are always heavy so I used my menstrual cup with the Mini Liner. I wouldn't trust a disposable panty liner as a back up but the PIMP Mini Liner is a gem. I'm telling you that actual cotton fabric with a sturdy nylon backing makes all the difference! For the rest of my cycle the Small and Medium pads alone worked well. One day I wore the Medium out and I kept checking it because it's so thin and barely noticeable. The pad wasn't sliding or leaking. It was just me having to get used to the fact that yes, a pad that doesn't feel like a diaper can work well.
I've liked the Party In My Pants pads so much I definitely want to try their large and overnight sizes. That way if I don't want to use my menstrual cup I don't have to. I have to admit there are mornings, even days, where I would prefer to just quickly change out a pad instead. PIMPs are thin, reusable, low-maintenance, and stylish. I'm very pleased!
If you're curious about cloth but still not sure about it, PIMP will send you a FREE Liner for only the cost of shipping which is $3.99 in most cases. They also have Name That PIMP contests and other giveaways they post on their Facebook page where you could win a pad. These are excellent ways to try cloth if you're not sure you want to take the plunge yet.
I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with the product(s) mentioned above at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.
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August 31, 2011 1:28 AM
ha ha! I just had to laugh over the name!
September 12, 2011 2:56 PM
Love the name! Makes me giggle :) They have very pretty patterns and such a great idea.
By the way, you may have won something on my blog...hint hint...
September 14, 2011 12:31 PM
I love the colors! and the different options they have! I think I'm going to order the sample to test it out! Thanks for sharing this colorful pads with such a unique name since I had no idea the existed.
September 16, 2011 10:37 PM
I've been using this brand for a few years now- I suggest women take the risk and just try it out- I would never go back to plastics now!