Sanitary towels with wings remain a practical solution during your period, provided you choose a format that suits your flow, your underwear and your skin sensitivity. The wings wrap around the sides of your knickers and help keep the towel in place, especially when you're on the move or during the night.
However, packaging often highlights claims like "ultra-absorbent", "natural" or "long-lasting protection", without always giving you the most useful information. Here are the main pitfalls to avoid before buying your sanitary pads.
A long towel isn't necessarily designed for heavy flow. Expressed in millimetres, the length mainly tells you about the coverage it offers. Terms like "Normal", "Super" or "Night" give a more relevant indication of the intended use, even if the categories can vary from one brand to another.
To compare models properly, check both the format, the day or night use and whether there's an extended absorbent zone at the back.
A towel can have a cotton cover while still containing other materials in its absorbent core, leak-proof film or adhesive. An organic cotton towel isn't necessarily made exclusively from natural fibres.
Take the time to read the list of materials. Some products detail the composition of the cover that touches your skin, for example by stating the presence of organic cotton or 100% cotton for that part of the product.
Fragrances, dyes and lotions aren't necessarily suitable for people prone to redness or discomfort. If you have sensitive skin, choose unscented sanitary towels, without added dyes, and with safety information clearly stated.
Even a towel described as hypoallergenic can cause an individual reaction. If irritation occurs, stop using it and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
The wings should stick properly without stopping your knickers from closing or causing any discomfort. Underwear that is too tight, too loose or very high-cut can reduce the stability of the protection.
Look for a clear indication about the top sheet. Products described as hypoallergenic sanitary towels may suit some sensitive people, but this claim doesn't replace checking the composition.
Here are the main elements to compare:
Some Love & Green products, for example, state a bio-based content of 84% excluding packaging, with a cover made from sugar cane and PLA, as well as certifications like the EU Ecolabel, FSC or TCF. These elements describe the composition and certifications communicated by the brand; they don't guarantee identical comfort for all users.
A disposable towel should be used only once and changed regularly, depending on your flow and the instructions on the packaging. Several products recommend changing every three to four hours, while others suggest a different frequency.
Never flush a towel down the toilet. Wrap it in its packaging or in paper, then place it in a bin. Store packs in a clean, dry place, away from moisture.
Why this choice suits this profile: This pack of 22 towels lets you try a daytime protection designed for light to medium flow, without committing to a large pack straight away.
The product page states an organic cotton top sheet, no fragrance or dye, and a Normal format intended for daytime use.
22 units, wings, organic cotton top sheet and recyclable paper packaging, according to the product description.
Why this choice suits this profile: At 290 mm, this model is aimed at those looking for a slim night-time protection, with a cotton cover and stated as fragrance-free.
The length and night-time use are stated separately from the cotton cover composition, making it easier to compare features.
12 units, 290 mm, cover and wings stated as cotton, breathable design and fragrance-free, according to the product page.
Why this choice suits this profile: This product is presented for night-time and heavy flow, with a widened back section and 12 units per pack.
The product page distinguishes the Heavy Flow level, Size 5 and night-time use, rather than just making a general absorbency promise.
Wings, night format, widened back and absorbent system as described by the manufacturer; the product page also mentions dermatological assessment.
Why this choice suits this profile: This family pack is suitable for those looking for eco-friendly protection for medium to heavy flow, with a detailed composition.
The product page specifies the absence of added dyes, fragrances and lotions, as well as the Super level, rather than just making a vague eco-friendly promise.
48 units, wings, Super format, 84% bio-based materials excluding packaging and certifications stated by the brand.
We've put together a comprehensive, real-time updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria as well as European safety regulations.
Place the towel in the centre of your knickers, sticky side down. Then fold each wing around the bottom of your knickers and press down so it sticks properly. The back edge should be facing towards your bottom, especially for night-time protection.
The duration depends on your flow, the format and the manufacturer's instructions. It's generally recommended to change it every three to four hours for daytime models, or sooner if it feels damp or saturated. A more absorbent protection shouldn't be kept on for longer than necessary.
Not necessarily. Compare the price per unit rather than the pack price, as quantities can vary a lot. Also check the composition, the number of towels and the type of flow they're designed for. A larger pack can reduce the unit cost, while a small pack lets you test the comfort before buying again.