Take some time to study our Frequently Asked Questions. By thoroughly reading the FAQ you can make the best decision about what's right for you and know what to expect from Party In My Pants. If you have ANY questions not answered here, we hope that you won't hesitate to contact us directly. We are always more than happy to answer any questions and help in every way possible.
Wear

Party In My Pants cloth pads are worn just like conventional pads with wings. Instead of adhesive strips, PIMP pad wings have snaps that fasten around the base of your underwear. Just remember to always place your pad flannel or cotton side up and nylon side down.
Depending on the heaviness of your cycle, you may need to change your PIMP 1 - 6 times per day. If your pad feels moist or wet next to your skin, then it's time to change your PIMP. For example, if you have a really, really heavy flow, you might change your pad 6 times on the first day, 3-4 times the following days, and end your cycle using several liners. Got a light flow? You might only need to change your pad once, even on those heavy days.
Party In My Pants fold up securely into individual (and super stealthy) carrying pouches.
With the absorbent side face up, simply fold in the top and bottom and snap the wings together. Your pad will stay safe and clean until you can wash it. This is also a perfect way to carry your clean pads and many women keep a spare PIMP in their bags just in case. If you'd like an extra layer of protection, try carrying a small bag just for your pads like this one or this one.
Some women think that a pad must be washed or rinsed as soon it's taken off. We've found it unnecessary to sprint to the washer or sink. It's perfectly okay to wash your pads whenever you happen to do laundry next – even if that's several days later.
Your PIMP pad collection is customizable to your flow & underwear. Each size has different dimensions and absorbency. We suggest starting your collection with 2-3 pads in a couple different sizes. Try one of our Kits and test a variety of sizes to find the best fit for you. Get a PIMP Prescription for a point in the right direction. Just answer a couple quick questions and you'll get a customized recommendation.
Some women find that they like lots of different sizes in their collections for different days, flows and underwear. However, most women find that they really prefer only 2 or 3 sizes and stick to those. If you start out your collection with a Shebang Kit, you probably find that not every size is your favorite but trying them all also helps you decide what you do like. Then when you decide to build on your collection, you'll know exactly what to stock up on.
Cloth pads are such a personal accessory that only you can know what's best for you. We try our hardest to give the best advice and point you in the right direction but finding your perfect fit can sometimes take some trial and error. Starting out with cloth pads can be super exciting but we really recommend capping your first order at 3 or 4 pads. That way you may only end up with 1 or 2 pads that might not be perfect for you instead of a whole bunch.
Some women find that they only need 6 pads or liners during their cycle, while other women use 20+. Most women fall somewhere in-between. Once you´ve found the size(s) you like best, start building your collection based on the length and heaviness of your cycle. Our Pad Prescription mini-quiz will not only tell you which sizes you probably like but also give you an estimate of how many you'll need.
Looking to save a little? You can always wash your pads during your cycle and use them again right away. This isn't quite as convenient as have enough to last your whole period, but it's definitely an option. Keep in mind that since you're using your pads more often you probably have to replace them more frequently too. Party In My Pants will last for about 75 washings or 5-7 years – whichever comes first.
If you change your pad often enough, your PIMPs won´t smell. Cloth pads allow moisture to evaporate and less moisture means less odor (and no more feeling like there´s a soggy lump in your pants!). Your PIMP won´t feel wet until it´s completely saturated and then it´s time to change it!
If you do notice a strong smell, you could be suffering from a vaginal infection like Bacterial Vaginosis or a Yeast Infection. These conditions are common in women who´ve previously used disposable menstrual products, especially tampons. Don´t worry! There are many natural methods of establishing a healthy bacterial balance.
In fact, if you feel like your menstrual blood has a scent, disposable menstrual products might actually be the culprit. Disposable pads are typically held together by synthetic webbing and plastic components. This fake stuff reduces a pad´s breathability and creates a humid, sweaty environment that bacteria just loves. And contrary to popular belief, tampons aren´t sterile. They can alter your vagina´s pH balance by introducing foreign bacteria and absorbing healthy bacteria.
Party In My Pants have a waterproof bottom shield that protects against leaks. We use a specially designed high-tech nylon – not PUL (Polyurethane Laminate). This nylon is a breathable fabric with a special hydrophilic layer that allows your body to breath while stopping your period from leaking through.
What's more, PIMP cloth pads are more absorbent than the disposable menstrual products you´re used to. It's virtually impossible to leak through a pad. However if you wear a pad too long, you may leak off the sides. When you first start using PIMPs it´s best to be a little more vigilant about checking your pad. After a few times you´ll be an absorbency pro and will know when to change a pad based on its size.
Absolutely! You´ll probably need our Overnight or Queen pads on your heaviest days. PIMP cloth pads are so much more absorbent than disposables; they may even make things easier. More awesome: You'll spend less time changing your pads or tampons and worrying that they'll leak. All women using cloth pads for the first time should be a wee bit more vigilant about checking their PIMP. After a cycle or 2, you´ll be familiar with the absorbency of a particular size and will know when to change it.
In some extreme cases, PIMPs might not be enough. If you have tidal flooding because of menopause or fibroids then you might need to pair your pad with a menstrual cup or sea sponge. No menstrual product – cloth, cup, sponge or disposable – is designed to hold such an amount of fluid by itself.
You bet. Many women wear PIMP pads with thong underwear. Our narrow pads work best, such as the Mini Liner & Small. If you´re a thong lover with a very heavy flow, you may need to change your pad more frequently since these PIMPs are less absorbent than our larger sizes.
Many PIMP pad users are avid cyclists and find our pads are just as comfy straddling a bicycle seat. The metal snaps are nestled underneath many layers of fabric so there´s no poking.
However some women do find the snap to be a little uncomfortable. If you hop on your bike and your pad makes a nuisance of itself, then there are a couple things you can try. First, you might try simply scooting the pad a little forward or a little back so you aren't putting so much pressure right where the snap is. You might also try playing around with the angle of your bike seat. Try pointing the nose down a little so that most of your weight is placed towards the back and less to the middle or front. Finally, if you're really set on the most comfortable ride possible, you could look into a special bike seat just for women. It has an opening in the center so you're not putting any pressure on your vulva. Terry Bicycles offers some nice ones on their website: www.terrybicycles.com. We hear that this type of seat is better for you in general.
Unless you are wearing skin tight or semi-translucent clothing, it's unlikely that anyone will be able to see your pad. PIMP cloth pads aren't bulky like lots of conventional pads or even other reusables, so you don't have to worry about extra bulge in your pants, skirts, or shorts.
Sure. PIMP cloth pads can be used for stress incontinence when small amounts of urine are released. Stress incontinence may be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause and occur when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising.
Yes. We recommend our Queen and Overnight pad for postpartum bleeding. New moms report that they change their pads more frequently than during a menstrual period. It's possible that you´ll have to change your pad every few hours during your most heavy postpartum bleeding. Check out the Mama-rama Kit and snag a deal designed just for new moms.
Party In My Pants can help you feel comfier and more secure during perimenopause. Using cloth pads can be one way of nurturing and caring for yourself while your body takes its time to readjust. Keep in mind how unpredictable your body can be and take some time to reacquaint yourself as best you can. If your periods suddenly become very heavy or you experience flooding, there's a chance that your pads will leak. No menstrual product – cloth, cup, or disposable – is designed to hold such an amount of fluid all at once.
Perimenopause is a challenging time for many women. Even if your periods have been regular for decades, all sorts of wacky things can start happening. Your periods might be longer or shorter, your flow may be next to nothing or much heavier, and you might even skip some periods altogether. Ovulation becomes hit or miss some months, resulting in lower levels of progesterone. This may mean longer, heavier periods.
As frustrating as this might be, slowing down and figuring out a new way that works for you can be very empowering. Fighting, resenting, or simply ignoring these changes can make the process much more difficult. This might mean you simply must take a break from your busy life and care for yourself a couple days a month. Maybe this means trying new things like changing your diet or exercising more or less. You may have to switch to larger, more absorbent pads and/ or wear both a menstrual cup and a pad together. Whatever you do, be good to yourself and honor your body.
When you first switch to cloth pads, finding the right size might mean some trial and error. One woman's dream pad is another's uncomfortable wedgie. If you notice that your pad seems to crunch the gusset (commonly known as the crotch) of your underwear, the first thing to consider is your comfort. If you pull up your underwear and you're feelin' fine, then you're good to go. Some women find their thighs naturally push their underwear (and pad) into a smaller space. How a cloth pad looks in your panties doesn't always affect the way it feels or works.
However, if your pad crunches your underwear uncomfortably, then we gotta back up a couple steps. This means that you don't have the right size for your underwear or body type. The best way to get pointed in the right direction is by getting a PIMP Prescription. Just answer a couple quick questions and you'll get a customized recommendation.
The biggest culprit for bunched undies are boy-cut panties. This underwear style simply has more fabric down there and requires a wide pad like our Large – even if you're a little lady. If you already have a Large and it's still not doing the trick then try a free Wing Extender. It's a little elastic band with snaps on each end that attach to the snaps on the pad. This will lengthen the wings and make even narrow sizes like Small or Medium work for ladies who need a little more width.
Cotton vs. Flannel is largely a matter of personal preference. Some women find they really like just Cotton or just Flannel, while others find they like both equally. Some women find they like Cotton for certain days and prefer Flannel for others.
The Flannel is a little bit cozier than the Cotton, while the Cotton is a little bit smoother and ever-so-slightly thinner than the Flannel. If you live in a warm climate, you might prefer the Cotton since it's less prone to trapping body heat than the Flannel. In terms of absorbency, they're identical. We suggest trying one of each to see which you prefer.
Care
Washing your pads is as easy as washing any other piece of clothing. Just pop ‘em in the washing machine and toss ‘em the dryer. You can also wash your pads by hand. Some women soak or rinse their cloth pads beforehand, but with Party In My Pants it's really not necessary.
To wash your pads you can use most any detergent, as long as it doesn't contain bleach. We recommend a product called Oxo Brite, an environmentally friendly detergent and stain remover. It works by dissolving proteins so it won't fade your pad’s styling pattern. You'll find Oxo Brite at most health food stores, co-ops, and Trader Joe's. Some women make their own detergent that contains Borax as a cleaning booster. While these homemade types of detergents may be perfectly safe, we don't know the long term effects of Borax on the pad's nylon shield. For that reason, we recommend sticking with a commercial detergent.
There are only two big rules for washing your pads: don’t use super hot water or bleach. Both will damage the waterproof shield and bring about your PIMP’s untimely demise. Stick with warm water and if you want an extra fresh pad, try adding a little plain white vinegar to your wash water.
PIMP pads can be washed periodically during your cycle or all at once at the end, which ever is more convenient. As long as your cloth pads are stored in a dry, breathable place, you can wash them at your leisure. Just fold and snap your used pad into its self-contained pouch and toss it in the hamper. When you're ready to wash your pads, unsnap and throw them in the wash.
If your pad is white or a very light color, you’ll probably have some staining. But don’t worry; it’s a quick fix! We recommend using Oxo Brite, an environmentally friendly stain remover. It works by dissolving proteins so it won't fade your pad’s styling pattern. You'll find Oxo Brite at most health food stores, co-ops, and Trader Joe's. There are lots of earth friendly stain removers on the market that’ll probably work great too. Just remember this rule: Don’t use bleach. It'll damage the waterproof material and bring about your pad’s untimely demise.
If your pad isn’t a light color, you won’t have to worry much about staining. Actually, the best way to skirt around staining these pads is to simply machine-wash them. It might sound counter intuitive, but your cloth pads are more likely to hold a stain if you rinse or soak them before washing. Soaking allows the blood to penetrate the fibers more deeply, causing the fabric to stain more.
Washing your PIMPs might seem like a drag if you've never tried it, but it's really simple. PIMP pads don't need any special treatment. The best way to wash your pads is to pop 'em in the washer and toss 'em in the dryer.
Don't get around to doing laundry as often as you’d like? No problem. You don't have to wash your pad the moment you’ve finished using it. Just snap 'em up and throw 'em in the hamper. Wash your PIMPs whenever you happen to do laundry next. Now with all the anxiety that’s floating around about menstrual blood, it might seem a little odd at first. But this routine is tried, true, and the ladies of Party In My Pants swear by it.
If you soaked your PIMP, it's possible you left it in the water too long. Soaking your cloth pads for more than a few hours can make them mildewy and musty. Same goes for storing your pads in a damp place or sealed in a plastic bag for a long time. But don't worry, all you have to do is add a little vinegar or lemon juice to your warm wash water and run your pads through the wash again.
Sure can. As long as your pad is mostly dry it won't affect any of your other laundry. It might feel odd at first, but soon it'll be as routine as washing your socks or underwear. If washing your PIMPs with your other laundry makes you too uncomfortable, you can always wash them separately or place them in a mesh lingerie bag.
Travelling with your PIMPs isn't as tricky as you might think. PIMP cloth pads fold up securely into individual (and super stealthy!) carrying pouches. Your used pad stays safe and clean, and your clean pads fit conveniently into your bag. And as long as your pads are stored in a relatively dry and breathable place, you can postpone washing them until it's convenient. If you're travelling light, you can make do with 2-3 pads. Wash a couple by hand, let them dry overnight, and use them again the next day.
General
Good news: PIMP pads are much more comfortable and work better than either disposable pads or tampons. Cloth pads, especially well-designed ones, are worlds away from bulky, sweaty, bikini-waxing disposables. Even sworn tampon girls are now crazy for PIMPs!
PIMP cloth pads are made of soft, thin fabric and held in place with small metal snaps. You know that obnoxious rustling with disposable pads? PIMPs have zero plastic, so they´re as quiet as can be. And PIMP pads are so thin you never have to worry about lumps or bumps appearing in your pants, skirts, or shorts.
Most of the uncomfy-ness associated with disposable pads has to do with their synthetic materials and adhesive strips. Disposable pads typically have synthetic webbing and are held together by plastic components. All that stuff makes pads way less breathable. It also creates a humid, sweaty environment, which makes bacteria happy and your disposable stink. And sooner or later, the adhesive backing goes astray: onto skin or in pubic hair. Ouch!
And though you might forget your tampon is there most of the time, inserting and pulling it out can be another matter. Tampons soak up your menstrual blood AND all the fluids in your vaginal tissue. Dry tampons and an un-lubricated vagina? Enough said.
Party In My Pants' all-in-one design makes for a thin, comfortable and easy to use pad. Most commercially available cloth pads have two separate parts: a holder and insert. Party In My Pants cloth pads have a cotton top layer, absorbent cotton core, and a unique leak-proof nylon bottom shield. No assembly required! Party In My Pants don't have fussy multiple parts that get lost or misplaced. And without separate pieces, PIMP pads won't shift or bunch uncomfortably.
Party In My Pants are top-stitched around the edge, while most other reusable pads are serge stitched. Serging is quicker, but not as durable. Some women find that a serge stitch chafes or just plain irritates their skin. Plus, you can only fix surge stitching if you have a special sewing machine. If needed, Party In My Pants are easily repaired with a regular sewing machine or needle and thread, giving your pad extra-long life!
And who said pads have to be boring anyway? Party In My Pants believes that your pads are an expression of your personal style, sense of humor, or a celebration of your cycle! Whether that means a pickle, dinosaur, or flower patterned pad, we've got a PIMP to match your unique style (and make you smile). No other company offers such a wide variety of fabric patterns or colors. You want choices? We've got 'em! Partypantspads.com offers over 20 different fabrics in each size. The selection changes often as we introduce new fabrics. Sign-up for our e-newsletter and be the first in the know about new patterns!
Party In My Pants will change the way you think and feel about your period. For the first time ever you'll actually look forward to that time of the month and when it comes, you’ll be comfier and happier than ever before. This isn’t marketing mumbo-jumbo. It's what women tell us over and over. Even women who first said, “No way, not for me.” Even women who’d sworn off pads ‘til hell froze over. Even the most skeptical, squeamish women turn around and say, “I love my PIMPs!”
Party In My Pants is about making women happy. And it’s nice to know that happiness doesn’t cost our environment or our whole paycheck. In fact, you’ll save a bunch of $$ and live more sustainably. Disposable menstrual products can cost a woman nearly $3,000 dollars over her menstruating years. (If you buy organic disposables, you’re probably spending twice as much.) That's a trip to Greece! That’s a lifetime supply of chocolate! By switching to Party In My Pants cloth pads, you'll spend about a third of that amount. What’s more, over 12 billion disposable menstrual products are thrown away in the U.S. alone. And their manufacture produces many, many times that in by-products and pollution.
A PIMP typically lives for 5-7 years under normal use – using a particular pad once per cycle. If you don't typically wash and reuse any pads mid-cycle, your collection will last for years and years. You'll probably be lusting after some new, fabulous pattern long before any of your PIMPs bite the dust. However, a pad's longevity can be shortened if you usually wear and wash a pad more than once during a cycle. Like anything, the more you use it the faster it wears out. But having fewer pads and washing and reusing them more frequently doesn't mean you don't get your $'s worth since your initial investment was smaller. Think about it this way: A pad will last for about 75 washings or 5-7 years – whichever comes first.
Click here and get an estimate of how much you will save with cloth pads. From menarche to menopause, women typically bleed for 35 years and disposable menstrual products can cost a woman nearly $3,000 dollars over her menstruating years. If you buy organic disposables, you're probably spending twice as much. That's a trip to Greece! That's a fancy-schmancy bike! Maybe that's money you didn't have in the first place. By switching to Party In My Pants pads, you'll spend a fraction of that amount.
If you've never discussed menstruation with your partner you might be pleasantly surprised how supportive he or she is. Many people consider talking about menstruation a taboo, but watch out: this attitude is rapidly changing. If your partner is a guy, he might welcome the discussion since most men will admit to being woefully clueless about menstruation. If your partner is a woman, she might have her own stories and thoughts to share.
Maybe you just know your partner will reject the idea of cloth pads or think it's "gross." Maybe you're still figuring it out for yourself or on the fence about whether to switch to cloth pads. It can be a little scary at first. Probably ever since you can remember you've been getting the same old message: keep it secret, keep it safe, and by all means throw it away! If you need help opening the discussion, you could visit this website together or send him or her the link. Hopefully your partner will see cloth pads aren't so strange after all and that women across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Europe are switching every day.
You really only have to share your decision if you want to. On the other hand, if you want to rinse, soak, or dry your cloth pads in a common bathroom, it might be nice to clue them in. We're all at different comfort levels and little courtesy can go a long way. Obviously, Party In My Pants doesn't advocate that you treat your period like a top-secret mission, but here are some things to consider:
- If you soak your PIMPs, you might want to choose an opaque container with a label.
- If you rinse your PIMP in the sink, try not to leave it there.
- You might want to avoid putting your PIMP with clothing that other people are responsible for washing.
- If you hang your PIMPs to dry in the bathroom, you might want to ask if anyone minds.
Your housemates might not care one iota, but it's hard to know unless you ask. Hopefully one day menstruation and menstrual products won't be such a touchy subject. Changing centuries old myths, biases, and taboos is a slow process. Don't get discouraged! Men and women are rethinking their attitudes everyday. And because you've visited our site, you're one of them!
We'd add more organic choices in a heartbeat if we could. The long and the short of it is that there just aren't that many organic fabrics available to us or to you. There are even fewer organic fabrics suitable for cloth pads in any type of pattern or color. There's an abundance of plain, undyed organic fabrics, but not much else. Organic fabric production is gaining momentum but is still very much in its infancy. Whenever we find new, exciting options, we snap them up.
If you're wavering between a darling conventional cloth pad and pretty, yet plainer organic pad, here are a few things to keep in mind: Yes, organic everything is ideal. However, it's much more essential to have an organic disposable vs. a conventional disposable – especially tampons. Conventional disposables contain traces of the chemicals used in bleaching and processing of the wood pulp.
When you step into the world of cloth pads, the issues change somewhat. Unless you also wear organic underwear, a conventional cloth pad isn't exposing you to anything more dangerous than your underwear already are. And though the fabric isn't organic, you're still being gentler on your body and the earth. Cloth pads, both organic and non, reduce an incredible amount of waste. So even if you typically buy organic disposables, any cloth pad is better for the environment.
The following are Shipping & Handling rates within the United States:
1-3 pads/items: $3.99 for USPS First Class or $5.99 for USPS Priority
Over 3 pads/items but under $100: $5.99 USPS Priority
Over $100: FREE USPS Priority
We also ship all over the world. The following are International Shipping & Handling rates:
First Class to Mexico or Canada : $5.99
First Class outside North America: $9.99
International Priority: $24.99
The Prim & Proper wash carries a $1.00 shipping surcharge due to its weight
PLEASE NOTE: It is not necessary to order your free Liner individually. If you order the Cloth Pad Curious Liner in combination with other products you will be charged: $2.99 for the Liner, the cost of the additional products, plus applicable shipping costs. The $2.99 no longer covers any shipping costs when combined with other products. The exception to this is if you only add other free items such as Wing Extenders or Sweet-talking PIMP booklet – there is no shipping charge for those products.
Yes, we ship all over the world. The following are International Shipping & Handling rates:
First Class to Mexico or Canada : $5.99
First Class outside North America: $9.99
International Priority: $24.99
The Prim & Proper wash carries a $1.00 shipping surcharge due to its weight
If you are ordering only the Cloth Pad Curious Liner there is a $2.99 surcharge for international shipping. This fee will be added to your order at checkout so the total for ordering the Cloth Pad Curious Liner is $5.98 for international customers.
However, if you order the Cloth Pad Curious Liner in combination with other products you will be charged: $2.99 for the Liner, the cost of the additional products, plus applicable shipping costs. The $2.99 no longer covers any shipping costs when combined with other products. The exception to this is if you only add other free items such as Wing Extenders or Sweet-talking PIMP booklet – there is no shipping charge for those products.